Pastor's Blog

E.B. ‘Bernie’ Switzer ROCK HILL –

The world lost a great man Monday, September 15, 2014. E. B. “Bernie” Switzer (also known as Nard on the Gulf Coast) left the surely bonds of Earth into the hands of God after 84 years, nine months and four days. His mother came down to usher him home one last time. What a reunion it must be with him and his parents, brother, sister, brothers-in-law, grandparents, aunts and uncles! I can hear Granddaddy playing the piano and singing his favorite hymns, “Supper Time” and “Old Rugged Cross”! Family was so very important to Daddy. He was the happiest when the whole family was together, enjoying each other’s company. Friends were cherished by him, too. In fact, he considered friends part of the family. It made his day when friends came to the lake house to visit, especially after his stroke. He hated to see them leave. He was born December 11, 1929, in Kreole, Miss. to Elmer E. and Lucy Seaman Switzer. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Melva S. Huff; a brother, Dean Switzer and son, Douglas Switzer. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bert; daughter, Vickie S. Bryant (Jerry); son, David Switzer (Allyson); six grandchildren, Heidi Jaremko, Tonya Petersen, Kyle Bryant, Christopher Switzer (Meghan), Lauren Switzer and Justin Switzer (Amanda); nine great-grandchildren and extended family and close friends. The family would like to give special thanks to his caregivers, Tay and Cleo. He spent his working years in the paper industry, having moved with his young family to Rock Hill in May of 1959 at the opening of Bowater. In his spare time he enjoyed beekeeping, gardening and woodworking. In later years he kept active and made many new friends by participating in activities at the YMCA. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, friend, and boss. He loved everyone and was loved by all who knew him. As we all grieve his passing and feel the intense pain of loss, we find solace in knowing that all his pain, discomfort, and frustration he has endured is over and he is at peace. But yes, the loss is a searing pain. Dad, we all love you more than words can say! Funeral services for Mr. Switzer will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 18, 2014, at Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home in Rock Hill. The service will be officiated by Jeff Switzer, his nephew. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Grandview Memorial Park immediately following the service.

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 25:1-28:13 Galatians 3:10-22 Psalm 61:1-8 Proverbs 23:17-18

Kevin Wood is having hip replacement surgery today in Birmingham.  Pray that all goes well.

Willie Johnson was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  He will have some follow up visits with his doctors as they continue to search for the root of his problems.

Caryn should finish her first chemo treatment today.  They drained a little more than four liters of fluid from her yesterday afternoon.  She did not look as well yesterday and was sick last night.  It is my understanding that, once they can control her pain and get her nausea under control, they will talk about letting her go home.  She will then just go back every other week for her chemo treatments.  Rusty worked some yesterday.

Daphne’s MRI takes place tonight at 7:30PM not this morning as I wrote yesterday.  I assumed that 7:30 meant AM and not PM but I was wrong!  At least this will allow Brad to be with her during this procedure without having to miss work so that is a good thing.  Lisa, Deidra and I will play “rock, paper, scissors” to see who has to keep their three children – LOL!

Speaking of Daphne, the Friendship family and others have been so very kind to her and her family during this time.  They have gotten great support.  It is appreciated!  I am very grateful to each person who has taken the time to send me an e-mail of support.  What an encouragement and blessing!

Pray for the Switzer family as they travel to the funeral service in South Carolina.  (I am assuming the service will take place there)

We are on a regular schedule today/tonight.  I pray that the members of the Friendship family will continue to be found faithful.

So, how did that whole “going into hiding thing” work out yesterday?  Are you serious?  I ended up with less than an hour of study time yesterday afternoon but there is always today!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 22:1-24:23 Galatians 2:17-3:9 Psalm 60:1-12 Proverbs 23:15-16

Caryn began her chemotherapy treatments late yesterday morning.  The first treatment is a forty eight hour process.  Pray that everything goes well.  To me, Caryn looked/sounded better yesterday morning than she has through this whole process.  (Rusty did not look good but Rusty has never looked good!)

Willie Johnson’s heart cath revealed some blockages but nothing needing surgery.  He was to have another scan done yesterday afternoon but I do not know the results of that test.

