Pastor's Blog

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

Work day on our campus tomorrow morning, 9/14, beginning at 8:00AM.  All hands on deck is the call.  We have had at least two folks who have already come and worked in their room this week because they cannot attend tomorrow.  Very nice of them to do so.  Trimming the hedges will be our main focus in the morning but folks can clean their classrooms, et cetera.  If enough folks show up with the proper tools i.e. hedge trimmers, rakes, and so forth then we can knock this thing out pretty quickly.  It is going to be hot but Kendall Falana has guaranteed no rain.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.  If your class uses ice then you might want to consider bringing a bag just in case as the ice make “may” be down this Sunday.  It “may” be working.  Just FYI.  We always have ice it is just that sometimes it is not frozen.

Our second evening of our AWANA ministry takes places this Sunday, 9/15, from 5:00 until 7:00PM.  Pray for this ministry and encourage children to attend.

Deidra needs to hear from those who would like to sponsor a child in the school.  The sponsorship will begin in January 2020.  Contact her at dtaylor0811@gmail.com to sign up or for more information.

I am not a complainer about the weather.  It is hot and there is no immediate relief in sight.  We live on the Gulf Coast so hot weather is expected.  I prefer cold weather.  Lisa will travel to Guatemala next week for Audrey’s birthday and the high temperature in El Tejar on Tuesday was fifty eight degrees – give me some of that!  I made a hospital visit yesterday afternoon and, as almost always (like ninety nine percent of the time), I took the stairs.  When I finished that visit my shirt was wet with sweat.  Basically I am asking Kendall to give us some relief – LOL!

Bobby and the boys are hanging in there as far as the wild card is concerned.  I am convinced they will be hosting that wild card game on Tuesday, October 1.

Bryant travels to Foley tonight; Coach Collier and the Bobcats host Fairhope; Mobile Christian host Faith Academy; Resurrection travels to Leake County, Mississippi.  My plan is to attend the game at Mobile Christian in order to kill two stones with one bird!

Was able to get on a mower by 5:00PM yesterday and mow until dark thirty.  Once again, good therapy for me.  Much more to do today, Lord willing.

I am ready for some college football tomorrow afternoon and evening.

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)

Word came to me through Miss Mary last night that Shawn Burrell has passed from this life.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for the family.

The visitation and service for Will Reynolds’ maternal aunt takes place this morning with the visitation taking place from 9:15AM until the 11:00AM service time.  Everything will be at First Baptist Bayou La Batre.  Pray for the Bailey family.

We had a good day in our services yesterday – morning and evening.  I am thankful for people who are faithful to attend.

Well, our work day work force is now up to four people.  I have had ninety seven tell me why they cannot attend but only three tell me they will attend.  This Saturday, 9/14, @ 8:00AM.  With a good number we will be finished fairly quickly.  All hands on deck!

The weather folks are showing the Gulf Coast dipping into the eighties for daytime highs and in the sixties for night time lows beginning Monday, September 23.  However, a storm could change all of that as it would bring us some rain.  God knows what He is doing in this area so I simply trust Him.

Bobby and the boys beat the Twins last night.  They remain in good shape for the postseason.  Pastor Wes Bates’ beloved Cubbies has now be caught by the Brewers for that second wild card spot.  The Indians have made a major move in the AL wild card race.  Going to be an interesting last couple of weeks in the regular season.

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)

Just typing “9/11” brings a flood of memories.  Definitely a day of deserved solemn remembrance.

I spent yesterday afternoon and evening rejoicing over the wonderful news given to Sanna Collier.  To God be the glory!

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and tonight.  All students, 6th grade through 12th grade, are to meet with Bro. Abel in the CAB.  Those doors will not open until at least 6:00PM.

The visitation with Will Reynolds’ aunt’s family takes place tomorrow, 9/12, from 9:15AM until the 11:00AM service time.  Visitation and service at First Baptist of Bayou La Batre.

Work day on the church grounds this Saturday, 9/14, beginning at 8:00AM.  If enough folks show up, we could be finished in a couple of hours.  All hands on deck, please.

Bobby and the boys were handled by the Twins last night.  However, they remain in a good place regarding the wild card picture.  The Dodgers clinched their seventh consecutive NL West title last night – good stuff!

I am ready for the college football weekend.  If nothing unplanned happens, I will not be traveling anywhere this weekend so after the work day I can come home and just watch football.  At least that is the plan.

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

Coach Eric Collier called me just before noon to share that Sanna’s pathology report came back benign!  No cancer!  Hallelujah!  Eric & Sanna give praise to the Lord and thanks to each person who prayed.  Hallelujah!

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

I ask you to pray specifically for Sanna Collier today.  She is supposed to hear from her pathology report today.  The waiting has been tough on Sanna, Eric & the entire family.

Keep praying for Miss Lillian, Carol Lucky, Sonny Bates and the others on our prayer lists.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.  May we be found faithful.

Work day this Saturday, 9/14, beginning at 8:00AM.  This is a “all hands on deck” work day.  We need to do a major job on the shrubs around the office building, the auditorium and the adult building.  Bring the appropriate tools.  Also, we need to burn two brush piles on the back forty.  If you just happen to have some extra kerosene in the back of your truck this week and are driving by those brush piles, stop and pour some on them as that will help us with the burning on Saturday.

