Pastor's Blog

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Well, there was no blog entry yesterday morning.  Duh, you say.  What happened?  I simply thought I had posted one and did not know until Deidra (the one who blogs like once every two weeks) sent me a message asking why I did not blog.  Folks, it is tough getting old!  However, I did test positive for the virus on 11/30.  Just keep that in mind!

Tina Sprinkle’s father is now at home.  That is good news for him and the family.  Tina is very grateful for the prayers.  I would encourage you to keep praying.

Donnie Felps continues to struggle in his recovery from surgery.  Marisa has her hands full in trying to nurse him back to being well.  Folks, Donnie needs our fervent prayer support.

Jeff Holifield continues to be at home but is not jumping any fences.  Keep praying for Jeff.  (Jeff “thinks” he is about to get out and about but I talked to his mama and she said, “not happening!”  As she was speaking, she was sharpening a razor strap!)

Larry Crawley continues to battle a malignancy.  Keep praying.  His wife, Lee, had hip replacement surgery and is recovering at home.

This may be the most important part of this blog.  Lord willing, I am going to drive to Lucedale, MS on Thursday and take Jason to lunch.  If you want to send him a Christmas gift, card, money, whatever then get it to me by tomorrow night.  You can drop it by Lisa’s office if that is easier on you.  Obviously, you can bring it by the church office or to the service in the morning or tomorrow night.  Jason misses the Friendship family.

A thumbs up to Tena Hovel, the other workers and the children for a job well done with the Christmas program Sunday night.  They did a really good job especially considering the circumstances.  We thank God for this ministry.

The Grand Bay Church of God hosted a live nativity scene this past weekend.  Nicely done.  Poor choice of wise men but we all make mistakes!

Jay Oakwood must be an effective prayer warrior.   Just saying.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.

Our attendance was up this past Sunday.  I am grateful to our people and give God the glory.  I thank those who have given financially thus far in December and encourage all of us to join together in finishing 2020 very strong in this area.  You may give in person, online, through the mail, Lisa’s office, et cetera.  Thank you for giving to the Lord!

Our basketball leagues begin play this Saturday, 12/19.  Pray for these leagues.

Did you encourage anyone yesterday?  (Asking for a friend!)

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

No updates this morning except to say the Donnie Felps will see the doctor today in hopes of having his remaining staples removed.  Pray that goes well.

We are on a regular schedule on our campus this Sunday, 12/13.  In person attendance for all three services and Sunday School.  Our buses will run their regular routes.  The 8:00AM service will be live streamed.

Folks attending the 8:00AM service are asked to wear a face covering if they sit on the lower level.  The balcony will be open for those choosing to not wear a face covering.

I had a million things to do on my first day of being out of quarantine and I think I got four of them done!

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

Happy adoption day to Dana Leighann & Gina Elizabeth!  Twenty two years ago today, we stood before Judge Red Noonan and he declared Dana & Gina to legally be members of our family.  Talk about a day that changed our lives!  Good or bad?  Yes!  LOL!  Lisa and I love Dana & Gina just like we do our biological daughters – absolutely no difference.  I hope their day is special!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

An old Southern Gospel song said, “Thank God I am free, free, free!”  I am feeling it today as I will be removed from the “list” and can get back into society.  Again, I am very thankful that I never had the first symptom.  Call me blessed and I know it!

Donnie Felps had another long day in the doctor’s office yesterday.  He gets today off and then will go back tomorrow to hopefully get the remaining stitches removed.  Pray for Donnie!

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday, 12/13.  Our children’s choir will present their musical in the evening service.  Lord willing, I will be preaching in the two morning services.  I am deciding whether the live stream will once again require a pass code or not.  Will announce that tomorrow.  I am in hopes that we will have a really strong in person attendance this Sunday.  Our elderly and those with underlying health issues need to use wisdom.

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

YES, we are having “in person” attendance in all of our services during the month of December and beyond. That includes this Wednesday morning and evening, 12/9. It includes all three worship services this Sunday, 12/13, Sunday School, the buses running their routes, et cetera. (We will not have any evening activities on Sunday, 12/27 or any activities on Wednesday, 12/30, but otherwise we are on a regular schedule.) This is a fluid situation and could change but plans call for us to be very normal for the rest of 2020 and then into 2021. Pass the word!

