Pastor's Blog

I received word from Bro. Benny McGath yesterday shortly after noon that Miss Alice Pigorsch was not doing well physically.  I was traveling to Richton for the committal service for Mavis Clark so Bro. Jerry went to check on her for me.  I appreciate Bro. Benny & Bro. Jerry for their help in this situation.  I went last night before the 7:00PM service to visit with her and two of her children.  Myrtle & Cecil were there ministering and I know some of our Wednesday night folks were doing likewise.  She was physically low and certainly needs our prayers.  I have a deep appreciation for Miss Alice Pigorsch. 

Speaking of the funeral service for Mavis Clark, it was a very good service.  The associate pastor at 1st Baptist Pascagoula along with the current pastor and a former pastor all shared and they did a great job of remembering Mavis and presenting the Gospel.  The minister of music from 1st Baptist sang and wow!  Kenny Clark sang and did a great job also.  Thank you for your prayers for the Clark family.

Bobby Broome had his kidney stone blown up again yesterday but I haven’t gotten word on his condition.  Jay Love is supposed to come home from the hospital today – you will know when it happens as she will shout as she leaves through the hospital doors!  Susan Blackmon Quinn is very sick in a South Carolina hospital.  She has an infection that may be related to her previous heart surgery.  Edwin & Eula Mae either traveled last night or are traveling today to be with her and her husband.  Intercede for Susan. 

The thunder, lightning and rain have come in abundance this morning.  Some have asked about our work day that is scheduled for this Saturday, 3/28.  It is on – rain or shine!  We hope to do some work outside but we can always work inside as we get ready for Easter weekend.  Breakfast at 7:30AM and work from 8:00AM until noon.  Come join us!

We will begin in earnest to sign up workers for our VBS this Sunday, 3/29.  We need you!  The dates of our VBS are June 1 – 5 from 9:00AM until 12:00PM daily. 

My basketball “coach” tells me that he received 9 e-mails yesterday.  He wasn’t impressed but appeared annoyed!  However, he did tell me that if he received e-mails from 50 or more folks then he would start me this Saturday night.  I know Mike Moreland & T. Garrett had my back yesterday.  I don’t know who the other 7 folks were but I need your help!  Send those e-mails to chris@friendshipfamily.net.  Jack Ciak, Bret Hart, Mark Mast, Eddie & Sue, Rex Looney, Michael Mason, Travis Northcutt, Louise Mason, Mama, Jamie, Melissa – come on guys!  Again, this is a grass roots effort!  T. Garrett, get the folks in your office to send an e-mail.  They don’t have to know me!  By the way, I wore my uniform to the 8:00PM Bible study last night and the young adults were amazed! 

Last night was a great night for me because Lisa & the girls were home!  I am glad they were able to go and I am glad they had a good time but I am also glad they are at home. 

Thanks to Bro. Jerry & Davy for preaching/teaching yesterday and last night. 

I hope you have a great Thursday with Jesus! 

Jay Love was moved into a regular room yesterday around noon and she was happy about that but is still unhappy about being in the hospital.  Keep her in your prayers. 

Gena e-mailed to say that the doctors had gotten Gene’s shoulder reversed.  He is scheduled to go home today.  Pray for Gena! 

Today will be an unusual Wednesday for me as I will attend the funeral service for Mavis Clark this morning and then go to Richton, MS for the burial this afternoon.  Hopefully, Lisa will arrive home in time to join me for the trip to Richton.  Bro. Jerry will be preaching during the morning & evening services today as I may not get home in time for the 7:00PM service.  Pray for the Clark family.

Clint, if you want D to take you on a complimentary ski trip then I have two words for you – Scott Fontenot! 

Rex Looney commented yesterday about my NCAA first two rounds coming in at 35-11 instead of 35-13.  Such minor details!  No, I don’t do my own taxes but you didn’t see my CPA friend, Jack Ciak, making a big deal of that minor detail, did you?  That’s because the bottom line is that I have my Elite Eight intact and the eventual national champion pick correct – which is all that really matters!  I have closed the gap and Rex is scared! 

