Pastor's Blog

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 9-10

Today is the day – “HOPE Sunday 2016!”  I am prayerfully expecting God to do some amazing things in our hearts today.  It will begin with a message from Jim Chinners and will end with one from Pastor Roy Crouch. There will be some good testimonies/thoughts in between those messages as well.   My prayer is that the members of the Friendship family and guests will come with expectant hearts.  Pray without ceasing!

Our plan is to begin the 10:30AM service a few minutes early.  If you cannot get into the auditorium until 10:30AM, come on in!  There will be some reserved seating for the families of our speakers and others battling cancer who asked for seating space.  We will have room for everyone even if that means having folks sit in the choir area during the service.

My prayer is also that the Friendship family will be faithful to attend the evening service which begins at 6:00PM.  It will be nice finale to a wonderful day.

Thank you to each person who has helped in any way to make this Sunday special.  Our hope is in Jesus and may He be honored today in all that we do and say.  To God be the glory!

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 13; Luke 8

Since I was off yesterday, I do not have any new updates on the folks in the hospital.  I do know that Carla Kyser will see her doctor today.  The assumption is that she will be given another type of chemo.  If my understanding is correct, this is a chemo used on Carla some years ago.  Will you join me in praying for a miracle?

The expectation for our Hope Sunday seems to be growing.  People are contacting me either in person or by other means to let me know of their anticipation of this Sunday.  Folks, pray and then attend the services with expectation.

I spoke to Pastor Roy Crouch late yesterday afternoon and he and his family are looking forward to being in our evening service this Sunday.  I have never heard Pastor Roy preach but I believe that is going to be a special service.  Jennifer Brown will sing the call to worship and Randall Broome will sing the special right before the message.

I am not a huge baseball fan.  However, I am a big Bobby Henley fan.  Bobby is the third base coach for the Washington Nationals.  I have always liked the Dodgers.  I was disappointed for Bobby last night when the Dodgers won the series.  It will be good to have Bobby back in our services but I would have just as soon waited until November once the Nationals had won it all!

In the meanwhile, Pastor Wes Bates is “praying” for the Cubs to make it to the World Series while Pastor Jack Bailey is “praying” likewise for the Indians to do the same.  Sorry Pastor Wes but I have to pull for the Dodgers now but I do believe the Cubs will win the National League pennant and the World Series this year.

Nanette Fontenot is pretty mad that I am not going on vacation with Scott and her.  She called last night and wanted to know if I would come over and pray for them before they left on their trip.  I asked, “is Scott home?” to which she replied, “no, but why does that matter?”  I declined.  As you can figure, she is even more mad now!  Says she should have never dated me or proposed to me!

We have a church in Missouri that is giving strong consideration to taking a week in 2017 to use the L.G. Camp, Jr mission house as a base for their ministry.  How about that?  If it happens, this will be the first team from Missouri to ever use the mission house.  Good stuff!

My vacation day was productive.  Lisa had a list of things for me to do which included buying groceries last night instead of this morning.  You talk about a crowded store!  Oh well, at least that chore is done.  We have company coming this weekend so I have to spend today getting the yard in tip top shape or Lisa will be screaming at me!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 12:22-50

Sharon Jardee was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  I know she is a happy camper!  She still has a long ways to go so keep praying.

Bro. Jerry visited with Nancy’s mother yesterday and he reported that she was not having a good day so keep praying for her too.

Courtney Cavin’s dad, Calvin Crist, is in the hospital.

We had a pretty nice turnout for our senior adults breakfast yesterday morning.  Ronnie Calvert, Grand Bay native and independent missionary to Ecuador, came and shared about the ministry God has given him there.  It was really good to see Ronnie and to hear what God is doing in his life.

Our services yesterday/last night went well.  I am told that Randall Broome did a nice job bringing the devotional in choir practice and that the number there was up.  I continue to be grateful to Jeanette, Randall, Brad, Tena, the praise band, the choir and any others who are helping lead our musical worship.  We give God the glory.

As I was got out of my car at church last night, Nanette Fontenot was standing there waiting on me.  Wow!  She asked me to walk her into the building as she needed to talk to me.  Said she and Scott are leaving for vacation tomorrow and will be gone for over a week.  Wanted to know if I would go with them?  I replied, “Lisa has to work” to which she replied, “did I say anything about Lisa going with us?”  Oh my!

