Pastor's Blog

Camp 20 remains our emphasis.  The Lord allowed me the opportunity to use some of my twenty minutes sharing about Jesus yesterday along with the prayer time and Bible reading.  How about you?

If you want to give financially to Camp 20 then just place your money or check in an offering envelope and write the amount being given and “Camp 20” on the designated side of the envelope.  Remember, we have thirteen Sundays in September, October and November to give to this emphasis.  The amount given to date stands at $1,250.  Our goal by 11/30/22 is $5,500.  I will keep a running tab of our up to date gifts on this blog at least once per week.

Our women’s ministry has a diaper give away monthly.  They are running short on diapers.  Please consider helping this ministry. You can leave your donations in the auditorium foyer.  Thank you!

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.  Our college students meet at 7:30PM with Martin & Jennifer Brinkman.  I “think” they are going to be meeting on campus beginning tonight but I am not positive of the location.

This Sunday evening, 9/4, our evening service will begin at 5:00PM as will our children’s choir.  There will be no other evening classes or activities for the day.  Sunday morning will be normal.

Deacon led church will fellowship at Presley’s Outing on Sunday, September 25, from 4:00 – 7:00PM.  The church will provide the hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks.  You are asked to bring the sides and desserts.

We will be observing the ordinance of baptism as a part of that fellowship.  More details to come.

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

The following comes from Bro. Abel Garcia:

“I want to say a BIG thank you to my Friendship Family for these past three years. They have been absolutely amazing. I am so grateful for Pastor Teddy giving me the opportunity to come home and serve as well as minister alongside each of you. It has been a joy. Thank you so much for the love offering. What a blessing! It will be used to help with college expenses, plan a wedding and spoil my 1st grandbaby. LoL!”

Jennifer Brinkman let me know yesterday that the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a twelve day trip to the Holy Land leaving on October 17, 2023.  Discounted price is forty nine hundred dollars.  Jennifer can get you a brochure and more information, if interested.  Also, Pastor Joe David Bailey will be leading a trip to the Holy Land in 2024.  I can put you in touch with him, if interested.

CAMP 20 is our emphasis from now until the end of this calendar year!  I pray that many members of the Friendship family and others are joining us for this most special camp!

Missionary/pastor Mark Mast has an injured Achilles tendon that is giving him physical problems.  The doctor is saying this could be problematic for the next six to eight months.  Pastor Mark is always on the go so pray for him!  It must be tough getting old!

The Lord gave us a beautiful day weather wise yesterday and I am thankful!

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow – morning and evening.

Our Sunday morning schedule is normal this week.  Our Sunday evening will consist of a worship service at 5:00PM.  Our children’s choir will meet during that same hour.  Nothing else on our campus Sunday evening.

Anyone besides me ready for the college football season?  (Asking for a friend!)

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

The Lord blessed the Friendship family with a really good day in our services yesterday.  We had a profession of faith in our 8:00AM service and another one in our 10:30AM service.  We give God the praise and glory!

Camp 20 was the focus of our two morning services as the entire Friendship family was invited to join us going to camp.  Here is how:

20 minutes of prayer daily from now until December 31, 2022.

20 minutes of Bible reading daily from now until December 31, 2022.

20 minutes of sharing Jesus with someone weekly from now until December 31, 2022.

20 dollars given to GRACE Ministries weekly (September 1 – November 30) in order to build houses in Miss Kittie’s memory in Guatemala on our December 1 – 8, 2022 trip.  Each person can determine the amount they can give toward this ministry.

20 members of the Friendship family joining us for the June 15 – 22, 2023 GRACE Ministries mission trip.

All of these things are an “at least” with the exception of number four.

No one knew anything about this camp until yesterday morning.  Six hundred dollars was given following our second morning service, five hundred and fifty dollars was given at the start of our evening service and another one hundred dollars was given following the evening service.  So, twelve hundred and fifty dollars given on the first day.  Great start to Camp 20!  I have already heard from one member of the Friendship family this morning stating they have already done the praying and reading this morning!  Good stuff!

FYI, folks outside of the Friendship family are welcome to join us at camp!

Camp 20 will be an emphasis for the next four months.  Miss Kittie would be thankful and would quickly say, “to God be the glory!”

Thank you to those who gave to the anniversary offering for Bro. Abel Garcia yesterday.  He did a nice job of preaching in last night’s service.

