Pastor's Blog

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Young Martin Brinkman, 11, underwent around a three hour surgery yesterday afternoon and, per the surgeon, it was a success.  The good news is that Martin will not have to wear a head restraint but will instead only have to wear the neck brace for six weeks.  The surgeon definitely knows that Martin is blessed as he said most folks in his situation have a much worse outcome.  It appears that Martin will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.  Thank you for praying.

There will be a car wash in front of the State Farm office in Grand Bay today.  I am dubbing this the “Bob & the three blondes” car wash.  All proceeds will toward ministry efforts in Guatemala next week.  They will also have sweets, lemonade and freshly picked blue berries for purchase.  Jennifer Brinkman is one of the three blondes so she will not be present but the other two will there.  The star of the show will be Bob!

Regular schedule for the Friendship family tomorrow morning and evening.  No Discipleship Training.

The Braves are smoking hot having won eight in a row and now have a two and one half game lead in the NL East.  Leslie Hacker is a happy camper these days!

Joey Guidry sent me a text yesterday trying to explain why he has not invited me to join him going snapper fishing.  Long story short – red truck!  Not saying anything but Grant Tillman is fishing today!  Just saying!  (Katie’s first cousin is having major surgery and she is on the island – are you serious!)  By the way, Katie’s parents, Scott & Diane, were at the hospital yesterday during the surgery.  Let me just say this – I like Scott!

My schedule got changed yesterday due to the surgery.  Obviously, Lisa and I did not travel out of town.  She has a list one mile long for me to get done today.  It is going to be a sun up to dark thirty day for me and I hope to see Martin in the hospital too.

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

The neurosurgeon came to see young Martin Brinkman this morning and has decided that surgery is necessary.  So, the plan is to do surgery at some point after lunch.  Martin will be in some type of head/neck restraint for like six weeks or so.  Martin is eleven years old and is not excited about this whole ordeal.  Would you take a moment and pray for Martin, the surgeon, Martin’s parents and family?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Happy Flag Day!

Martin & Jennifer Brinkman’s son, Martin, suffered a neck injury late yesterday afternoon.  He was taken to the hospital and was moved to a different one during the night.  A neurosurgeon will examine him this morning and make a decision as to the next step in the process.  Pray for young Martin.

Miss Lillian Brinkman is home but still needs our prayer support.

Matt’s father remains in the hospital so keep praying.

Martha Terry was discharged from the hospital late Wednesday afternoon.  Decker, Ron & Peggy, Sherry and the others now have a full time giving care to Martha but they do an excellent job.  Decker & Martha are people of great faith in Jesus.  Pray for them!

Keep praying for Lydia and the baby in Guatemala.

I have not heard anything from Larry Crawley but do ask that you pray for their mission work in Africa.

Speaking of mission trips, we have a group leaving next week to do ministry in Guatemala.

The Friendship family is on a regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.  We will be recognizing the fathers in our morning services with special recognition given to the oldest father present in each of those services.

Lisa has me in the yard all morning and then we will head to Brandon, MS for a funeral visitation.

Edd Gillespie graciously offered to take me snapper fishing today.  I had to decline the offer due to the funeral visitation.  I very much appreciate Edd’s invitation and graciousness to me.  I would call out several others who have not been so gracious but I will not because if I called out Johnny Five then I would have to call out Joey Guidry and that would mean calling out Grant Tillman and then Tony Hacker too.  I just do not operate like that!

The Warriors went from absolutely loaded to limping.  Congratulations to the Raptors on their championship.  Let me list all of the Raptors fans I know –

Leslie Hacker’s Braves have opened up a one and a half game lead in the NL East.  Bobby and the boys are struggling a bit right now.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Maria Wainwright’s father did well through his surgery.  Has been placed in a neck brace for the next six months.  He is not a happy camper.  Keep praying!

They are looking at getting Matt Everett’s father into a rehab facility soon.  Continue to pray for him.

Martha Terry had not been discharged from the hospital as of yesterday morning.  Keep praying for Decker and Martha.