Marie Brooks was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  (I think she had her son-in-law, Scott, put on a white coat and go tell the nurses to discharge her.  She really wanted to go home!)

Andy Hamil called last night to share that Hilda Gunter’s brother, Bernard Switzer, from South Carolina passed away.  Of course, this is Joey’s uncle.  Arrangements pending.

Kerri Lastorka’s brother, Kevin Wood, will have hip replacement surgery in Birmingham tomorrow morning.  This is because of the work related accident he had almost two years ago.  If all goes well, he should be discharged on Saturday.

Our daughter, Daphne, is scheduled for a brain scan early tomorrow morning.  Her surgery is set for 7:00AM the following Wednesday morning, 9/24.  Folks, it would be nothing short of a miracle of God if her number was at zero this Friday, 9/19, when they do labs.  That is my prayer!

We have two pastors’ conferences coming up in Central America – El Salvador (9/30 – 10/2) and Guatemala (10/14 – 16).  Pray for these conferences, please.  I have got to spend some time over the next three days studying for my part (two main session messages and one break out session teaching) in these conferences as we have to submit our outlines and notes in advance for translation purposes.  I will be doing my pastoral duties i.e. hospital visits, convalescent home, et cetera but otherwise be scarce as I will go into “hiding” in order to study for those messages, tomorrow’s teachings, and this Sunday’s messages.

I attended the revival service at Union Baptist Church last night.  I had never heard of the preacher (Waynesboro, MS) or the singer (Huntsville, AL) but I went to support Pastor David Walley and the fine folks of that church family.  I enjoyed the service and I always enjoy visiting other churches.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 19:1-21:17 Galatians 2:1-16 Psalm 59:1-17 Proverbs 23:13-14

Tuesday, 9/16 – Isaiah 22:1-24:23 Galatians 2:17-3:9 Psalm 60:1-12 Proverbs 23:15-16

Wednesday, 9/17 – Isaiah 25:1-28:13 Galatians 3:10-22 Psalm 61:1-8 Proverbs 23:17-18

Thursday, 9/18 – Isaiah 28:14-30:11 Galatians 3:23-4:31 Psalm 62:1-12 Proverbs 23;19-21

Friday, 9/19 – Isaiah 30:12-33:9 Galatians 5:1-12 Psalm 63:1-11 Proverbs 23:22

Saturday, 9/20 – Isaiah 33:10-36:22 Galatians 5:13-26 Psalm 64:1-10 Proverbs 23:23

Sunday, 9/21 – Isaiah 37:1-38:22 Galatians 6:1-18 Psalm 65:1-13 Proverbs 23:24

Blessed Sunday!  Dr. Mike did a really nice job of sharing the Word in our morning services.  It is always such a joy to have him and Miss Dottie with us.  You gave graciously to them through the offering as well.  The total will be over $1,300 once the designated offerings through Sunday School are included in the total.  Thank you!

Special thanks to Jordon & Jennifer Zirlott for arranging for Dr. Mike & Miss Dottie to be at the Bayou La Batre Church of God for last night’s service.  Dr. Mike said the service went well.

Willie Johnson will have a heart cath today.

Marie Brooks will remain hospitalized until at least tomorrow and possibly until Wednesday.  She is not a happy camper.

“C” is scheduled to begin her chemotherapy treatments today.

Eula Mae’s sister-in-law’s funeral service takes place tomorrow at noon preceded by two hours of visitation with the family.  Everything takes place at Woodridge Baptist in Mobile.

Daphne will have a MRI on her brain Wednesday.

Who will you invite to join you this Sunday, 9/21, for our church services?  Everyone knows someone who needs to be in church.  Andrew “first” found his brother, Simon!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 15:1-18:7 Galatians 1:1-24 Psalm 58:1-11 Proverbs 23:12

Visited with “C” early yesterday morning.  I told Lisa after I got home that, in my opinion, “C” looked better than I have seen her look since she has been in the hospital.  Kayla would later text Lisa saying that “C” had a good day.  Obviously, she is still a very sick young lady but we thank God for each “better day.”  Keep praying!