Markee Brinkman was taken to Birmingham yesterday for an appointment with a specialist. He is now scheduled for a virtual follow up appointment later this month.  In the meanwhile, the specialist in Birmingham will confer with Markee’s doctor at South.  Pray for all to be good.

Sonny Bates will be having some scans this morning.  Pray all goes well.

Lee Crawley’s surgery was a success.  She should be discharged tomorrow.  Pray for Lee.

Donnie Felps saw a doctor yesterday, sees another one today and then goes back to yesterday’s doctor this Friday.  Donnie has had his share of struggles following this surgery.  Pray for Donnie and Marisa.

I did not contact Jeff Holifield yesterday as I know he needs rest much more than he needs to be talking to me.  Keep praying for a complete healing!

Tina Sprinkle’s dad remains in rehab and in need of our prayer support.

Normal Wednesday on our campus this morning and evening.  Bro. Jerry will be teaching in my absence.

Friendship family, thank you to those who are mailing in your offerings.  I would ask others who are having to miss our services to consider the online giving option available via the church’s website.  Thank you for giving to the Lord!

Lord willing, I will be one of those “cows” from Mark Mast’s barn come tomorrow afternoon!  I do not have to take another test before I will be officially released from this quarantine.  Tomorrow will mark day twenty one in quarantine for me – exposure to Lisa & Gina and then my little episode.  I am very grateful to God that I have not had even one symptom from this virus.  God has blessed me in that regard.

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

YES, we are having “in person” attendance in all of our services during the month of December and beyond.  That includes this Wednesday morning and evening, 12/9.  It includes all three worship services this Sunday, 12/13, Sunday School, the buses running their routes, et cetera.  (We will not have any evening activities on Sunday, 12/27 or any activities on Wednesday, 12/30, but otherwise we are on a regular schedule.)  This is a fluid situation and could change but plans call for us to be very normal for the rest of 2020 and then into 2021.  Pass the word!

Lee Crawley is having hip replacement surgery today.  Pray that all goes well.

Jeff Holifield was discharged from the hospital late yesterday afternoon.  He expressed extreme gratitude for the prayers offered on his behalf.  Keep those prayers going.

Donnie Felps had a better day yesterday and is scheduled to see the doctor today.  Keep praying for Donnie.

Tina Sprinkle’s father remains in rehab.  Keep praying.

Seven members of our mission team are heading home this morning.  Pray for safe travels.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening, 12/9.  Have I mentioned that?

I am having internet connection issues so having to cut this entry short.  I remain symptom free from the virus.  Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit this Sunday morning for both services and will be in Sunday School too.

Our overall numbers were down this past Sunday.  Folks, we can do much better.  I understand our elderly and those with health issues who need to be careful.  What I do not understand are those who can go shopping, to sporting events, to wherever but they cannot attend church services/activities.  So, I am calling on the members of the Friendship family to step up to the proverbial plate this Sunday and attend church.  Again, if you are elderly or have health issues, be wise and careful.

Let me end this entry on a most positive note – we are presently running two buses on Sundays.  We did not run them on 11/22 or 11/29.  It always seems to take a few weeks to get the numbers up after taking a Sunday off.  Our two buses had forty eight riders this past Sunday with six first time riders!  How awesome is that!  There were forty four children in children’s church.  I say “great job” to Dylan & Elizabeth along with all of the other workers.  Good stuff!  We give God the glory!

YES, we are having “in person” attendance in all of our services during the month of December and beyond.  That includes this Wednesday morning and evening, 12/9.  It includes all three worship services this Sunday, 12/13, Sunday School, the buses running their routes, et cetera.  (We will not have any evening activities on Sunday, 12/27 or any activities on Wednesday, 12/30, but otherwise we are on a regular schedule.)  This is a fluid situation and could change but plans call for us to be very normal for the rest of 2020 and then into 2021.  Pass the word!