Speaking of basketball, I need your help.  Our first basketball game of the season is this Saturday night.  I am the only one on the team with a CDL which obviously means I drive the bus.  We had practice last night and that fact was clearly evident.  However, I don’t know if our “coach” (I use that word very loosely) can see that as he thinks I shoot too much.  I only shoot if I have the ball.  He actually had us working on defense last night – please!  Let the opposing team shoot, get the ball, and go shoot on your goal!  Offense sells tickets!  This is not high school girl’s soccer!  I felt like Mark Hubbard was coaching us! 

So, I should be a starter!  I need all twelve of the blog readers to e-mail our “coach” at chris@friendshipfamily.net to state this fact.  This is going to have to be a grass roots effort.  Kevin Jackson didn’t even come to practice last night and yet he will start.  Why?  Don’t even get me started!  Just because he was an All American football player at Alabama and went on to play in the NFL doesn’t mean he can play basketball!  Folks, this is going to be a grass roots effort and I need your help.  By the way, how many members of our basketball team were in the gym at 6:00AM yesterday morning getting ready for the season?  Yes, one and that would be me!  I was working on my defense! 

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus!  E-mail Chris!

Let me share a few new prayer requests – Pastor Yogi Taylor’s daughter (14 months old) was diagnosed with cancer last Thursday and had surgery on Friday to remove a tumor.  She did well through the surgery and will be in the hospital for a few more days.  Yogi serves as pastor of Saraland Baptist Church. 

Pastor Alvin Sullivan of Kushla-Bethany Baptist Church had surgery last week and is supposed to be discharged from the hospital today.  Bro. Alvin has been at his church for over fifty years and is in his 80’s. 

Pastor Mike Bedford’s mother passed away this weekend and her funeral service will take place today at 2:00PM.  Mike serves as pastor of College Park Baptist Church in Saraland.  Pray for these pastors and their respective situations. 

As of yesterday afternoon, Jay Love was still in CCU.  She is not a happy camper!  Her problem is a low oxygen level.  No new updates on the others mentioned yesterday.  Don’t know if they got Gene’s shoulder in reverse or not! 

The visitation with the Mavis Clark family will take place from First Baptist Pascagoula tomorrow from 9:00AM until the service time at 11:00AM.  Mavis will be buried in the Clark family cemetery in Richton, MS.  Pray for Mac and the entire Clark family. 

Ladies, Cottage Hill Baptist has tickets for the Living Proof Conference in New Orleans.  The dates are Friday, 4/3, and Saturday, 4/4.  They are providing (at a cost) the tickets, bus transportation, and lodging.  Contact me if you want more information. 

My prayers go out to the families who lost the loved ones in the plane crash in Montana this past weekend.  Two sisters, their husbands, & their five children; another family of four; & the pilot.  Tragic! 

I received a call from a travel agent friend yesterday inviting me to join him for a snow skiing trip to Colorado in early April.  Scott Fontenot & I went with him a few years back and everything i.e. lodging, lift tickets, meals, et cetera because he is a travel agent.  Great trip!  Scott got real close to him!  Did I accept his offer?  No.  Why?  I have a wedding ceremony to perform!  Can you believe it?  The guy who isn’t a “marrying Sam” has five weddings in the months of April & May.  I am blessed!

I found out yesterday that my good friend, Jack Ciak, from Casa Aleluya in Guatemala is a blog reader.  Jack is not right having been raised in Conneticut and them moving to Arkansas – a Yankee from Arkansas!  However, he and his wife, Carolyn, are dear friends and have been so kind to GRACE Ministries.  I doubt Jack is a reader this week as their daughter, Ashley, arrived in Guatemala for her Spring break from college.  I encourage you to join me in reading Jack’s blog at 4hiskids.typepad.com.  For the record, Jack has picked UConn to win the men’s & women’s side of the NCAA basketball tourney! 