To get the whole story you will need to read Deidra’s last couple of blog entries.  There is a newborn in Guatemala who is in critical shape.

It is my understanding that there will be a memorial service for Gregg Hearon at some point in the future.  Just pray for Jan and the family.

The visitation and service for Buddy McGallagher takes place today beginning at 10:00AM at Serenity.

Good day in our services yesterday morning and evening.

Leslie Hacker’s Braves won on a walk off double in the eleventh last night to move into first place in the NL East.  First time this season they have been in first place alone.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Matt Everett’s father continues to be “stable” in regard to his blood levels.  He is eating some and they did get him up.  Keep praying.

Maria called me late yesterday afternoon to say that her father was still in surgery.  My cell phone battery died so I have not gotten an update since then.

I did to talk to Decker yesterday as I knew he had a lot on his plate so I am not sure if Martha was discharged or not.  Regardless, keep praying for Martha and Decker.

Regular schedule this morning and evening on our campus.

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

Maria Wainwright’s father is having surgery today in Louisiana.  I spoke to Maria this morning and it is expected to be a four to five hours procedure.  It will be tedious.  Pray for all to go well.  Thank you.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Visited with Matt’s parents yesterday.  His father seemed to be having a better day.  They simply asked for continued prayer support.  Join me in continuing to pray for them.

The service for Buddy McGallagher will take place this Thursday at noon from Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore.  Pray for the family.

Keep praying for Keith & Aninha Barrett as they finish things in Pennsylvania before heading home.

Miss Martha had a bit of a rough day yesterday but is supposed to be discharged from the hospital today.  Pray for her, Decker and those who sit with Martha each day.

Soy showed up at the house Sunday night – not good!  He leaves early this morning – awesome!

Congratulations to the Auburn Tigers, Arkansas Hogs and the SEC.  Four of the eight teams in the CWS are from the SEC.  Auburn and MSU play each other first.  Vandy is in the bracket with them.  It will be difficult for it to be an all SEC final.  Could happen but not likely.

As I stated yesterday, the Warriors would win if KD played.  Why did you doubt me?  (Can you say money, money, money?).

Do not look now but Leslie Hacker’s Braves have moved to the top of the NL East standings.  Bobby & the boys are only six games out.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

This entry is about four or five hours late being posted.  I apologize.  Each time I think Katie Tillman is going to follow through and write an entry she so lets me down!  It is really hard to find good help these days!

As I awakened this morning one of my first thoughts was that this is Caroline Ford’s birthday.  What a void has been left in my life with the passing of Caroline.  I am so glad that she experienced that second birthday which was when she was born again as she accepted Jesus as her personal Savior.

Aninha Barrett’s mother, Miss Jane Lieb, passed from this life on Saturday morning about two hours before Keith & Aninha arrived.  I spoke to Aninha on the phone this morning.  They have plans to travel back to Grand Bay later this week.  Pray for Aninha and family.

Matt Everett’s father continues to be hospitalized.  As Matt said again yesterday, it is a roller coaster ride physically and emotionally.  Pray for Mr. Everett and the family.

Keep praying for Decker & Martha Terry.  I plan on getting an update from Decker today.

Buddy McGallagher is a cousin to Cecil, Myrtle & John Milton.  He passed from this life yesterday afternoon.  Pray for his family.

The annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention takes place in Birmingham tomorrow and Wednesday.  I booked hotel rooms with plans on attending.  However, after considering the nightmare the traffic will be because of the I-20/59 construction, I changed my mind.  Just do not want to get into that nightmare traffic wise.

True story – Lisa and I left Decker’s house on Friday afternoon and basically stopped at exit almost as soon as we got on the interstate heading to Auburn.  I was topping the vehicle off with fuel and Lisa went inside to get some water.  I pulled up to get her and noticed her talking to a man.  I thought, “he looks so much like Jeff Holified!”  It was Jeff Holifield.  Deacon Jeff Holifield.  Folks, I cannot go anywhere without those deacons following me!

