Pastor's Blog

The surgeon just talked to the family and said that Faron’s surgery was a success.  They replaced two valves.  The next twenty four hours are critical but the doctor thinks she should do well.  Ruby is grateful to God and elated!  Keep praying!

Call to prayer for Faron Steiner.  She was taken into the OR at 12:30PM.  The actual surgery began at 2:00PM.  Very serious surgery.  The surgeon performing this surgery is one of only three in Alabama who can do this particular surgery.  Pray!

Melissa deBrabant’s surgery took place in Birmingham this morning.  She will be kept overnight.

Daniela Pedraza’s surgery was postponed until this Friday, 3/13.  Her initial surgery will be outpatient.

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

Melissa deBrabant’s surgery takes place this morning in Birmingham.  Pray that everything goes well.

Daniela Pedraza’s has a test this morning and then should have surgery in the afternoon.  She is also in Birmingham.

Faron Steiner’s surgery has been scheduled for 1:00PM today.  Going into these surgeries, Faron’s appears to be the most serious.  Pray.

Stella Brinkman did well through her surgery and “could” be discharged today.

As far as I know, Becky Sellers did come home yesterday.

They are trying to get Max Peacock into a physical rehab facility.

I believe that Miss Kathleen Henderson and Miss Jackie Goff could both be discharged from their respective physical rehabilitation facilities this week.

We will have our prayer meeting tonight in the auditorium from 5:00 – 7:00PM.  I am in hopes this will be our largest attended prayer meeting yet.  We must pray.

No TNBA tonight.

Lord willing, I will arrive home sometime tonight and will be in place for the morning service.  That is the plan.  We are on a regular schedule tomorrow.  (No “potluck with the pastor” tomorrow)

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

Arrived at the Birmingham hospital around 6:30AM.  Visited with Faron and talked to her about spiritual matters.  She is a very sick young lady.  At that time, it was not known what time the surgery would take place.  The call came around 9:30AM or so that the surgery has been postponed.  Too many surgeries on the schedule for today.  No timetable was given as to when it will be rescheduled.  Faron is very concerned so your continued prayer support is needed.

Edwin Williams’ first cousin, Denise Blocker, passed away this past Saturday, 3/7.  Visitation is from 10:00 – 11:00AM tomorrow, 3/10, from Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL.  Graveside service at 11:00AM.  Pray for the family.

James & Mary Cook’s daughter, Gracie, took a fall last week and broke both of her arms.  I think Gracie is four years old and will turn five years old in April.  Pray for young Gracie!

My inbox is being flooded with messages regarding yesterday’s services.  What an encouragement to this pastor.

Drove to Hartselle to pick up a “ton” of items Mike & Dottie Clark left for our teams to bring to Guatemala later this year.  Was able to have lunch with my mama, my niece and my nephew (my dad was fishing).  Also was able to visit my paternal grandparent’s graves.

Soy came with me and drove to Birmingham.  I brought Titus to this same hotel a couple of weeks ago and Soy was jealous.  So, I had to bring him and now have to go let him ride the carousel in the mall – he is so excited!  Just what I wanted – to babysit Soy!

Faron Steiner, Winston & Ruby Gulley’s granddaughter, is scheduled to have major heart surgery in Birmingham this morning.  I have traveled to Birmingham in order to be with Ruby and her daughter, Christy.  Folks, this is a very serious surgery.

Stella Brinkman is to have a pace maker put in today.  Pray that everything goes as planned and that this will be the answer to Stella’s recent problems.  Bro. Chris is going to cover that surgery for me.

Becky Sellers is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today.  That could change but that is the plan.  Her radiation treatments will begin as soon as possible.

Max Peacock continues to recover from his surgery.  Just keep praying!

Danny & Liz Cole’s granddaughter, Bethani, is much improved.  Keep praying!

Morris’ mother, Miss Lucine, remains in the hospital.  It is my understanding that they will not draw the fluid off but will simply use medications to do so.

