Pastor's Blog

Today marks Soy’s forty-fifth birthday.  It brings many good memories.  Soy was Soy!  I will spend much time today praying for Deidra, Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey.  Soy was a good husband (probably better than me) and he was a great father (way better than me)!  I truly believe that he did not live a long life but he did live a full life!  The best news is that he still lives!  All because of Jesus!

Carol Lucky was doing “better” yesterday when I visited with her but she probably has a ways to go before being discharged from the hospital.  She had not gone to dialysis when I visited so I pray that went well.  Keep praying.

I do not have an update on Tim’s brother but do ask that you continue to pray for him, the medical folks and his family.

I hope to visit with Andy & Betty today, Lord willing.  Pray for Andy & Betty.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow.  Service at 10:00AM and 6:00PM.

Amy, the intern who has been on GRACE Mountain since January, received a surprise visit from her boyfriend late yesterday afternoon.  He lives in Memphis and she had no idea he was coming to see her.  He dropped to a knee and asked her to marry him.  She either said “yes” or “no”!

Deidra and crew went to a lot of trouble to provide distractions so Amy would not suspect anything.  It included donkey bites (literally), a sprained wrist, a tip of a finger being bitten off, emergency surgery, a hospital stay, et cetera.  I am not behind the pulpit but I am telling the truth!  Oh my!

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

Carol Lucky remains in ICU.  She had dialysis yesterday will have it again today.  They drained a significant amount of fluid from her lungs yesterday (I think).  Her blood count is a bit higher than it was upon admission to the hospital.  Keep praying for Carol & Terry.

Tim Knighten’s brother, Mark, has been placed on life support again.  He remains in ICU.  Mark has a number of issues working against him.  Pray for Mark, the medical folks and Mark’s family.

Miss Shawn Grant was able to be in our service last night.  She sent me an encouraging email.  Shawn has been through a lot of stuff over the past few years.  It was good to see her in a worship service.

Keep praying for Edna Pearl Morgan as she recuperates at home.

It was really good to see Witney and the three children over the weekend.  It just seemed “normal” having them in our services last Wednesday and yesterday.  Pray for them to have safe travels back to Boston today.

We had a good meeting regarding camp 2027 with our students and parents yesterday afternoon.  I appreciate each person who attended and the input given.  The dates for camp in 2027 will be Monday, July 26, through Friday, July 30.

We have nine men from the Friendship family and two Yankees who will go on a “men only” GRACE Ministries trip to Guatemala the dates of Sunday, 9/6, through Saturday, 9/12.  The guys from our church met last night and are setting on “R”!  Pray for that to be a good week for them.

Our next scheduled meeting will be for those students (9th – 12th) and others who are older wishing to take part in our June 17 – 24, 2027 GRACE Ministries mission trip.  The meeting will be Monday, August 24, 2026 at our house beginning at 6:00PM.  We will be partnering with our friends from Grand Bay Ministries for this trip.  Pass the word!

The Lord blessed us with a good day in our services yesterday.  Praise Him!

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

This entry is being written and posted late Saturday night, 8/15, as I do not get online on Sundays.  (Please note that I can always be reached on Sundays via Lisa’s cell phone (251) 259 8072 or our landline (251) 865 4912)

Happy birthday, 8/16, to our granddaughter, Nora!  She is now officially a teenager!  Sunday may be her actual birthday but she has been partying since the second Tuesday of last week!  Just saying!  We love Nora and I hope her Sunday will be great!  Happy birthday, Nora!

Tim Knighten’s brother, Mark, remains in ICU.  He has several issues taking place and definitely needs our continued prayers.  Thank you, Peggy, for the update!

Carol Lucky was taken back to the hospital Saturday afternoon and is also in ICU.  She had another issue with afib.  Pray for Carol & Terry.

Regular schedule on our campus today, 8/16.

Youth camp 2027 meeting today at 4:00PM in the auditorium.  Open to students, 6th graders to seniors, their parents.  This will be an informational meeting related to the when, where, cost, fundraisers, et cetera.  Sign up will be available.  Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly suggested for the students.  Remember, attend the meeting = stay for the evening service.

The men on the September 2026 GRACE Ministries trip will meet tonight immediately following the evening service.

GRACE Ministries mission trip June 2027 meeting will take place on Monday, 8/24, at our house beginning at 6:00PM.  Again, informational meeting.

I pray that you will have a great Sunday with Jesus!  Go to church today!

Happy birthday to my niece, Jamie Glenn!  How old?  Exactly!  I hope Jamie will have a great day.  She will as her friend, Mandi Bowling, will see to it!  We love Jamie!  Happy birthday, Jamie!

