Pastor's Blog

Robert Baria was discharged from the hospital and was then taken back and readmitted.  Wow!  Pray for Robert but especially pray for Roseanne.

As far as I know, Betty Hamil remains in ICU.  She is not a happy camper.  Pray for Betty and Andy.

Keep praying for Tina Sprinkle as she continues to try and heal.  Tina has been through so much.  Pray for Kevin.

Service at the Mission of Hope tonight beginning at 7:00PM.  Everyone invited.

Visitation with the Doris Dowdy family takes place in our auditorium tomorrow, 5/24, from 2:00 – 3:00PM.  Eulogy service begins at 3:00PM.  Those bringing food to minister to the family are asked to have it in the Preschool Building by 2:30PM.  Pray for the Dowdy family.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.

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

Robert Baria is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today.  Pray that all goes well.

Betty Hamil did not get moved from the unit to a regular room yesterday.  Maybe today.  Thank you to those who are helping transport Andy to, and from, the hospital each day.  Keep praying for Betty.

Tina Sprinkle remains hospitalized.  This sweet lady seems to have difficulty after difficulty when it comes to her health.  Pray for Tina and Kevin.

Thank you to each person who will be helping this Saturday with the meal for the Doris Dowdy family.  Please have all food in our Preschool Building by 2:30PM.  Remember, the visitation with the Dowdy family begins at 2:00PM and goes until the 3:00PM eulogy service.  Continue to pray for this family.

Our Wednesday morning service numbers were down for the third consecutive week.  However, yesterday’s number edged up ever so slightly.  Thank you Shawn Siker for taking care of the sound!  We had a fair attendance last night but can always do better.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday, 5/25.  The Summer season will be officially upon us.  Which will it be – the Bible or the beach?  (Asking for a friend!)

Our Vacation Bible School takes place June 2 – 6.  We are still blessed to be able to have a morning VBS.  Bro. Abel is our VBS director.  Pray for this important week of ministry.

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

Andy Hamil called me around 9:00PM last night to inform us that his son-in-law, Buddy, had passed from this life thirty or so minutes earlier.  Never the news you want to hear but it definitely comes at a difficult time for Andy & Betty.  Pray for Anita and the family.

Andy also shared that Betty had a good day yesterday.  The belief is that if Betty continues to improve then she will perhaps be moved to a regular room as early as today.  Keep praying for Betty and Andy.

Robert Baria was moved to a regular room yesterday.  That is a step in the right direction.  Keep praying for Robert & Roseanne.

Tina Sprinkle remains in the hospital.  I will get an update today but do ask that you continue to pray for Tina.  Such a sweet lady!

I ask you to join me in continuing to pray for Clinton Stringfellow as he is still taking chemo treatments.  Clinton is a good guy!

Pray for Eddie A’s sister, Wendy, too.

Keep praying for Ernest Tucker.  This is Bro. Johnny’s brother.

Also, keep praying for Scott & Nanette as they navigate helping Hunter & Korie with the baby.  Scott is always willing to help anyone and I appreciate his attitude.  Nanette too!

Members of the Friendship family, we need your help in a big way this Saturday.  We will minister to the Doris Dowdy family (think Sue & Henry Wyse) with a meal following the eulogy service which begins at 3:00PM (visitation at 2:00PM).  Rita Boutwell has once again agreed to coordinate this ministry but we need you to help provide the food and have it in our Preschool Building no later than 2:30PM Saturday.  The family will then take it to Henry & Sue’s residence for the meal.  Please send me an email (pastor@friendshipfamily.net) today if you will help.  We will need for our younger ladies to step up in a huge way to help with this ministry.  Sign up sheets will also be available in our two services.  Thank you in advance for helping!

Regular schedule on our campus today.  One major change is that our students will move from the CAB back to youth building for their Bible study as the Spanish church is now meeting in the auditorium on Sundays.

GRACE bags are coming.  Details very soon!

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

Thank you to each person who helped minister to the Bill Goff family through the meal yesterday afternoon.  Very much appreciated by the family and the pastor too!  Keep praying for the Goff family.

Also, thank you to each person who attended the visitation and/or service for Clara Broadus’ brother and family yesterday afternoon.  The burial will take place today in Spanish Fort, AL.  Please continue to pray.

I need to update the arrangements for Sue’s mother.  The visitation will take place this Saturday, 5/24, beginning at 2:00PM and lasting until a 3:00PM eulogy service.  Everything will take place in our auditorium.  Pray for the Doris Dowdy family.

The Friendship family will have the opportunity to minister to the Dowdy family through a meal following the service this Saturday.  Those helping are asked to bring the food to our Preschool Building by 2:30PM on Saturday.  The meal will then be taken to Henry & Sue’s house.  Thank you in advance to those who will be helping.

