Pastor's Blog

As I posted earlier this morning, regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.  It is an individual decision as to whether or not you attend as bad weather is predicted.  Each person must do what is best for them personally.

Nanette Fontenot sent me a message yesterday saying the pain from her surgery has lessened each day but her had is now swollen.  She is scheduled to see the doctor Friday and will receive a hard cast at that time.  Pray that the swelling will subside and that Nanette’s recovery from this point forward will go well.

I have not gotten any updates from Myrtle’s visit to the doctor this past Monday.  Keep praying!

No change in Steve Morris’ situation.  Keep praying for Steve & Virginia.

Want to order ground coffee?  Today is the absolute deadline.  It is now down to a first come, first served basis as the supply has dwindled very quickly.  Great Christmas gift for the coffee drinkers in your life.

Have you placed your order for a t-shirt supporting JZ and family?  Remember, January 4, 2023 is the deadline.

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

The weather forecast for today, especially late afternoon & evening, is not good.  However, we are going to stay the proverbial course and keep our regular schedule.  Bible study at 10:00AM.  Evening Bible study, classes, et cetera at 6:30PM.  Please pass the word!

This is what the local weather folks call a “weather day” meaning there is an increased risk of severe weather.  I want each person to take this into consideration and make the decision that is best for them and their family.  Totally each person’s call as to whether or not you attend.  Lord willing, I will be in the auditorium at 10:00AM and then again at 6:30PM today.  I am fine with only me in attendance or hundreds in attendance.

Our folks who minister at the GBCH are planning to host the annual Christmas party tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  Everyone invited.  Questions?  Contact Miriam Moates.

Thirty-two years ago today, Lisa, Deidra, Daphne and I moved into the church parsonage.  Obviously, we had help and for that we were most thankful.  Two of those helping were Caroline Ford and Cynthia Cumbie.  Precious memories!

I failed to mention in yesterday’s blog entry that Carl Ray & Charlotte Moulds, Warren & Cecil Guidry and Stacy Dyess cooked, served, et cetera for the men from the Mission of Hope this past Sunday.  I am most thankful for this act of service.  Five of those men got saved during the service so these five servants will be duly rewarded by the Lord Jesus Himself.  (If others helped then someone let me know and I will give them due credit too)  “My seat does not dictate my service!”  (Carnell Williams)

We have already sold out of the coffee I brought home this past Saturday morning.  Some more was brought in today and I can say with absolute confidence that it will be all gone by tomorrow night.  So, if you want some of this coffee then you must contact Lisa (251) 259 8072 by tomorrow night.  If you cannot physically get it before then she will hold it for you.  Folks, this is an absolute deadline and after tomorrow night there will be no more available for a while.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Mike Leach.  I know nothing about his life, his beliefs, et cetera but his passing shocked me.  He was one year younger than me.  I am praying for Coach Leach’s family, friends and the Mississippi State family.  Yes, it prepares to be ready!

Want to bless JZ Baker and his family?  Order a t-shirt.  We have forms in the church office and there will be forms available in our services.  Deadline to order and pray is January 4, 2023.  Contact Bibbi Bosarge or Daphne Hutto for more information.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow – morning and evening.  Our convalescent home team will host a Christmas party tomorrow beginning at 6:00PM (I think).  If you agreed to purchase a gift for one of the residents and have not brought it to the church office yet, please do so today or by noon tomorrow.  Pray for this ministry.  (Disclaimer – not sure if the severe weather forecast will have an impact on this party?  Stay tuned for more details as tomorrow unfolds)

Our senior adults will have their Christmas fellowship this Thursday, 12/15, from 10:00AM until noon in the Preschool Building.  All senior adults cordially invited to attend.  Contact Bro. Jerry Hovel for more information.

Basketball this Friday night and Saturday morning.  Pray for this ministry.

Our schedule this Sunday is Sunday School at 9:15AM; worship at 10:30AM and 5:00PM.

Thank you to those who gave to the love offering for the Gideons.  The total given was above fifteen hundred dollars.  Praise the Lord!

Do you know of someone in dire need this Christmas?  If so, personally contact me by this Sunday, 12/18, and help “may” be available.

The Cambridge dictionary is wrong when it comes to the definitions of man and woman.

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

Our senior adults will have their Christmas fellowship this Thursday, 12/15, from 10:00AM until noon.  It will take place in our Preschool Building.  All of our senior adults are warmly welcome to attend this time of great food and fellowship.  Contact Bro. Jerry Hovel if you need more information or have questions.

The Lord blessed us with a really good day in our services yesterday.  Gideon Brandon Sutton did a great job of sharing his personal testimony in our morning service.  The feedback from the Friendship family has been really positive.  We saw six folks pray to receive Jesus as their personal Savior during that service – to God be the glory!  We had a full house and an excellent spirit!