Daniela Pedraza is a part of our Spanish ministry.  I found out after church last night that she is going to have surgery in Birmingham on Tuesday morning so, Lord willing, I will be able to be there for her surgery too.

Melissa deBrabant will have surgery in Birmingham on Tuesday as well.  I hope to get to go by the hospital and at least speak to Bro. Randy.

Edna Glover has a sister, Arlene, in ICU.   She has a brother, Sidney, having problems with his carotid arteries.

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

Tuesday, 3/10 – Numbers 14:1-15:16 Mark 14:53-72 Psalm 53:1-6 Proverbs 11:4

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

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

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

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

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

Wow!  That is really all I can say about last night’s service.  It was definitely one of those “you had to have been there services” in order to understand/appreciate it.  I have already received several messages from folks stating what the service meant to them and that does not count those who talked to me in the auditorium following the service.  I appreciate Dylan & Elizabeth setting the table for us to receive the Word.  They did a very nice job.  To hear people praying and to hear people weeping was very moving to this pastor.  Folks, we must pray!  And then pray some more!  And then pray!  This kind comes by prayer!

The good news is that the morning services were also blessed.  I have received communication regarding them too.  Folks have intentionally encouraged me!  Am I blessed or what!  What a joy to have Eddie Whitmore join the Friendship family on statement.  He and I talked last Sunday and he followed through on it during the 8:00AM invitation.  Actually, we had a person trying to join during the 10:30AM service but someone (your pastor) did not notice them in time.  “O What A Savior” is our theme during this season.  Randall did a great job on that song as did Bro. Kerry on “Holy Ground.”  Folks, get used to hearing “At The Cross” because it will be a regular in our services for the next three Sundays.

Prayer meeting on Tuesday night from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Lord willing, I will be there for the duration.  I will be readily available for anyone needing me to pray specifically with them.  I have a vision for this ministry.  Join me!  We must be a people of prayer!

No Griefshare tonight, 3/9, or TNBA tomorrow night, 3/10.

Our “potluck with the pastor” is scheduled to take place next Wednesday, 3/18, immediately following the morning service.  Details forthcoming.

Putting the prayer needs on another entry as this one is too long already.

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

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

Dave & Becky Sellers got some “not what we wanted to hear news” Friday and yesterday.  Basically, they have found some cancer in a lymph node and are concerned about another spot involving fatty tissue.  What does this mean?  Radiation will begin as soon as possible and chemo will be added to it as well.

Folks, Becky is as positive as any person I have ever known.  She is believing God for a complete healing.  I ask you to join me as I join her in that prayer.

Stella Brinkman has several things going on.  They will put a pace maker in tomorrow.

Do not have an update on Bethani but expect to get one today at church.

A huge “thank you” to each person who took part in the work day yesterday morning.  Really good turnout of 25 – 30ish.  Got a ton of yard work finished and some of the guys took down a tree.  The place looks much better as we ready for Easter on April 5.  (Where was Will Reynolds?  Deacon Bryant?  Deacon Vice?  Bernard Suthoff?  Great questions!)

Regular schedule today and tonight.  Lord willing, I will be preaching in all three services.

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

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

Danny & Liz Cole’s granddaughter, Bethani, is in the hospital.  Her situation was dire yesterday afternoon but had gotten some better.  Pray for Bethani, please.

Katie T sent me an iMessage saying that Stella will receive a pacemaker on Monday.  Do not know the details but do know what is scheduled.

Kayla Hatcher sent me an iMessage saying that Becky Sellers looked good yesterday afternoon and should be discharged on Monday.

Breakfast this morning at 8:00AM.  Everyone invited!

Work day this morning beginning at 9:00AM.  Everyone needed.  The sole focus will be on the church yard i.e. mowing, weed eating, raking leaves, trimming hedges, et cetera.  Bring equipment and come join us.  We could finish fairly quickly.

Spring forward, spring forward, spring forward!  Please remember to move your clocks forward one hour tonight before going to bed.  Really important!

