Pastor's Blog

Bro. Benny McGath called to share the funeral arrangements for his father-in-law, Mr. Tommy Cole.  I so appreciate Bro. Benny letting me know so that I can inform you.

The visitation with the Tommy Cole family will take place on Thursday night, April 10, from 5:00 – 8:00PM from the Pinecrest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway.  The service will take place on Friday morning, April 11, at 10:00AM also from the Pincrest Funeral Home on DIP.  The interment will take place in the Forest Lawn Cemetery on Celeste Road in Saraland, Alabama.

Pray for the Cole family during this time of grief.

Lisa received word early this morning that Mr. Tommy Cole, father of Julie McGath, Ginger Welch, Danny & David Cole, was not expected to live more than a couple of days.

Word just came that Mr. Tommy has passed from this life as of around 8:00AM.  Pray for his wife, Miss Liz, Julie, Ginger, Danny, David, and their families during this time.

Mr. Tommy & Miss Liz are active members of Government Street Baptist Church in Mobile.

The arrangements will be posted here once they have been finalized.

Also, keep praying for Tena Hovel’s dad, Mr. Alford.  He is not doing well and needs our prayer support.  Pray for him, his wife and the family.

Just talked to Sherry Dees Smullen and her father, Dale Dees, is in the hospital.  The doctors cannot determine the cause of his problems.  Pray for the doctors, Mr. Dale, and the family.

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 32:28-52 Luke 12:35-59 Psalm 78:56-64 Proverbs 12:24

Miss Jay Love had a procedure done yesterday and it went well.  She was in good spirits afterwards and I “think” she is going to be discharged today.

Did not get to see Art but did visit with Debra for a few seconds.  Art is in a regular room and is doing well.  This has been a longer process than anticipated but Art is improving daily.

Miss Jackie Goff remains in ICU.  They have ruled out what they initially thought was wrong with her and were running some more tests yesterday.

Rusty Suthoff’s mother is in the hospital.  They are doing tests to determine exactly what is wrong with her but the doctor is leaning toward pneumonia as of now.  She will be in the hospital for at least another day or two.

Christy Wynn and Archie Sprinkle have both been discharged from the hospital.

Wow, the positive responses from this past Sunday services and the new Saturday night service were amazing!  Thank you to each person who sent an e-mail, called, or spoke directly to me about these matters.  It actually began in the meeting with the deacons on Sunday afternoon and just went from there.  What an encouragement and blessing!  God is good!

Evidently, Jack & Pee Wee did not get the “memo” as the t-ball game took place last night.  The field conditions were close to unplayable (or something like that) yet the game had to go on.  Titus’ team took it “on the chin” and I think it was because of the field conditions which in turn means it was the umpire’s (Pee Wee) fault!

If the Lord lets me live until next year, I may just let my grandchildren fill out my NCAA bracket!  UConn was a total surprise to me as I still believe UK had the most talent and should have won!  I suspect the UConn women’s team will win the title tonight as well.  It has been a fun three weeks as is the case each year.

BTW, Nanette did not even speak to me at church this past Sunday!  Due to that 5K thing and me not picking her daughter to win?   Is that being like Jesus?   You think she will be washing my feet any time soon?

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 31:1- 32:27, Luke 12:8-34, Psalm 78:32-55, Proverbs 12:21-23

Tuesday, 4/8 – Deuteronomy 32:28-52 Luke 12:35-59 Psalm 78:56-64 Proverbs 12:24

Wednesday, 4/9 – Deuteronomy 33:1-29 Luke 13:1-21 Psalm 78:65-72 Proverbs 12:25

Thursday, 4/10 – Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24 Luke 13:22-14:6 Psalm 79:1-13 Proverbs 12:26

Friday, 4/11 – Joshua 3:1-4:24 Luke 14:7-35 Psalm 80:1-19 Proverbs 12:27-28

Saturday, 4/12 – Joshua 5:1-7:15 Luke 15:1-32 Psalm 81:1-16 Proverbs 13:1

Sunday, 4/13 – Joshua 7:16-9:2 Luke 16:1-18 Psalm 82:1-8 Proverbs 13:2-3

The Lord blessed and we had a really good day in our services yesterday.  Of course, it is always a blessing when two young men follow Jesus in believer’s baptism as Brad & James did last night.  Our attendance was good in spite of the wet conditions.  We give God the glory for all He did in our midst!

