Pastor's Blog

Gary Walton contacted me yesterday to share that he has been sick again for the past three days and his temperature was 106.6.  Yes, you read that number correctly.  Rachel was taking him to an Urgent Care in hopes of getting him admitted to a hospital.  As of the time of this writing, that is all I know.  Please join me in praying fervently for Gary & Rachel.

The gentleman who had the heart surgery on Tuesday is doing well.  May be discharged this weekend.  Thank you for praying.

Another person who is connected to someone from our church is having heart surgery today.  Pray all goes well.

I am asking those who desire to do so to meet me in the auditorium this Sunday morning, 4/12, at 8:30AM for fifteen minutes of prayer.  We will dismiss from there to Sunday School.

This is our transition Sunday.  Some of our adult classes will be changing locations.  The auditorium class will meet in the youth building.  Our 10:00AM and 5:00PM worship services will take place in the CAB.  I am asking that the area between the CAB and the Preschool Building be reserved for those in wheelchairs so they will be close to the ramp.

I appreciate Bro. Abel and everyone else who has worked diligently this week to get things ready for this transition Sunday.  Thank you!

Soccer leagues resume play tomorrow morning, 4/11, beginning at 9:00AM.  Want to financially support the ministry portion of our June GRACE Ministries trip to Guatemala while also helping John & Alaina Peacock?  Great!  Come to the soccer concession stand.  You cannot beat the five dollar combo meals!  The best part is that you do not have to watch the soccer games!

Speaking of soccer, Nora and team won their championship Wednesday afternoon.  Congratulations!  I watched that game and then later that evening went into the CAB and watched some paint dry.  No difference!

By the way, I appreciate how the members (players, coaches, spectators) of the Friendship family are going to set the standard this Saturday when it comes to being Christlike in our actions, words, attitudes, et cetera.  Good stuff!

John Milton Ladnier and Scott Fontenot replanted seventy-five percent of my garden yesterday.  How nice is that!  I am very grateful to these two brothers in Christ for their kindnesses to me.  Stacey Dyess will come later to hoe my garden for me!

Blake Jenkins came yesterday and serviced my mower.  Am I blessed or what!

Daphne has taken to gardening and her garden is killing mine!  I did not think she had taken notice for all of these years but WOW!

I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus.

Friendship family, I am calling on our staff, deacons, other church leaders and anyone interested to join me in the auditorium this Sunday morning, 4/12, at 8:30AM for a brief time of corporate prayer.  We will finish by 8:45AM so everyone can move their SS class.  We are going to pray God’s blessings on the work that has been done and will be done in refreshing the auditorium.  Yes, watch your step, do not touch anything, et cetera.  Parents are welcome have their children accompany them but the children must remain with their parents at all times.  Enter/exit through the West side door.  Pass the word!

Well, I pretty much knew it would happen.  We had at least two folks show up for the church service last night.  How often have I talked about women?  I do appreciate the desire to be in a church service.

So, now is a great time to remind everyone that we also will NOT have any services, classes, et cetera next Wednesday, 4/15.  Please pass the word!

I am very thankful to the men and women who are working to get the CAB ready for this Sunday’s services.

I am copying and pasting what Bro. Abel sent out to our teachers and leaders yesterday.  We all need to read it and then practice it this Sunday and every Sunday:

The Refresh Project is well underway—and it is going AMAZING! I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about what God is doing in this season. I 💯 believe with all my heart that this is not just a renovation… this is preparation for God to take Friendship to new levels of outreach, impact, and ministry!

Yes, the auditorium may look different… but hear me clearly—

the same BIBLE-centered, Jesus-exalting, Spirit-filled preaching will NEVER change!

As we step into this Sunday’s transition, I need EVERY teacher, EVERY leader, ALL HANDS ON DECK!

We must be ready in every area:

➡️ Classes prepared

➡️ Guests welcomed with joy

➡️ Parking handled with excellence

➡️ Hearts ready to SERVE

And let me challenge us in leadership—

“I don’t know” is not what we communicate.

We are problem-solvers. We are servant-leaders.

