Pastor's Blog

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

Nanette Fontenot sent me word last night that her maternal uncle, James Lee Hudson, passed from this life yesterday afternoon.  Pray for his family as they walk through this valley.

Carol Lucky was supposed to be discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Prayerfully that happened.  Keep praying for Carol.

Karla Bosarge continues to recover from her surgery at home.  Dale is her nurse.  Think about that!  Pray without ceasing for Karla!

Eddie Albritton, Sr remains in the hospital.  Pray for Eddie and his family.

Debbie Kendrick’s mother, Mrs. Amonett, remains in the hospital so keep praying.

Kendall & Leah Falana were scheduled to arrive home from Tennessee last night.  I pray they had safe travels.

Drive in service tomorrow morning at 8:00AM and a different service tomorrow evening at 6:00PM.  These services will take place rain or shine.  As I mentioned yesterday, if the weather i.e. rain is too bad for the sound equipment, instruments, et cetera then the singing and preaching will be from inside the auditorium but those in their vehicles will still be able to listen on the radio.  Hopefully, the singing and preaching will be from outside.  As it stands right now, the morning chances look better than the evening chances.

Folks are asked to drive through the carport on the East side of the auditorium to help us get a count and to also give everyone a chance to place an offering in the receptacle.  This will be true for both of the drive in services tomorrow.  Thank you to those folks who have either brought your offering by this week or mailed it in.  The Friendship family has been faithful in this area.  I am grateful.

We will be live streaming a service at 7:00AM.  Bro. Jerry will teach an online Sunday School lesson at 9:00AM and Bro. Dale will follow that with an online Power Up at 9:30AM.

I was excited to hear the report given yesterday morning by the Small Business Emergency Task Force regarding their plans for reopening Alabama.  However, I was equally disappointed to hear the governor say she does not plan to take any immediate action on those recommendations.  I was more disappointed to hear the Lt. Governor say that they did not have a recommendation on churches.  I will just hold my tongue at this point but know my proverbial wheels are spinning regarding this matter.

This may be deemed as a dumb question but so be it.  Do any of our thirteen blog readers have a lead on a place to order hand sanitizer at a reasonable price?  Same question for masks.  And gloves.  Asking for a friend!  If you do, please send me an e-mail.  Thank you.

I spent a good deal of yesterday outside in the yard and the garden.  I never left the hill.  My green beans have come up nicely and the stand of okra is better than I thought, as is the corn.  We may be ok when all is said and done.  I was able to get some plants in the ground as well.  I used a push mower for over an hour not because I had to but just because I wanted to for the exercise.  That took me back many years!

Speaking of mowers, one of the “terrific thirteen” blog readers came through with a self propelled mower for Bro. Abel.  Does anyone have a weed eater they are willing to part with?

Dylan Westbrook scored big time with some back packs that can be taken to Guatemala.  Thank you, Dylan!

Unless something happens to dictate otherwise, I do not plan on having an entry tomorrow.

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)

Bill Kendrick sent me an e-mail late yesterday saying that Debbie’s mother is some better.  She remains in the hospital and in need of our prayer support.

Terry Lucky tells me that Carol is doing better.  She has been battling pneumonia again.  He was thinking that she may be discharged from the hospital today.  Keep praying.

I really do not have any updates on others for whom we have been praying but do ask that you keep praying.  God knows the needs and He honors prayer.

Our on campus schedule for this Sunday, 4/19, is drive in service at 8:00AM and another one at 6:00PM.  Plans are for these services to take place on the back forty.  We will have the offering receptacle set up under the carport again so folks can drive through and deposit their offerings if they so desire.  These will be two different services so I encourage folks to attend both if at all possible.  Let’s be honest – what else is there to do right now with the “stay home” order in place?

The weather forecasters are calling for thunderstorms Sunday morning.  That will not impact our ability to have the drive in services.  Worse case scenario, the musicians and I will simply broadcast from inside the auditorium but those in attendance will be able to tune in on their vehicle’s radio.  As has been the case previously, everyone must stay in their own vehicle for the duration of the time they are on our campus.  “If” we are inside the auditorium then you can park anywhere on our campus and listen the music and message.

Yes, we will have some things online this Sunday but my strong request is for the members of the Friendship family to attend our drive in services.  We will have worship through music and preaching streaming at 7:00AM this Sunday.  Now, you do not have to watch it that early as it will remain on our website all day Sunday so you can watch at your convenience.

Bro. Jerry will teach an online Sunday School lesson beginning at 9:00AM and then Bro. Dale will lead Power Up for our children beginning at 9:30AM.  These two things will also be on our website all day Sunday.