Speaking of the NCAA tourney, now that Rex Looney has been exposed he has gone into hiding.  Rumor has it that his “real” bracket shows him to be at 24 – 24 after two rounds.  Impressive!  Better than Michael Mason who comes in at 20 – 28. 

The dog and I are still fine.  Life is good – eternal life is better!  Hope you have a great Tuesday with Jesus.

The Lord blessed and we had a good day in our services yesterday.  Our morning attendance was up from the previous two Sundays – praise the Lord!  However, the time change always seem to negatively affect our evening worship attendance.  We had a good crowd but it can always be so much better.  Thank you to those who were present last night!  Thanks to Bro. Chris for his help with the video presentations too!

The Friendship family blessed our VBS format change last night.  We have moved from the classroom setting to learning centers.  We are still trying to work out the proverbial “bugs” but we believe it will work.  Any of our readers from outside the Friendship family who use this approach in their VBS, please send me an e-mail with any pointers, advice, et cetera. 

I was saddened to learn last night that one of Lisa’s aunts-in-law, Mavis Clark, passed away yesterday.  Mavis was married to Charles’ brother, Mac, who lives in Pascagoula, MS.  Pray for this family as they go through this time of sorrow. 

Gene Davis is having shoulder reversal surgery in Houston, Texas today.  What?  I have no idea but Gena tells me it is a new procedure.  Pray for Gene!

Jay Love remains in a CCU in a local hospital.  They may move her to a room today.  Max Peacock is at home and is scheduled to begin radiation Wednesday.  Stephanie Guidry continues to recover at home from her surgery.  Susan Quinn, oldest daughter of Edwin & Eula Mae Blackmon, is hospitalized in South Carolina.  Sharon Jardee is recovering at home from her artifical hip coming out of place and the doctors having to put her to sleep in order to put it back in place – ouch!  Jerry Jackson is a first cousin of Teddy Ray Jackson.  He is on life support and the family will probably make a decision today regarding that support.  Shea Childress, Carla Kyser, Miss Joyce Bosarge, & Gloria Morrison all continue to need our prayers in their respective battles against cancer.

The dog and I are doing good in the absence of Lisa, Dana, Gina, & Hien.  Deidra & Daphne are making sure my BMI doesn’t go any lower!  I planted a garden Saturday afternoon – thanks Charles & Bobby Broome for the assist.  If you need tomato or pepper plants, go see Bobby Jack Felps. 

I went 11 – 5 (69%) in the second round of the tourney – weak!  I am now 35 – 11(73%) overall.  However, unlike TJ Vice & Rex Looney, I only filled out one bracket!  Plus, I filled it out before the tourney began!  I may not “win” but it has been good to see the UT men’s & women’s teams go out in the first round – life is good!  By the way, Pitt is the eventual national champion on the men’s side and UConn on the women’s side.

No FA this week – life is good!  I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.  Pray for a “wow” moment in your life today! 

I have an urgent prayer request – Miss Jay Love fell yesterday afternoon and received a nasty cut on her head.  She was taken by ambulance to the hospital.  She has been battling the flu (or something like that) for several days and had been to the doctor’s office yesterday morning.  I am writing this shortly after midnight but do believe they kept her in the hospital.  Miss Jay is the mother of Julie McGath & Danny Cole. 

I do not have an update on Max Peacock.  I saw Marisa Felps in Greer’s yesterday afternoon and she said Carla was doing okay.  However, about everyone in that family, including Marisa, has been sick.  Marisa is having some pulmonary problems so please pray for her.  Margaret Davis continues to need our prayers too.  She is at home but is very weak.

James Davis is not all that well physically but he is determined to keep the back property mowed.  He began that service yesterday afternoon and I really appreciate his doing that.  We have some awesome folks when it comes to serving Jesus! 

