Pastor's Blog

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Leviticus 23-24; Mark 1:1-22

The celebration of life service for Miss Helen Ruth Brinkman went well.  I appreciate those who attended to support the family.  Also, special thanks to those who prepared/served the meal after the service.  Even though Miss Helen has lived in Pensacola for the past few years, she will be missed at Friendship.

I have not communicated with Vera Bosarge since the memorial service for her brother, Dan, but I pray everything went well there too.

Lisa and I visited Lisa Thompson yesterday afternoon as she has been admitted to the hospital.  They were giving her blood and are going to drain fluid from around her lungs.  She is not doing well and certainly needs our continued prayer support.

We also visited Ruby Gulley.  She seemed a bit confused.  As far as I know, the plans are for her to be discharged next Friday, 2/24.

Special prayer request for Pastor Terry Rainey.  The doctors say he can most likely be released from the Florida hospital Monday or Tuesday – that is good!  The problem is that he cannot travel via commercial air or via ground ambulance.  His insurance company has refused the doctor’s decision that he must be flown home on a medical jet.  Therefore, they are now saying that he will have to stay in Florida for rehab until he is able to travel to South Carolina the traditional way.  He needs a miracle regarding transportation so please pray.

Bus workers meeting this morning at 8:30AM.

Friendship basketball today beginning at 8:00AM.  There will be games through the week next week and then next Saturday, 2/25, will bring this season to a close.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Leviticus 21-22; Matthew 28

The celebration of life service for Miss Helen Ruth Brinkman will take place this morning beginning at 11:00AM.  It will be preceded by an hour of visitation with the family.  Everything takes place in our church auditorium.  The burial will be in the Grand Bay Cemetery.

Attempted to visit with Ruby Gulley yesterday morning but she was not in her room.  I assume she had already gone to therapy although I got there early.

Visited with John Curl.  He had already been discharged and was simply waiting on the paper work to be finished.  He was happy to be going home.

A memorial service for Vera Bosarge’s brother, Dan Vesper, will take place this morning at 11:00AM from the First United Methodist Church in Athens, Alabama.  Vera has two other siblings who will not be able to attend this service due to their own health concerns. Pray for those siblings and for this service.

I failed to mention in yesterday’s blog that Gary Huhn’s father is back in the hospital and is not doing good physically.  Pray for him.

Lisa Thompson is having some tough days in her battle against cancer.  Pray for her!

Jack Davie remains in a rehab facility but he is not a happy camper.  Brenda T has a lot on her plate.

Pastor Terry Rainey’s knee surgery was a success.  They inserted two plates and some screws to hold the bone in place.  The plan is to get him home early next week. Pray that the insurance company will provide a medical plane as he cannot fly commercially per his doctor.

Regular schedule for the Friendship family on Sunday morning and evening.  In hopes of seeing many folks being faithful!

In my opinion, from a sports perspective, this is a bad time of the year.  I do like basketball but not the NBA.  When the Lakers are not on top then the NBA is just not the same!  College basketball becomes really good once “March Madness” begins but until then it is just so so.  Really nothing to capture one’s attention during this month and heading into March.

Yes, Nanette Brooks Fontenot is mad at me again.  She sent me a Valentine’s Day card that was homemade (is that weird or what!) and it had thirty eight hearts drawn on it (one for each year we have spent V-day (as she called it) “together”).  Wanted us to go to McGowan’s Drive In for a burger, fries and milkshake like we used to do.  (Will someone please tell her that McGowan’s no longer exists?  I mean the building was demolished years ago).  She did like me visiting Pastor Terry on “our” day!  Wow!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Leviticus 19-20; Matthew 27:51-66

Tina Wilkinson was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  Did you hear that scream of happiness?  That was her!  She had to take an oxygen bottle with her but she is home and that is what is makes her a happy camper!

John Curl had a knee replaced and he is doing well.  Thinking he “may” go home today.

Ruby Gulley remains in the hospital looking for a Friday, 2/24, discharge.

Pastor Terry Rainey remains in the Florida hospital.  Just received word that he will have knee surgery today.  Not sure of the time but do know it is now scheduled for today.