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

As you probably know, Bro. Abel has purchased a new house.  He asked me to ask our thirteen readers of the blog if anyone had a mower (riding or push) and/or a weed eater they would be willing to part ways with?  So, I am asking.  He can be contacted at abel9515.ag@gmail.com.  Thank you for considering this request.

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

Karla Bosarge did well through her surgery and was able to come home shortly thereafter.  The surgeon is confident that he removed all that was needed and even if it was malignant then all is well.  Keep praying for Karla.

Carol Lucky remains in the hospital.

Eddie Albritton, Sr. was scheduled to have surgery either yesterday or today but the surgeon had to go out of town.  Not sure what is next.  Pray for Eddie and his family during this time.

Dianne Trotti told me yesterday that Randy Stringfellow now has a feeding tube due to his pain level being so high.  He has finished with his treatments and this level of pain was basically the expectation.  Randy lives in North Carolina.  Pray for Randy.

It appears that Kent Blaylock will need to be moved to a convalescent home.  Pray for Kent.

Nanette Fontenot told me yesterday that her Uncle James Lee Hudson continues to decline physically.  Keep praying for James Lee and his family.

Miss Mary Jackson is home from the hospital.  I am sure she will appreciate your continued prayer support.

Our first Wednesday of drive in services went well.  In a bit of a surprise, our morning crowd outnumbered our evening crowd.  We had an unexpected guest (sheriff’s deputy) stop by at the beginning of our morning service but that went well.  The officer could not have been any nicer.  Folks, the governor of Alabama has deemed church essential and drive in services legal so we were all good.  I would have rather been in the auditorium for those services but liked what we did more than Zoom or anything else online.  Thank you to each person who attended either service.

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)

Karla Bosarge will be having surgery this morning.  The plan is to remove half of her thyroid.  Pray that all goes well.

Carol Lucky remains in ICU.  Pray for Carol and for Terry as he cannot be with her.

Kent Blaylock also remains in the hospital.  Kent is a fine man and is deserving of our prayer support.

Miss Lulu Amonett, Debbie Kendrick’s mother, has not done well since the whole isolation thing has been in effect.  She fell from her wheelchair late yesterday afternoon sustaining head injuries and was admitted to the hospital.  However, she still cannot have visitors so it is a difficult situation.  Pray for Miss Lulu.  Pray for her family.

Continue to pray for Marie Brooks’ brother.

Kendall Falana’s son and family are in the recovery mode after the tornado hit their house in Tennessee.  Kendall and Leah are there helping in the recovery/clean up efforts.  Pray for all involved.

They had a COLS for Kirk Lightfield’s father yesterday afternoon in Oklahoma.  Difficult time for Kirk and family.  Pray for them.

Thank you to those who prayed for the graveside service yesterday.  Only five folks were in attendance but I had the opportunity to share the Gospel.

Two drive in services today – 10:00AM and 6:30PM.  East side of the auditorium.  Everyone must remain in their vehicles.  There will be no person to person contact.  The study will be broadcast on the radio.

Bro. Abel will lead a Zoom Bible study for our students beginning at 6:30PM tonight.  Contact him for the details.

The church office is open today from 8:00AM until 3:00PM.  As has been the case for the past several weeks, we are rotating lunch times so the office is open for the entire seven hours.

Ok we are making a change in our on campus schedule beginning this Sunday, April 19, 2020.  We will have a drive in service beginning at 8:00AM on the back forty.  The music and message will be broadcast on the radio and everyone must remain in their vehicles.  The service will end no later than 9:00AM.

Then on Sunday evening we will have another drive in service beginning at 6:00PM and ending no later than 7:00PM.  Different message.  Trying to return to “normal” as best as we can.

I do not like to constantly mention the offerings but I think you understand the importance of our faithfulness in this area during this most unusual time.  Give online 24/7, mail checks to P.O. Box 756 Grand Bay, AL 36541, drop checks or cash by the church office Monday – Thursday or drop a check in the drop box at Lisa’s office 24/7.  I am so grateful for those who have been faithful to give during this season.  I do challenge our younger members to follow the lead of our senior adults and give faithfully.  You will probably choose to give online whereas they are more in person givers but regardless follow their example.

Pray for the folks in Guatemala.  Pray for Soy, Deidra and the girls.  Pray for the borders to open soon as Lisa and I would love to have the freedom to visit our family living there.  The Lord is also providing financially for the ministry in Guatemala and we are very thankful to Him.  God is faithful!  Thank you to those who have given and to those who are going to give!

I hate to say “I told you so” but I told you so!  I can remember hearing Dub Ladnier saying, “if I tell you that a chicken dips then check under her wing for a can of snuff!”  Just saying!