Visited with Willie Johnson too.  He thought he “might” be going home for the weekend but would later find out that he will be having a heart cath tomorrow and will remain hospitalized at least until then.

Visited with Marie Brooks.  She was in pain but, as always, is such a pleasant person.  She would get sick later in the day for several hours.  Her problem has been diagnosed as a severe flare up of diverticulitis.  Will be in the hospital until at least tomorrow or Tuesday.  (Her daughter, Nanette, was there and wanted to walk me to the car but I politely turned her down – she was mad!)

Dr. Mike & Miss Dottie will be with us in our two morning services today.  May the members of the Friendship family be faithful to attend!  I will be preaching in the evening service.

Lisa and I went to the Bama game yesterday.  Chris & Courtney Cavin went with us as they both are graduates of USM.  Courtney kept hollering, “we love you Coach Bower” even though I told her that he was no longer their coach.  She got upset when we did not stay after the game and wait for Coach Saban to exit the stadium so she could get her picture taken with him.  Chris was the driver on the way home and did a great job!

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

Today’s Bible reading –  Isaiah 12:1-14:32 2 Corinthians 13:1-14 Psalm 57:1-11 Proverbs 23:9-11

Caryn went through the various tests ok yesterday.  However, they did nothing to reveal the origin of her malignancy.  It appears the plan is to begin chemotherapy possibly as early as Monday.  Lisa and I visited Rusty & Caryn for a few minutes late yesterday afternoon and she was still drowsy from being put to sleep.  She did not appear to be having intense pain but we were not there for a long period of time.  Keep praying!

Marie Brooks was placed in the hospital yesterday.  The following comes from her daughter, Nanette – “They think it is just a severe flare up of diverticulitis so unless the ct shows something different they will start her on a powerful IV antibiotic.”

Willie Johnson was also placed in the hospital yesterday.  Put him on the heart wing suspecting something possibly wrong with his heart.  I was able to visit ever so quickly with him late yesterday afternoon too.

Eula Mae’s sister-in-law, Beverly Reeves, passed away around 11:30AM yesterday.  The visitation will take place on Tuesday, 9/16, from 10:00AM until the noon service time.  The visitation and service will take place at Woodridge Baptist Church in Mobile.

I was wrong (audible gasp) about Daphne’s surgery date.  It appears it will take place on 9/24 or 9/26.  She will have a MRI of her brain on 9/17.  Thank you to those who have already sent e-mails of prayer support.

Our bus workers meet this morning at 8:30AM in the church office.  Pray for this important ministry.

Dr. Mike & Miss Dottie Clark will be with us tomorrow morning for both services.  I will be preaching in the evening service.  I am praying for a good attendance in all three services.  Ditto for the Spanish service that meets at 10:30AM.

Lisa and I are driving up to Tuscaloosa today in order to meet with Dr. Ted Traylor.

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

P.S. – One more thing that came to me from Nanette – “I wish we had never stopped dating!”  Wow!

Our daughter, Daphne, went for her weekly lab work today.  Last Friday, her count was at 125 having fallen 106 points.  That was good.  We knew that God was in control.  Today, her count has once again increased.  That is not good.  We know that God is still in control.

So, Daphne is now facing surgery (9/22 tentative date) and a totally different type of chemotherapy regiment.  Her doctor says that her body must be resistant to the type chemo she has been receiving.  Thus the move to a stronger treatment.

I said when we started on this journey that I do not like being on this side of the fence.  I can only imagine how Daphne feels.  She has previously worked as a RN (she is a NP) in an oncology center.  I am told that she was good at it too.  Two folks who have told me that are Amy Huhn and Rick Sharpe, owner of Rick’s Sporting Goods in Mobile.  Daphne was one of Amy’s mother’s nurses and Rick’s wife’s nurse too.  Rick’s wife passed from this life several years ago but he still speaks glowingly of the care Daphne gave to his wife.  Amy has spoken very kind things about Daphne as well.   Amy’s mother continues in her battle against cancer.

