Pastor's Blog

We have now reached our goal of having commitments of fifty cakes/pies for the auction.  Plus, we have some other “items” to add to the list.  Thank you to the thirty-six folks who committed to a cake/pie and those who are bringing the other things.  Prayerfully, it will be a very good auction to the glory of God!

Now, we just need folks to attend the auction and bid on the cakes, pies and other things.  Sunday, July 12!  Pass the word!

After much prayer and thought, Andy Hamil has decided to not have surgery.  This is a decision he has made on his own and he is at peace with it.  Simply put, they have tried to put Andy to sleep three times over the past two days and each time there have been major problems.

I ask you to simply join me and many others in praying for Andy.  I owe much to Andy.  He is a dear friend and is the one who asked me to allow him to put my name in the proverbial hat to be the pastor at Friendship.  That was either late August or early September of 1990.  I did and he did.  The rest is history!

Andy will be discharged from the hospital later today.

Our goal for the number of folks committed to provide cakes/pies for the auction on July 12 is fifty.  As of this writing, the number of commitments is forty-eight.  When we reach fifty then we will shut it down.  We do have a cow, corn beef hash, Grand Bay honey, cupcakes, et cetera in addition to the cakes/pies.  So, who will be the final two?  The “official” way is to send me an email at pastor@friendshipfamily.net.  I suspect we will have our last two by nightfall.  Thank you to each person helping!  Blessings!

I realize that the students of the Friendship family do not read my blog entries.  That hurts but it is a harsh reality.  So, I need folks who do read the “blob” to pass the word and get it put on the other social media means the young people frequent.

First, there will be a swimming fellowship this Sunday evening, July 5, immediately following our 5:00PM worship service.  This fellowship will take place at the home of Larry & Judy Whitehurst.  Larry & Judy have graciously agreed to host this fellowship and will also be providing the food and drinks.  No two piece swim suits and all swimmers (male & female) need to wear a colored t-shirt at all times.  In order to attend the swimming fellowship you must be present for the entire 5:00PM worship service.  Are adult leaders invited?  I will leave that call to Larry & Judy.  I will attend just because I am, in some regards, the de facto student minister at this time.

Second, there will be a USMNT team watch party at our home on Monday, July 6, beginning at 6:45PM.  Lisa will be the host.  Stacey & Gayla Dyess have graciously volunteered to provide the main meal for this fellowship.  We have been asked if the students can swim and the answer is yes – beginning at 7:00PM and ending when the game ends.  Dress code for swimming is the same as the one at Larry’s & Judy’s.  Here is another catch – we anticipate a good attendance so we are asking that no adults attend unless invited.  (I plan on having a life guard in attendance at our pool.  I am married to an insurance agent!)

The Sunday night and Monday night fellowships are open to our rising sixth graders through the class of 2026.  No one younger, please.  These are the first youth events to which our rising sixth graders have been invited.  Pass the word!

Please help get the word out!  Let’s pack the pool on Sunday night and then have a great crowd Monday night too!

I had a great visit with Andy early this morning.  When I left the hospital all systems were go!  His daughter, Margie, called me soon thereafter to share that the surgery has been postponed again.  There is a possible issue with Andy’s heart.  I am not sure what the next step is but I do know that Andy is not a happy camper.  Pray for Andy!

Andy Hamil is scheduled to have surgery this morning.  I will soon be on my way hopefully to see him and pray with him before the surgery begins.  Thank you to those who checked on Andy yesterday.  Keep praying!

Kayla Hatcher is recovering from outpatient surgery.  Pray for all to go well in her recovery.

Dr. Rex was given the “thumbs up” from his doctor yesterday.  He is now good to to.  Thank you for praying!

Only two services this Sunday on our campus.  10:00AM and 5:00PM.

I asked you to join me in praying yesterday for ten additional cake commits for the cake auction.  The actual number of new commitments yesterday was zero.  Honestly, I thought the story about the funds from last year’s auction helping provide food for the family of the mother who passed away who provide us a boost regarding the auction.  Obviously, I was wrong.  God is control.  I have two days to make the final decision relating to this matter.  Praying for wisdom.  (And more commitments)

The funeral service for the mother of the two students at Colegio JET takes place this morning.  Pray for the father and the two children.

The church office is closed today and tomorrow as is the usual for Friday and Saturday.  However, I am in town and on call.  Cannot reach me?  Call my wife’s cell phone.  Again, please do not contact Bro. Abel as I am intent on giving him some time off without fielding phone calls, honoring requests, et cetera.  Thank you for understanding.

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