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.  Looking forward to seeing a good number attend our two drive in services today.

James Mareno is nothing short of a miracle worker!  He gave me a lesson in getting the transmitter up and running yesterday afternoon.  I went this afternoon for a solo flight and all went well!  Do you believe in miracles?

So, we will have a drive in service in the morning beginning at 10:00AM.  We will meet on the East side of the auditorium.  Folks attending will remain in their vehicles and I will be standing under the carport.  The Bible study will be broadcast over the radio.

We will then do a repeat at 6:00PM.  Same Bat station!

In my opinion, this is a safe way to meet without actually coming in contact with anyone else other than those in the vehicle with you.  However, each person must decide what is safe for them.

I can foresee this being the way we will be going until the time comes that they allow us to meet in person for corporate worship.  It is not the same but it beats any other option for the time being.

So, please pass the word and make plans to join us for one of the services tomorrow.

Footnote – our main service this Sunday, April 19, will also be of the drive in variety.  It will begin at 8:00AM on the back forty.  My prayer is that a very large number of the Friendship family will join us for this service.

Carol Lucky was receiving her dialysis treatment this morning when she experienced a problem with her blood pressure.  She was transported via an ambulance to a local hospital and was placed in ICU.  They have put her on a ventilator.  Obviously, Terry was not allowed to enter the hospital and the nurse told him to go home and they would keep him updated via the phone.  Pray for Carol and Terry.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

We will have a drive in service tomorrow morning, April 15, at 10:00AM and then again tomorrow evening at 6:30PM.  Everyone must stay in their vehicles.  I will be under the carport on the East side of the auditorium and folks are asked to park where they can see me. That can even be over in the office entrance.  Pass the word and come join us for one of these Bible studies.  There will be no online version of these Bible studies.

Kendall Falana’s son, Kendall, Jr, and his family live in the Chattanooga, TN area.  Their house took a direct hit from a tornado on Sunday.  Everyone is ok but they lost one vehicle and the house sustained damage.  Kendall & Leah left yesterday afternoon to go give them assistance.  Praise God for His watch care over this family.  Pray for all involved.

Kent Blaylock was taken by ambulance to the hospital Sunday.  He was admitted.  Obviously, he cannot have visitors.  Pray for Kent.

Karla Bosarge will have surgery early in the morning.  Pray that all goes well.

I will be preaching a graveside service this afternoon.  I do not know the deceased or the family.  They connected to me through Lisa’s office.  Pray for that service.

Keep praying for Marie Brooks’ brother.

Keep praying for Myrtle.

Keep praying for Andy Hamil.

My plan as of this morning is to have an online message (7:00AM) followed by a drive in service (8:00AM) this Sunday morning, April 19.  The drive in service will be followed by an online Sunday School lesson at 9:00AM and then Power Up online at 9:30AM.

The hope is that many members of the Friendship family will gather at 8:00AM for the drive in service.  We will position the stage out by the power pole on the South side of the CAB which will allow folks to have a view of the stage.  Once again, everyone must remain in their vehicles while on campus.  I have had a good number of folks tell me what a blessing it was this past Sunday just to be able to come to the church campus and to see other members of the Friendship family and guests.

Obviously, the online message, Sunday School lesson, and Power Up will all remain online all day Sunday so a person can watch them at the time of their choosing.

The church office is open today from 8:00AM until 3:00PM.

The Friendship family has done well in giving their offering during this unusual time.  I encourage you to continue to do so.  Drop your offering by the church office or in the drop box at Lisa’s office.  Mail a check to P.O. Box 756 or give online 24/7.  I am calling on our younger folks to give online.  Our senior adults are being very faithful in giving through the mail or by bringing their offering.

Of course, my real hope is that this Sunday we will have a great crowd for our 8:00AM service and that folks will simply “bring” their offering with them.  That will be awesome!

Today is day six for Bob Evans and his self quarantine.  He says that his vehicle has not moved.  Does it count as a self quarantine if you leave the property to go for Easter lunch elsewhere?  Asking for a friend!

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.  Remember tomorrow’s drive in services at 10:00AM & 6:30PM.  Attend!

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Easter 2020 is now history and I can only hope that it will be the most different Easter in my life as I do not want to think of experiencing another one any more different!

We enjoyed a good day in all three of our time slots.  Wes Bates had the privilege of actually preaching to a live, in person audience even though they were in their vehicles.  He brought a good message from Luke 24 – seek, remember, believe and marvel.  Our sunrise service was well attended and those folks were very generous in the giving of their offerings.  Thank you Lord, thank you Bro. Wes, and thank you Friendship family!