Our evening service was great too as Miss Jeanette and the choir did a superb job of leading us in worship through song.  Numerically, that was the largest adult choir we have had in years – thank you Jesus.  Our technical staff also did a great job.  Just an all around great musical worship experience with an excellent spirit!  Again, to God be the glory!

Myrtle Bowden is presently at the doctor’s office and hopefully she will receive another treatment and there will be no side effects.  Keep praying for Sammy & Myrtle.

I plan on visiting with Steve & Virginia today.  I ask you to join me in continuing to pray for Steve.

Nanette Fontenot and Teresa Ladnier were both in a service yesterday.  Pray as they go through their respective recoveries.

Bro. Abel & Miss Candy are both battling the flu.  Pray for them to get well soon.

Keep praying for Sharon Jardee!

Regular schedule on our campus this Wednesday, 12/14, – morning and evening.  The forecast calls for it to be a very wet day all across Alabama with possible sever weather in the afternoon/evening hours.  Just FYI.

Want to support JZ Baker and the fulfillment of one item on his bucket list?  Order a t-shirt.  The cost is twenty dollars (upcharge for larger sizes).  Order form and payment must be submitted no later than January 4, 2023.  Also, bracelets are being sold for two dollars each.  Contact Bibbi Bosarge or Daphne Hutto for more information or to purchase a bracelet.

Our schedule for this Sunday, 12/18, will be Sunday School at 9:15AM, worship at 10:30AM and 5:00PM.

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

P.S. – You can get a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts for one dollar today when you buy a dozen at the regular cost.  (Only at participating locations)  (Does any other blog give you this type information?)

Happy adoption day to our daughters, Dana & Gina!  Twenty-four years ago today Judge Red Noonan legally declared them to be our daughters for life!  We love Dana & Gina and are grateful to God for placing them in our life.

I normally do not blog on Saturdays but there are a few things I want to make sure the members of the Friendship family remember.  First, I am encouraging each member of the Friendship family to attend our services tomorrow morning and evening. Our morning service will feature a Gideon testimony which is a great word of the saving power of God.  We will receive an offering for the ministry of the Gideons.  Please pray and give as the Lord leads.  Jeff Holifield will we our point person for this service as he serves as a Gideon.

Also, Carl Ray Moulds is leading the ministry of feeding the men from the Mission of Hope who will attend our 10:30AM service and then be treated to lunch compliments of the Friendship family.

Our 5:00PM service will feature the ministry of our adult choir under the direction of Miss Jeanette Bates.  They will be presenting their Christmas musical.  I pray that the Friendship family will be faithful to attend and support this service.

Folks, you do not want to miss these two services!

We have a committee of five ladies who are leading the charge in helping fulfill JZ Baker’s desire to check an item off of his bucket list – taking a trip to Guatemala with his family.  This eleven year old wants to do mission work – specifically build a house for a needy family.

Tomorrow morning, there will be forms available to pre-order t-shirts that will benefit this cause.  Shirts are twenty dollars each with an upcharge (from the shirt company).  Payment (cash, check or Venmo) needs to be made whenever your form is given to Bibbi, Chelsea, Daphne, Elizabeth or Tena.  Questions/more information?  Contact Bibbi or Daphne.

Also, there will be bracelets available for two dollars each.  I think they are embossed saying “JZ4JC” and will serve as a reminder to pray for this eleven year old boy and his family as they walk through this journey.  (JC4JC?  Yes, JZ for Jesus Christ)

One final thing – we have a fresh batch of coffee in festive red bags just in time for Christmas gifts.  Ten dollars per pound.  Very limited supply.  Ground only.  See Lisa to get yours.

Basketball is taking place today in our CAB.  Pray for this ministry.

I am looking forward to tomorrow.  Join me!

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

Teresa Ladnier sent me a message yesterday thanking folks for the prayers during her surgery and hospital stay.  She is still in the recovery phase so keep praying.

John Miltons’ and Teresa’s daughter, Brooke Whitehurst, updated me on her situation.  It seems that much of her problem will be related to her thyroid.  Pray for wisdom on behalf of the doctors as they continue to diagnose Brooke’s problems.

Keep praying for Steve Morris, Myrtle Bowden, Sharon Jardee and Shawn Grant.

Week two of our basketball leagues begin tonight with our first and second graders taking the court.  The older leagues will play tomorrow.  Pray for this ministry.

Soon you will begin to hear of some great opportunities to help raise the necessary funds to send JZ Baker and his family to Guatemala in April 2023.  One opportunity that is available now is our GA post office which is now open.  By the way, Gary & Rachel Walton have already agreed to provide the finances for a house to be built in JZ’s honor – how nice is that!