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

YES, we are having “in person” attendance in all of our services during the month of December and beyond.  That includes this Wednesday morning and evening, 12/9.  It includes all three worship services this Sunday, 12/13, Sunday School, the buses running their routes, et cetera.  (We will not have any evening activities on Sunday, 12/27 or any activities on Wednesday, 12/30, but otherwise we are on a regular schedule.)  This is a fluid situation and could change but plans call for us to be very normal for the rest of 2020 and then into 2021.  Pass the word!

Our children’s choir will present their Christmas musical this Sunday evening, 12/13, beginning at 6:00PM.  Please come support Miss Tena and these children.

Our basketball leagues begin practice this week with the first games taking place on Saturday, 12/19.  Need more information?  Contact Eddie Albritton or Amy Reynolds.

Jeff Holified remains in the hospital.  He has a breathing treatment this morning and will then be evaluated.  He will have great input as to when he is discharged.  Pray for Jeff.

Marisa sent me a message yesterday saying that Donnie was doing good but then has gone backwards a bit.  Pray for Donnie.

Tina Sprinkle’s dad is in a rehab facility.  He has a ways to go.  Keep praying.

Keep praying for Larry Crawley.

I “think” there are three of us within the Friendship family who are presently battling the virus.  I am blessed in the fact that I remain symptom free.  I do not take this blessing lightly.  Pray for the other two who are having symptoms.

Lisa, Dana & Jayden arrived home just before 10:00PM last night with Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey in tow.  They are staying with Dana & Gina so all I could do was wave to them from our garage.  Thank you to my niece, Jamie Glenn, for getting the girls through the airports, et cetera yesterday.  She did great!

I picked Auburn to beat A&M.  I really believed they would.  Would make the same pick again.

YES, we are having “in person” attendance in all of our services during the month of December and beyond.  That includes this Wednesday morning and evening, 12/9.  It includes all three worship services this Sunday, 12/13, Sunday School, the buses running their routes, et cetera.  (We will not have any evening activities on Sunday, 12/27 or any activities on Wednesday, 12/30, but otherwise we are on a regular schedule.)  This is a fluid situation and could change but plans call for us to be very normal for the rest of 2020 and then into 2021.  Pass the word!

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Nadine Holifield has been faithful to keep me updated on Jeff’s situation.  The respiratory doctor has decided that Jeff needs to be in the hospital for five days due to his inability to breathe deeply and his cough.  Keep praying for Jeff.

As far as I know, Tina Sprinkle’s dad is now in a rehab facility.  Keep praying.

Donnie Felps continues to recover at home from his surgery.  Pray for Donnie (and Marisa)!

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.  Bro. Abel will be preaching in all three services.  Folks attending the 8:00AM service are asked to wear a face covering if they sit on the lower level.  Those not wearing a face covering are asked to sit in the balcony.

I am asking that no one enter our Preschool Building tomorrow morning or evening unless they are a preschooler or a parent taking a preschooler to class or picking up a preschooler after class.  Thank you in advance for understanding.

The 8:00AM and 6:00PM services will be live streamed.  All three services will be available on the radio feed in our parking lot.

Yes, we do encourage “in person” attendance but only for those who feel comfortable doing so.  If you are elderly or have underlying health issues then be careful.

Friendship family – think offering!  Online giving is an option 24/7.  I have used that option twice this week – once for our regular offering and once for our sponsorship of a student in Colegio JET.

We will NOT be doing the GA Post Office this year.  It is requested that folks use the USPS for distributing their cards and that they not pass them out on our campus.

I “thought” I had mentioned the meal Mariam Moates brought to us while Lisa was down with the virus.  Homemade chicken noodle soup, fresh baked ginger cookies and peaches.  How nice was that?  Thank you Mariam and please excuse my tardiness in thanking you.

I get asked daily, “how is Lisa doing?”  Hello!  Lisa no longer has the virus – I do!  Where is the love?  LOL!  I am on day six and my problem is “hill fever!”  I am most likely not contagious at this point but I am honoring the doctor’s orders which keep me on this hill until this Thursday, 12/10, at 3:00PM.  I still have had zero symptoms and I am very, very thankful.  God has blessed me!  I know that!