Celebration of life service for Miss Helen Ruth Brinkman tomorrow morning in our auditorium.  Pray for the Brinkman family.

Good day in our services yesterday morning and evening.  Our morning service attendance was really good.  Our evening service attendance was fair in the auditorium but really good in all other buildings.

Pastor Alton Stokes’, Grand Bay Church of God, twin brother, Alvin, passed from this life on Sunday and his celebration of life service was yesterday afternoon.  I found out about it after our morning service so Lisa & I attended the service.  It was difficult for Pastor Alton to preach his twin brother’s service but he did it well.  Pray for the Stokes family.

The Alabama men’s basketball team is a juggernaut – what else can you say?  Gonzaga does not want to draw them in the first round of the tourney!  Just saying!

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

Aug. 2, 1924 – Feb. 12, 2017 Helen Ruth Ladnier Brinkman–affectionately known as Mom, Granny, and Gran-Gran–was born August 2, 1924 in Moss Point MS to the late Mary and Willie Ladnier. On February 12, 2017, we said our final farewells to our mom who is survived by a son, John Brinkman Jr. (wife, Mary Sue); daughter, Eileen McCrory Tucker; six grandchildren–Chuck Railey (Kathie); Don McCrory; Todd McCrory (Audrey); Scott Railey (Jessica); Suzanne Fulkerson (Chad); Melissa Hill (Reid); 13 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; daughter, Della Railey; sister, Mickey Abbey; brother, Lewis Ladnier; and numerous other family members. Helen began her journey in the Eastern Star in July 1975 in Princeton, Indiana. Moving to Grand Bay, Alabama, Helen remained active in the Eastern Star holding many offices including Grand Electa and Representative to Louisiana and Alabama. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 17, at Friendship Baptist Church, Grand Bay AL. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Serenity Funeral Home, 8691 Old Pascagoula Rd. Mobile AL is entrusted with her arrangements. In lieu of flowers, Helen would like your gift to go to: The Mission of Hope, Mobile AL; Friendship Baptist Church Home Missions; or Emerald Coast Hospice, Pensacola FL.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Leviticus 17-18; Matthew 27:27-50

As far as I know, John Curl’s surgery went well yesterday.  He was not really up to company so Bro. Jerry visited with Tammy but did not bother John.

Ruby Gulley continues to do well.  She is scheduled to come home a week from this Friday which will be 2/24.  Pray that happens.

It appears that Tina Wilkinson could be discharged from the hospital at some point today.  (I think the doctors no know she is “milking” this thing!)

Carol Lucky said Terry is making progress day by day.  He is like me and most other men – such a good patient!

The Lord is good and I was able to visit with Pastor Terry Rainey for about five hours yesterday.  Initially we had good conversation but then they gave him some pain meds and that was pretty much it – LOL!  He slept for a couple of hours and then when he would awaken he was not really coherent.  He seemed to be a bit more coherent when I prayed with him before leaving the hospital yesterday afternoon.

Pastor Terry was supposed to have surgery on his knee yesterday but it got postponed until tomorrow, 2/16.  They will remove the external fixator and then put in a plate and some screws.  He was in a lot of pain yesterday but it is being managed much better now. He is grateful for the many prayers being offered on his behalf.  Keep praying!  Lord willing, he will return to South Carolina at some point next week and I will drive up to see him within the next month.  It appears he will have to go to a rehab facility once back in SC.

The Children of the World choir was not able to leave Grand Bay until around 2:00PM yesterday due to the bus mechanical problems.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Not sure what the fare is for tonight but I do know it involved ground beef.

“Winner, winner chicken dinner!”  Elizabeth Westbrook wins the chicken dinner for being the only one (as far as I know) to remember that yesterday, 2/14, was this blog’s tenth birthday!  Can you believe this “rambling” has been taking place for ten years?  I very conservatively estimate that there have been well over twenty five hundred entries.  Probably fifty or sixty of those have made some sense!  No one except me knows how much time I put into writing this entries.  Deep stuff!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Leviticus 15-16; Matthew 27:1-26

I am about to drive to Pensacola in order to catch a flight to Ft. Lauderdale, FL in order to visit with Pastor Terry Rainey.   Lord willing, I will catch a return flight tonight and should be home by midnight.  Why Pensacola?  Could give you literally hundred$ of reason$!  Looking forward to seeing Pastor Terry and hopefully being able to minister to him and his daughter, Shannon.

