Pastor's Blog

“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)

Bob & Laura were going to meet with the medical folks yesterday to discuss the next option in the care of Miss Dollie Trout.  Just keep praying for Miss Dollie and her children.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.

Did not watch it but read earlier where Kentucky beat LSU in basketball last night.  I know that Timber is a happy camper this morning.

Going to be a little warm today (68) but then tomorrow night’s low calls for 37 and an even lower 35 on Friday night.  Yes!

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

“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)

Had a longer than usual visit with Dollie Trout and her son, Bob, yesterday morning.  Miss Dollie was very sleepy due to some medications and did not feel well.  Bob brought me up to speed on her situation.  Miss Dollie continues to battle an infection and there are still some unknowns in her situation.  Keep praying for Miss Dollie.

Myrtle Bowden received a treatment yesterday.  I think she only has a couple more left.  Pray that Myrtle will have a good week in regards to not having significant side effects and such.

There will be a graveside service for Claire Turner’s maternal grandmother this afternoon.  Pray for Claire and her family as they walk through this time of sorrow.

Bro. Abel tells me that all systems are “go” for our Spring soccer leagues.  He has had to shut down the sign up because the leagues are at capacity.  This will be the first season that all of the games will be played on our campus and that is a good thing.

Looks like rain today and then again on Thursday.  The good news is that the low for Thursday night is forecast to be thirty nine degrees and then thirty seven degrees on Friday night.  Those temperatures suit me perfectly!

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.

The presidential primary in Alabama takes place on Tuesday, March 3.  Our church campus is a voting precinct.  Just FYI and a reminder.

Bobby and the boys are in Spring training.  Getting ready to defend their World Series title.  Can they repeat as champions?  Possible, but easier said than done.  Pray for Bobby to be a strong witness for Jesus.

Our June 18 – 25, 2020 GRACE Ministries mission trip to Guatemala is at capacity.  Just FYI.

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

“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)

Miss Dollie Trout remains in the hospital.  I will be visiting her first thing this morning.  Keep praying for Miss Dollie.

Carol Lucky is home but still needs our prayers.  Terry was in our second morning service yesterday.

Keep praying for Myrtle as she continues to take treatments.

Yesterday was a rainy Sunday and we are a Baptist church so I rest my case!  I was glad to be back in the pulpit and I am very thankful for the Spirit in our services.  I cannot tell you how many folks either talked to me personally or communicated with me electronically telling me they were glad I was back.  I was grateful.

Bobby Broome was in our service last night – cast and all.  He had every reason to not attend and yet he was there.  Just saying!

Today is a federal holiday.  Did you know that Florida, Louisiana and North Carolina do not observe today as a holiday?  Interesting.

Folks who plan on joining us for our June 18 – 25 GRACE Ministries mission trip to Guatemala must sign up by the end of this month as we have to move forward with the purchasing of tickets, making plans, et cetera.  Please pass the word.  We had two folks sign up for the June trip last night and Rachel Hatcher is going to apply for her passport next week!  Just saying!

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

“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)

Happy birthday to my brother, Eddie.  I hope he has a great day.  He and his wife, Sue, have been nothing but great in taking care of our parents these past few years.  I am grateful.

Dollie Trout remains in the hospital.  Keep praying.

Carol Lucky was supposed to be discharged from the hospital yesterday if all went as planned.  Pray for Carol.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.  Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit for all three services.

There were eight rebel Yankees who stayed in Guatemala yesterday for a couple of days of R&R.  The rest of the team all arrived home safe and sound yesterday afternoon or last night.  We had a really strong two weeks of ministry.  To God be the glory.

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

“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)

Carol Lucky remains in the hospital but has made improvement.  Keep praying for Carol & Terry.

Dollie Trout also remains hospitalized.  Pray for Miss Dollie.

Word came to me via Bro. Jerry that Miss Marlene Hart has passed from this life.  Miss Marlene owned the Grand Bay Convalescent Home for many years and was always most gracious to our church family and to me personally.  Pray for the Hart family.

The visitation for the Howard Clark family takes place tonight in Morton, MS with the celebration of life service taking place tomorrow.  Pray for Charles and family during this time.

The celebration of life service for Pastor Terry Rainey’s father takes place on Saturday afternoon.  Pray for the Harold Rainey family.

It is almost 4:30AM as I write this entry and our team of missionaries should be arriving at the Guatemala City airport very soon.  The only exception are the eight rebels from Michigan who are staying in Antigua for a couple of days.  This team had a wonderful week of ministry even though there were flight delays, et cetera in the onset.  The attitudes were absolutely fantastic!  Pastor Terry did a masterful job of sharing the Word every day.  In the share time last night that was a focal point from those who shared.

Let me quickly recap the totals from these past two weeks:  seventy one folks made up these two teams which were really ONE team.  Those seventy one folks came from Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri and South Carolina.  Forty houses were built.  Over two thousand folks were seen in the medical clinics.  Three hundred families received food baskets.  One hundred and forty five students received breakfast and lunch for six days as a direct result of donations from the team members.  (The students were fed every day but the finances for those six days came from this team)  Colegio JET was officially dedicated.  The teachers were given gifts both weeks and Jan, Kathy & Phyllis made sure they ate well the second week – wow!  Most importantly, God was glorified through it all!