We actually had a pretty good number attend the drive in portion of our 8:00AM & 9:15AM services.  Our streaming numbers were lower than they have been over the past three Sundays but this was the first time we have had folks on campus during our live streams.  Bro. Abel did a nice job of preaching from Colossians – reminded, responsibility, resource, reason and revelation from Colossians 3:1-4.  The folks who drove in also were generous with their offerings for which I am thankful.

I say “thank you” to our musicians, our media team, Jeff Holifield, Kendall Falana, Rita Broome and anyone else who helped make our Easter 2020 a success in light of the present situation.

I do know that for this pastor it was an absolute joy to see folks from the Friendship family yesterday morning even if they were in their vehicles.  I miss in person corporate worship!

Terrell Brooks’ long time friend who was battling COVID-19 passed from this life yesterday afternoon.  Pray for the family.

Marie Brooks’ oldest brother, James Lee, continues to be at home but appears to be in his last days upon this earth.  One interesting side note is that James Lee & Belvin McDonald have been friends since their high school days.  They had a virtual visit (yesterday I think) via FaceTime and I am told that was a special time for them.  Pray for James Lee and his family.

Karla Bosarge will have surgery this Wednesday morning.  Pray that all goes well.

Here is the direction I think we are heading right now for this week – I hope to do a drive in service at 10:00AM on Wednesday, 4/15.  I will have a definite once I meet with James Mareno this afternoon.  Can he teach me this technological stuff?  Do not count on it but pray so.  If this works out then I will preach from the carport on the East side of the auditorium and folks will just park in that parking area.

I plan on doing the same thing Wednesday night beginning at 6:30PM.  I know we can do that because James will be off work.  So, no Zoom on Wednesday night – hooray!  Realize these plans could change but that is where I am right now.

As for Sunday, 4/19, I plan on streaming one service while having a drive in service at a different time.  We will move the platform for the drive in service in order to make it more viewer friendly.  I may be calling on some of our men to help build a bigger (think taller) platform for us to use for visibility sake.  I need to talk to our media team about some logistical stuff before setting times and such.  Basically, I tell them what I want and they always tend to make it happen – I like that!  More details forthcoming.

I did watch Easter Across America last night.  I gave you guys some bad information on watching it online, the duration, et cetera.  I apologize.  Dale got cut off before he got to share the Gospel.  I was disappointed in the whole thing but especially in Dale getting short changed.

Bless Eddie Albritton’s heart – he read yesterday’s blog entry about my need for bleach and he brought me four one half gallons to the early service yesterday morning.  Is that nice of him or what!

IF he has stayed put thus far then today is day five of Bob Evans’ self imposed quarantine.  His end date goal is May 4, 2020.  I simply do not see it happening.

Easter lunch at our house consisted of Lisa and me.  How different is that?  We have not eaten together as a family since March 8. See, there can be some good come out of bad – LOL!

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

“And he said to them, Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him.”  (Mark 16:6)

Easter Sunday 2020 will definitely be different for all of us.  However, one thing remains the same – Jesus is alive!  Hallelujah!  We will gather collectively (in our vehicles) to celebrate that fact three times today – 6:00AM, 8:00AM & 9:15AM.  Our goal is for each service to last approximately forty five minutes since you will be in your vehicles and some of you will have children with you.

This will be an opportunity for you to hear Pastor Wes Bates (6:00AM) and Bro. Abel (9:15AM) as they bring the message of hope to us.

The first service will be outside so it will not be live streamed.  However, the next two messages will come from inside the auditorium and will be live streamed.  Simply go to our website and click on the service that is already showing.  It is really simple.  Again, our media team tells me your best option is to watch from the website versus FB live.

There will be an offering receptacle under the carport on the East side of the auditorium.  You do not have to leave your vehicle in order to place your offering in that receptacle.  I am asking the members of the Friendship family to prayerfully consider giving “extra” today as we go through this unprecedented time.

Remember, vehicles need to be spaced at least six feet apart and everyone must stay in their vehicles at all times while on our campus.  The first service will see folks parking on the South side of the CAB and then folks can park anywhere on our campus for the last two services.  Please pull through the carport upon arrival so we can get a count, give the children a gift and give you the opportunity to give to the offering.

Easter Across America takes place tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  Many great folks will be involved in this online streaming presentation.  Our own, Bryan Drake, will be one of those participating.   Simply go to easteracrossamerican.com to watch this two hour show.

Our church office will be open tomorrow from 8:00AM until 3:00PM.

This is day four of the Bob Evans self quarantine event.  His goal is to not have his Honda leave home until May 4, 2020.  Not happening!  Just saying!

I have been looking for bleach for well over a week now.  I only need four one half gallon jugs.  Hello!

I pray that you will have a great Easter Sunday with our resurrected Savior!