This Sunday, 9/4, we will have a regular morning on our campus.  However, our evening service will begin at 5:00PM and will conclude by 6:00PM.  Miss Tena “may” have children’s choir at 5:00PM but otherwise there will be no other classes, activities, et cetera.

Dale Ellerman is set to have surgery in Birmingham on Friday, September 9.  Pray for Dale as he is back in Birmingham today.

Keep praying for Myrtle Bowden, Anna Carol Bosarge, Tim Knighten, Richard Bentley, Karen McGriff and others.

Rhett Butler got called out to work yesterday.  Jimmy Tagert stepped in and did an excellent job with our video for the service.  Brandon Baker has been handling the audio portion and is doing a nice job.  Raymond Wilkinson has done the audio since like forever and has always done a great job too!  Ditto for James Mareno on the video side.  We are blessed in this area.

As noted by Keith Barrett, my wife was found guilty of money laundering yesterday!

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

This month marked the third anniversary of Bro. Abel Garcia serving on the staff with the Friendship family.  As is our custom, we will receive a love offering for Bro. Abel during all three services tomorrow as a show of our appreciation to him.  There will be a basket placed on the stage in the auditorium in order for us to give cards, gift cards, et cetera.  Also, the offering plates will be passed for a special offering in all of the services.  Checks should be made payable to Friendship Baptist Church.  I am thankful for Bro. Abel and the ministry God has given him.  Join Lisa and me in expressing appreciation!

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.  I hope many members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend.  Lord willing, I will be introducing something “different” that will hopefully involve each member of the Friendship family and beyond.  You will like it, I promise!  Your call as to if you will be involved!

Got my boat out yesterday and did some mowing.  Much more to do today.  Folks, we have had a lot of rain but believe me when I tell you that God knows exactly what He is doing!  I trust Him completely!

Looking forward to tomorrow as we gather to worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords – join us!

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

It rained, then rained and then rained some more yesterday.  In spite of the heavy rain, the attendance for the COLS for Miss Kittie Camp was strong.  Thank you to those who came Wednesday night or yesterday to honor Miss Kittie and to help comfort her family.  I spoke to Jeanette Bates last night and she was very thankful and felt the service honored God and her sweet mother.

What can I say about the amount of food that was brought to feed the family?  Amazing!  Thank you to each person who cooked and helped in any way.

The Friendship family will host as service at the Mission of Hope tonight beginning at 7:00PM.  If my memory serves me correctly, Leslee H will be singing and Jeff H will be sharing the spoken message.  Everyone invited!  Pray for this service.

I spoke too quickly regarding the virus within the Friendship family.  One couple is battling the virus now.  Praying for a quick and complete recovery.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.

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

The visitation time with the Kittie Camp family yesterday was well attended in spite of the wet weather.  Some folks may have stayed away because of the weather thinking today’s weather will be better.  It appears that is not going to be the case but we shall see.  (It is 4:45AM and the rain is pretty steady now)

Remember, the COLS for Miss Kittie begins this morning at 10:00AM and will take place in our auditorium.  The committal service will be at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Lunch will be served to the family and friends upon their return to the church campus following the committal service.  Thank you to those who are preparing food as it is going to be in abundance.

Anna Carol Bosarge continues to recover at home from her surgery.  Keep praying for her.

I “think” we may virus free at the moment within the Friendship family.  If so, that is a good thing and we give God the thanks.

My Mama was moved to a convalescent home yesterday afternoon for twenty one days of rehab.  Obviously, she is much improved  physically.  Her blood pressure is under control.  Thank you to the many folks who have prayed for her, talked to me, sent me messages, et cetera since last Thursday.  I am blessed to serve such concerned people.

I do want to apologize to the folks who came to either of our services yesterday not realizing they had been cancelled due to the visitation with the Kittie Camp family.  As far as I know, we did everything possible to get the word out.  Remember, we only have eleven readers of the blog so it hard to get the word out on such short notice.  Anyway, put the blame on me and forgive me.

I pray that you will have a great Thursday with Jesus.  Pray for the COLS this morning at 10:00AM.  I thank God for Miss Kittie Camp!

Edna Holifield Glover called me this morning to let me know that she has plenty of food for today and tomorrow for the Kittie Camp family.  I am not surprised – at all!  Plus, Edna is cooking lunch for the family time.  Not surprised by that either – at all!

