Pastor's Blog

Bro. Benny McGath just let me know that Leslie Williams’ uncle, Artis Howard, has passed from this life.  I know no details as far as the arrangements are concerned but do ask that you join me in praying for the Howard family.

The Lord blessed and we had a good day in our services yesterday.  A number of folks shared with me about what the morning message meant to them personally.  I had the opportunity to pray with one man after the second service as it had been exactly 17 years to the day that his father had passed away.  A lady spoke to me after the evening service about the “loneliness” following divorce.  We need to ask God to help us be aware of this folks around us who are hurting.

Pastor Michael Mason did an excellent job of preaching the Word in the evening service.  I really like to hear Pastor Michael preach!

I am asking each member of the Friendship family to give attendance to the next three nights a priority!  God wants you in the services and the forces of hell do not want you in the services – your choice!  Bro. Rex Looney will be in the services for the next three nights, Lord willing.  Remember, choir rehearsal at 6:15PM and the services begin at 6:45PM.  Pray and attend!

Keep praying for Mr. Walley.  Pastor Johnny Howard did suffer a stroke and they are doing more tests today.  Roy Blodgett is scheduled for surgery next week.  It is my understanding that Bro. Lonnie Miller is critically ill too.  Pray for these folks.

Congratulations to the AU football team.  Can you believe that it is very possible that Alabama will produce back to back national champions in college football plus back to back Heisman trophy winners?  It has never been done before – wow!

To Chad Compagner, Dr. Karen Foulds, Tim Millard, and all of my Michigan State friends – no holds barred!  Roll Tide!

Friendship family, tonight at 6:45PM.  Hope to see you there!  I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

1:00AM – Thea Whalen sent me a text shortly after 10:00PM to say that her grandmother, Miss Joyce Bosarge, had passed from this life.  Pastor Clint Landry, 1st Baptist Bayou La Batre, and I stayed with the family until the funeral home came for the body.  The arrangements are not complete but will be posted here as soon as we know them.  Pray for Liz and her family during this time.

It is a little after 4:00PM as I write this entry.  I apologize for not posting yesterday but I will not get into the reasons why – they were multiple.

Word came to me this morning via Bobby Henley that Bro. Lonnie Miller (founder of Mission of Hope) is in the hospital and the family has been called in.  Pray for Bro. Lonnie & his family.

Pastor Johnny Howard is back in the hospital.  I do not know all of the details but do ask that you pray as the doctors seek to determine the cause of his problems.

Miss Joyce Bosarge (Liz Whalen) and Mr. Walley (Betty Creech) are both seemingly near death’s door.  Pray for mercy.

Last night in Greenville, SC at the Bi-Lo Center there was an annual event which makes gives a portion of the ticket sales to a charity or non-profit organization.  Susan Blackmon Quinn worked at the Bi-Lo Center and this particular annual event was the first one she was in charge of several years ago.  So, the contribution from last night’s event was designated to GRACE Ministries in loving memory of Susan Blackmon Quinn.  Edwin, Eula Mae, Diane, & Jacquelyn were there and received the check on behalf of GRACE Ministries.  I appreciate Roger Newton and all of the folks at Bi-Lo for this kind deed.  I miss Susan even though see lived in SC and I am grateful that even though she has passed from this life she will be impacting lives for years to come.

Our revival services begin tonight.  I spoke to Pastor Michael Mason about 3:45PM and he was 150 miles away.  Pray for revival!

On the point today – Leslie Williams.  Tomorrow – Bobby Henley.

Please note – our student ministry will be selling fish dinners today beginning at 3:00PM in front of the State Farm Office.  This is a fundraiser for their summer camp transportation.  We have a great State Farm agent!

A special thanks to all who either attended or helped with the food for the Gulley family and the Trehern family yesterday.  Great ministers!

Keep praying for Miss Joyce Bosarge and her family as they give her care during this time.

Appreciation goes to Marisa Felps for asking and then responding to God in regards to a ministry opportunity.

