Pastor's Blog

Melissa Brown e-mailed me yesterday to say that Kayla had some good news to share with me so I am assuming that she is getting married!  Congratulations Kayla!  (Odd thing is that she didn’t even have a boyfriend before I left for China)  Is this how rumors get started? 

David Wynn, Christy’s husband, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital late yesterday afternoon.  He was initially unresponsive and then began to respond before the doctors decided that it was best to sedate him as they did some testing.  I left the hospital a little before 9:00PM and haven’t heard an update through the night so the situation must be unchanged.  Pray for David, Christy, and the family. 

My body is in China!  I will not bore you with the details but suffice it to say that I am (we are) going through an adjustment with this sleeping thing.  It’s all good! 

Eddie & Sue arrived in Hartselle, AL safe and sound last night and I am sure they have held and rocked Jace for several hours already!

As far as I know, we do not have anyone in the hospital at the present time.  That is a good thing!  We continue to have folks battling various afflictions and we certainly want to keep praying for them.  Genesis, from Casa Aleluya in Guatemala, received a kidney via a transplant this past Wednesday and is doing well, as is the donor, Danissa, her sister.  Pray for these various needs. 

By the way, Gene Davis was to have had surgery on 4/22.  Gena, is he okay? 

We are there on our pastors’s conference as we now have 100 donations/pledges for scholarships in hand.  Actually, we may be one over but I need to confer with Miss Edna before making that determination.  However, I do know that we are there – glory to God!  Thank you Friendship family for giving graciously to the Lord! 

Several folks from outside the Friendship family have expressed an interest in helping financially with this conference.  In the coming weeks/months, I will be letting you know what the other needs are related to this conference.  We want to equip each of these 100 pastors with a small library of three or four books that will help them in their studies/ministries.  We will for sure be needing your help to finance this portion of the trip.  Thank you for giving to the Lord!

We are having a mandatory meeting of all Wild Week participants this Sunday evening, 4/27, immediately following our worship service.  All WW participants and at least one parent of each participant must attend this meeting.  This is important! 

We have received a number of calls, e-mails, et cetera from folks welcoming us home.  Thank you!  Again, the trip to China was totally awesome.  The English poet, John Keats, is reported to have said, “nothing becomes real until it is experienced.”  I have found this to be very true and I can now add China to my list of “real” things in my life. 

I know he is my brother but Eddie, along with Sue, went way above and beyond in hosting us.  (You would think that he would not have been so kind considering that I used to beat him so badly in basketball, football, et cetera in our childhood days)  Words can’t adequately describe our appreciation for their many kindnesses to us. 

Also, we are very appreciative to the members of the Friendship family and staff for doing whatever it took while we were away.  Lisa, the girls, and I are blessed and we don’t take that lightly!  Of course, our ultimate thanks goes to our Heavenly Father for His manifold blessings!  We serve an awesome God! 

Tomorrow, 4/26, is Adrian Bates’ birthday!  It is also Tyrone Crawley’s birthday.  (I mention Tyrone’s because mama taught me to always respect my elders!)  Sunday, 4/27, is Raymond Wilkinson’s birthday!  Happy birthday to these three wonderful folks! 

T. Garrett Wright, who is supposed to be cramming for finals in a difficult law school at Fordham, graciously takes the time to read this entries and point out my grammatical mistakes!  What a great friend!  Deidra, Lindsey H., & Jennifer W. can find the obvious like “he dun good” but the deeper ones escape them but not T. Garrett!  I stand corrected from yesterday’s entry.  All I can say is that TGW will probably feel really bad in a day or two when he checks his mail! 

In closing, Mrs. Elsie Culbreath was my 8th grade English teacher.  She had us learn a poem, America For Me, by Henry Van Dyke and that came to my mind this past Wednesday as we readied to come home.  The last stanza says, “Oh, it’s home again, and home again, America for me!  I want a ship that’s westward bound to plough the rolling sea, To the blessed land of room enough, beyond the ocean bars, Where the air is full of sunlight, and the flag is full of stars.”  Truly, there is no place like home!   

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

God is good – we arrived home at 1:30AM this morning having arrived safely in Atlanta by plane at 6:00PM and on to Grand Bay by way of our own vehicle.

Mediacom is experiencing difficulty in our area so I walked over to the office to update the blog.  My body is telling me it is daytime (China) but I slept only an hour or two total on the plane while it was night (China).  So, I am about to try and get some sleep but not too much as I need my body to turn around. 

Pray for my brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue, as they have just left China on the same flight we had yesterday.  (You probably should pray that they can recover after ten days with the four of us!) 

I think we are there on our scholarships for the pastors’ conference.  I will let you know in my next update which could come later today. 

Thanks for praying.  I hope you will have a great Thursday with Jesus!   

This entry is late and it is also the final one I will write from China on this trip.  It is late because we checked out of the hotel this morning and just now got to another hotel in Shanghai.  It is the final one because we will be traveling in the air from 2:45AM (Alabama time) until 5:25PM (Alabama time) on Wednesday, 4/23.  Our Delta flight number is 18.  We are scheduled to arrive in Atlanta and then drive home either tomorrow night or Thursday – depending on what my body tells me. 

