Pastor's Blog

Steve Morris met with more medical folks yesterday and the decision was made to begin his radiation treatments again.  So, he received one yesterday afternoon.  Keep praying for Steve & Virginia.

Tim & Peggy Knighten remain in a Houston hotel near the hospital.  This surgery has set Tim back a bit more than the others pain wise.  Tim is doing good but is not jumping any fences just yet.  I do suspect he will be running his sawmill within the next day or two!  Keep praying!

Shawn Grant remains in the rehab facility.

Keep praying daily for Myrtle Bowden.

I had a website that gave some great bio information on Pastor Randy Von Kanel.  For whatever reason, it will not open this morning.  Suffice it to say that Bro. Randy is one of the nicest men you will ever meet.  He has served in some important churches in the States and now serves in the Cayman Islands.  I believe God is going to use him in a most special way here tomorrow morning and evening.

Remember, we need the members of the Friendship family to bring the sides and desserts for the supper.  Stacy & Gayle are doing the pulled pork and the baked beans.  The church is providing the bread and drinks.  The service will begin at 5:00PM and the supper will follow immediately.

Sunday School at 9:15AM followed by worship at 10:30AM.

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

Happy eleventh birthday to our granddaughter, Lizzi!  Lizzi was born on 11/11/11 at 11/16AM.  Lisa traveled to be with Lizzi this week on her special day.  Lizzi loves the Lord, love her church, loves where she lives,  and is bi-lingual.  We love Lizzi and I hope her day will be great!

THANK YOU to each veteran of the US Armed Forces!  Thank you to each present member of our active military.  Veterans, several restaurants are offering free food to you today.  Wendy’s is offering a free breakfast until 10:30AM.

I cannot wrap my mind around the vote that took place in Montana this past Tuesday to ensure medical care for babies delivered alive at any point in pregnancy, including those delivered after botched abortions.  The residents of Montana voted “NO” on this referendum!  Are you serious!  God, help us!

Tim Knighten was discharged from the hospital yesterday morning and returned to the hotel room.  He was struggling a bit yesterday afternoon with some pain.  Knowing Tim, he will get up and begin driving home today!  Tim is a man’s man which is not always a good thing!  (He was texting me like thirty minutes after his surgery ended yesterday!).  Thank God that Tim’s surgery was deemed a success!  Keep praying for Tim & Peggy!

Aninha’s cousin, Sally, came through her surgery yesterday was a miracle!  Hallelujah!  Sally still needs our prayers but yesterday was a major blessing!  Keep praying!

Steve Morris has been meeting with the medical personnel over the past couple of days and that will continue today.  Steve is struggling physically and they are trying to decide how much of a role the cancer is playing in these struggles.  Pray for Steve & Virginia in a special way.

Emma Kate Ladnier’s first culture was deemed to have been contaminated.  Therefore, she has no bacteria in her blood.  Praise the Lord!

I plan to provide some more details on Pastor Randy Von Kanel in tomorrow’s blog entry.  So looking forward to our services this Sunday – 10:30AM & 5:00PM.  Church wide supper around 6:00PM.  Church is providing the meat (pulled pork), beans, bread and drinks.  We need you to bring the sides and desserts.  Do not miss this seventy fifth anniversary!

I know nothing about Patricia Heaton and I have never watched a single second of “Everybody Loves Raymond.”  However, I read this quote from her last night and it was so spot on: “Good thought for today amidst all the political folderol…” she tweeted on Election Day along with a retweeted Dorothy Day quote that said: “I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least.”  WOW!

As I drove through Baton Rouge yesterday afternoon, I was reminded of how much I like LSU’s colors.  That would make becoming a supporter of LSU athletics an easy decision.  Is that alone enough to leave Bama?

I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus.  Again, THANK YOU Veterans and active military personnel!

Peggy just talked to the doctor.  Surgery is finished (less than one hour) and everything went “exceptionally well!”  Praise the Lord!  Tim may be discharged (hotel) from the hospital later today.  Peggy is a happy camper and Tim will be even happier!  They are both very thankful for the prayer support!

Tim & Peggy Knighten are scheduled to arrive at the hospital this morning at 5:00AM.  Tim’s surgery should begin around 7:00AM.  How long will the surgery last?  Yes.  It will be robotic.  Pray that they will be able to remove all of the tumor plus the areas around it.  The tumor is situated just outside of Tim’s left kidney.  Pray for Peggy as she waits through this procedure.  (Pray for the young boy around Braxton’s age who will be using the joystick to control the robotic arm doing the surgery – just saying!). By the way, Tim’s surgeon will leave today heading to Chile in order to speak at a medical conference.  In other words, this doctor is very good!

Aninha Barrett’s first cousin, Sally, will also be having surgery today.  It is on her heart and is a very, very serious procedure.  The risk factor is elevated because of some other issues.  Pray for Sally, the surgeons and Sally’s family.

