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)

Miss Linda Green did so well through her surgery that she was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  She is glad to be home.  Thank God for His blessings in her life.

Miss Dollie Trout remains in the hospital and is in ICU.  Pray for Miss Dollie.

Pastor Terry Rainey’s father remains in a hospital in South Carolina but has made remarkable progress since he was first admitted.  Keep praying for Mr. Rainey.

One group left the Pastor L.G. Camp, Jr. mission house in Guatemala today at 3:30AM and another group is scheduled to arrive around on GRACE Mountain around 11:00PM tonight.  Pray for traveling mercies for both groups.

The group that just left built twenty houses, saw hundreds in five medical clinics, hosted the Colegio JET staff for a meal, hosted a men’s breakfast in the church, hosted the church for lunch, did repair work on the mountain, did some dental work, et cetera.  This was a really good group with a really great attitude and no complaints.  I am grateful to God for each of them.

Today will be a busy day of getting things “ready” for tomorrow’s school dedication service.  Please pray for all to go well.

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)

Linda Green’s procedure was deemed a success and the could possibly be discharged from the hospital today.  Keep praying.

Miss Dollie Trout has been in the hospital for several days.  I do not have an update but do ask you to pray for Miss Dollie.

Andy Hamil was to receive an epidural shot in his back yesterday.  Pray that brings some relief to him.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and tonight.  Bro. Abel will be sharing during the morning service and Bro. Jerry will be sharing during the evening service.

The team in Guatemala had a good Tuesday.  The day began early with breakfast at 5:15AM followed by our devotional time at 6:00AM.  The medical team left at 7:00AM and returned at 7:00PM.  The building team finished all of the houses with the exception of hanging one window.  Their day was not as long as the medical folks.

Supper was a time of good fellowship and good food but you can sense that a number of the team members are physically tired.  However, their attitudes have remained very good and for that I am grateful.

My wife, Lisa, arrived safe and sound yesterday afternoon.  She had a happy daughter and three happy granddaughters.

Today, my brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue, Tony Gettig, Kim French and Ross Genzink are all scheduled to arrive on the mountain in anticipation of the dedication of the school on Friday.  Pray for traveling mercies.

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 our Vietnamese daughter, Henni.  She is not “legally” our daughter but we claim her (sometimes).  It is hard to believe that she is twenty eight years old, has a Master’s degree and is teaching school.  Two words come to my mind – “only God!”  I am certain that Henni does not read the blog but I do hope she has a great day.  We love Henni!

Linda Green’s procedure scheduled for yesterday was postponed until today.  Keep praying for Linda.

Cindy Stokes was scheduled to leave today and come to Guatemala with Lisa.  However, her sister was admitted into an ICU last night and is not doing well.  So, Cindy come not leave.  I ask you to pray for Cindy’s sister, the doctors, Cindy and the family.

Pastor Terry Rainey is scheduled to join us in Guatemala on Thursday.  His father, 94 years of age, was placed in intensive care yesterday.  That is much as I know at this point.  Pray for Mr. Rainey, the doctors, Pastor Terry and all involved.

The team in Guatemala had a good Monday.  It was a bit shorter day on the work side as they spent the late afternoon in Antigua shopping, sightseeing, drinking coffee, et cetera.  They then enjoyed a really nice meal and a time of fellowship at the Las Antorchas restaurant in Antigua.

My wife, Lisa, will be traveling solo to Guatemala today.  Pray for traveling mercies.

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)

This entry is being written on Sunday night as I will not have access to the internet early in the morning.  Al says they have checked everything and the problem is not with the internet but is inside our place.  That helped me zero!

Since I am writing on Sunday night I do not have any updates on the folks for whom we have been praying.  Hopefully I can update Tuesday morning.

Lisa did tell me that Bro. Abel did an excellent job of sharing in both services yesterday.  That is good news to me!

My Uncle Herschel’s celebration of life service takes place Monday afternoon, 2/3.  My brother, Eddie, will help with the service.  I will be thinking of the family as I go through the day.

As I am writing this entry, there are about seventeen or eighteen team members playing some card game.  They have had a good day of ministry and fellowship.  Men’s breakfast, church service, church lunch, food distribution, supper in the local mall.

Monday will be more medical and more building.  The team will spend a few hours in Antigua in the late afternoon and then supper at Las Antorchas.

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)

Sorry for no entry yesterday but I did not have internet access.  I still do not have it so I am doing this from a different location.  Yes, I have contacted Al!

Linda Green remains in the hospital.  She will have some type procedure tomorrow.  Keep praying.

Carol Lucky was discharged from the hospital as were Rileigh Glass and Frank Glass.  Keep praying for these folks.

Keith Barrett received an injection on Friday and is doing well.  Pray for Keith.

Lisa tells me that the anniversary reception for Terrell & Marie was absolutely beautiful.  Nice!

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.

The team in Guatemala has had a full first two days.  Everyone built on Friday and six houses were up with two receiving concrete.  Yesterday, the medical team went near Tecpan and a much smaller building team put up six more houses with seven more receiving concrete.  Seven houses are now completely finished.

