Pastor's Blog

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Joshua 4-6; Luke 1:1-20

Tuesday, March 21 – Joshua 7-9; Luke 1:21-38
Wednesday, March 22 – Joshua 10-12; Luke 1:39-56
Thursday, March 23 – Joshua 13-15; Luke 1:57-80
Friday, March 24 – Joshua 16-18; Luke 2:1-24
Saturday, March 25 – Joshua 19-21; Luke 2:25-52
Sunday, March 26 – Joshua 22-24; Luke 3

We were blessed with a really good Sunday in our services.  What a joy to see two men come forward during the 10:30AM service to accept Jesus as their personal Savior.  We give God the glory!

Our evening service was once again well attended.  Chapter four was the toughest one for me to preach but I think God honored it.  Thank you for the prayers.

Betty McMann is scheduled to have surgery this afternoon.  Pray that all goes well.

Richard Glass is in the hospital with a heart condition.  Lisa told me that he is in CCU.  Not sure of all that is going on but do ask you to pray for Richard.

Lisa and I are sitting in the Gulfport, MS airport waiting to catch a flight to Guatemala via Atlanta.  I have been summons by the “IRS” equivalent in Guatemala to come down to take care of some legal matters i.e. sign papers.  Tico Vargas has been a huge help in these matters.  Our plans are to work in some ministry opportunities as well we are on GRACE Mountain.

The good news is that I have my laptop.  The not so good news is that somebody forgot to bring the charger.  Folks, you cannot fix stupid!  So, I will blog each day until my laptop dies.  Sorry about that!

If you heard a scream late last night that was me celebrating Duke’s loss in the tourney (sorry Zach).  Just not a Duke fan.  Why not?  Did not really know.  Joe David Bailey had told me that MTSU could take Butler down.  Last time I am listening to him for picking advice!

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

Just came from the auditorium (5:30AM) and there is not water in that building.  So, unless there is something I do not know or Larry has a trick up his sleeve we will be without restroom facilities in that building only today.  Again, there is water to every other building on our campus.  

Please note – there is NO water in the auditorium.  Pass the word!

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Joshua 1-3; Mark 16

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”  (Psalm 122:1).  The Psalmist David expressed what I pray that each member of the Friendship family feels this morning and tonight!  I am glad to be able to go to church today – morning and evening!  Are you?  Will you join me and my family in Bible study and worship today?

I personally did not check the water supply in the auditorium yesterday but I did see where Larry Crawley and crew had implemented “Plan B” so I am assuming all is well.  I really appreciate the many hours Larry has given to correcting this problem this past week.  If you see him in the services today, why not express a word of thanks to him?

The Lord blessed me with a good Saturday.  Lisa and I met Rusty & Anna for breakfast (they asked what time and I said early and they set the time for 9:00AM – this younger generation!).  I was then able to make a couple of visits and then did something that I really like to do – rode a weed eater and a mower from early afternoon until almost dark thirty.  What a beautiful day weather wise we had yesterday.  God is good!

Soy is doing a very nice job of adding two hundred and forty square feet to my chicken coop.  He is “slow as Christmas” but mama always told me that “beggars cannot be choosy!”  (That will be in today’s morning message).  Once the addition is complete then I will be adding more birds to the flock.

Did catch some of the tourney yesterday/last night.  The Purdue/Iowa State game was a good one.  I think I had picked Wisconsin over Villanova – let me check on that!  I as sticking with UNC to win it all with Gonzaga being my second choice.

I pray that you will have a great Sunday with Jesus.  Go to church!

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47

Praise the Lord the Friendship family is presently  “hospital free” as far as I know.  It can come in waves but this is the first time in a few weeks that we have been without anyone in the hospital.

We are on a regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  We will be in chapter four during our evening service.  Looking at another miracle in our two morning services.  My prayer is that we will have a really strong attendance in each of our services.