If you don’t know the answer, you look them in the eye with confidence and say:

👉 “Let me find out for you.”

Because people matter. Souls matter. This moment matters.

These next few weeks are going to be powerful. Lives are going to be touched. Families are going to walk onto our campus who need hope, truth, and Jesus—and WE get to be part of that!

So let’s rise to the moment.

Let’s serve with passion.

Let’s lead with purpose.

All for Jesus, Team—LET’S GO!

Friendship family, there will be NO services, classes, et cetera on our campus today, Wednesday, 4/8/26, due to the Refresh project.  This simply means that some of our folks, led by Bro. Abel, are working to get the CAB prepared to host our Sunday services and having services in the CAB today would hinder this process.  Thank you for understanding.

YES, we will have services this Sunday, 4/12, at 10:00AM & 5:00PM.  These services will take place in the CAB.  This will be a transitional Sunday for the Friendship family.  The auditorium class will move to the youth building for Sunday School.  The 60-69 year old class will move to the adult education building.  The 30-39 year old class will move to a different room in the same building.  Children’s church will meet in the youth building until the Refresh project is complete.  Other than these changes everything remains the same!

It has been advertised through some social media that our students would be hosting a “to go” meal this Sunday, 4/12.  I have asked Bro. Jacob to postpone that until Sunday, May 17.  This change is completely on me and is not on Bro. Jacob at all.  The details pertaining to this meal will be outlined in greater detail in the weeks ahead.  I apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding.  Wait, let’s blame this postponement on the deacons!  Eddie Albritton in particular!

We have had some folks show up big time to get things ready for the Refresh project.  A very special thank you to each of them!  The Friendship family is blessed with some awesome members.

I have had two families give checks to me this week for John & Alaina Peacock.  Yes, we reached our offering goal this past Sunday.  However, if you want to give then just designate it through the church offering or give it to me.  Everything given will go directly to them.  Also, the meal train has been completely filled through May.  How about that!  Thank you!

The unnamed person who had heart surgery yesterday did well.  Thank you for praying.

Soccer games this Saturday, 4/11, beginning at 9:00AM.  Pray for this ministry.  Pray for Bro. Abel.  I do ask the members of the Friendship family to set the Christlike example each game when it comes to cheering for the players, respecting the game officials, et cetera.  I appreciate those who do this.  We want God to be glorified in all we do and I thank you for making this happen.

Have I ever mentioned our soccer concession stand?  (Asking for a friend!)

The jet lag has worked on Lisa since her return but I think she is almost completely over it.  Honestly, I think the emotional impact of being at home with me again has just overwhelmed her – something like that!

Our granddaughter, Nora, and her teammates play for the Mobile County middle school soccer championship this afternoon.  Since we are not having church services tonight I have no reason to not attend.  Is this my punishment for agreeing to not have services?  Or am I just lucky?  Watching middle school girl’s soccer at Ladd Stadium – does it get any better?

BJB, the card is coming!  Just saying!

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus!

Important – no services, classes, et cetera tomorrow, April 8 or the following Wednesday, April 15.  Please pass the word!

Our Sunday services (10:00AM & 5:00PM) will take place in the CAB for the next few weeks.  We will keep you informed in a timely manner as to the progress.  Henry Wyse has done a great of coordinating all of this.  Bro. Abel has been in charge of the transition.  Thank you, brothers!

I have a friend (I use that term very loosely) whose father is having heart surgery this morning.  I ask you to join me in praying for a successful surgery.

Keep praying for Veronica Hatcher.  Ditto for Missionary Mark Mast.  Gary Walton worked yesterday – imagine that!

It has now been confirmed that the special offering for John & Alaina did reach the goal of almost seven thousand dollars.  Praise the Lord!  They are very, very thankful!  Thank you Friendship family for giving to the Lord!

Also, the meal train is now complete through May, 2026.  Thank you to each person on the train!  Again, thanks to Daphne for coordinating all of this.

Our Senior Adult Day will be Sunday, April 26, during our 10:00AM service.  More details to come!

