Pastor's Blog

Jeanette Bates came through her surgery in about forty-five minutes and did very well according to the initial reports.  I left the hospital shortly after the surgeon spoke with Sonny and haven’t heard from anyone since then.  I have plans to see Jeanette later today. 

Our Finance Committee has completed their work of putting together a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and will distribute copies following the services this Sunday morning.  A meeting for discussion will take place at 4:00PM and the vote will then be taken during the evening service.  I appreciate chairman, Morris Bryant, vice-chairman, Edwin Williams, and committee members Louise Allison, Dewayne Lavelle, Mike Moreland, June Strickler, and Lynne Watson.  They have prayed, discussed, erased, prayed, and will be bringing a proposed budget to the church that is reachable and one that honors the Lord Jesus. 

Sunday night will also see us elect three men to serve as deacons for the next three years beginning August 1.  See the list of nominees on yesterday’s entry, pray, and come vote. 

The Michigan folks are on their last day and from all reports it has been a good week for them.  I even heard Pastor Tim say “y’all” the other night so I think it has been worthwhile!  I thank God for all they have done this week in doing ministry along the Coast.

Derrick & Jodie have returned from three days in Mexico which were necessary in order to renew their passport.  (You have to physically leave the country after 180 days)  Team season begins full force on Monday as Bro. Jerry and his team arrive for eight days of ministry.  Pray for them to have safe travels and a great week of ministry.

Our students leave for Wild Week on Monday too.  They aren’t going far geographically but my prayer is that next week will be a turning point for our student ministry.  Please join me in that prayer. 

We will recognize the fathers in our services Sunday morning with special recognition going to the oldest father present.  I hope you will join us for Sunday School, worship, Discipleship Training (Tim Burnett will teach the adults in the auditorium), and the evening service.

Pray for Whitney Bryant as she will have surgery Monday morning.  As I was typing this, I received an e-mail from Trish Cohen stating that she has an appointment with her surgeon Monday afternoon.  Continue to pray for Christine Leasure.

I pray that you will have a great weekend.  Go to church! 

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, I am sitting in a hospital waiting room as I post this entry.  I don’t understand how all of this stuff works but I am glad it does. 

They took Jeanette Bates into surgery at 9:00A.M., got started around 9:30A.M. and are saying that her surgery will take approximately an hour.  Pray for her.

We are all set to elect three men to serve as deacons for the next three years beginning August 1.  We have seven men who allowed their name to be placed into nomination and I appreciate those guys being willing to serve in this office.  Those nominated (listed in alphabetical order) are Bobby Broome, Morris Bryant, Tim Burnett, Teddy Jackson, Dirk Johnson, Phil Sims, and Jerry Whitmore.  I simply ask the members of the Friendship family to make this a matter of prayer and then attend the service this Sunday night to vote as the Lord leads.  Remember, this is not a matter of popularity but a spiritual decision.  I have never voted for a deacon but have been privileged to work with many great guys over the years.  I fully anticipate more of the same as three of these guys join the other five men (Claude Landry, Dewayne Lavelle, Kevin Vice, Ben Vickers & Larry Whitehurst) presently serving. 

Our Finance Committee has worked diligently over the past couple of weeks in putting together a proposed budget for the upcoming church year which begins August 1.  As previously announced, copies of this proposed budget will be distributed following the morning worship services this Sunday.  A meeting for discussion, amending, et cetera will then take place at 4:00P.M. with a vote (no further discussion) taking place as a part of our evening worship service.  Please make this a matter of pray too.  God has been very good to us in the area of finances and we give Him the praise for this blessing. 

The Michiganders have done a wonderful job this week.  Pastor Tim shared during our senior high Bible study last night and did well.  Again, I appreciate Bro. Jerry and every other person who has helped make their time here a blessed experience.  As a church family, GRACE Ministries has allowed us to be introduced to some wonderful folks who have become dear friends.  The folks from Friendship CRC are in that group.

This Sunday is going to be special as Pastor Travis Northcutt from Kentucky shares with us during the 8:00A.M. worship service.  I preached the funeral service for his father, Ed Northcutt, fifteen years ago and now Travis will share with us on Father’s Day.  I will be preaching during the second morning service as well as the evening service.   

I found out last night that these entries are under careful scrutiny each day.  Lindsey Hatcher (a school teacher wannabe) searches for grammatical errors and found one from an entry of about ten days ago.  She gleefully showed it to me last night.  As Lindsey was so joyfully pointing out my mistake, Jennifer Wetterer shared (as only she can share) that the A.M. and P.M. are not proper unless the periods are in place.   I stand corrected! 

My prayer is that you will have a great day in the Lord.    