Our VBS workers’ meeting is scheduled for 4:00PM tomorrow.  We will meet in the auditorium.

I went 8 – 0 in the NCAA games yesterday afternoon but then a dismal 5 – 3 last night.  My first round total was 24 – 8 or 75%.  I am already guaranteed two misses in the second round.  Could I go 14 – 2?  Probably not!  Rex Looney says he went 15 – 1 the first day but what he didn’t say is that he picks the games after they have finished playing!  Then how did he miss one you ask?  Two words – Hartselle High School! 

My wife and girls have taken advantage of Faith Academy’s Spring break to get away for a few days.  I stayed home to feed the dog!  Hope to see you in church tomorrow! 

I visited Max Peacock in the hospital yesterday morning and, wow, he has an impressive bandage on the left side of his head.  He was in excellent spirits (as always) and was ready to go home.  He did not get discharged yesterday but may today.  He will begin radiation in the near future once his body has healed some from the surgery. 

VBS workers – please note that we have changed the time of this Sunday’s meeting to 4:00PM in order to allow our AWANA workers more time in the meeting. 

I met with Terry Stephan from Dauphin Way Baptist yesterday.  (T. Garrett, does the lunch special at The Lighthouse fit into the DASH diet?)  Terry has led DWBC to become a great partner with GRACE Ministries and they will be taking a team to Guatemala in a couple of weeks.  I really appreciate Terry’s heart and involvement in missions!

Wow, my first round NCAA bracket got blown up yesterday!  I was correct on 11 of the 16 games which is a miserable 68%!  Honestly, today may not be much better as I went the upset route.  However, picking the overall winner is the main goal and I am good there.  Who did I pick?  I am waiting for a few more games to be played before deciding – LOL! 

T. Garrett, does watching several hours of college basketball count toward personal exercise in the DASH diet? 

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

I made a mistake!  I was under the impression that Max Peacock was having a simple “surgical procedure” done yesterday but, thanks to Billy Smith, found out that he was having major surgery.  The surgery lasted around four hours or so and the doctors were satisfied with the results.  I am on my way to see Max this morning to get more details but do know that he has a malignancy.  Pray for Max and his family.

Shea Childress was not able to receive her treatment Tuesday due to a problem with her veins.  A port was placed in her body yesterday morning and the treatment given yesterday afternoon.  Miss Joyce Bosarge has begun another treatment too.  Carla Felps Kyser continues to receive her treatments. 

Willie Pierre and Kathleen Henderson were discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Pastor Bob Harvey is in Missouri visiting his mother as the doctors feel her time on this earth is quickly coming to an end.  Pray for these folks too. 

I appreciate the folks who have been meeting to discuss the renovations to the church buildings/property.  Last night, the Friendship family to take two steps in this area and also to purchase a newer bus to replace old blue.  I appreciate the men who gave a few minutes of their time after the service last night to discuss some more “possibilities” regarding renovations. 

Here are the results from our college/young professionals NCAA basketball picks – UConn (1), Louisville (1), Ohio State (1), Mississippi State (2) (are you kidding me?), Oklahoma (2), Memphis (6) (Soy was pressuring folks), & North Carolina (8) (President Obama followers?). 

I got zero sympathy for folks about my BMI.  No one told me that I merely had “big bones” or anything close.  T. Garrett simply told me to get on the DASH diet.  I have been dashing to the refrigerator and/or pantry for years which has helped get me in this state. 

Bro. Jerry & Bro. Kerry have gone turkey hunting today.  I refuse to make comment! 

VBS workers – don’t forget the informational meeting this Sunday at 4:15PM.  We need to see how many folks have their passports! (That was for Jamie)  We will meet in the auditorium.  This will be an important meeting. 

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

We are in one of those times when the Friendship family is blessed by not having many folks in the hospital.  Our only exception right now is Willie Pierre.  He was placed in the hospital yesterday and had a heart cath done.  I am not sure of the results but will let you know in tomorrow’s entry.  Keep praying for those who are battling cancer.  Max Peacock is having a surgical procedure done today so pray for him too. 

