Pastor's Blog

Well today produced some good news for our family.  The doctor with whom mama met this morning is almost certain that the spot in mama’s lung is not cancer!  We were obviously relieved to hear that news.  The doctor was very gracious as he tried to schedule mama for a biopsy tomorrow but it was not possible since she is on a blood thinner.  So, the biopsy has been scheduled for Monday morning at 8:00AM with the results being shared next Thursday, 5/24.

We are not one hundred percent on this diagnosis but feel very good about the doctor’s level of confidence.  Thank you to each person who has prayed.  Please continue to pray especially for my dad.  God is good!

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Happy 71st birthday to my Uncle Harley Gettig in Paw Paw, Michigan!  He has had a tough year thus far with his wife, Alice, passing away in February and his sister passed from this life last week.  So, I pray that today will be a really good day for him.

I do not have any updates from the home front.  Do ask that you keep praying for infant Micah Woods.

I was able to spend a good amount of time with my parents yesterday.  First at their house and then in the doctor’s office.  The report my dad got from the oncologist was not a surprise to us but it definitely stings.  Dad has cancer in both lungs, his omentum (sure does help to have a Nurse Practitioner daughter) and his liver.  The next two weeks will be a time for him to drink lots of water to get his kidneys in the best possible shape they can be in before they test them.  In the meanwhile, the doctor will be deciding which chemo to use on him.  That is more of a challenge when the patient is eight two years of age.

So, how can you pray?  Pray for peace for my dad.  He has a strong faith in Jesus but the “c” word affects any of us.  Pray that the cancer will all prove to be lymphoma.  The doctor said it is very important for this to be true.  Pray for my mama as she meets with some type of a lung specialist this morning to discuss her upcoming biopsy.  I pray that he will do the biopsy either today or tomorrow.  I think a small miracle may be needed in order for that to happen.  Thank you for praying!

I was offended twice yesterday – bad!  Eddie & Sue are building a house.  I went to the work site and the lead builder thought I was Eddie!  Then the doctor (whom I have never seen previously) said, “yes, I have met you before” thinking I was Eddie.  Talk about embarrassing!  The proverbial “icing on the cake” was that Eddie & Sue’s newest grandchild who was recently adopted by their daughter kept calling me “papa” thinking that I was Eddie!  So, I had a bad day yesterday!

The highlight of my day was having lunch with Dr. Rex Looney & Pastor Joe David Bailey at Big Bob Gibson’s bar-b-que!

I realized the gravity of my dad’s situation when we went to Cracker Barrel to eat after the doctor’s visit.  My dad picked up the tab!  LOL!  Next news you know Charles will pick up the tab the next time we eat out together!  (Do not count on it!)

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Our most pressing prayer need today is for infant Micah Woods.  Micah is the son of Josh & Kristin Woods and the grandson of Scott & Nanette Fontenot and Kerry & Sherry Woods.  He was moved yesterday afternoon to a specialized hospital.  It “appears” that he is having some issues with his heart as his breathing is hard and fast.  A cardiologist is being called in today.  So, pray without ceasing for Micah, the medical folks, and Micah’s family.

Visited with Wanda Jordan yesterday morning and she was basically headed out the door going home.  Good for her.  I do want to say that Wanda was very pleased with her experience at the USA Hospital.  (Jimmy Tagert has that place whipped into shape!)  Keep praying for Wanda.

I drove up to Decatur yesterday.  Stopped in Prattville to visit with Pastor BJ Parson.  He will be leading a group from Thelma Baptist Church to join us on our June GRACE Ministries trip.  Today, I will meet with Pastor Joe Bailey for lunch and will then go with my dad for his consultation with the oncologist at 3:15PM.

Regular schedule on the Friendship campus this morning and evening.  Bro. Jerry will be teaching in my absence.

Sorry this entry was late.  No excuses.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Visited with Wanda Jordan yesterday morning.  She was in ICU but was expecting to be moved to a room late in the afternoon and then possibly discharged today.  I will visit with her again this morning.  Keep praying for Wanda.

The celebration of life service for Wendy Johnston’s mother takes place today at 11:00AM in Kansas.  Pray for Wendy and family as they go through this time.

I do not have an update on Scott & Nanette’s newest grandson but do know we need to continue to pray.