I received one of those e-mails yesterday that you would just as soon not receive.  Morris Bryant e-mailed to say that the doctor had called saying they had found something in Whitney’s test results from the surgery that they didn’t like.  So, they will now take Whitney back into surgery to remove the remaining half of her thyroid.  It appears that surgery may take place on Monday, 6/18, but that is not written in stone at this point.  Please pray for Whitney and her family during this time. 

That e-mail was followed by a second one that you don’t want to receive.  Our good friends from Panimaquin in Guatemala, Bernard and Trish Cohen, now live in Jacksonville, FL.  Trish wrote to say that she has a rare form of cancer with a tumor situated in her left kidney.  They are in the process of scheduling her for surgery to remove that kidney.  Bernard was supposed to be leaving for Guatemala at the end of June as they have three work teams going to Panimaquin in July.  So, please pray for Bernard & Trish. 

One of the girls with the Michigan group dehydrated yesterday and had to be taken to the hospital to be rehydrated.  It is my understanding that they have experienced some brutally hot days this week in Grand Bay.  Pray for that team as they minister.

Tiffany and Alivia continue to do well.  Sambo’s surgery has been rescheduled for next Thursday, 6/21.  Jeanette Bates’ surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, 6/14.  Pray for these folks and their respective situations. 

Yesterday was a full day of sitting in the convention sessions all day long.  It is not the most exciting thing in the world but it is a large part of SBC life.  The evening session was made more special as Lisa and I were met by Gene & Gena Davis.  It was good to see Gena!  They are doing well and only live about seventy-five miles or so away from San Antonio.  I certainly miss Gene & Gena but I am grateful that God is using them in special way in a local church in their community. 

I forgot to mention that I spoke to Chris Taylor via Skype on Monday.  They are doing well and are scheduled to return home this Sunday. 

It will be another busy Wednesday.  The convention doesn’t end until tonight but Lisa and I fly home this morning.  Pray that we will have traveling mercies.  Lord willing, we will see the members of the Friendship family in the services tonight. 

Hope you have a great Wednesday with Jesus! 

Alivia Shea Fox made her entrance into this world on Monday, June 10, at 10:40PM.  She checked in at 6 pounds & 7 ounces and is 19 inches long. 

Congratulations to Mitchell & Tiffany.  In spite of a long day for Tiffany, both mother and daughter are doing well.  

This family thanks you for your prayer support and asks that you continue to remember them in your daily prayers.   

Greetings from San Antonio where it seems every store is displaying a “Go Spurs Go” sign.  I have seen one million Tim Duncan and Tony Parker jerseys too.  NBA fever!

Lisa and I spent the day registering for the convention which begins today, visiting the display area, checking on how I stand in my SBC retirement account (that’s what you do when you get older), and listening to some preaching in the Pastor’s Conference.  Did I mention that Lisa managed to squeeze in a little shopping?  Imagine that! 

Sambo Bowden’s surgery was postponed.  Last I heard, Tiffany Fox was still in labor but I am fairly confident she has given birth by now.  I will share the details tomorrow. 

Bro. Jerry sent me an e-mail saying that the VBS family night was the best ever.  He told me that we had 27 professions of faith in our VBS and received over $1,300 in offerings which will be used to build four houses in Guatemala.  The girls won the offering contest so Bro. Jerry received the pie in the face.  I would imagine Myrtle found payback to be sweet! 

Bro. Jerry also told me that Phil Sims won the VBS contest by dressing like a cheerleader – oh my!  Something tells me that I am sooooo glad that I wasn’t present for that spectacle! 

The Michiganders are working hard and are “enjoying” our summer heat.  Pray for them as they do ministry this week in spite of the hotter than normal temperatures for them. 

Jeanette Bates is scheduled to have hip replacement surgery this Thursday so please keep her in your prayers. 

Bro. Jerry and his team of 31 will depart for Guatemala next Monday.  Actually, the eight folks from Canada will depart/arrive on Sunday.  Pray that this team will have a great week of ministry. 

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday as you serve the Lord.   

The Friday entry never happened.  Sorry about that!  Lisa and I had an enjoyable time attending the wedding ceremony for Ryan Genzink & Rochelle Harmsen last Thursday night.  We saw folks who were not at Jeremy & Jenna’s wedding in May so it was good to renew some friendships and make new ones too.  The wedding was beautiful, Tom & Shari were gracious hosts to us, and I did not eat even one funeral bun!  Couldn’t resist Queen!

It is unbelievable that I cannot give you a report on the final two days of VBS or the final tally.  Our family night took place last night.  Hopefully, Bro. Jerry will read this entry and send me the figures so I can report them via this means tomorrow.  Sorry for the delay.  I do want to say “thank you” to each person who helped in any way during our five days of VBS. 

We were blessed to host Jack, Carolyn, Ryan, & Ashley Ciak yesterday in Sunday School and our 10:30AM service.  Jack did a nice job of sharing about the ministry God has given them through Casa Aleluya. 