Robert Baria and Betty Hamil both remain in ICU.  Keep praying!

Tina Sprinkle remains hospitalized too and continues to need our prayers.

Bro. Johnny Tucker’s brother, Ernest, is also in ICU in a local hospital.  He is in pretty tough shape and prayers are appreciated.

I “think” Scott Fontenot will drive to Hattiesburg, MS to be with Hunter, Korie and the baby.  Nanette arrived there yesterday.  Pray for this family.

Bro. Abel and Candy will be celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary this week.  I pray it will be a good week for them.

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

Roy Durante Johns, a man of unwavering faith and deep devotion to family, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, at the age of 76.

Born on June 7, 1948, in Salem, Alabama, Roy was raised with strong work ethics that guided him throughout his life. He graduated from Baker High School and Troy State University before beginning a distinguished and proud career as an officer in the United States Air Force. Roy served his country with honor and dedication, embodying the principles of duty, discipline, and patriotism in every step of his military journey.

After retiring from the Air Force, Roy and his wife made their home in Brundidge, Alabama, where he spent many meaningful years with his family and community.

Roy’s life was deeply rooted in his Christian faith. He served faithfully as a Gideon, sharing the Word of God with conviction and compassion. His belief in the power of prayer and Scripture was a guiding light for his family and all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Anita LeGear Johns; his children, Roy Johns II (Nicole) and Angela Johns; and his grandchildren, Kacie Blankenship (Taylor), Roy Johns III (Mary Elizabeth), Lillian Boyer, and Eleanor Boyer. Roy was also a proud great-grandfather to Brayden, Blakelyn, Brent, and Roy Johns IV. He is also survived by five siblings, who will remember him with deep love and respect.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Walter Johns; his mother, Cora Lee Handley; and three siblings.

Roy will be remembered for his strong will, gentle wisdom, and the steadfast love he gave his family. He lived a life of purpose and principle, always putting his faith and loved ones first.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 19, 2025, from 4:00 until 5:00pm, at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Fairhope, followed by funeral services at 5:00pm.

Graveside services, with military honors, will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00am at the Alabama State Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL.

William L. ‘Bill’ Goff, 96 was born December 10, 1928, in Carrabelle, Florida. He passed away May 14, 2025, in Mobile, Alabama, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was the son of Thomas Daniel and Ollie Pickron Goff, both of whom predeceased him. Tom passed away when Bill was five years old and Ollie raised him as a single mother. She is to be commended for the wonderful man he became. Bill played in the swamps of Florida as a young boy; and the stories he could tell would fill many books. His grandchildren especially liked the ones about panthers! He could definitely embellish and his memory for detail was phenomenal.
Bill ‘s beloved wife and driving instructor, Sybil ‘Jackie’ Thompson Goff passed away in 2017, after 64 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Jim, Dan and Earnest Goff, son-in-law Billy L. Anderson and several nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Bill and Jackie were parents to two daughters, Phyllis ‘P J’ Wilkinson (Ron) and Cindy Dubroc (Andre). They loved four grandchildren, Lael Anderson Bosarge, Ethan ‘Chip’ Anderson, Morgan Rowell Williamson (Brian) and Sybil Raye Anderson Poiroux (Jonathan); adored five great-grandchildren Alyssa Williamson, Maci Bosarge, Karleigh Williamson, Brian Thomas Williamson and Kollins Poiroux.

Bill accepted Christ as his Savior as a young man and was honored to become a deacon in the Baptist Church. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay. Bill was an Army veteran, serving 1946 and 1947. He was a long-standing member of a local Masonic lodge. His passion in life was operating heavy equipment and he was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 324 for fifty-eight years. After retiring in Michigan, he returned home to Florida, where he enjoyed shrimping, floundering and catching enough oysters to eat raw or make a stew. Following their move to Alabama to be near their children, Bill returned to work. He operated heavy equipment until he was in his mid-eighties. He then worked on his Honey-Do list and kept everything in working order for his daughters.

His family hoped and thought he would live forever. They will love and miss him for the rest of their lives.

Services will be held Monday May 19, 2025, at Serenity Funeral Home, 8691 Old Pascagoula Road, Theodore, Alabama 36582. Visitation for family is 12 PM, friends at 1:00 and funeral service with military honors at 2:00PM.

Good morning.  There is much to unpack this morning so stay with me.

First, Betty Hamil was taken by ambulance to the hospital early yesterday morning.  The doctor felt like surgery was an option but not the best option due to Betty’s age.  However, he went back to the hospital late yesterday afternoon, reviewed Betty’s case and then met with Andy telling him that immediate surgery was needed.  Surgery was successful.  The doctor then shared with Andy that, in his opinion, Betty would not have lived through the night if the surgery had not been performed.  Folks, I do not know the surgeon’s name or anything about him but I was very impressed.  Ditto for the hospital staff last night.  Special thanks to Clara Broadus & Crystal Switzer for faithfully standing with/beside Andy & Betty during this time.  Betty is in ICU for the time being.