Those folks who have been meeting with us regarding the renovation of the church buildings are asked to meet again tonight at 6:30PM. 

Our college/young professionals will have the opportunity tonight to select the winner of the NCAA Final Four in men’s basketball.  It is NOT an office pool but an opportunity to see which girl will win this time!  The winner usually is some blonde (insert any girl named Kayla here) who can’t even spell basketball who will base her picks on the color of the uniform, the mascot’s name, et cetera. 

It is going to happen – one of our students/young adults (insert any girl named Kayla here) will get caught “texting” during a church service.  Her defense?  My plant just texted me and it doesn’t know we are having a church service.  Say what?  Yes, technology is now in place for your plants to send you a text whenever they are thirsty!  Wow!  Should I be thinking of buying my dog a cell phone? 

I need to lose at least fifteen pounds!  They are now saying that obesity has about the same affect on years potentially taken from your life as smoking does.  I learned this past weekend that my BMI is 26.  It needs to be below 25.  Can you say exercise? 

A long Wednesday calls so I have to go.  Hope you have a great one with Jesus! 

The members of the Friendship family are encouraged to read the comment attached to yesterday’s post.  It appears to have come from me but it actually comes from Mark Mast – he was using my computer when he added that comment. 

Stephanie Guidry’s surgical procedure was short but her time at the hospital was longer than expected due to the fact that she got sick.  The doctor feels good about what he did and is not recommending any treatment – praise the Lord! 

I talked to Dana Childress last night and Shea will have another treatment this afternoon.  Pray for her as she only has a few treatments left. 

Marisa was in our service this past Sunday but I didn’t get a chance to talk to her about Carla.  However, I do know that we need to keep on praying for her. 

The folks who have been meeting with me regarding the potential renovations are asked to meet again tomorrow night, 3/18, at 6:30PM. 

Jerrod Brown & Shannon Hughes are leading a team of students from the BCM of the University of South Alabama on a mission trip to Guatemala this week.  They are using the L.G. Camp, Jr. mission house as their base.  Pray for their ministry in Guatemala. 

Speaking of Guatemala, Louise Mason has been sick for a few days so please pray for her.  Also, our June 18 – 25 has now reached capacity. 

My pastor friend, Bob Harvey, has traveled to Missouri this week to be with his mother.  She is 78 years old and is battling cancer.  The doctors don’t think she will live much longer.  Pray for Pastor Bob’s mother and the entire Harvey family. 

T. Garrett, got the book yesterday.  Thanks! 

I hope you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus!

The Lord blessed and we had a good day in Bible study and worship yesterday.  Mark Mast did a nice job of bringing the Word to us.  It is such a joy to have Mark & his family with us.  Thank you for graciously financially investing in the ministry the Lord has called the Mast family to. 

Chris & Dale took our students late night bowling last night.  The numbers weren’t where they have been in the past but those students who participated had a great time of fellowship.  The highest scores I heard posted were a 193 by Mark Mast and a 181 by Chris Taylor.  Rusty Suthoff had a 43 one game – he is even worse at basketball! 

Margaret Davis spent some time in the hospital over the weekend and, in fact, may still be hospitalized.  I will find out today.  Stephanie Guidry will have her surgical procedure done late this morning.  Sammy Bowden is having some “complications” with the things they are doing to his skin cancers.  Melinda Eckert had a pretty tough first shot for her MS.  Continue to pray for these folks as well as those battling cancer. 

Personally, I was glad to see MSU beat UT and win the SEC championship yesterday.  I know Bret Hart is sad as a result of that game but so be it.  I think the SEC was not treated fairly by the selection committee which had a direct impact on AU.  ESPN exerts so much influence!  Dick Vitale was basically an unsuccessful coach but now is an “expert” on the game?  Please! 

FA calls.  Hope you have a great Monday with Jesus.