It was a like joy to host Pastor Tim and the folks from the Friendship CRC from Michigan.  They attended our 8:00AM service.  Wow, did they pick a hot time of the year to come work outside as the heat index has been well over one hundred degrees the past two days.  We are grateful they are here and I ask that each member of the Friendship family make sure these folks feel welcomed! 

Tiffany Bowden Fox was admitted to the hospital last night and they will induce labor this morning.  Her brother, Sambo, will be having surgery in a different hospital this morning too.  So, pray for this family in a special way today. 

Please don’t forget to prayerfully consider nominating a man from the Friendship family to serve as a deacon for the next three years.  All nominations must be submitted in writing by this Wednesday, 6/13.  You can give those to Carl Ray Moulds or me.  We will elect these three deacons this Sunday evening, 6/17. 

Also, our Finance Committee will distribute copies of the proposed budget for the 2007-08 fiscal year immediately following the services this Sunday morning.  A meeting for discussion, amendments, et cetera will be held at 4:00PM with a vote, no further discussion, taken as a part of our evening service. 

Pastor Travis Northcutt will be preaching in our 8:00AM service this Sunday.  Bro. Jerry will lead a team to Guatemala on Monday morning while I will take our students to Wild Week in Orange Beach later that morning. 

Lisa and I flew out of Gulfport yesterday afternoon at 4:30PM and were scheduled to arrive in San Antonio, Texas at 9:00PM which turned out to be 11:15PM.  We are attending the SBC Pastor’s Conference and the annual meeting of the convention.  We are scheduled to return home Wednesday afternoon. 

I pray that you will have a great week as you walk with the Lord!   

How in the world could I have forgotten my good pastor friend Travis Northcutt in Kentucky as a regular blog reader?  Pastor Travis will actually be preaching for us in our 8:00AM service next Sunday, 6/17, as he will be in town for his 10th high school class reunion.  By the way, the name of his church – Friendship Baptist.

As usual, it happened on the third day of VBS – we reached the 400 mark in attendance!  That is exciting but not nearly as exciting as hearing our teachers share last night during the prayer service about the children who have prayed to receive Jesus as their personal Savior this week.  Praise the Lord!  Pray for these final two days and the family night on Sunday which will begin at 5:00PM. 

Tiffany Fox came home from the hospital yesterday but will be admitted to the hospital again this Sunday, 6/10, for a Monday delivery if she hasn’t had the baby by that time.  Pray for Tiffany, Mitchell, and the baby. 

I learned last night that Jennifer Jackson’s mother, Marie Howard, is still in the hospital.  Pray that she will soon be able to go home.  James Swann is scheduled to be moved to a convalescent home this weekend.  Rachel Haynes is doing well and should go home by the weekend too.  Mr. Mast, Mark’s dad, came home from the hospital this week too but still needs our prayers as he recovers from his injuries.  Eddie Hall has a cousin who is near death so please pray for that family. 

Wes Bates and his team are having a good week of ministry in Texas.  They return home Saturday.  We will have a team from the Friendship CRC of Byron Center, MI arrive this Saturday to spend a week doing ministry along the coast.  They will be staying in our Christian activities building.

Don’t forget our deacon election on Sunday, 6/17, during the evening service.  Nominations must be submitted by Wednesday, 6/13.  Our finance committee will present a proposed budget for the church’s consideration on that day too. 

Lisa and I are flying to Michigan this morning to attend the wedding ceremony of Rochelle & Ryan tonight.  We fly back in the morning so my entry tomorrow may be later in the day due to our travels. 

I pray that you will have a great day in the Lord!    

I got up reasonably early on Sunday, June 6, 1982.  The night before had seen me officiate the wedding ceremony for Kerry Woods & Sherry Poiroux which happened to be Sherry’s birthday too (that Kerry is a wise man).  I had gone to the office and was preparing to drive a bus, teach Sunday School, and preach in children’s church.  Then it happened – the phone call came around 7:00 – 7:30AM with Lisa saying it is time!  I made a call to Anna Carol Bosarge asking her to take care of children’s church and off Lisa and I went to Singing River Hospital where our first born, Deidra Ann, entered this world well before noon.  (She did have a time of birth, weight, and length but I don’t remember any of that stuff)  So today I wish Deidra a happy 25th birthday.  Wow, time flies!

The second day of VBS went well too with an attendance of 347 (I think).  I have heard of classes with 26, 29, et cetera students so some of our teachers are really having rooms maxed out numerically.  Please continue to pray for VBS.

Our VBS director is Myrtle Bowden.  Her daughter, Tiffany Fox, was admitted to the hospital yesterday (on her birthday) afternoon as she is near giving birth.  I don’t know if it will be this week or not as the doctors want to keep a close watch on her for the time being.  The baby is due in late June. 

