Pastor's Blog

A bit of the backstory.  Last school year (Jan – Oct) a young fourteen year old boy in the eighth grade was allowed to enroll as a student at Colegio JET.  Excellent student as far as attendance, respect, et cetera.  This school year (January) he returned and his younger sister, twelve years old, in the seventh grade was also accepted as a student at Colegio JET.  So, two siblings, 9th grader and 7th grader.

Last week their paternal grandmother passed from this life.  Their father is blind and unable to work.  The mother has recently been in the hospital and this morning the doctor told the family there was nothing more that could be done for her so she needed to go home.  She had one request which was to see her children.  The administration of Colegio JET rushed the two students to the hospital so they could see and hug their mother.  The mother passed from this life around 9:30AM while being transported to her home.

Remember, the father cannot work.  The mother made and sold tortillas daily to provide food for her family.  Now their only source of financial support is gone.

About two weeks ago the young girl came to the school administrator and shared that her family literally had nothing to eat.  Yes, she and her brother left school that day with plenty of food (very discreetly concealed to help avoid embarrassment) to get this family through a very tough spot.

Where did that food come from?  Funds that were raised from last year’s cake auction hosted by the Friendship family.  I am passionate about the cake auction exactly because of situations like this one.

Please know that GRACE Ministries is helping with the funeral expenses.  The mayor’s office in El Tejar is helping too.  Where does GRACE Ministries get those funds?  From the generosity of folks in the States.

If you would like to financially help this family literally survive going forward you can contact me personally.  A one time gift, an ongoing gift, whatever will be a great help.  One dollar or one thousand dollars – it does not matter.  Thank you for even considering this need.  All gifts will be administered in a very responsible manner.  Can you say, Deidra Taylor?

I ask you to join me in praying for this family.  Maybe, just maybe, we can be the answer to our own prayers?  Rest assured the staff of Colegio JET and GRACE Ministries is stepping up to help with the emotional needs and the family will be well fed during these darkest of days.

Blessings!

This came to me from Zack Brown just a few minutes ago – “Thank you and our church family for all the help. We are forever grateful and blessed to have this family. They got everything done by noon.”  Zack Brown

First, I did nothing other than make contacts.  Here are the real heroes – Tyrone Crawley, Scott Fontenot, Bro. Abel Garcia, Allen Glover, Lane Lofton and Jerry Poiroux.   I thank each of these men for their help on a very short notice.  Scott Fontenot was the point man and Bro. Abel was working behind the scenes beforehand to help get things organized so all could go smoothly and quickly.

I love reading Zack’s words, “we are forever grateful and blessed to have this family!”  Zack, me too!

I will be posting “tomorrow” about how 2026 is now history even though today is only the first day of the second half.  It seems time flies!  We must work while it is day!

The storm that came through late yesterday afternoon hit those of us living South of the tracks hard!  Strong winds, lightning, heavy rain, et cetera.  We were without electricity for several hours.  Why am I telling you this?  Read what I received from Zack Brown late last night:  “Good evening. Just wanted to let you know that we got hit hard by the thunderstorm this evening and possibly small tornado. Fortunately our house is okay and no one was injured. Our outdoor dogs dog house was under there and fortunately it wasn’t crushed. He was safe inside. I don’t ever ask for help but if any guys from church felt inclined to give us a hand it would be very much appreciated. I have a bad back injury right now that I’ve been to the doctor for a few times and going back tomorrow afternoon to limelight get an MRI referral. Prayers appreciated for sure. Thank you.  Zack”.

Men of the Friendship family, now is the time to step and help Zack, Charlotte and their four children.  Our deacons received an email from me early this morning.  Yes, we have a service at 10:00AM but you are excused to go help this family.  Zack & Charlotte are faithful members of the Friendship family.  Please help!  Scott Fontenot has graciously agreed to coordinate this effort. He is the point man.

Addison Tillman comes home today.  I am thankful she was able to attend camp.  Keep praying!

Spoke to Andy Hamil yesterday and he has to be at the hospital at 5:30AM tomorrow.  He is at peace and very thankful for God’s many blessings on him and Miss Betty.  Pray!

Pray for Dr. Rex as he sees the doctor tomorrow!

Regular schedule on our campus today with the exception of our students.  They will meet at our house beginning at 6:00PM.  They are then invited to stay for a watch party with food, fun and fellowship.  The rest of us will be on our regular schedule.

Our schedule this Sunday, 7/5, is as follows:  worship service at 10:00AM and another one at 5:00PM.  Nothing else.

The response to our cake auction was great immediately following my letter to the church family.  It has since cooled.  As it stands right now, we need at least eighteen more commitments.  Contact me via email at pastor@friendshipfamily.net if you will help with a cake or pie.  Thank you.

The church office will be closed tomorrow.  Yes, I will be around and will go pray with Andy prior to his surgery.  I have instructed Bro. Abel to stay away for the next three days.  I need to go see my Mama but that is not likely to happen.  So, I am available 24/7.  Looking forward to Sunday!

I pray you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.  Pray for Zack & Charlotte!