The team hosted the church staff and families for supper on Friday night.  Each staff member and their family members shared.  It was a good night.

Last night, the team hosted the entire school staff for supper and that was a very special evening.  Some nice connections were made.

Pastor Bob is doing a great job in sharing the Word with us as is Rex Looney in leading the musical worship each morning.

This team has been excellent in their attitudes and work ethic.  It has been my observation that Gracie Wong can work circles around her husband, Gene Wong.  Junior Fuglseth cannot stop smiling – just saying!

Today, there is a men’s breakfast at the church with Dr. Rich Strabbing sharing the Word.  Pastor Bob Harvey will preach in the church service.  There will then be a church wide lunch following the service.  The team will do a food distribution this afternoon.  The team will then be given the chance to kind of catch their breath tonight before a full three final days.

I pray that you will have a great Sunday 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)

All of the tests performed on Carol Lucky have come back good.  She still has some fluid issues but she is breathing better.  So, just keep praying.

Linda Green continues to be in pain.  Obviously, she remains in the hospital so keep praying.

Tina & Rhea Rhea made it to Texas and Ty has made some improvement.  He too remains in the hospital and needs our continued prayer support.

I do not have any updates on Frank Glass or his daughter, Rileigh Glass.  However, I do know we need to keep praying.

My Uncle Herschel Martin passed from this life early this morning.  He has now been reunited with his wife, my maternal aunt, after over forty years as she passed from this life in 1979.  Folks, this is a tough day for me being here and this happening there.  God knew and He knows.  Pray for Robin, Jimmy and the family as they walk through this valley.

My dad was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Again, my older brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue, deserve medals for their excellent care of dad.  Thank you for praying.

The sixtieth wedding anniversary for Terrell & Marie Brooks takes place on our campus tomorrow afternoon, February 1, from 2:00 – 4:00PM in our Preschool Building.  Everyone is invited.

Thirty two team members arrived safe and sound to GRACE Mountain last night around 11:00PM.  Two more members are scheduled to arrive tonight.  Thank you for praying for this team.

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)

Good morning from GRACE Mountain.  Lots going on so let’s get right to it.  First, Carol Lucky’s heart cath came back good so they will do another test today checking her lungs.  Keep praying for Carol.

Linda Green was in our morning service yesterday and said she was in pain.  Yesterday afternoon she was taken by ambulance to the hospital due largely in part to that pain.  Pray for Linda.

One of Linda’s sons, Ty, lives in Texas.  He has at least two blood clots.  I “think” Tina & Rhea Rhea may be heading that way to check on him.  Pray for Ty.

Riley & Dona Glass’ granddaughter, Rileigh, was flown to Birmingham yesterday because of a bubble on one of her arteries.  Pray for the doctors to be able to correct this issue.

Frank Glass, Rileigh’s father, has been admitted to the hospital due to a low oxygen level.  Pray for Frank.

Sonny Bates got a good report from the doctor in New Orleans this past Tuesday.  Praise the Lord!

Sammy said Myrtle is doing good this week.  Keep praying for Myrtle.

As far as I know at the time of this writing, my Uncle Herschel is still living.  Thank you for praying.

My dad came through his surgery ok.  The doctor found some things he did not like but only time will tell on those matters.  Dad remains in the hospital this morning.

A team of thirty four folks from Michigan, Auburn, Huntsville, & Florida are scheduled to arrive on the mountain tonight.  I will have to get mentally prepared to handle all of these Yankees for the next two weeks – just saying!  Pray for traveling mercies today.

The weather in South Mobile County should be nice today and then the rain moves in tonight and Friday.  The weekend looks nice.  I see some highs of 71 degrees in the ten day forecast and that does not make me smile!  We need some 31 degrees days!  Just saying!

Dusty Baker was named the manager of the Houston Astros yesterday.  I would love to see Dusty do very well and be able to coach for at least two seasons.  Why?  He is seventy years old and has 1,863 victories as a manager.  There is basically an unspoken rule that says one must have at least 2,000 victories as a manager to get into the MLB Hall of Fame.  I would like to see Dusty get in.

The Lord blessed me with a good day of traveling yesterday.  I got off of the flight from Mobile to Atlanta and went straight to the flight bound for Guatemala City.  I was through customs, got my luggage, had my luggage hand searched, and then went to sign papers for the rental vehicles these next two weeks all in a matter of about thirty five minutes – amazing!  My flight landed at 8:35PM and I was on the road at 9:10PM and on the mountain around 10:20PM.  Thank you Jesus!

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)

After waiting for almost four and one half hours yesterday morning, it was determined that Miss Dollie’s potassium level was not where it needed to be so they postponed her heart cath until Tuesday, February 11.  Pray for Miss Dollie in the meanwhile.

Carol Lucky was admitted to the hospital Monday because of pneumonia.  Her oxygen level was low and she is now on oxygen.  Carol is a lady of very strong faith.  Pray for Carol & Terry as they walk through this valley.

The young student for whom we have been praying was discharged from the hospital.  Keep praying as God knows.

