Pastor's Blog

Happy fifteenth birthday to our oldest grandchild, Titus.  Lisa and I love Titus and are proud of him.  I hope he will have a great day today.  Happy birthday, Titus!

My apologies for being silent on the blog front for the past week plus.  Life can throw us curve balls with the unexpected which precipitates changes.  Thank you to those who have reached out to me and a special thank you for the prayers.  I am very thankful to Eddie & Sue, Pastor Jack Bailey, Pastor Joe David Bailey, Brad & Daphne, Eddie Albritton, Dr. Keith Stanford, Bro. Abel, Bro. Chris, our deacons, Stacey & Gayla Dyess, Cindy Stokes, Jennifer Davis and most of all, my wife.  Obviously, it goes without saying that I am thankful to anyone I may have missed on this list.  Thank you Jesus for watching over me!

It was good to see Betty Hamil in our services yesterday.  She spent three days in the hospital last week but was in her regular place yesterday.  Praise the Lord!

McKenzie Busby is having her tonsils removed today.  Kenzie is such a sweetheart and I pray that all goes well.

Still praying for Lisa’s cousin, Pastor Ronnie Maxie.

No services, classes, et cetera on our campus this week.  We will meet again this Sunday, 12/1, at 9:00PM for Sunday School and then a regular Sunday.

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

Sorry for no entry yesterday.  What happened?  Yes!

Greg Boutwell’s brother, Curtis, has passed from this life.  Here is some information from his online obituary:

He was predeceased by: his brothers, Glenn Boutwell, David Boutwell and Greg Boutwell. He is survived by: his wife Jamie Kay Williamson-Boutwell; his children, Dylan Boutwell and Alisha Boutwell; and his brother Tommy Boutwell (Audrey).

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16th 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at the Mack Funeral Home Chapel (22154 AL-59, Robertsdale, AL 36567). A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 16th 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Baldwin Memorial Cemetery (20058 US-90, Robertsdale, AL 36567)

Pastor Ronnie Maxie, former pastor of Union Baptist in Grand Bay, is in a Hattiesburg, MS hospital in an ICU.  He, his wife, Elizabeth, and their family need our prayer support.  Pastor Ronnie is a good man!

We prayed Wednesday for a very young mother who has been diagnosed with a malignancy.  She has three small children.  I do not know if I have the liberty to share her name but do ask that you pray.

Keep praying for Miss Dottie Clark in Guatemala.  Ditto for Carla Parker in Tennessee!

Pray for Miss Maxine Dupont.  Likewise for Decker Terry.

Obviously, we continue to pray for Darrell McMann and his family.  Service on Monday, 11/18.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday, 11/17.  Hope you will join us for Bible study and worship.

Someone reminded me that Lisa comes home Wednesday.  Folks, just let me enjoy this time of peace and quiet!

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

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.  I hope to be joined by many folks – members and guests.

No real update on the folks for whom we have been praying.  Just keep praying!

Today marks my parents sixty-eighth wedding anniversary. They were married for sixty-three years before dad passed.

I have had the honor of having Dr. Spencer Bell as a house guest the past two nights.  He reminds me so much of his daddy, Dr. Jack Bailey.

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

EXTRA:

Alma Bryant 26, Dothan 6

The Hurricanes earned the second-round win at Dothan and the right to host USA Today No. 1 Central-Phenix City next Tuesday in the quarterfinals.

Junior quarterback Mari-Margret Grayson completed 10-of-14 passes for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns. She also had 6 carries for 71 yards and a pair of touchdowns. On defense, she finished with 8 flag pulls, an interception, a pass break-up and a quarterback hurry.

Madi-Marie Grayson caught 7 passes for 117 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Lauren Joyner finished with 6 flag pulls, a pass break-up and 2 QB hurries.  (Lauren is Kevin & Tina Sprinkle’s granddaughter.  Just FYI.)

A late good Tuesday morning.  I will say again, “I am loving this weather!”  Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain!  You would have to agree that we definitely need the rain.  I do not complain about the weather but I will be more than happy when we begin to have Fall temperatures.  God knows what He is doing and I trust Him completely!

The memorial service for Miss Betty McMann will take place on Monday, 11/18/24, from our auditorium.  Visitation begins at 10:00AM and, according to the obituary, the service will begin at 10:30AM.

Clara Broadus and Rita Boutwell will coordinate the feeding of the McMann family following the service.  I am challenging our younger ladies to step up and play a major role in this meal.  Elizabeth is one of your peers and this is your time!  Contact Clara or Rita to sign up to help!

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.

Deidra, Lizzi, Sydney and Audrey left this morning heading home to Guatemala.  Thank you to Scott Fontenot for taking them to the Mobile airport.  Lisa also left this morning to join them.  However, her trip originated from Gulfport so I had pleasure of taking her to that airport.  Cindy Stanford will join them this Thursday.  Pray for safe travels.

Need a handy man to help around your place?  Jerrod Sessions gets my recommendation.  He did some odd jobs for us yesterday and did them very well.  He especially loves being paid with checks imprinted with the University of Alabama on them!