Folks, you do not want to miss our services this Sunday, 12/11, morning or evening.  The 10:30AM service will be our Gideon Sunday and an offering will be received for the Gideon Ministry.  Miss Jeanette will lead our adult choir in the evening service as they present their Christmas musical.  Pray for this Sunday!

Three young girls and I have about to head to the airport in Guatemala City with hopes of being at the Gulfport airport just prior to midnight.  Looking forward to being at home.

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

Nanette Fontenot’s surgery went well yesterday afternoon.  Pray for her as she goes through the recovery process.  Scott & Nanette are a great couple and such an important part of the Friendship family.

Teresa Ladnier was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  Keep praying for Teresa as recovers from her unexpected surgery.  John Milton and Teresa are also a great couple, important members of the Friendship family and awesome neighbors to Lisa and me.  Not to mention that John Milton is a master gardener.

William Sessions had some tests that concluded he does not presently have cancer but they want him to some genetic screening.  Pray for William.

Debbie Kendrick’s friend, Christa, received a great report from the doctor – all clear as far as cancer is concerned.  She will go every six months for check ups.  Christa is most grateful for the prayer support she has received from the Friendship family.

Keep praying for those folks on our prayer list!

I am thankful for those who took part in our services/classes yesterday morning and last night.  Special thanks to Bro. Dylan and Bro. Abel for teaching the Word and also to all of our other teachers in the respective classes.

Remember, the GA post office is open.  Use this means to be involved in ministering to JZ Baker and his family.  Contact Tina Sprinkle if you have questions or need more information.

I am excited about our services this Sunday, 12/11.  Looking forward to joining the members of the Friendship family, the men from the mission and other guests for a special AM service.  I believe our choir is going to do an outstanding job of leading us in worship on Sunday evening!  Pray, attend and bring others with you.

Just saw Jeanette Bates and four others leave the mountain heading to the airport.  Three others left the mountain at 10:00PM last night.  Only two remain on the mountain for now as their flight is scheduled to leave tonight.  Of those who have left already, only one has not gotten home yet as his flight from Atlanta to Mobile was rerouted back to ATL last night due to the fog in Mobile.  He is being flexible and has a great attitude!  Pray for those who are traveling home today.

As I sit here, my thoughts are filled with memories of Miss Kittie Camp.  She would be absolutely thrilled to know that fifteen families are better off now because of their new dwelling places.  I can hear her now as the first thing she would say to me as she would come to the office this Wednesday would be “Jeanette has told me about the great trip to Guatemala.  Tell me more about what God did during those days.  I prayed for the team and read the updates daily.  Praise God for His blessings! I sure would love to go on just one more trip.”  Miss Kittie loved this ministry and was such a vital part of it through praying, giving and coming to this mountain.  Thank God for Miss Kittie!

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

Supper will be served in our Preschool Building tonight, 12/7, from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  The menu will be pulled pork, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, dessert and a drink.  The cost is six dollars per person with a maximum of twenty-four dollars per immediate family.  Any profit from this meal will go toward our student ministry.

Delivery is available for our senior adults.

Rumor (good source) has it that my wife’s pound cake is on the dessert menu.  That alone is worth the six dollars – just saying!

I begin this morning’s entry by remembering the 2,403 United States military personnel and civilians who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.  Take a moment and thank God for our military personnel.

Also, I remember Craig Kirschenman as today marks his birthday.  I miss Craig and remember him very fondly.

Nanette Fontenot is scheduled to have surgery on her hand today.  Surgery is supposed to begin at 12:30PM.  Pray that all goes well.

I do not know if Teresa Ladnier was discharged from the hospital but I do know we need to keep praying for her as she recovers from her surgery.

Continue to pray for Myrtle Bowden, Sharon Jardee and Steve Morris in their respective situations.

Bro. Jerry left GRACE Mountain at 2:20AM today heading home to Grand Bay.  He did a great job of ministering while in Guatemala.  Fourteen other folks will be leaving the mountain later this morning in order to fly out this afternoon. Pray for traveling mercies.  (I do want to say a very belated “thank you” to Rachel Walton for getting Bro. Jerry to the airport last Wednesday for his departure flight – much appreciated!)

Friendship family, please pray and then attend our two worship services this Sunday, 12/11.  Our 10:30AM service will feature a great Gideon testimony of God’s saving power.  The men from the Mission of Hope will join us for this service.  We will receive a love offering for the Gideons and will provide lunch for the men from the mission.  Going to be great!

Our evening service will feature the ministry of our adult choir under the leadership of Miss Jeanette Bates.  I appreciate these folks and look forward to worshipping God in this special service.

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.

Our GA post office is up and running.  Easy way to exchange Christmas cards within the Friendship family while also supporting a great cause – JZ’s bucket list fulfillment.

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