Pastor's Blog

Why no blog yesterday?  Great question!  Complicated answer!  I could tell you that since my good friend, Joe David Bailey, officially announced the “termination” of his blog that I was taking a one day sabbatical to show my support for him – whatever!  Chris says that if we do not pay the bill then the company shuts down our website – what’s up with that?  Confusion over the expiration date on the credit card on file but Chris got it corrected.  We are now using a credit card in the name of Westhouse  Home Improvements – thanks Dave!  Sorry for no entry yesterday!

Happy second day of Spring!  We had a good Sunday and we give God the glory.  I appreciate folks being faithful!

Judy Benefield was placed in the hospital on Sunday and had a heart cath yesterday morning.  The heart had no blockages so we praise God for that report.  Barbara Kelley was also placed in the hospital on Sunday and they did a battery of tests yesterday.  Something came back abnormal so a heart cath will be done today.  Jack Sims had surgery yesterday and may have come home last night or will come home today.  I visited with Mr. George Douglas yesterday afternoon.  He is seemingly in his last days on this earth but only God knows for sure.  Tena Hovel’s niece, Lindsey, and her husband, Brandon, are expecting their first child.  They found out yesterday that the baby has some severe physical problems and has no chance of survival.  Carla Kyser continues to receive her treatments.  Gary Walton will most likely end up in Auburn for a test.  Pray for all of these folks!

I caught a little of the NCAA tourney after the service on Sunday night.  I am not on the “Jimmer” bandwagon yet.  By the way, that bandwagon is being driven by Les Hacker!  (I think Jimmer is a good player but I think UF gets them this week!)  How many “Little Least”  conference teams are left out of the 11 placed in the tourney?  So glad to see ND get to go back home to South Bend.  I thought UM was going to get the Dukies!  Duke is not high on my list of favorite teams!

Now to the important tourney – Bama did not look great last night but a win is a win!  I am hearing that if they can win tomorrow night and make it to NYC then T. Garrett is going to have the entire team over to his apartment for a meal.  What a nice gesture!  Since Johna is from Pine Hill, AL, I would suspect maybe some possum?  LOL!

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

I made a mistake!  Imagine that!  The baby shower this Sunday, 3/20, will begin at 2:00PM and end at 3:30PM.  I have corrected the times in my earlier post too.  Sorry for any confusion.  Please pass the word!

By the way, Bridget is registered at Target and Babies R Us.  Again, I hope the ladies of the Friendship family will attend this shower to support this great family.

The Lord has a way of reminding me of what is important in life.  Life lessons.  I was thinking last night about that as the NCAA men’s basketball tourney began this week.  Thursday – Sunday of this week are great days.  In years gone by, I would fill out my bracket and would watch the games late into the night on Thursday & Friday.  I watched  a little of one of the games last night but this week has been so different for me.  In the eternal scheme of things college basketball is not relevant.  I already knew that.

I reflected on Samuel & Reina and their loss.  They do not even know about the NCAA basketball tournament but, if they did, this year would be one in which they could care less who got in, who got left out, who won, who lost.  Their world has been turned upside down and their hearts are hurting big time.  It has helped me to remember what really is important in life.  Will I watch any more of the NCAA tourney this year?  Sure.  Do I have a bracket?  Nope.  (If I did, I would not do a Joe David Bailey and simply follow the President’s lead on my picks!)  I have simply been reminded again of how precious and fragile life is so we need to appreciate each day as a gift from the Lord.

The Lord blessed me so much in my travels to and from Guatemala.  The flights were perfect and I was kept safe on the roadways to and from the airports.  Thank you Jesus!

Ladies, please remember the baby shower for Bridgett Chambliss this Sunday afternoon, 3/20, from 2:00 – 3:30PM.  It takes place in the fellowship hall.

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

I need to remind the ladies of the Friendship family of the baby shower for Bridget Chambliss that will take place this Sunday, 3/20, from 2:00 – 3:30PM in the fellowship hall.  Bridgett is the oldest daughter of John & Liz Whalen.  I cannot remember whether it is a boy or girl.  I also cannot remember where Bridgett is registered.  I am thinking Greer’s in the Bayou but I could be wrong!

Conner Ferguson was placed in a hospital yesterday as he continues to suffer physical pain.  Gary Walton will have a MRI today.  Not sure if Miss Kathleen Henderson was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Carla Kyser and George Douglas continue to battle their respective cancer.  Pray for these folks.

I got to visit with Samuel, Reina, & Denise yesterday morning.  They are hurting which obviously comes as no surprise.  Samuel & Reina both asked me to express their extreme appreciation to each person who has prayed and those who have given financially.  Reina stated that while she is very, very sad about the loss of her daughter, she is also happy that folks who do not know Jesus as their personal Savior heard the Gospel during the funeral service.  I plan on visiting with them again this morning.  Please keep praying for the Acan family.