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

Betty Marie McMann Grand Bay, AL, passed away after a long battle with Dementia. She was born on February 18th, 1945. Betty retired from Ingalls in 2008 so she could shop more. Betty is preceded in death by her son, Brian, and is survived by her husband, Darrell Sr’ and two sons, Darrell Jr (Cindy) and Glenn. She is also survived by one sister, Wanda, her stepbrother Mark Gram, Grandchildren: Tripp, Kyle McMann, Elizabeth Westbrook (Dylan) (Ellie and Cash), Sabrina (Tanner), Weston and Audrey Jean; two nieces: Jennifer Siemanowski (Danielle and Joe), Jill Carney, (Ben and Nick) and nephew Jeff (wife Debbie (deceased)) and Tyler as well as other extended family, which includes special friend, Brian’s wife Alicia McMann and family. Cory (Rae Rae and Carley), Derek (wife Kristen) (Harper, Hadleigh and Colt). She was loved by many family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL on Monday, November 18, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and the service will begin at 10:30 AM.

Happy thirteenth birthday to our granddaughter, Lizzi.  Yes, Deidra now has a teen in the house!  I hope Lizzi has a good day.  She had a slumber party at the Hutto’s house last night and I am sure that was a good time.  Lisa and I love Lizzi and are thankful for her.  Happy birthday, Lizzi.

Good day in our services yesterday.  Both services were unique!  We welcome James & Jenna Chappell to the Friendship family.  God gives the increase and we give Him the glory!

The arrangements are still pending for Betty McMann.  Keep praying for Darrell and family.

I am loving this weather today!  Yes, I love the light rain especially when it is colder.

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

Around 11:00PM last night, Miss Betty McMann departed this life and entered Heaven.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for Darrell and family as they walk through this valley.

First, let me share the mailing address for Miss Maxine Dupont.  (I thought I had already done so but just realized I had not.  Sorry, Miss Maxine & Valori!).  Here it is:  14 Cameron Drive Lampasas, Texas 76559.  Thank you in advance to those who will send a card, letter, note to Miss Maxine.  She is a sweetheart!  Pray for Miss Maxine.

Chelsea Staup’s dad was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon.  I know he is a happy camper.  Keep praying!

Carla Parker should get an updated report from the doctor today.  Pray that the report is good!

Dottie Clark continues to need our prayer support.  Pray for Dr. Mike too!

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.  Our evening service is going to be special.  Do not miss it!

We will ordain Scott Fontenot and Jason Fosmore as deacons on Sunday evening during our 5:00PM service on 11/24.  Ordination council will meet in the auditorium at 3:45PM.

A special holiday season meal for our senior adults will take place on Wednesday, 12/18.  Save the date!

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

We enjoyed a good day in our services yesterday.  Our morning attendance was strong.  The spirit in both services was excellent.  Thank you Jesus for blessing us – again!

Nanette Fontenot got into a fight with a ceiling fan yesterday morning and the fan won.  Her left hand received the worse of the fight so Nanette will now have to have surgery to help mend a broken finger.  Pray for Nanette.

Heard from Stacey yesterday.  I was totally unaware that he and Gayla were in School School and the worship service this past Sunday.  Hooray!  Gayla has gone back to work and Stacey is honestly trying to follow the doctor’s orders.  Keep praying!

I ask you to continue to pray for our dear friend, Decker Terry, in Montgomery.  Great prayer warrior, great supporter of missions, great friend to many.  Thank you for praying for Decker and Sherry who is his primary caregiver.

I learned yesterday that our friend, Willard Garnett, had knee replacement surgery about one month ago.  It was scheduled for November/December.  According to his wife, it has not been a walk in the park.  Join me in praying for Willard, please.

Senior adults from the Friendship family, save the date of Wednesday, December 18, from 10:00AM until noon.  We will have a special Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner in our CAB.  This will be hosted by our co-op ministry.  More details to come!

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday with a special service planned for Sunday evening.  I hope to be joined by many for this day!

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

Well, I knew it would be close yesterday.  I was waiting with great anticipation for the night to come and to finally know the outcome.  I knew it would be big and it was!  I also knew it would be close!  It was.  Yes!  The CFP committee put Alabama in the top twelve teams! Whew!  That was truly close!

Visited with Chelsea Staup’s father yesterday.  He “may” be discharged from the hospital today.  I was unaware that he actually went to the hospital on Friday night.  He had surgery on Monday and is now on the road to recovery.  Pray for him!

Visited with Darrell & Betty McMann yesterday.  No significant change in Betty’s situation but she is declining.

I spoke to Mike Parker regarding Carla.  She is doing well in her recovery from surgery.  Just working with the doctors now to map out a plan for the next phase of battling this malignancy.  Keep praying!

Miss Dottie Clark is not getting better physically.  Join me and hundreds of others in praying for her.  Pray for Dr. Mike too.

Tried to reach Stacey & Gayla via the phone but was not successful.  Just keep praying.

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.  I can tell you that we will take some time praying with thanksgiving!  I am grateful!

If you agreed to sponsor a young lady in Guatemala for her fifteenth birthday or to buy shoes for a student(s) at Colegio JET then now is the time to get those funds in.  Questions?  Contact Daphne Hutto or Heidi Butler as they have the answers.  If you did not agree to help but now want to – awesome!  Just talk to Daphne or Heidi.

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