Bubba Baggett’s paternal grandfather, Sam Baggett, passed from this life this past Sunday, 5/13.  The visitation and service will take place this Saturday, 5/19.  Pray for the Baggett family.

I have plans to leave this morning heading to Prattville for a meeting before driving on to Hartselle, Alabama.  I will go to the oncologist with my dad tomorrow.  We were under the impression that my mama would have a special biopsy done on Thursday morning.  Not so fast my friend.  The specialist will not do the biopsy until after he has a consultation with the patient.  So, I will go with mama for the consultation on Thursday before turning it South.  I am thinking the biopsy will take place next week but would be thrilled if they scheduled it for this Friday.

Green beans are keeping us busy these days.  Charles & Brad picked them while we were in Guatemala.  I picked more yesterday and Lisa has been busy canning them.  The crop has been good and for that I am thankful.

The Golden State Warriors look extremely good at this point in the NBA playoffs.  Almost unbeatable.  We shall see.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Wanda Jordan was admitted to the hospital on Saturday night as she was on the verge of having a heart attack.  I will be going to check on her first thing this morning.  Pray for Wanda.

Scott & Nanette’s newborn grandson, Micah, remains hospitalized.  I am thinking that Kristin was discharged yesterday.  Pray for Micah’s lungs to develop properly.

As far as I know, Tripp Whitehurst was discharged from the hospital late yesterday afternoon.  Keep praying for Tripp.

The celebration of life service for Wendy’s mother takes place tomorrow morning at 11:00AM in Kansas.  Pray for Wendy and family.

We were blessed with a good day in our services yesterday morning and evening.  Lillian Brinkman (89) and Jo Nell Barnes (81) were the oldest mothers present in our morning services.

The ladies did a nice job of leading us in worship last night.  I appreciate those who prayed with me during the altar call.

Lord willing, I will be leaving tomorrow and returning on Thursday as I will drive to Hartselle.  My dad has an appointment with his oncologist on Wednesday and my mama has some type of a special biopsy scheduled for Thursday morning.  I sense the need to be with my parents during this time.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

First, I want to say congratulations to Scott & Nanette Fontenot as their second daughter, Kristin, gave birth to Micah Kelly Woods, on Friday night.  He was exactly one month early but checked into this world at six pounds and four ounces.  He is having some respiratory problems and “could” be moved to a more specialized hospital if he does not improve within the next day or two.  Kristin should be discharged from the hospital today.  So pray for Josh & Kristin and baby Micah.  Obviously, congratulations also go to Kerry & Sherry Woods as they are the other set of grandparents.

Visited with Brooke & Tripp (Curtis was running some errands) yesterday morning.  They were still trying to determine exactly what was wrong with Tripp.  Pray for wisdom on behalf of the medical folks.  Pray for Tripp.

Spoke to Wendy Johnston via the phone yesterday morning.  The celebration of life service for her mother will take place this Tuesday, May 15, at 11:00AM in Kansas.  Pray for Wendy and her family as they walk through this valley.

Regular schedule this morning.  No DT or choir practice today.  Special service at 6:00PM.  Hope to be joined by many members of the Friendship family this morning and evening.

Remember, today is our opportunity to “bless Tess” financially.  Who is this Tess?  Glad you asked.  You will meet her in our services today (electronically).  Pray and the give as the Lord leads.  Love offering above your regular offering.

If you want to take part in the December 1 – 8, 2018 GRACE trip and have not contacted me within the past day or so, please do so today.  Trying to finalize those tickets.

Also, if we have three, four, five men who would like to travel to Guatemala a few days early (thinking Wednesday, 11/28 or Thursday, 11/29) to do some maintenance on our buildings/grounds then let me know today.  Commitment will need to be firm as the ticket prices are good and will have to be purchased now.  We could be flexible on the return date if need be.

I pray that you will have a great Sunday with Jesus.  Happy Mother’s Day!

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Curtis & Brooke Whitehurst’s son, Tripp, was admitted to the hospital last night.  The doctors are not totally sure about the cause of his problems.  Pray for Tripp and his family.

Wendy and family went to make the service arrangements for her mother yesterday.  I do not know those arrangements but do ask that you keep praying for Wendy and her family.