Tina Wilkinson remains in the hospital.  Her oxygen levels continue to remain too low for the doctor to send her home.  (Personally, I think she is “milking” this thing but that is just my opinion!).  Pray for Tina!

Ruby Gulley was doing much better yesterday.  She “thinks” she will be home in about one more week.  She looked and sounded good when I visited yesterday.

Jack Davie was moved from the hospital to a rehab facility yesterday.  It is my understanding that he will be in rehab for a few weeks.

Jack’s daughter, Lisa, did receive another chemo treatment yesterday.  That is a good thing as it means she was strong enough to do so.

John Curl is having surgery this morning.  Pray that all goes well.

Greg Boutwell remains at home but certainly needs our prayer support.

The funeral arrangements for Miss Helen Ruth Brinkman are as follows:  visitation this Friday, 2/17, from 10:00AM until the 11:00AM service time followed by burial in the Grand Bay cemetery.  The visitation and service will take place from our church auditorium.  Keep praying for the Brinkman family.

The memorial service for Vera Bosarge’s brother, Dan Vesper, will take place this Friday, 2/17, in Athens, Alabama.  Her other brother, Mose, continues to battle a sickness so pray for all of the Vesper family.

My Aunt Alice Gettig in Michigan was taken to the hospital yesterday.  Looking at a the possibility of a pace maker.  I would appreciate your prayers for her.  Thanks to my cousin, Tony, for the heads up!

The attendance at our prayer time basically doubled last night over the previous three Mondays.  Thank you to those who are faithful to pray!  (I miss Pam Lewis as she is one of our most faithful prayer warriors.  She continues to be with her mother who continues to need our prayers!).

The host families are to have the children from the choir at the church this morning at the assigned time.  Again, thank you to each host family.  Also, thank you to Rita Broome & Amy Huhn for providing supper for the leaders last night.  (Folks, it could have been much worse as in Kim French & Amy Switzer being the cooks – just saying!).

My older brother, Eddie, is celebrating a birthday today.  How old?  Just barely a year older than me.  (We are not as close in age as the Moates girls, Lisa & Teresa, be we are not far behind).   My parents celebrated their birthdays this past Saturday, 2/11.  Dad is now eighty one and mama is seventy eight.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Lord willing, I will be teaching in the 10:00AM and 6:30PM services.  Hope to see many folks present.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Leviticus 14; Matthew 26:51-75

Tuesday, February 14 – Leviticus 15-16; Matthew 27:1-26
Wednesday, February 15 – Leviticus 17-18; Matthew 27:27-50
Thursday, February 16 – Leviticus 19-20; Matthew 27:51-66
Friday, February 17 – Leviticus 21-22; Matthew 28
Saturday, February 18 – Leviticus 23-24; Mark 1:1-22
Sunday, February 19 – Leviticus 25; Mark 1:23-45

Received word from Cecil Guidry that Miss Helen Ruth Brinkman passed from this life and entered Heaven last night.  Pray for the family as they walk through this valley.  Arrangements pending.

I will be making the hospital rounds this morning and will update later today on the conditions of those still in the hospital.

Soy told me yesterday morning that little Dani Jordan “may” be coming home yesterday.  I am told that FB chatter verified the same thing but I do not know if that happened.

Spoke to Tim Knighten yesterday morning and he is on the mend – praise the Lord!  So happy to get that report!

Pastor Terry Rainey remains in much pain.  As it stands right now, I am scheduled to visit with him tomorrow.  However, Miss Helen Ruth’s passing could change those plans.  Regardless, keep praying for Pastor Terry.

Bro. Jerry had to do some Friday/Saturday ministry opportunities in my absence so I have given him some time off today.  He will be in for GROW tonight at 6:00PM.

We will have our prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM.