Our next “potluck with the pastor” will not take place this Wednesday, 3/11.  The “first lady” shot that date down like Morris Bryant on a dove shoot!  Lord willing, it will take place on the following Wednesday, 3/18, immediately following the morning service.  Sorry for the delay but around our house “if mama. . . . .

The conference was great.  Really good stuff.  As you know, I am a Brooklyn Tabernacle fan so to be at a conference sponsored by them has been refreshing.

Lord willing, I will be home in time for the start of the work day.  I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.

Today’s Bible reading – Numbers 6:1-7:89 Mark 12:38-13:13 Psalm 49:1-20 Proverbs 10:27-28

David Bosarge did well through his surgery yesterday morning.  (Pretty impressive that his son, Dale, postponed an opportunity to minister in Oklahoma in order to be with his dad during surgery)

Stella Brinkman had a tough night Wednesday and a rough day yesterday.  Not sure what the next step is for her.  She needs our prayers.

Max Peacock was, IMO, much improved yesterday morning compared to the morning before.  Still has a way to go but is on the road to recovery.

Becky Sellers continues to make improvement and has such a positive attitude!  I expect her to be home real soon (or sooner if she has any say in the matter).

Miss Lucine Bryant continues to feel poorly as they have not drained the fluid from her body yet.  Trying meds first.

Katelyn Jackson Johnson’s cousin, Hannah, will have her gall bladder surgically removed today.

Lisa and I drove to Woodville, MS yesterday afternoon to visit with Chris, Courtney and the family.  The service for Chris’ grandfather will take place this morning at 11:00AM.  Saw something that I had never seen before while at the visitation.  Mr. Smith loved to garden and they placed his hoe on the top of the casket as a part of the floral arrangement.  Nice!

Breakfast in the fellowship hall in the morning at 8:00AM.  Work day at 9:00AM.  People, mowers, weed eaters, tractors, hedge trimmers, rakes, et cetera needed.  (Could someone have the fire department on speed dial just in case?)

Spring forward one hour tomorrow night before going to bed.  TIME CHANGE!

The conference sessions yesterday afternoon and last night were a blessing to Lisa and me.  Looking forward to this morning, this afternoon and tonight.  (Pretty uncomfortable staying in Baton Rouge!)

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

Today’s Bible reading – Numbers 4:1-5:31 Mark 12:18-37 Psalm 48:1-14 Proverbs 10:26

David Bosarge will have surgery this morning.

The procedure did not work on Stella Brinkman so they admitted her to the hospital for a couple of days.  They will observe her and “may” go the pacemaker route.

Max Peacock is in a room but still has a way to go.  The family is requesting no visitors in order for Max to give all of his energy to recovering.

Becky Sellers was asleep when I visited yesterday morning.  Talked to Bernard at church last night and she is doing “good” in her recovery.

Miss Lucine Bryant was still having problems with the fluid build up when I visited yesterday.  I assume they are going to drain that fluid again (may have done so yesterday).  They are giving her medicines to help eliminate the problem.

Miss Earline O’Gwynn was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

The visitation with Chris Cavin’s family takes place tonight and the funeral service tomorrow morning.  Everything is in Woodville, MS.  Pray for Chris & his family in the loss of his maternal grandfather.

Caroline Ford is having some health issues and needs our prayer support.  I talked to her via the phone yesterday.

Larry Whitehurst is on the mend from his heart surgery.  He has a very positive attitude and sees the doctor today.

Breakfast on Saturday morning at 8:00AM in the fellowship hall.  Everyone invited.

“Yard cleaning” work day at 9:00AM on Saturday.  Rakes, mowers, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, et cetera needed.  We will stop by noon but can be finished in a couple of hours with enough help present.

Time change this Saturday night – spring forward one hour before going to bed!  Real important!

Lisa and I will be attending a church leadership conference in Baton Rouge, LA today and tomorrow.  We will miss tonight’s session in order to attend the visitation with Chris Cavin’s family.  Lord willing, I will be back for the work day on Saturday morning as the conference ends tomorrow night.

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