Sammy Bowden & Kendall Falana helped a brother with car problems this past Sunday after our second service.  Long story short – the car had mechanical issues, Kendall knew a guy selling a vehicle and contacted him, the guy gave the car to the man in need.  Is that great or what!  Thanks Sammy & Kendall for helping in this situation.

The Dodgers can clinch the NL West tonight with a win against the O’s.  Let’s go Dodgers!  Bobby and the boys are in Minneapolis to play the Twins.  I “think” Bobby told me this will be his first time in that ballpark.  It is looking more and more like the Cubs versus the Nationals in the wild card game.  The Braves could still finish ahead of the Dodgers with the best record in the NL.

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)

Our friends in Guatemala, Juan Marcus and Lucky, have a daughter, Natalie, who will be undergoing hernia surgery today.  Pray for Natalie, please.

Wow, we were blessed by the Lord with a really good day in our services yesterday.  The proverbial “cherry on the top” was Audrey Everett following the Lord in believers’ baptism to conclude last night’s worship service.  God gives the increase and we give Him the glory!

Our AWANA ministry got off to a great start as we had fifty nine children in attendance.  There was a definite buzz in the air!  Were there some hiccups?  Yes.  Are there some adjustments that need to be made?  Yes.  Did we expect those things?  Yes.  Elizabeth Westbrook, the other leaders and the volunteers took a very positive attitude and are ready for next week.  One of the neat things is that the attendance in our evening service probably was higher than it has been in recent weeks.  Praise the Lord for all of His blessings on our AWANA ministry.

Six year old Jackson Reynolds said to his Uncle Charlie late yesterday afternoon, “best day ever!”  When his uncle asked why, Jackson replied, “because I do not have to go into the auditorium for the service tonight!”  LOL!  Can you say “future deacon?”

Evangelist Johnny Tucker did his usual wonderful job of sharing the Word with us yesterday morning.  While I do not know the amount I do know that you gave a very generous love offering to Bro. Johnny & Miss Judy for their personal use.  Good stuff!

It was very good to see Carol Lucky in our second morning service yesterday.  She and Terry will be in class all week learning about the “at home” dialysis stuff.

Will Reynolds had a maternal aunt to pass from this life last week.  The visitation and service will take place this Thursday morning at First Baptist Bayou La Batre.  Visitation with the family from 9:00AM until the 11:00AM service time.  Pray for the family.

Bobby and the boys were able to salvage one game from the Braves as they won yesterday afternoon.  They can give up on winning the NL East but are in good shape when it comes to the wild card chase.  The Cubs have fallen four and one half games behind in the NL Central but still hold a two game lead for the second wild card spot.  The Dodgers need two wins to claim the NL West title for the seventh consecutive year.

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)

Regular schedule on the Friendship campus this morning and evening.

Evangelist Johnny Tucker will be preaching in our two morning services today.

Our AWANA ministry begins this afternoon at 5:00PM.  Pray for this ministry.

Deacons meet at 4:00PM today.

Finance Committee meets at 5:00PM today.

I arrived home safely around 11:30PM last night.  That four hour trip from Tuscaloosa which is around two hundred miles only seemed like fourteen hours and two thousand miles!  Why?  Can you say Bob Evans?  The dude talked all the way home – literally!  He told me that he was only doing so to make sure I did not fall asleep while driving.  There were probably ninety thousand folks inside BDS for the game.  Bob personally talked to eighty one thousand and twelve of them!

Marcus & Rachel Hatcher were also at the Bama game.  Rachel seemed to be a little miffed at me when she saw Bob with me.  She grew up across the street from Bob and affectionately refers to him as “Uncle Bob.”  She said he could have just ridden to and from the game with them.  I would have been in favor of that.  Told Bob that he had now been to two Alabama games with me in the same trip – his first and last!  Bob had a great time and I enjoyed seeing him have a great time!

The Braves are smoking!  They now have a commanding lead in the NL East.  They may very well pass the Dodgers for the best record in the NL before it is all said and done.  The Dodgers do not have sufficient pitching in the pen.  Jansen is toast!  I think either the Yankees or the Astros will win it all and my tendency is to lean toward the Astros simply based on their pitching.

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

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

The visitation and service for Miss Kathryn Butler takes place today.  Visitation begins at 10:00AM and lasts until the noon service time.  Pray for the family.  Those bringing food to help minister to the family need to have it in the fellowship hall no later than 11:00AM today.

Tracy Smith, the cousin of Jason Taylor, for whom we have been praying due to her battle with cancer passed from this life yesterday afternoon.  She was fifty five years of age.  Pray for the family as they walk through this valley.

Paul Brown, brother-in-law of Elaine Brinkman Brown, passed from this life and his visitation/service also takes place today.  Visitation begins at 11:00AM and lasts until the noon service time.  Everything is at the Heritage Funeral Home in Escatawpa, Mississippi.  Pray for the Brown family.