Soccer resumes this Saturday, 4/11, beginning at 9:00AM.  Yes, the concession stand will be open.  Come support our soccer ministry and also help our June mission trip ministry and the Peacock family.

Vacation Bible School will be June 1 – 5 from 9:00AM until noon daily.  Pray for this week of ministry.

GRACE Mission trip to Guatemala in June and youth camp in July.  Pray for these happenings.

In closing, let me say “congratulations” to all of my Michigan friends who are fans of the Wolverines.  I am happy for all of my Michigan friends who are happy campers this morning.  Money well spent!  Just saying!

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.

Glory to God!  What an awesome Resurrection Sunday the Friendship family was blessed with yesterday!  The attendance was very strong (almost SRO in the second service), the Spirit was excellent, and Bro. Johnny did a superb job of preaching the Word.  If for no one else, the Lord had someone in place whose heart was touched by the message yesterday morning.  Thank you Bro. Johnny for being faithful to preach the Word.

I may be wrong with my numbers but I “think” I am correct in saying that we had ten folks follow the Lord in believer’s baptism yesterday as a part of our second service.  It was an honor having Carl Camp stand in the baptistry with me during the baptisms as his dad, Pastor L.G. Camp, Jr, was the first one to baptize in that baptismal pool.  It was also special to have Johnny Five be the last person baptized in that baptistry as Johnny is the great grandson of Mr. Martin Henry Brinkman, Sr.  Friendship Baptist Church was founded on Mr. Brinkman’s front porch.  By the way, Pastor L.G. Camp was driving to preach for Bro. Johnny Tucker when he was involved in the accident that would eventually be the cause of his passing from this life.  Small world!

The most special part of the baptismal service for me personally was baptizing one of my granddaughters, Nora Hutto.  I am thankful for the privilege.

The auditorium is a beehive of activity this morning with folks removing pews and men doing prep work for the actual refresh work to begin.  I am thankful to Henry Wyse for coordinating this effort.

It was good to see Gary Walton in our first service yesterday.  He did not feel well but he as present.  This morning he is back at work!  Amazing!

Veronica Hatcher is having health issues and needs our prayers.

Missionary Mark Mast has an eye infection.  He is in with the doctor this morning.  Pray for complete healing.

Friendship family, NO services on our campus for the next two Wednesdays.  Pass the word!

We will meet in the CAB for worship on Sundays for the next few weeks.  Worship times at 10:00AM & 5:00PM.  Praying for amazing services.  Come join us!

I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

FYI – my email account appears to have been hacked.  At least two persons have contacted me today saying they received an “official” looking email from me.  First, nothing I personally send looks official!  Second, none of it is true.  Sorry for any, and all, inconveniences.

Jesus said very little the day of His crucifixion when He willingly suffered and died for our sins. But the words God the Son chose during those six hours were powerful. Billy Graham once explored seven of those Biblically recorded statements during a 1985 sermon in Hartford, Connecticut:

“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
Reference: Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34

What it means: Bystanders thought Jesus was calling for Elijah, the Old Testament prophet, from the cross. But really this comment is a callback to Psalm 22.

In this Psalm, David recognizes the holiness of God, just as Jesus is doing from the cross. “God cannot even look upon evil,” Graham explained in his 1985 sermon. “In that terrible moment … He was lonely, forsaken by His friends, and then a shadow comes for the first time since eternity began between God the Father and God the Son because God cannot look upon sin. In that moment [God] was laying your sins and mine on Christ. And Christ was suffering for us. In that mysterious moment, He was made to be sin for us Who knew no sin.”

Why it matters: During his 33 years on earth, Jesus had never known sin. He never told a lie or had an evil thought. “All of a sudden, all of that filth and dirt from your life and my life descended on Him and none of us will ever understand the mystery of that moment,” Graham said. “No theologian can explain it to my satisfaction at least. It was God’s great love for you that allowed His Son to take that suffering.”