Well, it was exactly what I expected!  Our evening service featuring the Children of the World choir did a fantastic job!  Strong attendance and a blessed service.  If you missed it, well you just missed a huge blessing!  Thank you to each person who helped in any way to make that service special.  Special thanks to Bro. Jerry for coordinating everything in my absence.

We had a good attendance in our morning services yesterday especially the 8:00AM service.  Thank you for being faithful.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Leviticus 13; Matthew 26:26-50

Tina Wilkinson went in for a pretty routine surgery but has had issues and remains in the hospital.  Tina is always in our services so today will definitely be different.  Pray that they can get her situation settled soon.

Little Dani Jordan did well through her surgery and should be discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.

Ruby Gulley remains in the hospital but is much improved.  She should move to rehab this week.

Jack Davie remains in the hospital.

Pastor Terry Rainey remains in a Florida hospital.  He had two more surgeries (elbow and shoulder) and did well.  I think he will have another knee surgery at some point this week.

Leah Cochran, Tom & Shari’s daughter, is with child and has been trying to give birth prematurely.  She is on bed rest.  They need her to go another four weeks or so before giving birth.  Pray that will happen.

Bobby Henley heads back to the Nationals today.  I have tried to give him some pointers on coaching third base but he told me yesterday that he is just going to send them each time!  LOL!

The Children of the Word choir will be our very special guests in our evening service which will begin at 6:00PM.  Folks, I am telling you that you do not want to miss this one!  I promise!  Our host & hostesses should know what time their meetings will take place, et cetera and I thank them for serving in this capacity.

Regular schedule today – morning and evening.

Basketball went well yesterday.  I cannot figure for the life of me why the director cannot keep the games on time – just saying!  Real simple process!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Leviticus 6-7; Matthew 25:1-30

The most important prayer request this morning is for young Dani Jordan and her parents, Jonathan & Jamie.  The doctors knew that Dani had one hole in her heart.  They have now discovered a second hole.  So, as I understand, they plan to try and close the original hole with a scope and then do likewise to the second hole.  If successful, great.  If not, open heart surgery will be required.  Soy has traveled to Birmingham to be with Jonathan & Jamie through this process and I appreciate him doing so.

I do not have any other updates on the folks from Grand Bay.  Just keep praying!

Pastor Terry Rainey’s surgery scheduled for this morning has been delayed.  It may take place later today.  There is another procedure they need to do first this morning.  Folks, Pastor Terry needs fervent prayer support.

Do not forget our special service this Sunday night, 2/12, as we will host the Children of the World choir.  The service will begin at 6:00PM.  It is going to be great!

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

Happy fourth birthday to our granddaughter, Sydney!  I hope she has a great day!  Her paternal grandparents, Curtis & Myrna, visited this past weekend to celebrate this special day with her.  Happy birthday Sydney!

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Leviticus 4-5; Matthew 24:29-51

Tina Wilkinson is having surgery today.

Raymond & Tina’s son, Jace, was taken to a hospital in Germany.  Not sure as to the reason.

Jack Davie, Brenda Timberlake’s father, fell and broke his hip.  He will have surgery this afternoon.

Lisa Thompson is in the hospital and will have fluid drawn today.

Dani Jordan, three year old daughter of Jonathan & Jamie Jordan, will be taken to Birmingham today for a surgical procedure on her heart tomorrow.  The prayer is that they will be able to do this procedure without having to do open heart surgery.

Terry Lucky remains in the hospital.

Ruby Gulley has shown some improvement and may be moved from ICU into a regular room today.

Pattie Suthoff was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Bernard is now her nurse.  Let that sink in!

Vera Bosarge’s brother, Mose, will have more tests today.

Pastor Terry Rainey had surgery on his knee yesterday.  As far as I know, it went well although I am not sure what they did.  He is scheduled for shoulder surgery and elbow surgery tomorrow morning.

Keep praying for Becky Sellers and Tim Knighten.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.

Children of the World choir will be with us on Sunday night.  Going to be a very special service.  Do not miss it!

Word on the street in Guatemala is that Coach Eric Collier is being considered as Alabama’s next offensive coordinator?  Will he turn them down again?

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