Larry Crawley left me a message yesterday morning saying they were moving to “Plan B” on getting water to the auditorium.  I did not go by there last night to see if it worked.  However, I have full confidence in Larry “McGyver” Crawley to get it done!

We are on for SNBA tomorrow night immediately following the evening service.  Obviously, church attendance is a must.  Johnny Five and Bradley Phillips have been scared away because they have not been getting on my team.  Even deacon TJ got scared away last Sunday night.

It looks like today is going to be a beautiful day.  Enjoy it.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15:1-25

Lisa Thompson was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  That was a bit unexpected.  I visited her late morning and she had not seen a doctor but was in hopes she would get discharged today.  So, I know she is a happy camper.  Keep praying!

Courtney Hubbard will have a scan today and then get the results on Monday.  Pray.

Did not talk to Phil Sims about Darron yesterday.  Just keep praying.

Maria Wainwright’s mother is holding her own.  She and her daughters are supposed to leave tomorrow going on a cruise.  Pray that she makes it for the entirety of that trip.

Pastor Terry Rainey continues to struggle in his recovery.  Two new blood clots were discovered.  It appears he will need an additional surgery on his knee.  He is discouraged.  Pray for Pastor Terry.

Keep praying for Becky Sellers.  It is my understanding that she has good days and not so good days.

Four down and one to go!  Larry and crew got water into the fellowship hall yesterday but when I went up last night to check the auditorium there was no water.  I will contact Larry today to see what is happening.  They have done really well in working us in their busy schedule.  As it presently stands, the auditorium is the only building without water.

Regular schedule Sunday morning and evening.  SNBA following the evening service.

PT tells me that we now have over one hundred soccer participants.  We need favor in securing a place to play the games.  I have asked some folks to help us secure that favor.  Pray that happens, please.

My schedule had to be adjusted a bit yesterday so I did not get back to the house until mid-afternoon.  However, I did catch some of the tourney games then and more last night.  It was a bit disappointing to only see two lower seeds win in the sixteen games.  MTSU looked pretty good.  Will they beat Butler?  I am going to say they will although I have not seen Butler play this year.

Soy built the chicken coop that I presently use.  He began yesterday adding an addition that will allow me to get more chickens and will allow the chickens more space to roam.  Really cannot let them free range because of hawks and owls.

Lisa has demanded that I make a “Walmark” run early this morning as I missed last week due to being out of town.  I then need to be outside working in the yard.  We shall see.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72

I was wrong!  Imagine that!  (Have you noticed that I am pretty good at making mistakes?).  Lisa Thompson was not discharged from the hospital yesterday.  The plan is to discharge her tomorrow.  It is my understanding that she will be using oxygen once she comes home.  Keep praying for Lisa.

Miss Vinnie told me yesterday morning that Oscar was being discharged from the rehab facility.  In my opinion, he still has a ways to go being the PT that I am!  Pray for Bro. Oscar!

Phil’s son-in-law, Darron, has been discharged from the hospital (happened on Tuesday afternoon) but has to remain in Denver for the time being.  I so should have gone out there for his surgery as I could have stayed at one of the ski resorts!  Yes, it would have been a sacrifice on my part but I could have suffered through it!

We survived the “no water” situation at church yesterday.  I appreciate everyone being so understanding and cooperative.  Pray that Larry Crawley and the guys can find the “missing” connection today.

Good day/night in our services yesterday.  I thank God for His blessings and I appreciate the faithfulness of the Friendship family.

I am loving this cool weather!  May not be exactly what my garden needs but it is all good as God knows what He is doing!  The warmer stuff is on the way!

I will visit Lisa today and then make a couple of other visits.  I “may” then find myself at home “studying” as the first round of the NCAA takes place beginning around 11:00AM.  Just saying!  I can multitask!

Nanette Brooks Fontenot is upset with me again – imagine that!  What did I do this time?  She says she is related to the Wittners and thinks I should taken her to the visitation on Tuesday night.  Says we could have gone to the truck stop for supper on the way home which is where we used to go on our dates!  I told her that I did not remember taking her to the truck stop and she went off on me – wow!  By the way, I am not real sure she is kin to the Wittners!