I went to San Mateo (near Antigua) to observe a feeding center in action yesterday.  It was a most beneficial trip as I saw things that will help us in the months ahead with our feeding center.

Last night I had the privilege of leading a cell group Bible study.  There were around 20 folks present and we discussed helping fellow Christians who fall spiritually.  Good time of study and fellowship.

This morning will see me say good bye to the folks on the mountain and that will include a final “good bye” to Louise Mason in her present capacity with GRACE Ministries.  She leaves for Arkansas on Saturday as she “retires” from this season of her life.  She will definitely be back in Guatemala in the future but not in her present capacity.  What a blessing she has been to GRACE Ministries, to my family, and to me personally.  Thank you Louise for five wonderful years of partnership missions/ministry.

My flight is scheduled to leave Guatemala shortly before 1:00PM and I should be back in Grand Bay late tonight if all goes well.  I ask that you pray for safety in my travels today.  Thanks!

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

Miss Kathleen Henderson has been back in the hospital again but hopes to go home today.  Conner Ferguson spent yesterday in the ER before coming home last night.  He could end up in Birmingham again as they cannot seem to pinpoint his problem.  One of Ruby Gulley’s granddaughters is in the hospital for a test today.  George Douglas and Carla Kyser continue to battle their respective cancer.  Pray for all of these folks.

The Lord has heard the prayers regarding the revival services in Gainesville, FL where Wes Bates is preaching.  Souls are being saved and the church is being revived.  Praise the Lord!  Pray for the final service tonight.

“Potluck with the Pastor’s Wife” takes place today at 11:00AM.  Bro. Jerry is battling a sinus infection but will preach the 10:00AM service.  Lisa will then host the meal.  I pray a good number of folks will join them for this time of great food & fellowship!

Word has come to me that the rooms on the east end of the lower level will not be ready by this Sunday, 3/20.  My sincere apologies to those teachers and classes.  I appreciate those who are working diligently to get the CAB put back together.  Thank you to the teachers/classes for your understanding and patience.

I had the three meetings yesterday and also went to the city to do some things related to our June GRACE trip.  That was my first time into the city by myself (other than going to the airport) without a navigator and I made it there and back.

Today, I will attend the morning devotion with the team (Lakeside Baptist from Birmingham) presently using the mission house.  I will then eat breakfast with Paul & Cristy Leytham before going to visit/observe a feeding center in action.  I will meet with Kirk Lightfield this afternoon and then teach a small group Bible study from Dr. Tico’s church this evening.

I attempted to see Samuel & Reina three different times yesterday/last night but never found them at home.  I am sure that we will get together at some point today.

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

Obvioulsy, I am in Guatemala so I do not have a lot in the way of information from South Mobile County.  I assume that Lindsey & Parker went home from the hospital yesterday.  Lisa and the ladies in our Sunday School class prepared a meal for them last night.  I appreciate folks who do ministry!

What can I say about the blessings of God yesterday?  Amazing!  The flight to Guatemala City arrived around 11:18AM which was 18 minutes early.  I arrived at Samuel & Reina’s house around 12:23PM which is absolutely incredible.  I had asked you to pray that I would find favor with the customs official and God answered those prayers – he never even looked up, just stamped my passport and sent me on my way.  Had to wait about three or four minutes on the rental vehicle but that was good.  The traffic in Guatemala City was very light and moving along nicely and I never got caught by even one traffic light.  Is God good or what!

Arriving at Samuel & Reina’s house was tough.  We embraced and they just wept.  I assured them of the many prayers being offered on their behalf.  The casket was closed but Samuel asked me to look at his daughter.  Wow, like a little doll.

The funeral service began at 2:00PM and they had three congregational hymns to begin the service.  During hymn #2, Dr. Tico shared with me that I would be preaching the message.  Nothing like advance notice.  Not a problem as I felt the prayers of many folks and simply went and got my Bible from the truck.  Dr. Tico translated and I preached.  I think God met a need in the lives of Samuel & Reina.   Pastor Walter ministered at the grave side and it was a special time too.  Many of the people walked from the church to the cemetery.  I am guessing it was about a mile away.

Samuel, Reina, & Denise rode in the truck with me from their house to the church and then from the church to the cemetery.  Samuel & Reina sat in the back seat holding the casket.  As Samuel was taking care of a few things before leaving the house, Reina sat with the casket open and sang “Jesus Loves Me” to her daughter.  Folks, I was struggling!  However, it was a very special and sweet time.