I am using a vacation today as I have some personal matters to which I need to attend.  Bro. Jerry will be in the office and I will be local in the event of an emergency.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 11

Calling all of our senior adults to join us for the monthly meal this morning beginning at 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  The food will be great as it will be prepared by Sherry Schlehuber, the fellowship will be even greater and we will have a very special guest.  We will move from the fellowship hall into the auditorium for the morning service.  Senior adults, come and bring someone with you.

Sharon Jardee was doing good when I visited her yesterday.  As a matter of fact, she was almost positive she will be discharged from the hospital today.

Pastor Royce Dubose, 1st Baptist Grand Bay, had knee replacement surgery on Monday.  I visited him yesterday and he was doing well.  He is in a room next door to Sharon.

Carla Kyser got the results from her latest scans yesterday.  They were not good.  She sees her doctor again this Friday, 10/14, to discuss/decide the next option.  Medically speaking, the options are getting fewer and fewer.  Carla certainly needs our prayer support in a huge way.  She is a sweetheart!  (Of course, I am chewing on her for leaving me to handle all of this Hope Sunday stuff!  Cutting her no slack!)

Two other prayer needs that I cannot publish at this time.  One is someone in the hospital and the other is someone dealing with a major health issue.  I visited the one in the hospital yesterday and talked to the other one about their situation.  God knows so just pray!

Had lunch with Ronnie Calvert yesterday.  Ronnie is a long time friend but I have not seen him in probably twenty five years (close friends).  He is a missionary in Ecuador.  It was really great seeing him and having fellowship.  Amazingly, Ronnie was a major mentor in Jonny Gaston’s life.  It is a small world after all (that tune just popped into your head and now you cannot get it out)!

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  The fare for the 7:30PM Bible study will be tube steaks and the trimmings.

Ben Mast, son of Mark & Tina Mast, ran in the Chicago marathon this past Sunday.  He finished in the top nineteen percent of the 38,000 participants and was thirty second in his age group.  This was his first marathon and his time was 3:43:55.  Congratulations Ben!

I want to say a huge “thank you” to our deacons for doing great ministry in my absence last week.  They were led by chairman Jeff Holifield and did a great job of ministering to those in need.  I am very grateful for such a good group of men!

Also thankful to our Buildings & Grounds team for handling the replacing of the air conditioner in the building used by our adults for Sunday School.  John Milton Ladnier led this effort and they did a nice job of getting this taken care of in a timely fashion.

Special thanks to Steve Morris who has been the ring leader in keeping the front section of the back forty mowed.  Looking good!

We are coming up on the third Saturday in October.  Need I say more!  Pee Wee and I discussed this matter yesterday!

I am writing this entry shortly before 2:00AM.  Just walked outside for a minute or two and it feels absolutely amazing!  Thank you Lord!

Does anyone really believe that a person running for the presidency of the United States would step aside at this point and allow their running mate to be the candidate?  Folks, check the party platforms before you vote in November.

HOPE Sunday this Sunday, 10/16.  I went last night and listened to the praise band rehearse “I Will Trust In You” and “In The Eye of the Storm” and they did extremely well!  Adrianna is Lauren Daigle the second!

BTW, the major concert is taking place this Friday night, 10/14, in the Bayou La Batre Community Center beginning at 7:00PM.  7eventh Time Down and Audio Adrenaline are the headliners.  Cost is fifteen dollars and tickets can be purchased at the door.

This entry is too long.  My apologies.  I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7

Nancy West’s mother was completely out when I visited with her yesterday so I simply left a card.  Of course, since I am not family the nurses cannot give any medical updates.

Had a really nice visit with Sharon Jardee.  She is much improved and is “thinking” she may go home in a few days (her thoughts not the doctor’s).

It seemed to me as a non-medical person that Charles Suthoff was not doing as good as he was when I visited him two weeks ago.  He was on oxygen and was a bit slow in his responses to my questions.

Had a nice visit with Mary Owens.  She was feeling better than she has in some time now.

I want to remind all of our senior adults of the breakfast fellowship in the morning beginning at 9:00AM.  This will take place in the fellowship hall.  It is really a neat deal – have great fellowship, get a really good breakfast and then go into the auditorium for your morning nap while I teach the Bible study!  You will walk out at 11:00AM full and refreshed!

We are on a regular schedule for tomorrow morning and evening.

HOPE Sunday takes place this Sunday, 10/16, in all three of our services.  It is going to be an awesome day!  Pray and attend!