True story – Jeff’s mother, Edna, showed me a picture of a rat snake this morning.  I am guessing four feet long or so.  It fell on her head a couple of days ago as she opened a shed door.  It then slid down her face!

If Auburn can defeat UNC today then the SEC will have four of the eight teams in the baseball college World Series.  Go Tigers!  Vandy & MSU are already in and either Arkansas or Mississippi will punch their ticket today.

If KD & Klay play tonight then the series will go back to California.  Just saying.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Our VBS 2019 is now history minus the family night this Sunday evening.  Again, we did not set any attendance records but we did have a good school.  Thank you to Myrtle, Bro. Jerry and all of our workers.  Thank you parents for sending your children.  Thank you children for attending.  Thank you Jesus for Your blessings!

Matt Everett’s father remains hospitalized and in need of our prayers.

Aninha Barrett’s mother, Miss Jane Lieb, has become less responsive. So, Keith & Aninha left yesterday afternoon heading to Pennsylvania.  If all went well, they should be arriving there early this morning.  Pray for Miss Jane and her family.

Lisa and I took a road trip yesterday.  I went by our VBS and we headed out soon thereafter going to Montgomery and then Auburn.  Our first stop was the Baptist South Hospital to visit Martha Terry.  She had not been doing well but was alert and we have a good visit with Miss Martha, her son, Ron, and his wife, Peggy.  Here is what Decker sent out via e-mail early, early this morning – “I believe that we are seeing a miracle in progress. She is off her B-pap mask a/o this A.M. and breathing w/oxygen through her nose @ 96% level. PTL! The question is…. will her improved condition hold while sleeping….. and will the doctor’s tracking and adjusting of her new/old new meds while drawing off fluid…over 16 lbs. plus, thus far achieve lasting effects. I am confident she will continue to improve.”  Praise the Lord.  Thank you to those who are praying for Martha!

We then drove to Decker’s house to visit with him.  What a delightful man!  We had a wonderful visit.  Decker has been having some physical challenges this week but you would never know it by listening to him.  He too is much improved.  We always leave the Terry’s house feeling refreshed and blessed!  Keep praying for Decker!

I had called Jan Hearon yesterday morning to ask if Lisa and I could visit.  Gregg Hearon has been battling a malignancy for about a year and the medical folks just called in hospice.  Gregg is rapidly losing weight.  He is physically weak but his mind is as sharp as sharp can be.  We intentionally planned to only be there for around thirty minutes or so and we were almost able to meet that goal.  It was a huge blessing to see Gregg & Jan and to listen to their extreme faith in God.  Pray for Gregg, Jan, Jason, Heather and family.

A good number of folks from Grand Bay have visited Gregg & Jan in recent days.  I would suggest that if you plan on seeing Gregg while he is awake and alert that you go soon.  I also suggest calling Jan in advance to make sure it is a good time and to make your visit relatively brief.  (All of that is from me – not Gregg & Jan)

Regular schedule for the Friendship family tomorrow morning.  VBS family night at 5:00PM.

Finance Committee meets at 4:15PM tomorrow afternoon.  Personnel Committee meets too.

I tried to tell you guys to not count the Raptors out of the finals!  Levi just will not listen to me!  LOL!

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Matt Everett’s father had a really tough morning yesterday.  He was moved back into ICU and it was critical for a time.  The doctors performed a procedure that helped but he still has medical issues.  Pray for Matt’s dad and family.

Spoke to Decker Terry yesterday morning.  He and Miss Martha were both better physically.  It is “possible” that Miss Martha could be discharged from the hospital today.  Keep praying for this fine couple, please.

Last day of our 2019 VBS.  Pray that all goes well.  Special thanks to all who have helped in any way including those who have prayed.  I especially appreciate Bob Evans for making sure the buildings are open, cool, et cetera.  Bob is the man!

There is no need for anyone to worry about feeding the cat that had taken up residence on the church campus just outside the back of the auditorium.  Just saying!

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