In my opinion, the service for Ronnie Wayne Owens exalted Jesus and glorified God. Mary Lee, Vicki, & Kevin and their families did well. Pastor Doug did a wonderful job of sharing about his father-in-law. Doug did the graveside service which I missed as I left Grand Bay a bit late, got snarled in road construction, and arrived at the cemetery at 3:14PM. Those of you who know me and my desire to always be early know how happy I was with myself! However, I got to spend about thirty minutes speaking with the family so it was a good time. I am still not too happy with myself about being late regardless of the reason. I wish Lisa would have been with me so I could blame it on her!
I did not get an update on Linda Green. Bro. Jerry was there with the family during that procedure and I am going to assume that no news is good news.
I did call Bernard Cohen yesterday afternoon and also received an e-mail from Trish’s daughter, Lisa. Trish did remarkably well during the surgery and she thanks everyone for their prayers. The surgery went much quicker than anticipated and they removed her left kidney. The tumor, which they believe is cancerous, seemed to be contained as everything around the kidney looked cancer free. They hope to get a report early next week and Trish will be in the hospital for four or five more days. So, keep praying.
Bro. Johnny’s team heads home from Guatemala today. A team from 1st Baptist Waxahachie, Texas is scheduled to arrive Monday. This team will be first timers. Pray for both of these teams as they travel.
Speaking of traveling, my family will leave today to visit with the Turrentines in the Hartselle area and then attend the wedding for my younger brother’s daughter, Whitney, tomorrow evening. Pray for their safety as they travel.
Charles will not let me leave as he has threatened to never consider placing me in the will unless I cut grass today. Wow, he is tough!
Plus, I have the privilege of being present for the Bates/Holley wedding rehearsal tonight and the ceremony tomorrow afternoon. Pray for Wes & Rebekkah and their families and they do all of that last minute stuff in preparation for the ceremony.
This tidbit is for all of you long time members of the Friendship family – Beaver Charpie will be preaching at 1st Baptist of Citronelle in view of a call this Sunday, 7/22. The vote will take place this Sunday too. So, pray for Beaver and the family at 1st Baptist.
Also, today is Pastor Robbie Howard’s birthday. I think he is 144 years old but he acts and preaches like he is 44! He is like that rabbit in the television commercial as he just keeps going and going! Happy birthday Bro. Robbie – my grandfather and mentor in the ministry! I love and appreciate Bro. Robbie as he and Miss Peggy were greatly used by the Lord to influence my life as a Pastor. Miss Peggy is in heaven now but God is still using Bro. Robbie to inspire me!
One of our bi-vocational staff members, Chris Taylor, is having a birthday today too. Happy birthday Chris! Beth Bradley turned 40 yesterday and I am sure she really appreciates me sharing the fact with all of cyberspace! Diane Bryant is 50!
I hope you have a great day in the Lord!