We have had a good Tuesday.  This morning, Eddie did some work from the hotel, Lisa & Sue went shopping (imagine that), and I took Dana & Gina swimming in the hotel pool.  Eddie, the girls, and I then met Sue & Lisa for lunch at another Chinese restaurant called Outback Steakhouse.  We then spent some time in the market before going to view some of the venues for the Olympics – you should see The Bird’s Nest (soccer fields) and the swimming building – wow! 

The traffic in Beijing is terrible so we had to leave early for the airport as our flight left at 7:00PM.  We arrived in Shanghai at 9:00PM and got to our room shortly after 10:00PM.  Eddie made it possible for all of us to sit in the first class section which was a nice gesture.  I actually ate my first Chinese food on that flight. 

We will do some sightseeing in the morning and then head to the airport.  I will recap our trip in a later blog but Lisa and I agree it has been an absolutely wonderful trip!  We thank God for His goodness to us! 

Back on the home front, we are at 97 scholarships for the pastor’s conference with one Sunday to go.  Bro. Jerry, with an assist from Edna, has done a wonderful job of promoting this in my absence and I am thankful!  Three more and our goal will be reached.  Thank you to each person who has given thus far! 

Jack Leasure came home from the hospital but is not well physically.  Pray for him.  Carolyn Barkley continues to rehab at home.  Carla was to see the doctor today, I believe.  Pray for all of these folks. 

Need your grass cut, flower bed worked, house cleaned, car washed, et cetera?  Vince Bosarge’s brother, Jeremy, and his wife, Stephanie, are in financial tight right now due to a medical setback and they are willing to help you out.  I can’t vouch for their work but you can reach them at 865-0648 or at stephaniebosarge@juno.com.  I do know they will greatly appreciate the opportunity to earn some funds.  Obviously, you can also contact Vince or Tanya if you need more details. 

Pray for us as we travel tomorrow.  It is going to be a long day but it will be fine.  We look forward to getting home and seeing family and friends. 

I hope you have a great Tuesday with Jesus. 

I received a good report from Bro. Jerry about the services at Friendship yesterday.  He complimented Dale, Ed, & Benny for jobs well done in bringing the message.  I appreciate these guys filling in for me and I thank each member of the Friendship family who was present for the respective services. 

We arrived in Beijing around midnight on Sunday night and have had a busy Monday thus far visiting The Great Wall and Tiananmen Square.  We entered The Great Wall at the Badaling Pass and it is an amazing thing when you consider how long that wall has been in place, how folks died building it, and how many men have served there protecting China’s borders.  I realize that much of the wall has been rebuilt and/or repaired for tourist purposes but it is still quite a sight. 

We then made our way to Tiananmen Square in Beijing.  My mind immediately went back to 1989 and the constant news coverage of those events.  There were many people on the square today and that will be a focal point during the 2008 Olympics. 

It rained all night and almost all of the way on the drive to The Great Wall.  However, the Lord stopped the rain the entire time we were touring The Great Wall.  It then rained on our return trip to the city but stopped the entire time we were on Tiananmen Square.  We thank God for even the small things!  He is a good God!

Tonight we are attending an acrobatic show that Eddie & Sue say is amazing.  I know Dana & Gina will enjoy it as will Lisa and I. 

I hope you have a great Monday with Jesus. 

P.S. – I may add a picture to this post at a later time but don’t have one available right now. 

We have had a very rainy Sunday but that is perfectly okay as we didn’t have any plans except for church and traveling. 

Last night, Uncle Eddie completely surprised and spoiled Dana & Gina by giving them (Lisa and I tagged along) a night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the presidential suite on the 38th floor.  The views of Qingdaq and the Yelow Sea were spectacular!  Of course the girls loved the indoor swimming pool and the bowling lanes the best!  Too much!  (I have learned that Eddie has some real pull in this city of 7 million folks!) 

This morning we attended the service at the Qingdao International Christian Fellowship which is where Eddie & Sue attend on a regular basis.  You had to have a passport to get in and there were folks from many different countries.  They have a different lay speaker each Sunday and this morning the speaker shared about fasting – of all things!  I think that I have gained about twenty pounds since being here eating this Chinese food!  We eat and discuss where we are going to eat next! 

We are about to get on the bullet train and head to Beijing.  It is about a six hour train ride from Qingdao which will put us there around 11:00PM. 

Bro. Jerry told me that Pastor John Womack did a good job in a difficult situation with Richie Freeman’s funeral service.  He also told me that the bus going to the rodeo had a mechanical problem but it was corrected and they were on their way. 

Bro. Jerry also wrote this in one of his messages, “I am going to the funeral and I am not going to prison.”  I didn’t realize he had been in trouble with the law and I am glad he is avoiding prison time! 