Bro. Abel covered a surgical procedure for me yesterday as I could not be in two hospitals at the same time.  Not at liberty to divulge the patient but do ask that you pray.  Again, God knows.

Bobby Broome continues to recover at home from his surgery of last Friday.  He has had a pretty tough go of it and needs our continued prayer support.

My dad will be having a surgical procedure this morning.  Prayers appreciated.

My Uncle Herschel is seemingly near death’s door per the hospice folks.  Pray for mercy.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and tonight.  I plan on being at the morning service with the key word being “plan” but we shall see.  Bro. Abel will be sharing this morning and Bro. Jerry will do likewise tonight.  Pray for our services.

Lord willing, I will board a plane in Mobile after lunch and head to Guatemala.  I will be joined by thirty four others tomorrow.  This team will do medical, house building, and food distribution.  Pray for this team, please.

In my absence, Bro. Jerry & Bro. Abel, along with our nine deacons, will be ready, willing and able to assist with any needs.  I am grateful to have men who can stand in the gap when I am gone and when I am home.

The forecasters call for rain all day today and then again on Friday.  I do love the rain!

The Theodore girls basketball team beat McGill last night in front of a big crowd at Theodore.  I love the quote by Theodore’s coach, “we’ve played in front of seven people before, and none of them paid!”   Of course he was joking but that is hilarious!

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)

Miss Dollie Trout is scheduled to have a heart cath this morning.  Pray that all goes well and the doctors get a clear view of her heart.

Keep praying for Myrtle Bowden as she continues to take her chemotherapy treatments.

Work is being done on the back forty of our campus to get ready for the Spring soccer season.  I am not a fan of soccer (let me pause so that can sink in as I know you were shocked by that statement) but I am genuinely excited for our leagues to be playing on our campus.  It is going to get bigger and better as Bro. Abel knows soccer and how to run a league.  However, the greatest thing is that Bro. Abel knows the real reason we are hosting these leagues – sharing Jesus!

Today should be a really nice day weather wise but then the rain moves back in tonight and tomorrow.  Thursday looks to be dry and then there is a fifty percent chance of rain on Friday.  The forecast calls for a beautiful day on Sunday.

NBA fans are calling for the league to replace the image of Jerry West to the image on Kobe Bryant on the league’s logo.  Jerry West is my basketball hero.  I loved to watch Kobe Bryant play as well.  I am a Lakers fan.  I am probably good with either way as both men were Lakers only in their professional careers.

There is a proverbial fly in the ointment in this case – the NBA will not acknowledge that the logo is Jerry West even though the guy who designed it said he traced a picture of West to come up with the logo.  Why?  The NBA does not have to pay royalties if it is just a general player.  So, if they switch to Kobe Bryant then they could have to pay royalties to his family or estate.  Interesting. (What other pastor gives you that type of information in his blog?  Just saying!)

I will be in high gear today trying to nail every thing down before flying out tomorrow.  Much to do.  Pray for me to use wisdom in managing my time.

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)

I know, I know, I know – no entries for the past two days and now this one is way late.  So, let me catch up real quick.

Bobby Broome’s surgery went well on Friday morning.  The surgeon made the decision to put Bobby’s leg in a cast for at least two weeks as he cannot bend his leg for six weeks.  Without a cast, that would be tough.  Pray for Bobby & Marlene as they go through this situation.

Larry Crawley remains somewhere either in Zambia or Uganda on the mission trip.  I am not sure of his return date but do ask that you pray for him.

Miss Dollie Trout will have a heart catheterization early tomorrow morning.  A test last week revealed “something” and the doctors wants to take a closer look.

The Friendship family is invited to a 60th wedding anniversary celebration for Terrel & Marie Brooks this Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 2:00 – 4:00PM in our Preschool Building.  I do hope many members of the Friendship family will be able to attend.

Lisa and I had the privilege of attending the retirement service for Pastor Alton Stokes yesterday afternoon.  I congratulate Pastor Alton on his retirement after serving as pastor of the Grand Bay Church of God for thirty two years.  I pray that he and Miss Freda will have many more years to enjoy retirement and to do ministry as the Lord lead.  Lisa and I love Pastor & Sister Stokes!

Obviously, the tragedy involving Kobe Bryant, his oldest daughter, and seven others yesterday is dominating the headlines.  Tough stuff.

Ok, so the wife of one of our deacons gave Lisa and me a banana pudding after the service last night.  It was a Paula Deen recipe.  I ate some and it put me into a sugar induced coma which meant I did not get up early today to post an entry before leaving the house.  Who made this pudding?  I cannot say as her deacon husband is real tight with his finances and would probably have a stroke if he knew she had spent the money on the ingredients!  (You would think the dude was a CPA or something!)

Lord willing, I will leave Wednesday heading to Guatemala to lead two mission teams that will be heavy on the medical side.  Bro. Jerry, Bro. Abel and our nine deacons will be readily available in my absence.  I have tons to do the next two days in order to be ready to leave.  Pray for me to use my time wisely, please.

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