Regular schedule on the Friendship campus tomorrow morning and evening.  One very exciting addition is that we will begin our AWANA ministry at 5:00PM.  They will initially gather in the auditorium before dividing into their respective groups.  Pray for this ministry and pass the word!

Evangelist Johnny Tucker and his wife, Miss Judy, will be our guests tomorrow morning.  Bro. Johnny will preach in our two morning services.  Yes, Lord willing, I will be in attendance but no preaching.

Faith Academy, Mobile Christian, Resurrection and Theodore all won last night.  Bryant was not able to join that group but hopefully they will win a game soon.  By the way, Danville won last night which was their first win in like two years.

We survived Bob!  LOL!  We delivered Bob to his sister early yesterday afternoon.  I then headed North where I was able to spend some good quality time with my parents.  Dad was a very happy camper as he had been to the doctor and the catheter is no more – hallelujah!  Dad looked and sounded better to me than he has in months.  He is not using any aid in his walking.  His blood pressure is a bit low but otherwise I think he is doing good.  He asked that I say “thank you” to those who have prayed for him.  He is grateful.  I am grateful to my brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue, for all they do for dad and mama.

Are the Braves hot or what?  Leslie Hacker has them dialed in right now!  They beat Bobby & the boys again last night.  Do not look now but the Diamondbacks are making a hard push for one of those wild card spots in the NL.

There will be a few good college football games today/tonight.  Alabama & Auburn will not be involved in those.  USM vs MSU; A&M at Clemson and LSU at Texas should be good ones.  Lisa, the girls, Jayden and I plan on joining Bob at the Bama game – it is going to be hot!

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)

The service for Mr. George Versiga seemed to go well.  Thank you to those who prayed, attended, et cetera.

The visitation/service for Mark Hubbard’s mother takes place today.  Pray for Mark and his family.

The visitation/service for Miss Kathryn Butler takes place tomorrow, 9/7.  Visitation with the family at 10:00AM until the noon service time.  If you are helping with the food to feed the family following the service please have it in the Preschool Building no later than 11:00AM tomorrow.  Pray for this service.

Keep praying for Sanna Collier as she awaits word from the biopsy.

Had the opportunity to visit with Miss Lillian yesterday afternoon.  What a pleasant lady!  She is having some serious issues with her oxygen level but hopefully she will be getting a portable oxygen tank very soon.  Miss Lillian is very blessed to have sons and daughters who are “Johnny on the spot” to give her the support she needs.  (And a million other family members who are also there for her)  Keep praying.

Also saw Terry & Carol Lucky yesterday.  She is improving.  She and Terry will be in school all next week to learn about the in home dialysis.  Carol will have a surgical procedure done later this month to give better access to a vein in her left arm.  Want to be encouraged?  Visit Terry & Carol!  Keep praying.

Dad was discharged from the rehab center yesterday morning.  Can you say, “happy camper?”

I was wrong!  Bob Evans did not move to the bayou yesterday.  Everything is now on hold until Monday.  Word is that Bob is waiting on his BLB Reeboks before moving?

Bobby and the boys took it on the chin in Atlanta last night.  How can Vera Bosarge & Debbie Hyatt be happy knowing that one of our own was a part of that defeat?  The Nationals are now eight games out but still in good shape for the first wild card spot.

Bryant hosts MGM tonight; Coach Collier and the Bobcats travel to Foley; Mobile Christian hosts Bayside Academy; Faith Academy hosts LeFlore; and Resurrection hosts Northlake Christian.

I promised my dad that, Lord willing, I would visit him today.  So, Lisa, the girls, and I will head that way this morning.  That is the good news.  In other news, Bob Evans is going with us as far as Birmingham.  He will then stay with his sister tonight and meet us at the Alabama game tomorrow.  What was I thinking when I invited Bob?  (Obviously I was not thinking!)

I got a late start but my yesterday ended with me mowing for about two hours until dark thirty.  Once again, a happy camper!

Friendship family, regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.  Evangelist Johnny Tucker in our two morning services.  Deacons meet at 4:00PM.  AWANA begins at 5:00PM.  Finance Committee meets at 5:00PM.

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)

The Lord blessed us with a really nice Wednesday.  The attendance was good in our morning service and pretty good in the evening.  (Speaking of auditorium only)  Sonny Bates really enjoyed the message (the first part!)  LOL!

Tommy Johnson has been having some “issues” so please pray for him.  They are doing tests to try and determine the cause of his problems.

Miss Lillian Brinkman has been having some physical problems too.  She is at home but needs our prayer support.

The visitation and service for Mr. George Versiga takes place today.  Pray for that service, please.

Today will be a happy day for my dad as he is scheduled to be released from the rehab facility at 8:30AM!  You probably need to shift your prayers to praying for my mama now – just saying!

Bob Evans moves to the bayou today.  I think Joey Bosarge and Dana Taylor should give him a pair of BLB Reeboks as a welcome gift!  Bob is happy but Leslie Hacker may be happier!

Bobby and the boys took a loss yesterday afternoon and are now heading to Atlanta for an important series.  It sure looks like a Cubs versus Nationals wild card game but things can change.  The Dodgers can close out the NL West with four more victories and/or four more losses by the Dbacks.

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