While Daphne does not have a malignancy (folks, I know it is confusing), she is now facing some of the very same issues that  the folks she “nursed” have faced.  Hopefully, that will help her in this battle to get her number to zero.  I feel certain it will help her in the years ahead as a NP.

So, we simply ask for your continued prayer support.  Daphne needs it.  Her dad needs it!  Thank you!

P.S. – Deidra is scheduled to give birth on 9/29.  I have asked them to coordinate the birth and the surgery so they will happen on the same day.  Easier on me!  LOL!

P.S.S. – What type surgery you ask?  You never ask a woman that question!

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 10:1-11:16 2 Corinthians 12;11-21 Psalm 56:1-13 Proverbs 23:6-8

The tests that were scheduled for Caryn yesterday did not take place because some of her levels were not at the correct point.  The plan is to do those tests today.  The pain medications seemed to be helping manage the pain yesterday.  Keep praying as the doctors try to pinpoint the origin of this malignancy.

I want to give props to Claire Turner who is a nurse at the hospital where “C” is a patient.  Claire and her husband, Phillip, are faithful members i.e. Sunday mornings & evenings, Wednesdays of the Friendship family.  Claire has not been “C’s” nurse but I have observed her people skills while she has been on the job.  Claire has compassion for the patients.  She gives excellent care because she cares.  It blesses me to see a member of the Friendship family being like Christ as they go about their job!  Good job, Claire!  (She gave me $50 to write about her – you think I have written enough to warrant that amount?)

They will have a memorial service for Brenda Timberlake and Lisa Thompson’s maternal Aunt, Martha Crumpton, in Alabaster today.  Pray for them as they travel and attend the service.

Eula Mae Blackmon’s sister-in-law was taken to the hospital by ambulance yesterday morning.  The situation was dire whenever I spoke to Eula Mae via the phone yesterday afternoon.  Pray.

Mike & Dottie Clark will be our guests this Sunday morning for both services.  Mike will be preaching.  I have always enjoyed sitting under his preaching.  I encourage the members of the Friendship family to attend these services.  I will be preaching in the evening service.

It is a little after 6:00AM and Lisa is upset with me as I was supposed to have the groceries here before daylight.  Decided to hit the mower early and do Walmart either later today or tomorrow.  She is not happy with my decision!

The Bible speaks of the trials and tribulations that we all will face in this life.  Tomorrow looks to be a “t&t” day for me – LOL!  Details coming!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 8:1-9:21 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Psalm 55:1-23 Proverbs 23:4-5

I cannot forget the events of thirteen years ago today.  My hope is that no Americans forget.  Take some time today to remember and to pray for those families who lost loved ones that day.

Caryn is having a couple of procedures done today.  Pray that all goes well and some answers can be found.  They did change her pain medication which has helped.

Brenda Timberlake and Lisa Thompson had a maternal aunt to pass away yesterday.  I think she lived in the Birmingham area.  Pray for the family.

They found a few spots on Tommy Johnson’s mother’s lungs.  She will go for testing on 9/24.

Really strong attendance in yesterday morning’s service and a very good attendance in last night’s service as well.  The 7:30PM Bible study went well too.  God is good!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 6:1-7:25 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 Psalm 54:1-7 Proverbs 23:1-3

I know many people have been wondering about Caryn’s situation.  Basically, yesterday was a wash as far as the report is concerned as the final results never came back.  They did drain another three liters of fluid from her stomach area.  This morning, “C” will be admitted to the hospital for a couple of more days of testing in hopes of determining the origin and type of malignancy. If they cannot pinpoint the origin and type, it is my understanding they will simply began using a certain chemotherapy that they feel will work the best.  I do know that “C” continues to be a really sick young lady.  Her case has obviously confused the medical field up to this point.  Just keep praying.  I can promise you that, if anything changes significantly in her case, I will post it here as soon as possible.  Pray for Rusty as he has a lot on his plate too!

Martha Patrick was discharged from the hospital yesterday which means she is now with Bill & Elsie.

Lynne Watson had some surgery last week.  There have been “issues” ever since.  She is at home but has made several trips back to see the doctor.  Pray for her.

Regular schedule today/tonight.  College/young adult Bible study at 7:30PM.

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