I will get updates on those in the hospitals today.  Miss Jay Love is having a procedure done today but I do not know the details.

I would ask you to pray for Carlos Raxon in Guatemala.  He has served as the contractor in the building of the feeding center.  Good guy.  Good friend of GRACE Ministries.  He learned this past week that he has cancer.  The details are few but he does need our prayer support.  Same for Miss Cristy Leytham.

Titus has a t-ball game tonight at 7:15PM.  Park director, Jack Lastorka, and chief umpire, Pee Wee Roberts, need to understand that boys do not need to play in wet conditions as it could be dangerous!  The rains should be over by game time but that will not lessen the effects of the already soaked field.  Miss Willie, please talk to your son about using common sense!  (Pee Wee, Coach Saban would take his boys inside in these conditions!)

The previous paragraph has nothing to do with the fact that the final game of the NCAA tourney takes place tonight.  I probably will not even watch the game unless I am at home or somewhere else.  I am going with Mark Timberlake and the Cats to win it all!  SEC, SEC, SEC!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20, Luke 11:37-12:7, Psalm 78:1-31, Proverbs 12:19-2

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Deacons will meet with the pastor at 4:00PM.  We will observe the ordinance of baptism as a part of our evening service.

There will be a “to go” meal served following Sunday School for those who are in the early service and then after the second service.  All proceeds help our students do missions this Summer.

The men’s breakfast was good and I am not talking about the food although it was fine.

I had as much success picking the winners of the 5K as I did picking the NCAA tourney winner.  I know a Tuberville guy won the overall crown and Amy Switzer won the women’s crown.  Rusty did finish in the top 100 and my wife, Lisa, won her age division.  (Phillip & Betty Clair owe me a huge explanation!)

Nanette Fontenot is all upset b/c I did not pick her daughter, Korie, to win!  She sent me an e-mail with words that I had to look up and some were not even in the dictionary!  (No profanity mind you – Nanette dips but she does not cuss!)  Lets just say that she did not refer to me as pastor!  Wow!

The Lord blessed and I was able to work in my Santa Claus (hoe, hoe, hoe) garden late yesterday morning before the rain came.  Got seven rows done.  Needed to hoe two more but it is all good!

It is supposed to rain today.  I am praying that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful in spite of the rain.  I would imagine no one will miss work, school, et cetera tomorrow due to the rain which is supposed to be worse than today.  So, why miss church b/c of the rain?

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 28:1-68, Luke 11:14-36, Psalm 77:1-20, Proverbs 12:18

Two things related to the Friendship family begin at 8:00AM today – the men’s breakfast in the fellowship hall and the 5K run at the middle school.  Eat or burn calories – your choice!

The meal being served by our students will take place tomorrow morning immediately following Sunday School for those attending the first service and then after the second service for all others.

We will baptize as a part of our 6:00PM service tomorrow.

Art Elliott remains in ICU but is “supposed” to be moved into a regular room today.

Miss Jackie Goff was moved into ICU yesterday.  She has a disease that I have never heard of before.  She really needs our prayers.

Julie McGath’s and Danny Cole’s mother remains in ICU too.  She seems to be doing better.

I did not get an update on Christy Wynn or Archie Sprinkle yesterday but I “assume” both are still in the hospital.  If anyone knows differently, please let me know.  Pray for them as well as all of these listed.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Rain in the forecast.  You going to be a follower of Jesus or a Baptist?

I have tabbed either Phillip Turner or Coach Eric Collier as the overall winner of today’s 5K with Rusty Suthoff finishing in the top one hundred.  How about on the women’s side?  I did not know until last night that my sweet wife is a participant so that really adds some pressure to my picks.  I am going with Betty Clair Hatcher to finish first with Caryn Hyatt in a close second.  Most words spoken during the run will most likely go to my wife and Lynne Watson.  In the “I am pregnant” category, I am picking Nicole Taylor over Sueanna Bryant.  Best looking runner?  No contest – Lisa Turrentine!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26, Luke 10:38-11:13, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs 12:15-17

Tena Hovel’s father took a fall yesterday and it was initially thought he had broken a hip.  However, there were no broken bones and he was sent home from the hospital.  As most of you know, Mr. Alford is battling cancer.