Chris Taylor, Ben Vickers, and Dewayne Lavelle should be very proud of the fact that I actually uploaded a picture with yesterday’s post.  I am going to try again today but no promises!  (Chris is probably saying it is too big but I am doing the best I can!) 

I hope you will attend the services at church today.  Dale, Ed, & Benny are the messengers for today.  I hope you will have a great Sunday with Jesus. 

The Lord has blessed us with another wonderful day.  Eddie & Sue have proven to be such wonderful hosts!  They have gone “above & beyond” to make our time here the absolute best. 

Today, (Saturday) Eddie, the girls, and I spent the morning around the house just hanging out while Sue and Lisa went to Wal Mart!  We had lunch at Pizza Hut and then spent three hours sailing.  We are now experienced sailors and we were taught by an actual member of the Italian sailing team – Enrico Zanella.  What a great afternoon!  We are about to go to an Italian restaurant for supper (Italian is the theme for the day). 

Last night, Eddie & I attended the service at a Chinese Three Self church.  They did a little preaching and a lot of singing.  I didn’t understand the preaching or singing but it was good and the place was absolutely packed including two rooms watching on closed circuit monitors. 

Also, the past two nights have seen us eating supper at the Crowne Plaze Hotel.  Wow!  Food from China, Mongolia, India, Thailand, Mexico, Japan, and Brazil.  Excellent! 

I would ask you to pray for the Freeman family (Larry & Judy Whitehurst) as they gather for Richie Freeman’s service this morning.  Pray for Pastor John Womack as he shares with that family and the others in attendance.  Continue to pray for all of those who are hospitalized and those who are struggling with sicknesses. 

Word has it that today is Alisia Crawley’s birthday.  I think this is her fourth or fifth 39th birthday!  Happy birthday Alisia! 

By the way, my niece, Jamie, has gently let me know that we were not rappelling the other day but were on a zip line.  Whatever! 

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

I am told that the Bible really comes alive even more so after a person has actually visited the Holy Land.  Well, I haven’t visited the Holy Land but today afforded us the opportunity to visit the actual church where Lottie Moon taught and served.  Wow, what an experience to know that Lottie Moon actually taught in that very building.  We met the pastor who is only 85 years young and toured the original church building plus the new auditorium that has a seating capacity of 1,400. 

I am having to do this blog very quickly as we just returned and are about to grab a bite to eat before attending a service at a local Chinese church.  I am looking forward to that experience even though everything will be in the Chinese language. 

Carolyn Barkley has had a difficult time following her knew surgery.  As I understand it, she and the medications are not getting along too well.  Jimmy Moates, Mariam’s husband, was admitted to the hospital.  Carla Kyser was doing a little better.  Vinnie Brewer’s brother-in-law, Earl Ray Sharkey, passed away and his service will be today in Amite, LA.  Sue Carpenter is doing well.  It is my understanding that the Freeman family has not made any arrangements but that could have changed by now.  Kevin Wadkins is still recovering from his surgery.  Pray for these folks. 

We now have 69 scholarships for the pastors conference in October.  Our goals remain to have at least 75 by this Sunday, 4/20, and the 100 needed by 4/27.  Thank you to those who have given thus far and to those who will give in the coming days. 

Lord willing, I will post an entry tomorrow and Sunday.  We have had a great day and thank the Lord for His watchcare as we traveled for about six hours or so.  By the way, I had KFC for lunch so this Chinese food remains not too bad. 

I hope you will have a great Friday with Jesus! 

Wow, this has been an absolutely beautiful day weatherwise in China.  We have stayed around Qingdao.  Lisa, Dana, Gina, & I took a walk this morning along the boardwalk which is located just across the street from Eddie & Sue’s house.  Eddie & I then took Dana & Gina to the Crowne Plaza Hotel to swim while Lisa & Sue went for a massage.  We then walked along the watefront and had lunch at an Italian restaurant.  Great food! 

We spent the greater part of the afternoon on a tour of the mountain located behind Eddie & Sue’s house.  One of the stops included Dana, Gina, Sue & me rappelling from a tower situated above the ocean onto a platform in the parking lot.  I was assured this contraption was OHSA approved – just didn’t want Ann to be worried about her grandchildren! 

According to what I am hearing, there have been no significant changes in those hospitalized or recovering from recent surgery.  I do know that Annette Williams, widow of Pastor Jack Williams, had shoulder surgery on Tuesday but I don’t have a report on her.  Pray for those in need! 

Bro. Jerry tells me that the morning service was pretty well attended but I haven’t gotten an update on the evening activities yet.  (I can’t check my mchsi account from here) 

I believe that tomorrow is going to be the highlight of the trip for me.  I won’t share the details now but will wait until the experience has taken place.  This was not on the itinerary but I am excited! 

I hear through the wind that today is Lynne Watson’s birthday.   Happy birthday Lynne! 

T. Garrett, I can be your hook up in Antigua.  Let me get home and I will get some information to you!  Great idea! 

I hope you will have a great Thursday with Jesus!