It was a great thing to tell Samuel that GRACE Ministries was covering the entire cost of the funeral and all related expenses.  He was relieved and blessed.  Hallelujah!  Thank you for being there for this family with your prayers and finances!  May God bless you!

I have three meetings today – one about the El Salvador pastors’ conference, one with a potential person to oversee our feeding center, and one with the architect about the building of the feeding center.  Pray that all will go well in these meetings.

Please do not tell Lisa but I took another woman supper last night.  Louise & I dined at Pollo Campero.  She leaves in five days for Arkansas as she will be officially retired.  What a blessing she has been to GRACE Ministries!

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

I thank those who prayed for my travels to Pensacola and then Atlanta.  I am sitting in the Atlanta airport about to board the flight to Guatemala City.  I ask for your prayers that I will find favor with the customs agent checking me into the country.  God is able!

We had a very good day in our services yesterday.  The “spring forward” time change did not affect us as much negatively as it has in years gone by – praise the Lord!  I had the privilege of leading a young man to Christ following the 10:30AM service.  I anticipate he will make his decision public next Sunday.

Larry Crawley did a nice job of sharing in the evening service about his just completed mission trip to Africa.  I appreciate Larry’s love for missions.  Nicole told me that a number of folks encouraged Larry after the service.

The Friendship family i.e. GRACE Ministries did extremely well in providing for the funeral expenses for Genesis Raquel Acan.  I will be happy to share the amount with anyone requesting that information.  Thank you for being gracious in your giving!

Wes Bates is preaching in Gainesville, FL for the next three nights.  Pray for him!  Pray for the services!

They are calling for us to board the plane.  Lisa has graciously agreed to host “Potluck with the Pastor” this Wednesday morning.  I married a sweetheart!  (And a good looking one at that!)  The meat will be roast.  You bring the trimmings.

I will blog using this site this week even though I will be in Guatemala until Thursday.  Pray for the funeral service today.  This will be my first experience of attending such a service in Guatemala.

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

It is 2:45AM and I will be leaving within a few minutes for the Pensacola airport in order to fly to Guatemala City.  Tickets were available from Mobile yesterday afternoon but not so by the time church was dismissed last night.  I ask for your prayers in the following ways – for safe/timely travels to PNS and then on to Guatemala; for favor with the customs officials in Guatemala City as my passport is almost full and I was told that I could not come back into the country without additional pages; for a speedy rental car transaction as I will not even take checked luggage due to time restraints.

The funeral for Genesis Raquel Acan begins at 1:00PM at Rios de Agua Viva.  My plans are to update this entry at some point later this morning with details from yesterday’s services.  Thank you for your prayer support.

Word came this afternoon that the almost four months old daughter, Genesis Raquel, of Samuel & Reina Acan passed from this life earlier today.  I do not know all of the details but do ask for your prayer support for this family during this most difficult time.  The funeral will be at some point tomorrow.

“Dear Jesus, would you please be with Samuel, Reina, & Denise during this most difficult time in their lives?  They need You.  We believe You are with them and that Genesis Raquel is now in Your presence.  Please comfort them as only You can.  We ask these things in the strong name of Jesus.  Amen!”

This entry is way late for me.  One of the reasons is that I wanted to get an update on Connor Ferguson.  They are supposed to run a battery of tests this morning to determine the cause of his pain.  Pray for Conner and his family as they search for answers.

Lindsey & Parker remain hospitalized too.  I would suspect Lindsey will be discharged either Sunday or Monday but that is mere speculation on my part.  Pray for them.

Miss Kathleen Henderson was not kept in the hospital but rather went to the ER and was sent home but she does need our prayers.

Please keep praying for Dee Dee’s dad in his battle against cancer.

Carla Kyser had another treatment yesterday so keep praying for her.

Jennifer Wetterer Zirlott is in Hawaii with Jordon & his family.  Obviously, the tsunami is a major concern to them but mama Deanna may be more worried than them!  Pray for all those folks affected in Japan and elsewhere.

Wes & Rebekah Bates will travel to Gainesville, Florida tomorrow in order for Wes to preach a series of revival services Sunday morning through Wednesday night.  Pray for Wes as he prepares and then preaches.  Folks, IMO, they need revival in Gainesville, FL!

The word for the weekend is going to be “wow!” as folks walk into the CAB.  Glory to God and thanks to some great folks, the clean up was finished around 9:30PM last night.  All of the sheetrock is now in place although it will not all be finished until next week.  The place looks amazing!  God is good!

Do not forgot two important things this weekend – the Taste of Friendship tomorrow night from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the CAB.  This is a major fundraiser for our students.  Come join us!

We spring forward one hour this Saturday night so please remember to move your clock forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.  Important stuff!

Yes, the Lakers lost last night to the Heat.  They probably had the same refs from the Rutgers/St. John’s game!

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