Emma Kate Ladnier was discharged from the hospital yesterday – hooray!  Pray for a complete recovery!

Myrtle Bowden remains at home.  While Myrtle is basically confined to home, it does not keep her from being a prayer warrior for others.  She is faithful to this ministry.  Keep praying for Myrtle.

Keep praying for Shawn Grant as she rehabs.

I cannot overemphasize the importance of this Sunday, 11/13, for the Friendship family.  Pastor Randy Von Kanel will be our guest messenger.  His credentials are amazing!  However, he is a much better person than even the credentials show.  Randy is a great man of God and, if you miss this Sunday, you are going to miss it!  Sunday School at 9:15AM, worship at 10:30AM, worship at 5:00PM and supper around 6:00PM.  Friendship family, bring enough sides and desserts for those coming with you plus three others as we will have guests for supper.

I had such an enjoyable time with Harold, Mary Anne and Ezabella yesterday morning at Waffle House.  Great start to my day.  Filled up with fuel in Escatawpa and headed West at 9:00AM sharp!  I crossed into Louisiana at 12:00PM sharp – traffic accident with no way to avoid the jam.  Made good time until I got about twenty miles outside of Houston and it was crazy slow – driving fifteen miles per hour on I-10 due to the heaviness of the traffic.  I was able to cram a seven hour drive into ten hours!  However, I arrived safe and sound and for that I am most grateful.

Tim & Peggy patiently waited on me in order to take me to supper.  When I saw the sign for Burger King I was not too impressed!  However, next door was a really good bar-b-cue restaurant and we were able to enjoy good food and even better fellowship.  Thanks for supper, Tim & Peggy!

One final thing – thanks to CG for his kindness to me.  What?  He knows!  I appreciate it!

Do I stay in the SEC conference (Paul) or do I dare move to another conference?  Big decision!

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

Emma Kate Ladnier was not discharged from the hospital yesterday.  The medical folks are growing another culture to be more sure of their diagnosis.  The results should come in today.  Keep praying for Emma Kate and her parents.

Steve Morris remains in rehab.  He almost had another mishap yesterday.  Steve & Virginia have been through the proverbial ringer.  Keep praying!

Myrtle Bowden had a tough Monday afternoon.  She was doing better yesterday afternoon.  This fact remains very evident – Myrtle has a very strong faith in God!  Her faith does not waver!  Keep praying for Myrtle, Sammy and the family.

Keep praying for Shawn Grant as she remains in rehab.

Tim & Peggy are basically just counting down the hours now until the surgery takes place tomorrow morning.  Pray for Tim & Peggy to have a great day today as they wait.  Pray for the surgery to go well.

Lord willing, I will be leaving in a couple of hours to drive to Houston to be with Tim & Peggy during the surgery.  Prayers for traveling mercies will be appreciated.

I am actually going to leave a bit later than planned as I am being blessed with the opportunity to visit with Harold, Mary Anne and Ezabella Dueitt this morning.  I have know Harold forever since the days of his youth.  He was actually one of the twelve boys who played on Friendship’s first Royal Ambassador basketball team back in the day!  It is going to be good to see this family!

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and tonight.  Bro. Jerry will be filling in for me.  I hope the members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend.

I am considering changing teams in regard to my college football support.  You may be thinking, “what?  You have been an Alabama fan all of your life!”  You are correct.

Looking forward to our anniversary celebration this Sunday, 11/13.  Pray, attend and bring someone with you.  It is going to be a great day!

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

Emma Kate Ladnier, young daughter of Johnny & Felicia Ladnier, has been in the hospital since Sunday afternoon.  She is much improved and will most likely be discharged today.  Pray for Emma Kate and her parents.

Steve & Virginia Morris are discouraged.  The folks moving Steve from the bed to the wheelchair yesterday morning basically dropped him (not completely but almost) and caused him much pain in his surgically repaired back.  His physical therapy was then limited to his upper body and not much of that.  The overall therapy does not seem to be having the desired effect.  Pray for Steve & Virginia!

It appears that all systems are “go” for Tim Knighten and his surgery.  His surgery should begin shortly after 7:00AM on Thursday, 11/10.  If all goes well, Tim & Peggy could be traveling home next Monday, 11/14.  He “may” have to stay in the hospital overnight on Thursday.  Pray for Tim & Peggy!  By the way, Tim’s surgery will be robotic.

Keep praying for Myrtle Bowden.

I am hearing the Brooke Whitehurst is doing “ok” as she continues to wait on some more definitive answers from a doctor regarding her pain issues.  Pray for Brooke.

Shawn Grant remains in a physical therapy rehab center.  Keep praying for her.

I strongly encourage those who can to vote today.

