Pastor's Blog

Larry sent me a message sharing some good news regarding his situation.  The MRI revealed that the tumor has not grown since the last surgery which is a miracle.  This means that treatment options are now available.  Larry & Judy will spend some time praying and thinking as they decide which option to pursue.  Keep praying!

Pray for Bro. Jerry Hovel today as he will have knee replacement surgery.  As you know, he had one knee replaced earlier this year  and did extremely well through the surgery and subsequent recovery.  Pray that he will do that well or better this time around.

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

Elaine Brown did well through her heart cath.  Thank the Lord.

I have not gotten word from Larry Whitehurst about his MRI.  Keep praying.

Bobby & the boys are still trying to find their groove.  If Harper goes in a trade today then that could change everything.  I am not really sure any team will be willing to give up what it will cost to get Harper but you never know.  I am in hopes that the Nationals can turn things around and win the NL East.  Meanwhile, the Dodgers are barely clinging to the lead in the NL West.

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

The team had a good Monday.  The day began with a message delivered by Pastor Max Lara.  Pastor Lazaro Suruy served as his translator.  It is the first time we have used Pastor Max in one of our devotionals.  He did a nice job of sharing the Word with the team.

The team then headed to the My Special Treasure School where the students shared several musical selections before being treated to a great breakfast of pancakes, sausages and cookies.  A really nice time was had by all.

From MST the team headed to the El Tejar dump where they served turkey, ham, and cheese sandwiches to forty one people.

After a quick trip back to the mission house the team headed to Antigua and spent the afternoon shopping before eating supper at Las Antorchas restaurant.  As usual, it was a wonderful meal.

The team has already been thrown some curve balls regarding tomorrow but they will simply be flexible and do what has to be done.  Great attitudes.

All is well.  Thank you for praying.  Blessings!

It was an unusual Sunday for our team but it was a really good day.  Soy took a team of men to another area affected by the volcano’s eruption.  Of course Pastor Max went with them and they had a good day.  They left GRACE Mountain at 6:00AM and returned at 1:30PM.

About a dozen folks went to the service at Centro Biblico Vida Nueva Church.  Rex, Russell & Luke helped lead the musical worship.   This is the first church started by GRACE Ministries fourteen years ago.  It was a walk down memory lane for me.

The rest of the folks attended the service at the GRACE Community Church where Pastor Lazaro Suruy preached.  They said it was a good day.

Lazaro & Glendy organized a block party that began at 1:00PM and lasted until 3:00PM.  Hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, candy, games, bounce house, et cetera were all a part of those two houses.  Lots of smiles and laughter too!

The team then quickly loaded into the vehicles and drove to Zaragoza where one hundred and fifty families were waiting to receive bags of food and hygiene/household goods kits.  The kits were Deidra’s idea and they worked out great.  A service was held before the distribution began and the Gospel was shared.  Three ladies and two young ladies prayed to receive Jesus as their personal Savior during the invitation.  Folks, that is why we do what we do!  Ross & Kathy Genzink led this ministry opportunity and it was seamless!

The drive out to Zaragoza was maybe thirty minutes.  The drive back was around ninety minutes due to the traffic being so heavy. The team enjoyed supper in the mall and then came back to the mission house to begin getting ready for today.

Keep praying for this team.  Today will be another unusual day compared to past trips.

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

Happy sixty first wedding anniversary to my mother-in-law, Ann, and Lisa’s dad, Charles.  I just have to believe that Ann will get an extra reward in Heaven for living with Charles for all of these years – LOL!  Charles will probably take Ann out to Waffle House to celebrate.

Larry Whitehurst is having a MRI today.  As a matter of fact, it is probably already finished as their time is ahead of the time here.  I am praying for a good report!  Join me in that prayer!

Elaine Brown, Lillian’s daughter, will have a heart cath today.  Pray for all to go well.

Keep praying for Tammy Womack.

I am told that Bro. Johnny did his usual good job of preaching yesterday.  Heard that the attendance was down which disappoints me but it is what it is.  The love offering was good and for that I am grateful.

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

The team enjoyed a tremendous second day of ministry.  Dr. Rex Looney took nine of the young girls and followed Pastor Max to an area which was adversely affected by the volcano’s eruption.  It was an all day ministry effort as they left GRACE Mountain at 6:00AM and returned around 3:30PM.  They blessed two hundred families with bags of food which were made possible by gifts given through Shining Light Abroad Ministries (Soy & Deidra).  I appreciate the ministry SLAM has done, is doing, and will do to these folks living in those villages close to the volcano.

The other team members went back to the building sites and had a really strong day as they built eleven more houses which means that all twenty are up and ready for concrete.  Seven more houses had the concrete poured yesterday which brings that total to ten.  It is pretty amazing at how quickly this team has worked in building these houses and they are very well built too.

Today (Sunday) will be a most unusual Sunday for a GRACE Ministries.  No Antigua.  No Las Antorchas.  A day of worship and ministry.  Details coming later.

Pray for this team.  Thank you!  Blessings!

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

Scott Fontenot had an Uncle, Odrie Ortego, to pass away this week.  I thought it was on Thursday but it was actually on Tuesday and the service was yesterday in Baton Rouge, LA.  Scott & Nanette attended the service.  Pray for the family.

Received word yesterday that Leon Westerhouse passed from this life on Thursday.  I think Bro. Leon was eighty four years old.  What a great guy!  Pray for Leon’s wife, Patsy, and the rest of the family.  There will never be another one like Leon!

Gloria Whitmore had surgery on Wednesday and was discharged from the hospital on Thursday.  To me, that is pretty amazing!  Keep praying for Miss Gloria.

Regular schedule tomorrow with Evangelist Johnny Tucker preaching in all three services.  Pray and attend.

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

A normal first day of ministry with the morning devotion before heading out to build houses.  The plan is for this team to build twenty houses and the first day of building was productive.

Four groups got nine houses up on the first day with one being completely finished, two needing only a door and window to be completely finished and the other six ready for concrete.  A really strong day.

The girls from Danville Baptist Church and Eddie Albritton loaded the truck with food that will be taken to the volcano stricken area tomorrow.  The Michigan four put together the gift bags that will be given away at the dedication of the twenty houses either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Everyone is well.  Attitudes are positive.

Thank you for praying.  Thank you for checking up on this team.  Blessings!

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

Happy birthday to my sister-in-law, Sue!  I hope her day is great!  How old?  Are you serious!

Dolly Kyser’s surgery went well yesterday.  Pray for her recovery and pray for Karla as she has a lot on her plate.

Otherwise, I am going with the “no news is good news” scenario as I have heard no differently.

Mission of Hope service tonight beginning at 7:00PM.  Service is at the mission and everyone is invited to attend.

Evangelist Johnny Tucker will be our messenger in all three services this Sunday, July 29.  Thanks to Hilda Gunter for hosting Bro. Johnny & Miss Judy.  Pray and attend!  Remember, we will receive a love offering for Bro. Johnny in all three of our services.

All of the team arrived safe and sound in Guatemala yesterday afternoon and then fairly late last night.  We are thankful to God for providing traveling mercies.

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