Robert Baria remains in ICU.  He has covid but that is only a part of his problems.  Roseanne also has been diagnosed with covid.  So, this precious couple needs our prayer support and a touch from God.  Pray!

Tina Sprinkle has been in the hospital for a couple of days.  She has been in much pain.  Tina, as always, is more concerned about others than she is about herself.  What a sweet spirit.  Pray for Tina & Kevin.  Pray for healing in Tina’s body.

Scott’s & Nanette’s newest grandson is in the hospital.  Nanette will go today to help Hunter & Korie take care of the baby and do other things as well.  Pray for the King family!

The visitation with the Bill Goff family takes place today from 1:00PM until the 2:00PM service time at Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the family.  Those who are helping with the meal for the Goff family need to have the food in the Preschool Building by 2:00PM today.  Thank you to each person helping in any way.  Pray for PJ, Cindy and the entire Goff family.

The visitation with the Roy Johns family is from 4:00PM until the 5:00PM service today at the Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope, Alabama.  Graveside services, with military honors, will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00am at the Alabama State Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL.  Pray for the John’s family.  We in the Friendship family are obviously praying for Roy’s sister, Clara Broadus, in a special way.

The visitation/service for Mrs. Doris Dowdy, Sue Wyse’s mother, will take place this Saturday, May 24.  Details forthcoming.  Pray for the Dowdy family.

Aaron Baisden’s paternal grandfather passed away and a memorial service took place yesterday in Louisiana.  Pray Aaron and family.

Yes, we were down attendance wise yesterday morning.  The covid virus hit the Friendship family hard – real hard.  However, last night’s soccer ceremony saw the auditorium filled to capacity plus including folks standing in the foyer.  Wow, amazing!  Bro. Abel led those folks to give toward our June GRACE Ministries trip and they gave $1,100 to build two houses – how about that!  Thank you folks for giving to the Lord!

Praying for you to have a great day with Jesus.

First, there are a number of folks within the Friendship family who have battled (some still are) the covid virus this week.  I can name nine confirmed cases and one or two more who will be tested today.  One couple told me that the doctors gave them nothing and did nothing except send them home to recover.  Pray for these folk and any others who may be battling a sickness.

Robert Baria was admitted to the hospital yesterday.  He is one of the ones battling covid as he tested positive.  Pray for Robert and Roseanne.

Clara Broadus had a brother, Roy Johns, pass from this life yesterday afternoon.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for the family.

Sue Wyse’s mother, Miss Doris Dowdy, passed from this life last night.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for the Dowdy family.

The visitation and service for the Bill Goff family takes place on Monday at Serenity.  Rita Boutwell and Clara Broadus will lead the church family in ministering to the Goff family by providing a meal following the service.  You can sign up by contacting one of these ladies or you can do so this Sunday morning in our Sunday School/service.

Our fish meal sales have seen an uptick over the past couple of days.  If you would like to place a pre-order, please contact Daphne at daphnehutto@gmail.com by noon today.  We want to make certain we have an ample supply of fish available.  Thank you to each person who has already ordered.  Again, all proceeds go to the ministry portion of our 6/12 – 19 GRACE Ministries trip.  By the way, all checks payable to GRACE Ministries.

Regular schedule on our campus Sunday morning.  Sunday afternoon (5:00PM) will see our soccer closing ceremony.  If you do not have anyone involved in our soccer ministry, then you get a pass from attending, if you so desire.

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

Korie King did give birth last night.  Scott did give me the details as far as weight, length, et cetera but I do not remember them – imagine that!  I do know that it is either a boy or girl!  Praise the Lord for the gift of life!

The arrangements have been completed for Bill Goff.  The public visitation will take place this Monday, 5/19, from 1:00PM until the 2:00PM service time.  Visitation and service will take place at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore.  Keep praying for the Bill Goff family.  Obituary to come later.

Quick update this morning.

Bro. Bill Goff, our oldest male church member, passed from the life yesterday afternoon.  Pray for his daughters, PJ, Cindy and the entire family as they walk through this valley.  Arrangements pending.

I am thinking that Korie Fontenot King has given birth by now but I am not sure.  Regardless, pray for Korie, Hunter, the baby and the family.

Need to order a fish meal for tomorrow night or Saturday morning.  Ten dollars each.  USA farm raised catfish.  Email Daphne at daphneturrentine@gmail.com.  All proceeds go to the ministry portion of our June 12 – 19 GRACE Ministries trip.

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