Lord willing, I will leave in the morning driving to Houston in order to be with Tim & Peggy during Tim’s surgery on Thursday morning.  Tim has to be there at 5:30AM.  So, Bro. Jerry will be teaching in my place in both services Wednesday.  Hopefully, I will return home on Thursday but that depends on the outcome of the surgery.

Our fall season is over and our basketball leagues are up next.  It appears we are going to have a very strong basketball season with almost one hundred and fifty players on sixteen teams.  Kristi Siker is giving Bro. Abel a huge assist with this ministry.

Looking forward to our seventy fifth anniversary as a church family this Sunday, 11/13.  Pray, attend and bring others with you.

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

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.

Tim & Peggy Knighten arrived in Houston last night.  Tim’s first test is this morning at 7:00AM with his surgery still scheduled for this Thursday, 11/10.  Pray for Tim & Peggy!

Steve Morris got some encouraging news this past week concerning his kidney function.  Praise the Lord!  Keep praying!

Keep praying for Bro. Abel’s grandson, Asher; Myrtle Bowden; Brooke Whitehurst and Shawn Grant.

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

Bro. Abel’s grandson, Asher, is having some physical difficulties.  If you have social media then you are probably more up to date on his situation than I am.  Bro. Abel keeps me updated but social media is more current most of the time.  Just keep praying for infant Asher and the family.

Brooke Whitehurst was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  She will go today for an epidural.  Pray for Brooke as she navigates this situation and tries to manage the pain.  Brooke and family are grateful for the prayer support.

Tim & Peggy Knighten are set to leave tomorrow heading to Houston to get ready for Tim’s surgery which is scheduled for next Thursday, 11/10.  Pray for traveling mercies and a successful surgery.

Steve Morris remains in rehab.  Had a good visit with him on Wednesday.  Keep Steve & Virginia in your prayers.

Shawn Grant is now in a rehab facility in Pensacola.  It is my understanding that she will be there for two weeks or so.  Pray for Shawn.

As always, keep praying for Myrtle Bowden.  Pray for Myrtle to be able to eat as she continues to lose weight which is not a good thing.

Nanette Fontenot was scheduled to have surgery yesterday morning.  It was on, off, on, off (you get the idea) before she was finally told to go home and reschedule at a time when it could be done in a hospital instead of an outpatient facility.  Frustrating.  Pray for Nanette.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.

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

Brooke Ladnier Whitehurst was admitted to the hospital due to extreme pain in her back.  The doctors are trying to determine the exact cause of the pain and find a solution.  Pray for Brooke and the doctors.

Miss Vinnie called me yesterday to let me know that her son, Buddy, will have another treatment this week.  He is feeling good and continues to maintain a positive attitude.  Keep praying.

Talked to Steve & Virginia yesterday morning.  Steve is making a little progress in his rehab.  Not walking yet and very tired at the end of each day due to the physical therapy.  Pray for Steve & Virginia.

Tim & Peggy Knighten will soon head back to Houston with Tim’s surgery scheduled for Thursday, 11/10.  Pray for traveling mercies and a successful surgery.

I did not talk to Bro. Abel yesterday.  I assume all continues to be well with Francesca and Asher.  I also assume that one can get all of the details via social media as Bro. Abel is good at communicating through that means.  Keep praying!

It is my understanding that John Milton Ladnier got a good report from the doctor – praise the Lord!

Pray for Myrtle Bowden and then pray some more!

As far as I know, Shawn Grant remains in the hospital.  Pray for Shawn.

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.  There will be a meal served at the church tonight beginning at 5:00PM.  Cost is five dollars per person with a maximum of twenty dollars per immediate family.  Contact Bro. Dylan for more information.

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

Bro. Abel’s oldest daughter, Francesca, gave birth to Asher James Romano at 5:03PM yesterday afternoon.  He checked into this world weighing seven pounds and twelve ounces.  He is twenty one inches long.  Mother and son are doing well.  Congratulations to the entire family and thanks to God!  (Bro. Abel is a happy camper!)

I did not talk to Virginia Morris yesterday to get an update on Steve but will do so today.  I do know that we need to keep praying as Steve goes through his rehab.

I also plan to contact Miss Vinnie today to get an update on her son, Buddy.  Keep praying.

Shawn Grant was doing well, all things considered, when I visited with her yesterday.  She can leave the hospital with the main decision right now being where she will go for rehab.  Pray for wisdom on her behalf.

Keep praying for Myrtle Bowden.

Our focus this Sunday morning, 11/6, will be on our bus ministry as we celebrate fifty years in this ministry.  The following Sunday, 11/13, we will celebrate seventy five years as a church family.  Pastor Randy Von Kanel will be our guest in our only morning service (10:30AM) and our 5:00PM evening service.  We will gather in the CAB for a church wide supper around 6:00PM.  More details on that later.

Keep the dates of Sunday, December 11, and Thursday, January 12, open.  Big happenings!

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