Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – Numbers 16:41-18:32, Mark 16:1-20, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 11:7

The arrangements for Lance Curl were posted in a separate entry.  Bro. Jerry Hovel’s Sunday School class will be taking care of the meal for the family following the service on Friday.  Those class members can contact Bro. Jerry for more details.

Jacqueline Crawley, daughter of Tyrone & Jodi, got good news from the doctor yesterday.  The melanoma is contained to the two spots and those will be surgically removed next Thursday, 3/20.  Praise the Lord for this good news.

Darryll McMann’s mother passed away.  He will be going to Illinois for the funeral but Betty will not be able to make the trip due to her recent surgery.  Pray for Darryll as he travels and for his family.

I assume that most of you who live in South Mobile County know about the fatal shooting that took place yesterday afternoon in Coden.  Robert “Bobby” Perry is the person who is now deceased.  He is the grandfather of Gauge Holmes (Mary Cole’s husband).  Pray for the Perry family.

Morris Bryant’s mother fell and broke her arm.  I do not know the details but do ask that you pray for her.

I mistakenly wrote that Miss Luthene Herston and Evan Eyler had gone home from the hospital as of Monday afternoon.  So not true!  I can only go by what the hospital operator told me as she assured me they were no longer patients in that hospital.  I do know that Evan went home yesterday afternoon and Miss Luthene was supposed to go back to a rehab facility.

I am also not sure if infant Drake Howard went home.  Katie T, can you help me?

We have a special guest in our morning service (10:00AM) today.  Our students will all meet in the youth building night as the CAB will not be open before, during or after Bible study.  However, we are on a normal schedule for tonight’s classes, Bible studies, et cetera.  The 7:30PM Bible study menu consist of poppy seed chicken, green beans, corn, bread, drink and dessert.

The mission yard sale takes place tomorrow from 7:00AM until noon.  All activity ceases at noon due to the special service tomorrow night.

Pastor Ted Traylor will be our guest in a 6:30PM special service tomorrow night, 3/13.  Pray, invite, attend!

Let me go out on a limb here regarding the SEC basketball tournament that begins today with two games.  Neither Alabama or Auburn will win this tournament!  I hear folks saying “if Bama can do this”, “if Bama wins this game”, et cetera.  Forget it!  It is not happening!  I think Carolina gets AU today and LSU gets Bama tomorrow night.  Hope I am wrong but most likely not.

BTW, the NCAA tourney bracket challenge is being brought back to our 7:30PM Bible study.  Must attend next Wednesday night, 3/19, to participate.  (Note, Warren is not sponsoring this challenge!)

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

Lance David Curl, age 30, a native and lifelong resident of Theodore, AL passed away on Monday, March 10, 2014. Lance will leave a lasting impression on this community and will live on every time anyone who knew him looks into the eyes of his precious baby girl. Lance was a strong willed survivor that lived for his family and provided entertainment to all that knew him. He had a heart of GOLD. ROLL TIDE!! He is survived by his wife, Chantel Curl, daughter, Kierstyn Curl, step-daughter, Madison Crawford, parents, Joey and Linda Curl, sister, Amanda (Shane) Ellison, nieces, Destiny Bryant, Hailey Ellison, nephew, Aidan Ellison, other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Thursday, March 13, 2014 from 5 pm until 8 pm. Funeral service will be held from the chapel at Serenity on Friday, March 14, 2014 at 10 am. Interment will be in Serenity Memorial Gardens.

Today’s Bible reading – Numbers 15:17-16:40, Mark 15:1-47, Psalm 54:1-7, Proverbs 11:5-6

Lance Curl, nephew of John & Tammy Curl, passed from this life yesterday afternoon around 1:30PM.  His family will be meeting with the funeral home this morning to finalize the arrangements.  Pray for the Curl family.

Jacqueline Crawley, daughter of Tyrone & Jodi Crawley, has been diagnosed with melanoma.  She has two spots that will have to be surgically removed.  They did a pet scan yesterday and are in hopes of possibly getting the scan results today.

Betty McMann, Luthene Herson, & Evan Eyler were all discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Infant Drake Howard’s family was in hopes that he too was going to be discharged but I do not know if that happened.  By the way, the cure for Drake – caffeine.  Is that not amazing?  (If caffeine keeps one from stopping breathing, Lisa will never stop breathing!)