Julie McGath’s & Danny Cole’s mother was placed in ICU yesterday.  She has been having problems for the past several weeks and this is seemingly the culmination of those problems.

Pattie Suthoff did well through her surgery and came home.  That is the good news.  The not so good news is that Bernard is now her caregiver during her recovery.

Infant Jack Holmes, young Bowen Brannon and James Moore were all discharged from the hospital yesterday.

I received an e-mail last night saying that Miss Jackie Goff had been taken by ambulance to the hospital.  I have checked with the hospital this morning and she was admitted.  I do not know the details but will find out today.

Art Elliott remains in ICU.  However, the oncologist told him yesterday that he needs no treatment of any kind as the surgery was sufficient.  Praise the Lord!

Christy Wynn remains in the hospital and was awaiting test results yesterday afternoon.

Archie Sprinkle remains hospitalized with no significant change in his condition.

You can longer register online for the 5K race tomorrow but you can register on site.  The race begins at 8:00AM in front of GBMS.  My bracket has Phillip Turner winning it all with Coach Eric Collier a very close second.   Rusty Suthoff is expected to finish in the top 100.

Men’g breakfast at 8:00AM tomorrow too.  Fellowship hall.

Fundraiser meal this Sunday immediately following SS and the second service.

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

Today’s Bible reading –  Deuteronomy 23:1- 25:19, Luke 10:13-37, Psalm 75:1-10, Proverbs 12:12-14

Pattie Suthoff is having carpal tunnel surgery this morning.

No significant changes on those we have been listing on the prayer list in recent days.  Art remains in ICU.

Christy Wynn is a local hospital.

The 5K takes place Saturday beginning at 8:00AM.  Rumor has it that Rusty S believes he can take Phillip T?

The men’s breakfast also takes place on Saturday beginning at 8:00AM.  It will be in the fellowship hall.

The student fundraiser meal will be served on Sunday following Sunday School and the second service.  Cost is $6 per “to go” plate.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30, Luke 9:51-10:12, Psalm 74:1-23, Proverbs 12:11

Visited with Art Elliott in the ICU yesterday morning.  He has a problem that is keeping him in the unit.  It is “possible” that he could be moved to a regular room today.  He was down a bit from still being in the unit but overall his attitude was positive.  Spent most of our conversation talking about others who are battling afflictions.  (That is always a good way to keep from feeling too sorry for yourself)

Visited with James Moore.  He was a not feeling so great in his recovery from surgery.

Archie Sprinkle had an elevated temperature on Monday night which meant any talk of his being discharged is delayed.  He seemed to feel good and was in good spirits.

Infant Jack Holmes is in a room and doing well.  Mary says that he has to reach a certain goal in his taking a bottle before he can be discharged.  She seemed that think that would not happen before this weekend.

Had to go to the Social Security in Moss Point office for a friend yesterday afternoon.  While in Mississippi, I learned that Miss Kathleen Henderson was in the hospital.  I visited with her and she is doing well.  Her problem is congestive heart failure.  She was fairly confident that she is coming home today.

Pattie Suthoff will have surgery tomorrow.  Carpal tunnel.

Regular schedule today/tonight.  Menu for late Bible study is ham, macaroni & cheese, green beans, bread, dessert and drink.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 18:1- 20:20, Luke 9:28-50, Psalm 73:1-28, Proverbs 12:10

I gave the updates in yesterday’s second entry so nothing has changed since then.  I hope to visit the folks in the convalescent home today.

The 5K, men’s breakfast, and fundraiser meal all take place this weekend.

The Lord has given us two absolutely beautiful days in a row.  Wow!  The rain of last Friday may have gotten my peas and okra as they had been planted less than a week.  Just glad that “Bo” has the seeds insured!

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