I have not kept up with college basketball this season but I am going to take North Carolina to win it all!  Gonzaga is going to be my second choice.  David French has Michigan in the final four – I think he has lost his mind!  Wait, he lost his mind when he accepted Kim’s marriage proposal!

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

There is no water in the auditorium or fellowship hall today/tonight.  Please do not use the restrooms in either of those two buildings!  We are having our services, classes, Bible studies, et cetera as normal.  Just having to deal with this one glitch.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53

Very important notice for the members of the Friendship family – there will be NO WATER in the fellowship hall or auditorium today/tonight, 3/15.  We have a leak under the parking lot asphalt.  Larry Crawley and his employees literally worked until dark yesterday trying to correct this problem.  They were able to get water to the youth building and the CAB.  So, please do not use the rest room facilities in the fellowship hall or auditorium today/tonight!

Chief chef Jeff Holifield and his trusted sidekick, Cousin Bob Evans, will be cooking breakfast for our senior adults this morning.  We will eat at 9:15AM either in the fellowship hall or CAB.  All senior adults are invited to join us for this meal.

Our 7:30PM Bible study group is to meet at Sam’s Super Burger tonight at 7:45PM where you will be treated to supper.  After you finish at Sam’s, you will come to our house for Bible study.

The celebration of life service for Norman Wittner will take place today at 2:00PM from the chapel of Radney’s Funeral Home on Dauphin Street in Mobile.  I will be preaching that service.  Pray for the family.

Lisa Thompson is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today.  She looked and seemed really good whenever Dale & I visited her yesterday.

I will get updates from everyone else in this morning’s and tonight’s services.

Jeff Holifield did an Emmett Clark and repaired the folding machine yesterday.  Works like a charm!  I appreciate his efforts and expertise.  Saved the church family over one thousand dollars!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 22-24; Mark 14:1-26

Phil Sims’ son-in-law, Darron, remains in a Denver hospital but is more than ready to be discharged and come home.  He is doing really good.  Keep praying for him.

Lisa Thompson remains in the hospital.  I will find out this morning if she is being discharged.  If not, I will visit with her early afternoon.

Tim Knighten saw an ENT doctor yesterday.  He immediately put him on a medicine as Tim’s throat was not good.  Doctor said it could have gotten very serious in a hurry!  Pray for healing in Tim’s body!

Still praying for Maria Wainwright’s mother in her battle against cancer.

Still praying for Becky Sellers in her battle against cancer too.

Dale Bosarge, Bryan Drake and I will be going over to 1st Baptist Fairhope later this morning to minister to their senior adults.  Looking forward to the opportunity.  Dale will lead in silent prayer, Bryan will entertain and I will put them to sleep!  Good combination!

All of our senior adults are asked to join us in the morning (Wednesday, 3/15) for food and fellowship.  We will meet at 9:15AM in the fellowship hall for breakfast which will be cooked by lead chef Deacon Jeff Holifield and Cousin Bob Evans.  We will eat, fellowship and then move into the auditorium for the service.  Obviously, if you attend the breakfast then you are expected to stay for the service.  If you cannot attend the meal, we would still love to have you in the service at 10:00AM.

Our study on Sunday nights is going well.  There are nine books left on the center front pew in the auditorium.  If you do not have one already, please take one and come join us on Sunday nights.

Special thanks to Jeanette Bates, Randall Broome, Tena Hovel and Brad Hutto for giving of their time last time to meet and discuss/plan our music ministry.  These folks along with our choir and others are doing a really nice job of leading this ministry.  I told them last night that if I were giving letter grades then I would give them an “A” but I was not totally honest.  I would most likely give them an “A+” but I did not want them to get the big head so an “A” it is!

PT tells me that our soccer registration is at ninety eight.  I told him to find at least two more participants.  Time to register is almost up.  Want to register a child?  Call today!  (It is odd that when Soy was the director he could not involve this many folks?  Just saying!)