Pray for the folks who are traveling home today.  Again, a great group of folks!

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

“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)

Miss Dollie Trout remains hospitalized.  Please keep praying for Miss Dollie.

Carol Lucky has been admitted to the hospital with breathing difficulties.  She is now doing better but needs our prayer support.

Tim Knighten will be having some tests over the next couple of days so pray for all to go well.

Remember to continue to pray for Myrtle Bowden.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and tonight.

Lisa arrived home safely yesterday afternoon.

The team in Guatemala had a really good day.  The medical team saw four hundred plus patients.  The building team started nine houses from scratch and completed all nine of them before 4:00PM.

Jan Kapenga, Kathy Kender & Phyllis Nykamp have done an outstanding job of providing meals for the team and then doing a lot of extra cooking for the teachers and others.  What a great ministry.

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

“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)

Happy birthday to my parents!  Dad turns eighty four years old today while Mama turns eighty one years old.  I am not sure what their day will consist of but I hope they have a great day!

No updates from home so I am going with the “no news is good news” philosophy.  At one point, Miss Dollie was scheduled to have a heart cath today but I do not know if that is still on the schedule.  Pray for those in need.

Charles Clark’s oldest sibling, Howard, passed from this life yesterday morning.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for the family.

The team in Guatemala had a good Monday.  They put in around a half day of ministry and then headed to Antigua to shop, sight see, relax and then enjoy supper at Las Antorchas.

Today, will be a marathon day for the medical folks as well as the building team.

All is well in Guatemala.  I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.

“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)

Judy Blackwell’s sister unexpectedly passed from this life.  She lived in California.  Pray for Judy and her family.

John & Liz Whalen left yesterday heading to Michigan in order to attend John’s mother’s celebration of life service.  Keep praying for the Whalen family.

Keep praying for Dollie Trout.

Charles Clark’s oldest sibling, Howard, is seemingly nearing the end of his earthly life.  Pray for Howard and his family.

Word came to us this afternoon that Mr. Harold Rainey, father of Pastor Terry Rainey, passed from this life and entered Heaven.  Pray for Pastor Terry and his family as they walk through this time of sorrow.  A memorial service will take place later.

The team in Guatemala enjoyed a good Saturday and Sunday of ministry.  On Saturday, the medical team went out and had a good day.  I did not get any numbers from them but I know their day was good.  The building team built eight houses with four of them being completely finished.

While the teams were out doing ministry, Ross Genzink was busily trying to discover a leak in the upper level floor of the mission house.  He had a very long day!  He did find two leaks so we shall see.  I appreciate all Ross did for us!

Eddie & Sue left Guatemala on Saturday morning.  Ross, Kim & Tony left yesterday afternoon.

Yesterday, the women of the team hosted a breakfast for the women of the church here on the mountain.  Then Pastor Terry Rainey preached in the church service.  Some of the team members then took their sponsored child to lunch.  It was then off to host a food distribution in a location still basically unknown to some of our Yankee friends.  From there it was to Pastores for a birthday party for Caroline, daughter of Nacio & Teresita.  The team enjoyed that experience.

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

“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)

Happy seventh birthday to our granddaughter, Sydney.  Sydney is basically a happy camper and I hope her day is great!  Lisa and I love Sydney.  Happy birthday Sydney.

John Whalen’s mother passed from this life yesterday.  She lived in the UP of Michigan.  Pray for John as he travels and for the entire Whalen family as they walk through this time.

Miss Dollie Trout remains hospitalized.  Keep praying.

The dedication of Colegio JET went very well from my perspective.  I am very grateful to Deidra for putting it all together and also to each person who attended.  I may write more about it in a later entry.

All of the team members are finally here on GRACE Mountain as the final ten arrived after midnight this morning.  This team will hit the ground running.  All is well!

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

“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)

Happy fourth birthday to our grandson, Asher!  We celebrated before I left for Guatemala and they had a party last Saturday but today is actually Asher’s special day.  I hope he has a wonderful day and I know that his parents and siblings will see that he does. We love Asher and thank God for him!

Miss Dollie Trout remains in the hospital and continues to need our prayers.

Bus worker’s meeting in the morning.  Last Saturday of our basketball leagues takes place tomorrow in the CAB.

We are on a regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.  The focus is “I Love” and the morning message will address that topic.

I am hearing that our Spring soccer leagues are almost maxed out player wise.  If you have a child wanting to participate, contact Bro. Abel immediately.

What a Thursday for our mission team.  The weather in Atlanta created some problems.  As far as I know, everyone who left GRACE mountain yesterday morning finally arrived home safe and sound.  We are thankful.

Twenty five of the forty five team members on the team that was scheduled to arrive last night are still in the States – twenty four in Michigan and one in Michigan.  Lord willing, they will arrive here this afternoon (15) and tonight (10).  God knows.

Today is a day we have been looking forward to for over a year.  We will gather at 10:00AM to say, “glory to God” for all He has done in providing this school, Colegio JET.  We will be joined by the team members, dignitaries and friends.  As I type this just before 2:00AM there are men working feverishly to put some finishing touches on the school building.  It is a marvelous building!

I am told that the dedication will be live on FB.  If you get the opportunity, watch it.  Please pray for God to be glorified in all that is said and done today and from this point forward.

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