Pastor Willie Austin from Alaska is a good friend of Herbert & Peggy Benefield.  He used to pastor in Pascagoula but is now in Alaska.  He has a brain aneurysm and had surgery yesterday.  He is in a Seattle area hospital.

Ted Traylor will be with us this Thursday night, 3/13, beginning at 6:30PM.  We will have childcare for those four (4) years of age and under (no exceptions, please).  Folks, this service may be the most important one in the history of the Friendship family.  Do not miss it!  Pray, attend, and invite!

We will also have a special guest in our service tomorrow morning, 3/12, at 10:00AM.  I encourage all of those who normally attend the early service to not miss this one!

Exciting news – we now have electricity in the feeding center in Guatemala!  It happened yesterday!  Our God is an awesome God!

Thanks to Charles & Soy, nine rows (corn & snap beans) of the garden have been planted.  I took off at 3:00PM yesterday in order to purchase seeds and get something in the ground.  Charles did the tractor work and Soy did the actual planting.  The amazing thing is that Charles only charged me $50 per row for the use of his tractor.  Of course, I had already paid him $400 for tilling the garden in order to have it ready.  So, counting the seeds, fertilizer and all, I only have about $900 in this garden thus far.  Who says you can buy it cheaper than you can grow it?

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

Michael Paul Iler

December 16, 1992-March 2, 2014

Vancleave

Michael Paul Iler, 21, passed away on March 2, 2014 in Hattiesburg, MS.

Michael was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi on December 16, 1992. He is the son of Michelle Easter Iler and Sgt Charles F. Iler, Jr, USA, Ret. and Paul Ashley and Gena Heffner, all of Vancleave, MS.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Annissa Hatley Iler, of Vancleave.

Michael is also survived by his younger brothers, Joshua Thomas Iler, Reid Ashley Heffner, as well as his sister, Hannah Renee’ Heffner.

Visitation will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Vancleave, MS on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 commencing at 1:30 PM continuing until 3:30 PM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider memorial donations may be made to Mrs. Annissa Iler, Account # 10468115 at Keesler Federal Credit Union, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sunherald/obituary.aspx?n=michael-iler&pid=170062986#sthash.lFHakwdl.dpuf

Today’s Bible reading – Numbers 14:1-15:16, Mark 14:53-72, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 11:4

Tuesday, 3/11 – Numbers 15:17-16:40, Mark 15:1-47, Psalm 54:1-7, Proverbs 11:5-6

Wednesday, 3/12 – Numbers 16:41-18:32, Mark 16:1-20, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 11:7

Thursday, 3/13 – Numbers 19:1-20:29, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8

Friday, 3/14 – Numbers 21:1-22:20, Luke 1:26-56, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 11:9-11

Saturday, 3/15 – Numbers 22:21-23:30, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 11:12-13

Sunday, 3/16 – Numbers 24:1-25:18, Luke 2:1-35, Psalm 59:1-17, Proverbs 11:14

Good day in our services yesterday.  What a joy to see Brad Morgan make a profession of faith in the early service having prayed to receive Jesus as his Savior the previous Sunday night.  We had another salvation decision following the second morning service but that one has not been made public yet.  Thank God for His continued blessings!

Here is a list of folks for you to pray for today – Lance Curl, Betty McMann, Landon Perryman, Mary Holmes, Drake Howard, Luthene Herston and Pastor Willie Austin.  I will update and give more details in a later post.

The missions yard sale takes place this Thursday (morning only) through Saturday.  Donations to be sold being accepted.  Contact Bro. Jerry for more information.

Edwin Williams will be teaching a new members class beginning this Sunday, 3/16, at 5:00PM.  Class size will be limited.  Contact him for more details.

This Wednesday morning, 3/12, will see us have a special guest in our 10:00AM service.  I am encouraging all of our regulars to be present.

Thursday night, 3/13, is basically upon us!  Pastor Ted Traylor will be with us beginning at 6:30PM.  Pray, attend, bring others, be flexible!

Yes, Duke beat UNC on Saturday night – no surprise there!  SEC teams had better beware of that juggernaut called Bama basketball!  LOL!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Numbers 11:24-13:33 Mark 14:22-52 Psalm 52:1-9 Proverbs 11:1-3

I did not make any hospital visits yesterday so I really do not have any updates.