The Lord blessed us with a special service last night.  Remember Jesus!  It was good to have all of the church family in attendance under one roof for a service.  I appreciate our deacons serving the elements.  Also, very grateful to those deacons and wives who prepared and cleaned up.  Great group of folks.

Gary Walton will be in the hospital until at least Friday.  I appreciate Scott & Nanette Fontenot for visiting him yesterday.  Keep praying for Gary & Rachel.

Go back and read yesterday’s entry to see our schedule for this weekend.  Big happenings!

We will observe the ordinance of baptism following both services this Sunday morning.  A couple of fathers have asked to be able to baptize their children.  Carl Camp will join me in the baptismal pool following the 10:00AM service.  Why?  The first pastor to baptize in this particular baptistry was his father, Pastor L.G. Camp, Jr.  This will be the final baptism in this baptistry and I wanted Carl to represent Pastor L.G. Camp.  Johnny Five will be the last person baptized in this baptistry.

As I type this entry, Lisa is three and one half hours from landing in Atlanta.  If all goes as planned, she will land in New Orleans at 12:10PM.  (Thank you to Jimmy Tagert for sending me a reminder of her arrival as I had forgotten!).  I am going to Keesler AFB for coffee this morning on my way to MSY.  Looking forward to it!

Will you join me in believing for a miracle seven thousand dollars love offering for John & Alaina Peacock this Easter Sunday?  Larry Whitehurst already has one thousand dollars in hand so we only need another six thousand this Sunday.  Anybody want to throw out a “I will match each dollar up to a certain amount?”  You choose the amount.  Folks, pray and then give as the Lord leads.

Thank you to our deacons’ wives for the ministry they are doing this week.

I have a chocolate cake and a coconut cake already in place for our Easter lunch.  Can you say thank you to Mae Mae and Miss Vinnie!  By the way, thank you to each lady who baked a cake, pie or something else for the USA BCM auction last Friday.  You ladies are great!  (Where do you think I got the Easter lunch cakes?)

As of around 1:00PM this Sunday, 4/5, the Refresh project will begin.  The chairs will be delivered today, Lord willing. Thank you in advance for your patience during this time.

Soccer tonight beginning at 5:00PM.  Pray for this ministry.  Support the concession stand which in turn supports our Summer mission team’s ministry opportunities while also supporting John & Alaina Peacock.

I pray that you will have a great Thursday with Jesus.

Friendship family, remember that we are only having one service today – 6:30PM.  We will all meet in the auditorium.  Come join us as we observe the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.

Gary Walton was in pretty tough shape yesterday morning but improved as the day went along.  Lord willing, I will visit him again this morning.  Pray for Gary & Rachel.

Soccer tomorrow night beginning at 5:00PM.  The next games will then take place on Saturday, April 11th beginning at 9:00AM.

Big weekend in front of us with Saturday morning classes and services for our preschoolers and elementary students.  Classes begin at 9:00AM and everything ends at 11:00AM or shortly thereafter.

Easter Sunday will see us host Evangelist Johnny Tucker for our two services – 8:00AM and 10:00AM.  I have made the decision to baptize following both services.  Baptismal candidates who plan to participate need to contact me personally so all of the details can be finalized.  (pastor@friendshipfamily.net).

I am praying for an Easter miracle and you can help.  As you know, we have been receiving a special offering for the John Peacock family and the Friendship family has done well with a very nice assist from the men’s class of Danville Baptist Church.  The goal for this Sunday’s offering is seven thousand dollars!  Yes, $7,000.  There is a specific reason for this amount.  I ask you to prayerfully consider helping us to reach (exceed?) this goal in our two services this Sunday!  Blog readers from outside the Friendship family, you can help if the Lord so leads.  Contact me at pastor@friendshipfamily.net before Sunday to let me know of your pledge and it will be included in the total.  Thank you to each person who will give to this offering and glory to God!

The camp in South Africa is over.  The team is headed back to the base and will be heading to the airport in just a few hours.  Lisa is scheduled to land in New Orleans around noon tomorrow.  I am in hopes either Eddie A or Scott F can pick Lisa up from the airport as I have plans.  Just saying!

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus!