Pastor's Blog

One of Larry Whitehurst’s brothers, Jerry, passed from this life on Sunday morning.  I failed to contact Larry yesterday to see if arrangements have been made.  I have not seen anything online.  Pray for Larry and his family during this time of loss.

No services or activities on our campus today or tonight.  However, the church office is open from 8:00AM until noon and then from 1:00PM until 4:00PM.

This Sunday, 12/31, will see us only have one worship service which will begin at 10:00AM.  No Sunday School and no evening service.

Bro. Dylan will host a fellowship for our students this Sunday, 12/31, from 5:00PM until 6:30PM in the CAB.  All students, 6th – 12th, are invited to attend.

The weather forecasters are calling for low temps in Grand Bay of thirty-eight, thirty-three, thirty-three and thirty-six for the next four nights.  That is a bit chilly for us but it is great!  I am looking forward to it.

FYI, Brad did not know Peg McKamey.  What a shame!  Andy Hamil will need to give him a lecture this Sunday!

Day one of the dog less time went well.  Good stuff!

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

First, my family (Lisa, Deidra and Daphne) are very grateful for the numerous messages we received yesterday.  I cannot speak for Lisa and Daphne but I can say that Deidra and I had our electronic devices turned off.  So, we did not reply to the numerous messages but please know that we are very thankful for each and every one of them.

Second, the best Christmas present we received arrived around 7:00PM Christmas night.  The dog has proverbially “flown the coop!”  I am not a Facebook fan but right now I am saying “thank God for FB!”  Lindsey Vice made one post and the rest is history!  Honestly, I am thrilled that he has found a good home and a couple who will love him, play with him, et cetera.  It is all good!  (Gina made the exchange in front of Bill & Debbie Kendrick’s house just in case they decide to return the dog!)

Third, there will be no services/classes/activities on our campus tomorrow, Wednesday, 12/27.

Fourth, this Sunday, 12/31, will see us have one service for the entire day.  That service will begin at 10:00AM.

Fifth, Bro. Dylan will host a fellowship for our students this Sunday, 12/27, from 5:00PM until 6:30PM.  All students, 6th – 12th, are invited and encouraged to attend.  This fellowship will take place in the CAB.  Games, food and fun!  Pass the word!

Sixth, pray for Deidra, Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey as they will travel back to Guatemala on Monday, 1/1/24.  Yes, I will travel with them but I will return on 1/11.  Pray for Deidra and the girls as they transition back to Guatemala and the ministry God has for them there.

Finally, just received word from Kayla Hatcher that Peg McKamey passed from this life earlier today.  If you have to ask, who is that then never mind!  Ask Andy Hamil the next time you see him!

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

A note to all Baptist readers of the blog – the weather forecasters are calling for rain all day tomorrow (Sunday).  That is the bad news as rain drops and Baptist do not tend to mix.  The good news is that we will be meeting inside so one should not get wet during our classes, services, et cetera.

So, just pretend that you are going to attend an outside sporting event, going shopping, going out to eat, and even are going to pay admission to get in to said event.  Or, just attend the services because Jesus loves you, gave His life for you and because you love Him.

Pastor Clint & Suzanne Landry’s daughter, Maggie, is recovering amazingly well from her surgery.  An answer to prayer.  Keep praying for Maggie.

Larry Whithurst’s brother is not doing well as he is on a ventilator.  Pray for Larry’s brother.

Pray for Rhonda Johnson as she prepares to begin her radiation treatments on Tuesday.

Jason Husband does not yet have a schedule for his radiation treatments.  Keep praying!

Pray for those families who are experiencing their first Christmas without a family member, friend, neighbor, et cetera.

I am praying for a record attendance for our 5:00PM service tomorrow in spite of the weather forecast.  Each person who is going to be on the platform during that service is asked to be present no later that 4:45PM (even a bit earlier will be best).  Attire is Sunday best!  We will be dismissed no later than 6:00PM.

Let’s begin Christmas Eve with a great spirit and number in Sunday School (9:00AM) and the 10:00AM service.  I have a gift for the church family.  I am thinking most folks will like it but there may be one or two upset folks.  We shall see.

The church office will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  Just FYI.

Friendship family, I hope to see you in the morning!  O come let us adore Him!

P.S. – Eddie Albritton is shopping today.  Are you serious!  Personally, I prefer the day before but Christmas Eve being on Sunday makes it more difficult.  Eddie, my shirt size is large!  Just saying!

Rhonda Johnson is from South Carolina and is an active supporter/participant of GRACE Ministries.  A couple of years ago her husband, Perry, was fatally shot while on his job with the telephone company (house call).  A couple of months ago Rhonda was diagnosed with colon cancer which caused her to not be able to take part in the December mission trip.  She will begin radiation this Tuesday, 12/26, followed by chemotherapy treatments.  Pray for Rhonda and her family.

Speaking of radiation, no schedule has yet been set for Jason Husband.  Keep praying for Jason.

My prayers and thoughts have been on Christmas Eve Sunday!  Sunday School begins at 9:00AM followed by worship at 10:00AM.  We will focus on the gifts given to us by Jesus during that service.  Brad & Jeanette will sing “He Gave The Greatest Gift” as a part of our worship.  (I love that song!)  I plan on giving the church a gift too!

Our Christmas Eve service from 5:00PM until 6:00PM is going to be amazing!  We have nine or ten children/youth taking part in that service by singing and/or reading the Christmas story.  A trio consisting of Brad, Jeanette and Ian will sing “We Have Seen The Light” which is also one of my favorites.  I have asked Brad to sing the verses to “Come On Ring Those Bells” which just add to that song in a great way.  Bro. Abel will lead us in partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

So, what could possibly keep members of the Friendship family who are in town from attending these services?  As a follower of Jesus, is there a better place to spend part of your Christmas Eve than in corporate worship with your family?  Personally, I think not.  I am encouraging each member/attender of the Friendship family to make attendance this Sunday an absolute priority.  Pray, invite others to join you and then join us for worship!  “Jesus, we remember this Your birthday!”

Shopping tip from me – you never have to worry about J Jill running out of gift cards even if it is Christmas Eve!  Just saying!

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

Maggie Landry’s surgery was a success!  As a matter of fact, the surgeon did not have to break her chin.  The procedure did not take as long as originally planned.  Maggie was discharged this morning and is presently in the doctor’s office.  She will be taken home once finished at the doctor’s office.  A definite answer to prayer.  Keep praying as she will not be allowed to chew for six weeks.

I am very grateful to have had the privilege of attending Pastor Johnny Maxwell’s dad’s celebration of life service yesterday.  He has already written me this morning thanking Eddie & me for being there.  Thank you to Bro. Abel for filling the pulpit and to our deacons for their unwavering support.  I am blessed!

Tyrone Crawley will meet with the roofing contractor today and we will possible see shingles flying very soon.  I am just glad the auditorium is not a DIY job!

Sunday School this Sunday, 12/24, at 9:00AM.  Morning worship at 10:00AM.  Christmas Eve service at 5:00PM.  Pray, attend, and bring others with you.

Be a blessing to someone this week leading up to Christmas Day!

Speaking of being a blessing, Lisa, Gina & I would love to give a very deserving family a dog for Christmas.  Two years old, up to date on his shots, orchiectomy done, house broken, et cetera.  First come, first served!  Who wants to be blessed?

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

Pastor Clint and Suzanne Landry’s daughter, Maggie, is in surgery as I type this entry.  Dr. Clint tells me it is “normal” procedure. I am sorry but breaking your jaw bone, shaving down bone,  breaking your chin, et cetera does not sound normal to me!  Surgery is taking place in the Birmingham area.  Pray for Maggie, the surgical team and the family.

Still praising the Lord for Tim Knighten’s great report results!  If you missed it, the results were “all clear!”  Thank you, Jesus!

As a church family, we are blessed to not have anyone presently in the hospital.  I am in hopes that will remain true through Christmas Day.  We do have a good number of folks who are battling various sicknesses from their respective homes.  Some are mending nicely while others are still struggling to get over their illness.  Pray for you brothers and sisters in the Lord!

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.  The Friendship family will be asked to take action on our roofing situation.  Tyrone Crawley will share the details.  Again, I appreciate all of the investigative work Tyrone has put into this matter.

I have been meaning to say this since I got back from Guatemala on 12/7.  Jennifer Davis, and those who helped her, did an outstanding job with decorating for the Grand Bay Country Christmas.  The “downtown” area has never looked better!  (Please do not tell Jennifer I wrote these nice words or she will think I like her which I really do not.  I tolerate her because I love her husband, Pastor Shirlon!).

Pastor Johnny Maxwell experienced an oddity this past Monday afternoon.  His father passed from this life at 12:20PM and then one of his maternal aunts passed at 12:25PM.  You simply do not hear of things like this barring an accident.

So, with the blessing of our nine deacons, I left last night heading to Priceville, AL in order to attend the service for Pastor Johnny’s father.  Visitation begins at 11:00AM and the service begins at 1:00PM.  I will be heading home just as soon as everything ends.  Pastor Johnny & Sharon attended Soy’s service in October.  Pray for the Maxwell family.

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

Tim’s appt was at 9:30, again ALL CLEAR!!! Thank the Lord!!!!

Tim Knighten should be meeting with his doctor at M.D. Anderson today.  Pray for a great report!

Dorothy Long, mother of Gayla Dyess, had surgery one week ago today to have a bullet removed from one of her feet.  She is eighty years old.  How did she get a bullet in her foot?  Let’s just say chickens, possum, tree limb, et cetera.  She is diabetic so pray for no infection.  She will have the stitches removed the day after Christmas Day.

Continue to pray for those folks within the Friendship family who are battling various sicknesses.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.  Last day for the Christmas cards to be delivered by our Girls In Action.  By the way, we had like sixty Girls In Action and Royal Ambassadors present last Wednesday night – wow!

The church will be asked in tomorrow’s services to consider a plan of action for the roofs on our buildings.  This will be during both services.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday, 12/24, with Sunday School at 9:00AM, worship at 10:00AM and our Christmas Eve service at 5:00PM.

No basketball this Friday or Saturday.

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

Tim Knighten is at the M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston today for tests.  He will meet with the doctor tomorrow.  Pray that all goes well and that he will get a great report.

Wow, the Friendship family has been hard by sicknesses from covid to the flu and all in between.  Praying for all those who are battling sickness.

The Lord blessed us with a good services yesterday.  Our morning attendance in the auditorium was down but there were tons of folks helping with the preschool and children’s ministries.  Our evening attendance as not good and I do not understand that at all.  I know it is a busy time of the year but what better time to be in church than the Christmas season?  I am very thankful to those who attended yesterday morning or last night.

A love offering of six hundred and thirty-two dollars was given in a special offering yesterday morning.  This will help provide food for those in need during this season.  Thank you to those who gave and to those who brought food items.

A group of our men met last night after the service to discuss the roofs on our buildings.  Tyrone Crawley made a nice presentation, answered questions, et cetera and this information will be shared with the church family this Wednesday.  I am thankful to Tyrone and those folks who attended the meeting.

Regular schedule this Wednesday morning and evening.

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

Good morning!  We have several folks within the Friendship family who are battling various sicknesses right now.  Pray for them even though you may not know all who are included in this group.

Basketball tonight and tomorrow.  Bro. Abel was in the CAB at 4:30AM this morning cleaning the floor and setting things up so all is ready to go.  Pray for this ministry!

Speaking of basketball, Marie Brooks made a table cloth for the scorers table and covers for the team chairs.  Very nice labor of love by Marie!  We are grateful!

Miss Jeanette and the adult choir will lead us in a worship experience this Sunday evening beginning at 5:00PM.  Pray for this service and join us!

Regular schedule on our campus Sunday morning – Sunday School at 9:00AM followed by worship at 10:00AM.

Christmas Eve – Sunday School at 9:00AM followed by worship at 10:00AM.  Special service from 5:00PM until 6:00PM.

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

The following was taken from Pastor Jack Bailey’s blog entry today.  No permission asked for or granted to reprint.  (Dr. Jack, sue me!)  Of our thirteen readers, at least three attend other churches so this is for them too.  (Dr. Rex, you can stop reading now)

A Second Lieutenant is the entry-level commissioned officer rank in the United States Army. A Second Lieutenant is generally placed in command of a platoon consisting of 16 to 44 soldiers, including two or more rifle squads lead by a senior non-commissioned officer. The Second Lieutenant has a single bar on his helmet. In Vietnam, that bar was a target and as a result, the Second Lieutenant had the shortest life span of any solider in the Vietnam war. It is an old battle tactic, target the leader, the one in charge. There are several reasons you should pray for your pastor, if not every day, at least on Saturday night or Sunday morning. [1] He is Satan’s primary target in your congregation. Never think that he is not human, just as human as you are. Your pastor, no matter how efficient, is not superman: he desperately needs your prayers. [2] Your pastor has an awesome responsibility. He stands behind the pulpit to deliver God’s message. Any mistake he makes can lead someone astray or possibly cause discouragement. I can assure you; he wants to get it right and your prayers will help him do so. [3] Your pastor has a difficult task. He serves five generations from infants to senior adults. If you think it is easy to satisfy five generations, you have another think coming. He is to be bold as a lion and as harmless as a dove. [4] His message on Sunday could affect the eternal destiny of those who hear him. [5] If you pray for your pastor, you become a partner in his ministry. You will share not only in his ministry but in his rewards.

John Charles Ryle said, “No one is in more spiritual danger than your pastor.” The devil is no respecter of persons; nor does he respect age. He has been giving me fits for the past two months and I don’t even know why. I have thought about retiring {again}, resigning, retreating and even relocating but I know that none of those things are going to fix the problem. I will tell you exactly what keeps me going, the Spirit within, the Word, ministry and good Christian fellowship. I am a glutton when it comes to prayer and fellowship. I want all I can get. I have four or five prayer partners who text me to remind me that they are praying for me. If you were to check with them, you would find that my response is always–THANK YOU!

For years I heard Missionaries say, “The thing we need most is not money, we need your prayers.” I would chuckle on the inside and think vainly, “That sounds spiritual, but I doubt that you really mean it.” THEN I went on a mission trip to Nigeria. After spending 10 days in Nigeria, I apologized to the LORD for my ignorance. I had no doubt, even before the trip was over, PRAYER was indeed the thing they needed most. If you don’t think Missionaries need prayer it is probably because you have never been in their position. The same is true with pastors. If you served a Baptist Church for one month as pastor, you would pray faithfully the rest of your life for your pastor.