I challenged folks in the message last Sunday morning to “do something” for someone this Christmas season.  The same emphasis was placed during our “Crazy Love” study this past Wednesday night.  I received an e-mail from one of our members who is leading a drive to help some less fortunate folks in the city – good stuff.  One of our young couples who was out of town this past weekend i.e. not in Sunday’s service shared how God led them to help a lady by paying for her groceries – good stuff!  I want to hear your story of how God is using you.

I have plans to post tomorrow about an event taking place tomorrow night that blesses/inspires me.  Good stuff!

We are on a regular schedule this Sunday as far as service times.  My prayer is that there will be nothing “regular” about the services as we are praying for revival.  Keep praying for Pastor Michael Mason & Dr. Rex Looney.  Lord, send a revival!

My Lakers are struggling with four consecutive losses and Bama is not in the SEC championship game tomorrow.  Wow!  So, I can only wish the best to those family and friends who are Auburn fans.  Hopefully, they will one day see the light but for now I wish them well.

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

On the point today – Karla Cooper.  Tomorrow – Leslie Williams. Saturday – Bobby Henley.  Pray for revival.

First, some good news – Carla Kyser has gotten good reports from the doctors this week regarding the various tests, scans, they have done.  Praise the Lord!

The funeral service for Charlotte Gulley takes place at 10:00AM this morning and the service for Ray Trehern takes place at noon.  Both services will be at Serenity.  Pray for these families.

Miss Joyce Bosarge continues to decline physically.  She, and her family, need our continuing prayer support.

Mark Vice was in our 7:00PM service last night and is doing great.  He is one tough dude!  Pastor Johnny Howard preached last night so he is obviously doing well too.  Reb Nevin’s sister-in-law may be a little better but still needs our prayers.

We had a good day in our services yesterday.  Bro. Chris told me that there were two salvation decisions in the senior high Bible study – praise the Lord!  Our 8:00PM Bible study was very good!  That Josh Woods can read which proves “hooked on phonics” really works!

Pray for revival.  Looking forward to Pastor Michael & Dr. Rex being with us next week.  Looking much more forward to moving of the Holy Spirit among us.

The Dukies beat Sparty and his crew last night.  Wow, I sure hope Duke does not win it all again this year.  I think Bama may get them in the tourney!

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

On the point today – Tina Wilkinson.  Tomorrow – Karla Cooper. Friday – Leslie Williams. Saturday – Bobby Henley.  (I forgot to list Reb Nevin as being on the point yesterday but thankfully she remembered and served – my apologies)

The visitation with the Ray Trehern family will take place tonight from 5:00 – 8:00PM at Serenity Funeral Home.  The funeral service will take place tomorrow at noon from the chapel at SFH.

The visitation with the Charlotte Gulley family will take place tomorrow morning, 12/2, from 9:00 – 10:00AM followed by a graveside service at 10:00AM.   All of this will take place at Serenity Funeral Home & Gardens too.

Reb Nevin’s sister-in-law, Cathy Medchill, recently had heart surgery and will have another surgery on 12/9.  Obviously, they are concerned about how her heart will do through this next surgery so the cardiologist will be on hand.  Reb’s brother, Larry, is also having health problems and goes back to the doctor on 12/11.  Pray for these folks.

Keep praying for Miss Joyce Bosarge and Carla Kyser as they battle their respective cancers.  Especially pray for Liz and family as they give care to Miss Joyce.

Keep praying for Pastor Johnny Howard and Mark Vice.

I am praying that this Sunday, 12/5, will be a record breaking day for our gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  Pray and give as the Lord leads!  May we be a people of grace in the area of giving.

Pray for Pastor Michael Mason & Bro. Rex Looney.  Pray that God will speak through them in a special way as they minister here next week.  Pray that they will have a good week of preparation this week.  Pray!

We are on a regular schedule today with the 10:00AM service, the 6:00 & 7:00PM Bible studies, and the 8:00PM Bible study for our young adults.

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