MONDAY, 3/23/20
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)
Let me begin this entry with a couple of reminders. First, our church office is open today through Thursday from 8:00AM until noon. One of our ministerial staff members will be in the office during those hours in the event folks need to bring their offering or for other reasons. Again, females coming alone will not be allowed in the office as there will only be one male staff member present. So, we are asking folks not to stop by just to be stopping by. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
Second, no activities on our campus this week. No services or classes on Wednesday.
Eddie Albritton, Sr. remains hospitalized. I so feel for the folks who are presently in the hospital as not only are they sick but they also cannot have any visitors – not even family members. Eddie tells me his dad’s situation is about the same. He is experiencing great pain due to muscle spasms. Keep praying for Eddie!
Kirk Lightfield told me yesterday that his dad is in ICU in an Oklahoma hospital. Kirk’s dad is eighty eight years old. His physical condition has actually improved since being admitted to the hospital. Pray for Mr. Lightfield.
Keep praying for the Lewis family. Danny is a very faithful member of the Friendship family and is one of the finest guys I know. I need for the members of the Friendship family to step up and provide the meal for Danny’s family following the COLS. Tina Wilkinson is coordinating this ministry effort and I will deliver the food to Baldwin County. The service will be Wednesday or Thursday if things go as planned. More details will be posted once I receive them.
I know there are folks who are disappointed in my leadership as a pastor due to our going online with our music and message yesterday. I am sorry that I have disappointed you but I am doing the best I know to do in a trying situation. Do me a favor – if you are going to talk about me then please talk to the Lord about me! Deal?
I also know that there are folks who are pleased with the decision to go online. I received iMessages, text messages, e-mails and phone calls of support all of yesterday afternoon. We had folks tune in from at least three states – Alabama, Michigan & Texas along with folks from two other countries – Guatemala & Mississippi. I am not going to throw numbers at you but I will tell you it is pretty amazing! I did indirectly hear from Jason Stewart and Craig & Jennifer Moss who are former members who now live elsewhere and they were delighted to join us online for the music & message. I also heard from some who said it was nice to “pause” me in order to get something to eat or drink, et cetera – thank you!
Let me say what an outstanding job our media team did yesterday. Folks, the quality of our online service was second to none! Dale Bosarge, Rhett Butler, Abel Garcia, James Mareno, Soy Taylor & Raymond Wilkinson worked extremely hard Thursday, Friday & Saturday to make this thing happen in a most professional way. Give those guys their due! Thank you guys for a job very well done! I also appreciate Josh Harkins from Cottage Hill Baptist Church in Mobile meeting with James & Rhett on Saturday to lend his expertise as media is what he does at CHBC. What a gracious and kind move on his part. Thank you Josh!
Bro. Jerry Hovel did a nice job teaching the Sunday School lesson online. Randall, Rita & Paige Broome did a nice job of leading our musical worship and sharing the message in song. Jeanette Bates and Tena Hovel, pajamas and all, did their usual nice job of playing the piano & keyboard. It was definitely a team effort and I say “thank you” to all of these folks while giving God the glory!
Pastor, what are we going to do about this Sunday, March 29, 2020? Yes, we are!
I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus. I will be in the office this morning but am available 24/7 to minister to you.