Speaking of our HOPE Sunday – Carla K is the point person on this Sunday but she has dumped all of this responsibility on me – what is up with that?  I have not seen or heard from her since like May 4th!  Carla, hello!

I sure hope Nanette Fontenot had a great day yesterday!  She tells me that she has pictures of us when we were dating (1979) that she took with her iPhone!  Are you serious?

This weather is nice!  Yes, it seems we could use some rain but God knows what He is doing and we trust Him.  Personally, about twenty degrees lower each day/night would be perfect for me but I am very grateful for the hint of Fall that is in the air.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 5-7

Tuesday, October 11 – Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7
Wednesday, October 12 – Matthew 11
Thursday, October 13 – Matthew 12:22-50
Friday, October 14 – Matthew 13; Luke 8
Saturday, October 15 – Matthew 8:14-34; Mark 4-5
Sunday, October 16 – Matthew 9-10

I know, I know, I know!  There was no blog entry last Thursday, Friday, Saturday or yesterday.  I will not bore you with the “why” but will simply say “I apologize” and move on.  (BTW, my wife and oldest two daughters were out of state Friday – Sunday leading a women’s conference.  Lisa basically “chewed” me out last night on her way home because of no blog entries.  Thus the entry this morning!)

Nancy West’s mother had surgery yesterday morning after taking a fall on Saturday.  Surgery was successful and she will be in the hospital for a couple of days before moving to the rehab floor.

Sharon Jardee remains hospitalized.  However, she has been moved out of ICU and into a regular room.  I will be visiting the hospitals this morning, Lord willing, and will note any changes in tomorrow’s entry.

Reb Nevin had to miss our services yesterday and may be out for another Sunday or two because of some health issues.

Maria Wainwright tells me that her mother had a good day this past Saturday.  Keep praying for Mrs. Hamilton.

Prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Please enter/exit using the West side door.  Let’s have a strong showing tonight for this most important part of our church life.

GROW visitation tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  Meet in the church office.

Calling all of our senior adults – breakfast fellowship this Wednesday, 10/12, in the fellowship hall from 9:00AM until 10:00AM.  We have changed days of the week in order to make it easier on you as our morning service will begin at 10:00AM.  Sherry Schlehuber will once again be our chef and the meal will be great.  The fellowship will be even greater!  Join us and bring a guest!

Our annual “Hope Sunday” takes place this Sunday, 10/16, with a special emphasis in all three of our services.  Special guest speaker in the 8:00AM service (father of a cancer survivor), special speakers in the 10:30AM service along with special music and a special speaker (out of town/state pastor) in the evening service with special music.  Folks, you do not want to miss this one!

Remember, if you are a survivor of cancer and want to be recognized in our 10:30AM service then you need to contact me by this Wednesday, 10/12, please.  We do not want to knowingly miss anyone.

Quick recap – the pastors’ conference in El Salvador was, in my opinion, the best of the six we have hosted.  There were one hundred and thirty or so pastors/workers in attendance with about thirty of those being from Honduras.  The new location was wonderful!  Many thanks to Pastors B.R. Johnson (Wetumpka, AL), Keith Martin (Kennedy, AL), Terry Nappier (Hartselle, AL) and Tico Vargas (Guatemala).  Also, many thanks to those who supported this conference through prayers and finances – what a blessing!

Ok, confession is good for the soul.  You want the “real” reason for no blog entries over the past four days?  Nanette Fontenot contacted me last week and was furious that I have not mentioned her or any of her family members in the blog for several weeks.  She says that when we were dating back in 1979 I made a promise to her that if I ever had a blog she would always get mentioned.  (Hint, Al had not even invented the internet at that time!)  What did she say to me?  You do not even want to know!  (Plus, this is a family friendly blog)  I do know that her daughter, Korie, has quit attending our Sunday School class – is this the reason?

By the way, I have been predicting the outcome of the college football games but just not publishing them.  I am setting at 94% for the season.  Or is it 49%?  Cannot remember right now!

This entry has been way too long.  In closing just let me say what a wonderful person Nanette Fontenot is! (Pray for Scott!)

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 4; Luke 4-5; John 1:15-51

Prayer request per Bro. Jerry Hovel via e-mail last night – “Sharon Jardee will have emergency surgery on her neck tomorrow at sometime as yet to be determined.  The last time she was taken to the doctors, her neck was injured in the transporting process.  She saw her doctor today and an X-ray was taken and surgery was deem to be urgent.”

Regular schedule today/tonight.  Bro. Jerry Hovel will be preaching in the 10:00AM and 6:30PM services.