I can tell you that Mary Cole Holmes spent Friday night and Saturday in the hospital because of problems with high blood pressure.  She was having consistent contractions too.  They were supposed to send her home last night but I do not know if that happened.  Will find out this morning.  BTW, the baby (Jack) will be full term in five weeks.

Doris Perryman’s newborn grandson, Landon Alexander, is in ICU because of a low oxygen level.  He is three days old.

Lisa and I attended the funeral service for Lindsey Coleman Burkhalter yesterday afternoon.  It was a good service.  Pastor Gene Emswiler did a very good job in bringing the message.  Keep praying for the Burkhalter/Coleman family.

The wedding shower for Alisha & Matt takes place this afternoon from 2:00 – 3:30PM in the fellowship hall.

Our Finance Committee will meet at 4:00PM today in the office suite.

We will have a special guest in our 10:00AM service this Wednesday, 3/12.  This someone who has never been to our church previously. I am strongly encouraging our folks to attend this service.  It will be something new (and good)!

I pray that you will be involved in church somewhere today.  Friendship family, I hope to see you for Bible study and worship.

Today’s Bible reading – Numbers 10:1-11:23 Mark 14:1-21 Psalm 51:1-19 Proverbs 10:31-32

Men’s breakfast this morning at 8:00AM in the fellowship hall.

Betty McMann did well through her surgery and the surgeon was pleased with the outcome.  He had to place two plates in order to hold the bone in place but that was definitely better than the option.  She is supposed to be in the hospital until at least Monday.

Amazingly, the airfare for the trip to El Salvador has fallen to almost where it was one month ago.  Which means that if five or six folks would step forward with $500 each, we could send our praise band to the church’s anniversary celebration.  I had one person call to ask me about this yesterday but I told them the airfare had increased significantly.  It had but a quick check showed it has gone down.  So, I perhaps have two of the guys covered.  Can all six go on this trip?  Not sure.  However, if we could get at least four then we would be good.  Want to help?  Contact me today, if not sooner!

The wedding shower for Alisha & Matt takes place tomorrow afternoon from 2:00 – 3:30PM in the fellowship hall.  Registered at St. Elmo Feed & Seed, Grand Bay Auto Supply and Subway.

The July 10 – 17 GRACE team (Bro. Jerry) will have a yard sale/auction this Thursday morning, Friday, Saturday morning, and Saturday evening.  All proceeds help with the ministry portion of their trip.  Donations accepted.

Time changes tonight!  Set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed!

Pastor Ted Traylor will be with us this Thursday, 3/13, beginning at 6:30PM.  Friendship family, do not miss it!

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus!  Spring forward!

Sitting in a hospital surgical waiting room as Betty McMann is in surgery.  Her surgery began around 5:00PM and is expected to take a little over an hour unless problems arise.  I came by to have prayer with her and then went to two other hospitals to make visits.  Darryll was by himself and I told him that I would be back to sit with him during the procedure.  What a blessing to walk into the waiting room to see that Max & Marge Peacock, Mariam Moates and Wanda Jordan had come to be with Darryll.  Ministers!

Darryll’s mother, age 93, is in ICU in an Illinois hospital.  She has double pneumonia and is not responding to the antibiotics.  Darryll will not leave Betty but is obviously concerned about his mother’s condition too.

Began the morning going by to pray with Luthene Herston before her surgery.  Had another appointment so I could not stay.  Saw Beverly Aldrich this afternoon and she said the doctor was satisfied with the surgery.  Miss Luthene will be in the hospital until at least Monday.

Attempted to see Evan Eyler too.  He was not available.  I know he is ready to get out of the hospital.

Visited with infant Drake Howard and his parents this afternoon.  They took Drake to ICU to do some tests.  He continues to just randomly stop breathing.  Pray the doctors can find the cause and cure.

Walker Seaman is the young son of Rusty & Julie Seaman.  He has been in the hospital since Sunday with gastro problems.  They are going to do some tests tomorrow to try and determine the cause of his problems and the remedy.  I visited with Walker and his mother this afternoon.  Laura Cole, who is their neighbor, and her son, Dillon, were visiting them as well.  Ministers!

Visited with Lance Curl’s dad and sister this afternoon.  Lance’s condition remains unchanged.  Jim Chinners visited with the family yesterday and they were very grateful.  Minister.  Folks, Lance needs a miracle.