Jimmy Moates got the results from his latest PET scan and they were good – no new cancer and the original tumor has reduced in size.  That is excellent news and we give God the glory.

Soccer this morning beginning at 8:30AM.  Pray for this ministry.

Our bus workers meet at 8:30AM today too.  Pray for them as they meet, pray and then go into the community inviting folks to our services.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning with a special evening service beginning at 6:00PM.  No Discipleship Training or choir practice.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Good morning from Grand Bay, Alabama – home sweet home!  Lisa and I arrived home safe and sound just before midnight last night.  It was tough leaving Deidra and the three grandchildren but it was also a blessing to know that we were coming home to five more grandchildren.  Life sure was simpler when Soy, Deidra and the girls lived next door!  However, we are not looking for simple but rather service to Jesus as the main thing.

Wendy Johnston contacted me early yesterday morning to say that her mother had passed from this earthly life.  Wendy knows her mother is now in Heaven but she is struggling with the sting of death.  Pray for Wendy, her siblings and their families during this time of sorrow.

Mac McGriff had a heart cath on Wednesday.  All was good enough that they can treat him with medications.  Praise the Lord!

Robert Baria spent a night in the hospital but is now at home.  It “appears” that his was medicine related.  Pray for Robert!

Laurie Chandler’s mother is having surgery this morning.  Pray that all goes well.

Really important notice here – any member of the Friendship family wishing to take part in the December 1 – 8, 2018 GRACE Ministries trip needs to contact me via e-mail immediately if not sooner!  Have found a really good deal on tickets and need to make the purchase now if they are still at a good fare.  Fares can change within a matter of minutes.  If you do not know for absolute certain that I have your name on the list, please contact me.  As of this writing, I have seven members of the Friendship family who have signed up.  So, let me know today if not sooner!  Very important that I find out immediately!  Pass the word!

Our next to last soccer Saturday takes place this Saturday, 5/12.  Pray for this ministry!

We will be receiving an offering to “bless Tess” this Sunday in all three of our services.  Please pray and then give as the Lord leads!  Lisa and I have been with Tess for the past several days and we are impressed!

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Good Tuesday morning from GRACE Mountain.  Thankfully, no news to report from the home front as all appears to be on the quiet side.  I am thankful.

The Lord has given us a most productive trip.  Obviously, having Ross Genzink come alongside to help is a plus.  He is excellent at handing me tools, getting me water to drink, et cetera.  The tankless water heaters are now installed in the mission house and seem to be working perfectly.  Ross has taken care of other plumbing matters on the mountain as well.

We were blessed on two fronts yesterday.  First, Kathy, Deidra, Tess & Lisa cooked spaghetti for the one hundred and seventy five folks at the My Special Treasure school.  Served them the spaghetti, bread, a cupcake and drink.  You are thinking, “ok?”  Here is the kicker – they ate at 8:30AM!  Most of the students had an extra helping of spaghetti too!  Folks, when you are hungry!

We then had the opportunity to feed lunch to the children in our feeding center program.  They enjoyed pizza, cupcakes and a drink.  They were happy campers too!

I was involved in more meetings yesterday.  Laying the ground work for possible future ministry opportunities.  It so appears that God is at work in a special way.  We shall see.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Happy seventh birthday to our granddaughter, Emmy!  Lisa and I called her earlier this morning to wish her a “happy birthday” and to let her know we are thinking about her today.  We thank God for Emmy.

I have heard some really good things about the services yesterday and the preaching ministry of Pastor Randy Johnson.  I have heard from Senior Saints as well as young adults and they all spoke highly of the day which obviously included the meal.  Folks, I wanted you to enjoy the day in my absence but not “that” much – LOL!  Praise the Lord for a good day!

I was involved in two very important meetings yesterday.  We are seeking God in the life of GRACE Ministries.  Pray with us.

Today, we will be feeding the students in the My Special Treasure School at 8:30AM and then feeding the children in the GRACE Ministries feeding center at 1:00PM.  The MST students will be eating spaghetti for breakfast!  Hey, that is what the leadership requested saying “food is food” regardless of the time.

We will also continue with the work in the mission house relating to the plumbing.  Ross Genzink is doing an awesome job – what a great guy who is married to an awesome lady.

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