Jeff Holifield will be the chief chef in the morning but yesterday he was the chief repairman.  He has basically taken the folding machine apart in the court house and will put it back together today.  Goober has nothing on Jeff!  I appreciate his help!

Regular schedule tomorrow morning (with breakfast included) and evening.  BTW, there will be a different “twist” to our 7:30PM Bible study meal – details in tomorrow’s blog.

I mention the need for an IT person yesterday.  The response so far has been underwhelming – zero!  (I am in hopes Dr. Jack Bailey will read today’s blog entry and respond.  He now has the time to help as he is retired.)

Will Reynolds is on vacation this week.  He is a tremendous handy man aka Emmett Clark on TAGS!  So, if you have any projects needing done this week just contact Will and I am sure he will be at your disposal.

I remind the Friendship family that Bro. Jerry Hovel is on vacation this week.  Translated – he is off limits to be contacted.

Hey Nanette Brooks Fontenot!

BTW, the name is Courtney Poiroux!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 19-21; Mark 13:21-37
Tuesday, March 14 – Deuteronomy 22-24; Mark 14:1-26
Wednesday, March 15 – Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53
Thursday, March 16 – Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72
Friday, March 17 – Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15:1-25
Saturday, March 18 – Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47
Sunday, March 19 – Joshua 1-3; Mark 16

This entry is way late – you think?  Long story so I will not burden you with the details.  I will just say “I am sorry” for being tardy.

First, I learned a long time ago that you cannot fix stupid!  I was thrilled to see four folks follow Jesus in believers’ baptism last night.    I was quickly deflated when I realized (was told) that I baptized Courtney Poiroux as Courtland Poiroux!  To be honest, it caused me to have a restless night and has been on my mind basically continually since last night.  I really do try to do good with names and did know it is Madison & Courtney.  For whatever reason my mind was stuck on Courtland – is that stupid of me or what?  Over thirty years ago I baptized a married lady and called her by her maiden name even though I never knew her prior to her marriage.  I am just now getting past that major mistake!  I talked to Courtney and her parents, Jerry & Sharon, after the service and they were way more than gracious!  Courtney said she knew it but just did not want to correct me.  Pretty mature for a fifteen year old young lady.  So, I now offer a public apology to Courtney.  Wish I could fix it but I cannot go back and change things.  Thank you Courtney, Jerry & Sharon for being so kind and understanding!  For the record, I did tell Courtney that when she gets to Heaven she may have to check in as “Courtland” instead of Courtney.

Otherwise, what an awesome Sunday!  Our Sunday night attendance was amazing!  The best attendance we have had on a Sunday night in some while.  Glory to God and thank you Friendship family for being so faithful!  I have heard nothing but good regarding the use of TAGS in that service.  Dr. Rex and Pastor Bob would be proud!

Bro. Jerry Hovel is on vacation until next Monday, 3/20.  Please respect his time away and do not contact him.  I have a policy of not contacting staff members on their time off and I ask you to do the same.

No GROW visitation tonight.

Prayer time from 5:00 – 7:00PM tonight.  I hope many folks can join us.

Lisa Thompson is in the hospital.  It is “possible” she could be discharged either this afternoon or tomorrow.  Depends on some test results as I understand it.  Pray for Lisa.

Our soccer registration went crazy good this past Saturday.  It appears that we are going to have around one hundred children involved in these leagues.  If so, this will be the largest number yet and I anticipate it will continue to grow.  Phillip Turner tells me that we need more coaches.  Interested?  Contact Phillip.

Our SNBA went well last night.  We had some of the high school boys show up.  I basically drove the bus all night!  Took Grant Collier to school repeatedly!

Elizabeth Westbrook tells me that all Arby’s restaurants play contemporary Christian music.  I was totally unaware of that fact.

I am looking for an IT person.  Any takers?

I pray that you will have a great rest of your Monday.