I did receive a get well card yesterday that was addressed to “the best pastor in Grand Bay South of Highway 188!”  I was feeling pretty good about that until I realized that I am the only pastor in Grand Bay South of Highway 188!

Lisa & Dana will leave today in order to get Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey from the Huntsville, AL airport tomorrow afternoon.  The girls will stay at Dana’s until I get off restriction!

Not sure if I will post in the morning or not so let me go ahead and wish Lisa’s dad, Charles Clark, a happy eighty fifth birthday!  I may go visit him tomorrow – LOL!  Folks, Charles will outlive me!

Remember, on Monday of this week I called for Auburn to beat A&M today.  Sticking with that prediction.

One more thing – it is 2:30AM.  The temperature in Grand Bay is thirty nine degrees while is is thirty three degrees in Holland, MI.  To my Yankee friends, enough with the “it gets so cold here” talk.  Just saying!

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

As far as I know, there are no new cases of the virus within the Friendship family.  As a matter of fact, in addition to me, I “think” there are only one, maybe two, others actively fighting this virus right now.  I hope that “thought” is correct.

Jeff Holifield was admitted to the hospital yesterday with viral pneumonia.  He “may” be discharged today.

I have heard of at least one other person who has been admitted to the hospital due to the virus.  So, pray for these needs.

A really good friend and his wife are set to become parents today.  Pray that all goes well, please.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.  Bro. Abel will be preaching in all three services.  The buses will run their routes.  Children’s choir will meet at 6:00PM.

I want to encourage the members of the Friendship family who have missed our services the past two Sundays to consider giving online.  Just go to our website, click and giving and it is really simple.  I will share that I cannot give on Safari but I can on Chrome.  Why?  Above my pay grade.

Coach Saban announced last night that he was given IV plasma last week once he was diagnosed with the virus.  Said he then had basically very few symptoms.  Well, I do not have the clout that Coach Saban does but I do know Dr. Aninha.  Hey Coach, I have had zero symptoms thanks to the Lord and Dr. Aninha!  What did Dr. Aninha prescribe?  Secret stuff!

Do I need anything?  Nope, I am blessed.  Lisa has done a great job of caring for me.  As she is leaving in the mornings she asks, “do you need anything?  If you do then you know where everything is!”  Around 8:00PM each night she says, “I am going to bed.  If you need anything you know where everything is!”  Perfect!

Loving the rain this morning.  It is not going to do so but I wish it would rain all day.  Just a slow, steady rain.  I love the rain!

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

Happy birthday to our daughter, Dr. Daphne Hutto!  How old?  Yes.  I pray that Daphne will have an awesome day!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Short and sweet.  As far as I know, all is well.  Keep praying for those who have been mentioned over the past week or so.

I am on known day four with the virus and not a single symptom thus far.  I am certainly blessed.  I am very grateful!

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Marisa tells me that Donnie has had some tough days following his surgery of last Monday.  Keep praying.  Honestly, I often think of the help Carla would be to her parents during this time.  I miss that girl!

Tina Sprinkle says the doctors are working on getting her dad into a rehab facility.  Keep praying!

I know of a couple of folks who are struggling with the virus.  I do not mention names but do ask that you pray for them.

The mission team arrived on GRACE Mountain yesterday afternoon safe and sound.  Praise the Lord!

The workers on GRACE Mountain killed two snakes yesterday near the blackberry bushes.  They both were as long as Soy is tall so around six feet or so.  One tried to bite one of the workers.  Non poisonous.  The workers killed them, skinned them, cooked them over an open fire and, as far as I know, ate them.

Jennifer Davis came through with the dumplings yesterday afternoon.  Oh my!  Dumplings, corn bread, corn bread salad, cookies & brownies.  The girl can cook!  I appreciate her generosity to my family and me!

Al & Scotty are working on the CFB national championship game excursion.  How nice is that!

I am on day three of the virus and still have had zero symptoms.  I am blessed in that regard.

Regular schedule on our campus today and tonight.

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