Rachel Haynes did well in surgery yesterday.  The doctor says he has corrected her problem and that she is going to be good to go in short order.  However, today will be a tough day as she deals with the pain from the recovery.

Whitney Bryant came home from the hospital yesterday.  She is so milking this thing big time!  James Swann remains hospitalized but may be released in a day or two. 

I will preach the funeral service for Jackie Johnson this morning.  Please pray for that family.  Pray for me as I did not know Jackie but do want to help the family and friends attending that service. 

We do not have a morning service today but will have a regular schedule of activities this evening.  We have a couple of items of busines to which we need to attend during our 7:00PM service.

We have blog readers in Canada, China, & Guatemala in addition to those in the States.  You can now add Africa to that list as Jeff Long left yesterday for twenty-eight days of work and has promised to be a regular reader.  I know we have regular readers in Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee, & Texas too – any other States?  If so, send me an e-mail. 

Our friend, Spencer Cole, from Danville, AL is now famous as he was on FOX national news last night.  He is working on a research project to keep an asteroid from hitting the earth.  You can view that video on the FOX news website.  Pretty scary to think that the world’s safety may rest in the hands of Spencer Cole! 

I pray that you will have a great day.  Tell someone about Jesus!

I am told (I was at the hospital) that our VBS got off to a good start yesterday with a first day’s attendance of 311.  That is pretty good especially when one considers that at least two other churches in our community are having their VBS this week too.  I only heard of one or two “bumps” but otherwise everything seems to have gone smoothly.  Please pray for day two of VBS.

Whitney Bryant (thyroid) did well during her three hours or so of surgery yesterday.  The final word will come when the tests results come back in a few days.  However, they have already determined that she is going to have red hair from this point forward!  She is scheduled to come home from the hospital today. 

Rachel Haynes will be having surgery on her back this morning.  This will hospitalize her for several days but prayerfully will correct her problem and relieve her pain.  Pray for her.

Jennifer Jackson’s mother was still in the hospital as of yesterday.  She is not a happy camper about that!  Mike Blaylock is awaiting some tests results and continues to recover from his surgery.  Neal Barnes & James Swann remain hospitalized too.  Please pray for these respective situations. 

Our finance committee will meet tonight at 6:30PM to continue working on the budget for the next fiscal year which begins 8/1.  Pray for godly wisdom on their behalf. 

We have a container full of stuff for Casa Aleluya.  We have now been told it has to be placed on pallets.  Any one with experience on how best to do this?  We have all different size boxes/items.  If you have experience in this field, please contact me. 

The group presently in Guatemala had a good first day of ministry yesterday.  Pray for them.

I pray that you will have a great day. 

Yes, the Lord blessed in our services yesterday as He used Evangelist Michael Mason to bring a timely Word.  We didn’t have the number of public decisions that I had prayed for but we had decisions at the altar and God did a work in our hearts.  God has certainly gifted Bro. Michael and it was a joy to host him, Crystal, Alyssa, & Garrett.  Prayerfully, they will be back! 

Our students enjoyed a good time of fellowship as they went late night bowling last night.  Thanks to each adult who helped with this fellowship and thanks to the students for taking part in this activity. 

James Swann came through his surgery successfully yesterday and we thank God for that news.  Neal Barnes, Burney & Jeannine’s son, was transported to the hospital yesterday as he continues his battle against cancer.  Whitney Bryant will be having surgery in couple of hours.  There will be a memorial service for Jackie Johnson, Willie’s brother, on Wednesday morning, 6/6, at 10:00AM from the chapel at Gilmer’s Funeral Home.  That service will be preceded by a visitation hour beginning at 9:00AM.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ’07 is here!  Pray for Bro. Jerry, Miss Myrtle, the workers, and the students as they begin Game Day Central.  I will share the first day’s numbers tomorrow.

Members of the Friendship family are asked to prayerfully consider nominating men to serve as deacons for the next three years beginning August 1.  Pray, receive permission from the potential deacon candidate(s), and submit his/their name(s) in writing to Carl Ray Moulds or me by this Sunday, June 10.  We will elect these three deacons on Sunday evening, June 17. 

Our Finance Committee will meet tomorrow night, 6/5, beginning at 6:30PM.  A proposed budget for August 1, 2007 through July 31, 2008 will be voted on by the Friendship family on Sunday evening, 6/17.  Copies of the proposed budget will be distributed following the morning worship services that day, a meeting to discuss, amend, et cetera will then take place at 4:00PM followed by the vote, no further discussion, in the evening service. 

The folks from the Foothills Fellowship Bible Church are presently using the L.G. Camp, Jr. Mission House in Guatemala as they do nine days of ministry in that country.  Pray for them! 

Hope you have a great day in the Lord!