Jeanette and I have spoken a couple of times this morning about the service and other things.  She is trying to cover all bases.

First, in lieu of flowers the family asks that donations given go to GRACE Ministries.  Checks can be made payable to GRACE Ministries and mailed to P.O. Box 756 Grand Bay, AL 36541.  The Camp family will be given a list of those donations.

Second, those participating in the celebration of life service as speakers will be Bro. Wes Bates, Bro. John Treherne and Bro. Jerry Hovel.  Joy Hansel will sing “When We See Christ” and Brad Hutto will sing “Scars In Heaven” and “Midnight Cry” as the special music.  Brad will lead the congregation is singing “It Is Well” with Jeanette Bates playing the piano.

Third, the pallbearers will be Larry Crawley, Carl Ray Moulds, Bobby Jack Felps, Gerald Poiroux, Joey Switzer and Jay Taylor.

Let me begin this entry with really great news!  Coley & Katelyn Johnson officially became parents yesterday!  Hooray!  After a long wait, many delays and much prayer, the adoption of Serena & Tesla was made official yesterday.  Katelyn sent me picture of them standing behind a sign saying, “after 1,555 days, we are finally adopted!”  How about that!  Congratulations to Coley & Katelyn and glory to God!  Be sure to congratulate the Johnson family!

NO regular services, classes or other activities on our campus today – morning or evening.  Please pass the word!

The visitation with the Kittie Camp family will take place in two phases today.  There will be a time of visitation from 3:00 – 5:00PM followed by an hour’s break.  The second time of visitation will take place from 6:00 – 8:00PM.  Both visitations will take place in our church auditorium.

The celebration of life service will take place tomorrow, Thursday, beginning at 10:00AM.  It will also take place in our auditorium.

I am asking members of the Friendship family to call the church office this morning if you are willing to help with the meal for the Camp family following tomorrow’s service.

Again, no regular services, classes or activities on our campus this morning or evening.  Please pass the word!

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her…..charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” One such woman was Kittie Sarah Crenshaw Camp, who entered the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, August 22, 2022. A beloved schoolteacher for many years, she was also a faithful long-time member, Sunday School teacher, and former pastor’s wife, at Friendship Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by, and joyfully reunited with, her husband, Rev. L.G. Camp, Jr., and other family members. She is lovingly survived and sorely missed by her four children: Luther Camp, Jeanette (Sonny) Bates, Jeff (Kathy) Camp, and Carl Camp; eight grandchildren: Chris Camp, Adrian Bates, Rebecca (Jay) Taylor, Wes (Rebekah) Bates, Apryl DeLoach, Ashley Camp, Amy (David) Kelley, and Melissa (Nathan) Matthews; nine great-grandchildren: Raegan DeLoach, Ellie Taylor, Nathan Bates, Mallie Taylor, William Matthews, Madison Kelley, Maggie Matthews, Averi Kelley, and Nora Bates; and a host of family and friends.

An afternoon visitation will be Wednesday, August 24, 2022, from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm with a hour intermission prior to the evening visitation from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay. The service will take place at the church on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Sonny & Jeanette Bates just finished making the arrangements for Miss Kittie.  I will copy and paste the obit once it goes online.

There will be a split visitation tomorrow, Wednesday, 8/24, from 3:00PM – 5:00PM and then from 6:00PM – 8:00PM.  Hopefully, Miss Kittie’s older fellow church members and friends will be able to attend the first visitation along with folks who attend another church that has a Wednesday night service.  The second visitation will allow those who work to attend.  Both visitations will take place in our church auditorium.

The celebration of life service will take place on Thursday morning, August 25, beginning at 10:00AM and it will be in the church auditorium.

Friendship family, my hope is that we will honor God by honoring Miss Kittie by showing up in record numbers for the visitation and/or service.  In my opinion, this the least we can do for this godly lady!  She has been our church “mother” for fifty six years.

There will be no worship service or other activities on our campus tomorrow – morning or evening!  Please pass the word!  No youth, RA’s, GA’s, Mission Friends, et cetera.

Also, we need folks to sign up to feed the family following the COLS.  I will get the time from Miss Edna as far as when to have the food at the church.  Call the church office in the morning to sign up.

If you have any questions related to these arrangements, please send me an email at pastor@friendshipfamily.net.  Thank you!