All is well in El Salvador.  We will finish the conference today at noon and then travel home tomorrow.  Thank you for your prayers.

Sorry for the lateness of this post.  I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading –  Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3

Good morning (afternoon?) from the mountains in El Salvador.  What an absolutely beautiful and cool morning.  God is good!

The team from the States (Pastor B.R. Johnson, Pastor Keith Martin and Pastor Terry Nappier) all arrived here safe and sound around 4:00PM yesterday afternoon.  Dr. Tico Vargas had arrived a bit earlier as he had driven down from Guatemala.  There was an afternoon session in which Dr. Tico preached.  Supper was served (tamales) and then there was an evening service.  The preaching in the evening service was probably about as poor as it gets!  Today will be a full day of preaching, break out sessions, et cetera.

Thinking/praying for the folks in Haiti this morning as Hurricane Matthew makes landfall there.  Major storm to a very poor country.  Praying for lives to be spared.

Bro. Jerry Hovel and the deacons are covering any ministry needs in my absence.

It just dawned on me that I totally forgot to get anyone to be in charge of the prayer time last night!  How dumb is that!  My apologies to anyone who showed up!

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

Happy 20th birthday to Dana & Gina!  Wow!  I hope their day is great!  We are blessed to have them as our daughters.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Saturday, October 1 – Luke 1; John 1:1-14
Sunday, October 2 – Matthew 1; Luke 2:1-38

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 2; Luke 2:39-52

Tuesday, October 4 – Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3
Wednesday, October 5 – Matthrew 4; Luke 4-5; John 1:15-51
Thursday, October 6 – John 2-4
Friday, October 7 – Mark 2
Saturday, October 8 – John 5
Sunday, October 9 – Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 3; Luke 6

Good morning from the Mobile airport.  I am headed to El Salvador for the annual pastors’ conference which begins this afternoon.  I hope to add to this entry later.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Malachi 1-4

One of Caroline Ford’s sons, Bradley Cumbie, is in the hospital battling a staph infection.  Pray that the antibiotics are effective.

Sherry Schlehuber has a couple, Paul & Irene, from Oklahoma who are long time friends.  Irene is now on life support and is not expected to live.  Sherry asked us to pray for them.

Maria and her family will once again be spending the weekend with her mother.  Pray for Mrs. Hamilton.

Carl Ray Moulds has a friend, James, to whom he has been ministering.  James is battling cancer and has other issues too.  Pray for him.

I have prayed for Greg Boutwell this morning as he continues to have problems with his legs/feet.  He is basically homebound.  Would you join me in praying for Greg?

Men’s breakfast in the morning (Saturday) from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  All men are invited to attend.

FYI – our Hope Sunday (10/16) is coming together very nicely!  I appreciate all of the help Carla Kyser is giving to this special day.  BTW, if you are a cancer survivor and would like a) to be recognized in that service, or b) have reserved seating for you family and friends, please contact Carla or me no later than Sunday, October 9.  This will allow us to make proper plans.  We certainly do not want to overlook anyone in this most important area.

It is around 3:00AM as I type this entry.  Walked outside a few minutes ago and it felt awesome!  The temperature is either 57 or 58 (depends on your source) and it feels a bit like Fall.  The humidity is supposed to be pretty low tonight and tomorrow.  I thank the Lord for this blessing!

During the lunch hour yesterday I was able to attend “grandparents day” at Breitling Elementary.  Translated, “grandparents day” means book fair which means give your grandchildren money to buy books!  What ever happened to “grandparents day” being simply sharing a meal at school with your grandchildren?  I have contacted the AG’s office about this matter!

Logan Wainwright is like the best small engine mechanic in the world!  Just saying!

Was able to jump on the mower after I got off work (waiting for the laughter to die down) yesterday afternoon and get a head start on the grass cutting.  Of course, Charles was outside and basically demanded that I mow his yard first which I did.  Lord willing, today will see me working in the yard all day today before heading toward Tuscaloosa.

We are on a regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.

Lord willing, I will be out of town in the morning so I am not sure if I will post an entry or not.  Just FYI in case there is not an entry.

I am going out on a limb and picking Louisville to beat Clemson tomorrow night.  (Please do not tell Pastor Terry Rainey about this pick!)  I hope I am wrong as I like Coach Dabo.  I am also picking Bama to beat UK if they have any players left!  Pee Wee is already in Tuscaloosa and may have to suit up!

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