Got word from Rita Padilla this afternoon that Cristy Leytham is not doing well.  I do not know the details but do ask that you stop and pray for her now.

Most likely will not make it to the visitation with the Burkhalter/Coleman family tonight because of the lateness of Betty’s surgery.  Lisa and I will do the visitation and service tomorrow.

Pray for all of these needs.

Today’s Bible reading – Numbers 8:1-9:23 Mark 13:14-37 Psalm 50:1-23 Proverbs 10:29-30 08

Betty McMann fell this past Tuesday and broke her upper arm (left).  She will have surgery this afternoon and the doctor hopes to insert a plate.  She will spend at least one night in the hospital.

Luthene Herston is scheduled to have surgery this morning.  They will redo the surgery that was performed several weeks ago.

Evan Eyler had surgery yesterday morning.  He will most likely be in the hospital for a couple of days.

Went by see John Curl’s nephew early yesterday morning.  The family had not gotten to the hospital yet.  Jim Chinners was going to try and see them yesterday afternoon.

Visited with infant Drake Howard and his mother.  Drake has to go at least forty eight hours without one of his not breathing episodes before he can be sent home.

Art Elliott met with the oncologist yesterday.  His cancer was confirmed.  The good news is that it is confined to one spot.  They will do a scan of his brain next week.  Depending on those results, a decision will be made on the treatment plan.

Earl Kirschenman was examined by a doctor in Birmingham this week.  More testing will be done in Mobile.  After that, the doctor and Earl will make a decision on what is next.  Earl’s problem is heart related.

J.L. Nesmith continues to need our prayer support.  The deacons are doing a nice job of ministering to him.

The visitation with Lindsey Burkhalter’s family takes place tonight from 6:00 – 9:00PM.  The service will be tomorrow at 2:00PM preceded by an hour of visitation.  Everything takes place at the Canaan Assembly of God Church on Highway 613.

The men’s breakfast takes place tomorrow morning beginning at 8:00AM in the fellowship hall.  All men are invited.

Time change this Saturday night – spring forward!  Set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed.

Pastor Ted Traylor will be our special guest next Thursday night, 3/13, beginning at 6:30PM.  Pray, attend, bring others!

The Duke Blue Devils got beat so badly by Wake Forest on Wednesday night that Coach K got dizzy!  IMO, it is always good to see Duke get beat in basketball!  (Sorry about that Zach Huhn!)  I am glad Coach K checked out ok medically, really I am.  Just hope they get beat by UNC tomorrow night but that probably will not happen.

My recent entries have been too long.  Sorry about that!

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

P.S. – Have I mentioned that Pastor Ted Traylor is coming to Friendship?

Lindsey Elaine Coleman Buckhalter, 29, of Lucedale, MS passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 in Lucedale with her family by her side. She was born on August 30, 1984 in Pascagoula, MS. Lindsey will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, daughter and aunt, who always loved spending her time with her family. She had a heart for missions especially for Casa Aleluya in Guatemala. Lindsey was preceded in death by her grandparents, Rev. James F. and Anna Coleman, Leon and Voncille Lewis, James “Buck” Buckhalter and Billy Wayne Tynes. She is survived by her loving husband, Christopher “Chris”  Buckhalter; son, Christopher Byron “Dink” Buckhalter; parents, Rev. Rodney and Rhonda Coleman; brother, Brandon (Emily) Coleman; sister, Darian Coleman; brother, Shayne Coleman; father and mother-in-law, Mitchell  and Susie Buckhalter; sisters-in-law, Rebecca “Becky” Buckhalter and Sarah Buckhalter; grandmothers, Etoile “Nana” Buckhalter and Betty Tynes; nieces, Ella Claire, Lily Anna, Elizabeth James, Alaya and Leeah; and her very special friend, Lacey McElderry. Visistion for Lindsey will be held on Friday, March 7, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.  at Canaan Assembly of God Church. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the church with Bro. Gene Emswiler, Bro. Bob Wilburn and Bro. Chris Nowell officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held at Magnolia Springs Cemetery in Hurley, MS with Luke Pierce, Josh Miller, Trey Gray, John Holder, Maury Thompson, Derek Eubanks and Shayne Coleman serving as pallbearers. Heritage Funeral Home in Escatawpa, MS is in charge of arrangements.