I thought you were traveling to see your Mama today?  Well, as they say, “the best laid plans of rats and people” and that is our situation today.  We now move to maybe seeing it take place next Friday, 8/21.  (There is a “sketchy” family that is staying next door and. . .)

Major call to the Friendship family which is also extended to any of our thirteen readers of the “blob!”  I am asking the members of the Friendship family to prayerfully consider joining me in forty days of prayer (and fasting as the Lord leads and health allows) beginning Saturday, August 22, and concluding on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.  My hope is to have at least thirty-nine folks join me on this spiritual journey.  It would be great to know who is on this prayer team so, if possible, please send me an email (pastor@friendshipfamily) by next Friday, 8/21.  Praying for a mighty move of God!

Students (6th – 12th) and their parents are invited to join us this Sunday, 8/16, for a meeting regarding youth camp 2027!  The meeting will take place in our auditorium and will begin at 4:00PM.  Those who attend this meeting are expected to stay for our 5:00PM worship service.

We have a group of men traveling to Guatemala the dates of Sunday, 9/6, through Saturday, 9/12.  Those men are asked to meet with me this Sunday, 8/16, following our evening service.  I am asking you to pray for these men as they prepare to take part in this unique mission trip.

Our GRACE Ministries June 2027 mission trip will take place the dates of Thursday, 6/17, through Thursday, 6/24.  All persons (completed 9th grade and above) are asked to meet with me on Monday, 6/24.  The meeting will be at our house and will begin at 6:00PM.  Because of space limitations, only folks who plan on being on this team are asked to attend this meeting, please.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday, 8/16.  Join us!

Pray for those among us who are battling various illnesses.

Pray for our upcoming soccer leagues.  We had two families in our service Wednesday night as a direct result of soccer.

Jeanette’s doctor contacted me yesterday to ask if she is always so rebellious?  My answer?  The fifth!

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

The Lord blessed and our first Wednesday evening with the earlier starting time was a success.  Our numbers were up across the board.  Even our morning attendance was up!  Thank you, Jesus.

Tim Knighten’s brother, Mark, had surgery this past Monday.  It was more involved than anticipated.  He remains in the hospital and is being closely monitored.  Pray for Mark and his family.

My source is Bill Kendrick so keep that in mind – LOL!  Carol Lucky is home and had another dialysis yesterday.  Prayerfully it was as successful as Monday’s.  Keep praying for Carol.  She is a lady of great faith.  Pray for Terry too.

As far as I know, there is no significant change in Andy or Betty’s situation.  Betty seems to be doing very well.  Keep praying for this fine couple!

Jeanette Bates has not been a good patient!  That is all I have to say about that!

There will be a meeting this Sunday afternoon, 8/16, in the auditorium beginning at 4:00PM.  This is for students (6th – 12th) and their parents regarding next Summer’s youth camp.  It will take place during the month of July.  Folks attending the meeting are expected to stay for the 5:00PM worship service.

Also, there will be a meeting on Monday, 8/24, at our house beginning at 6:00PM for those students (9th – 12th) and their parents regarding next Summer’s GRACE Ministries mission trip.  That trip will take place in June.

Lord willing, Lisa and I will leave tonight in order to drive to Hartselle to visit my Mama.  We will return home tomorrow.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday, 8/16.  Come join us!

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

Major change for the Friendship family as tonight’s service/classes/Bible study will begin at 6:00PM which is thirty minutes earlier than we have ever began on Wednesday evenings.  This will be the new normal moving forward.  Please pass the word and come join us.  Everything should be over around 7:00PM.

Stacey Sessions continues to wait on a plan of action regarding the situation with her leg.  Keep praying.

Tommy Johnson’s wife, Kathy, passed from this life.  The visitation will take place tomorrow night, 8/13, and the service will be held on Friday.  Pray for Tommy and his family.

Regular schedule on our campus today – 10:00AM & 6:00PM.  Come join us!

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

We are going to have a meeting this Sunday afternoon, 8/16, at 4:00PM in the auditorium students (6th – 12th) and their parents.  This will be about youth camp for next Summer (2027).  Dates, location, cost, and fundraiser will all be discussed.  Please note, everyone attending this meeting is required to stay for our evening service.  No exceptions.  Questions?  Contact me personally.

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

Wednesday night time change begins tomorrow night, 8/12!  Our new starting time will now be 6:00PM.  Please remember this and pass the word!

I am assuming that Carol Lucky got home yesterday.  Keep praying.

Edna Pearl Morgan sent me a text yesterday saying that she had gotten a good report from the doctor.  She may be able to get the boot off of her left foot in two weeks.  Still no weight on the right foot and there still remains some concern on the wound healing.  The bones in her right foot are healing nicely.  So keep praying with a special emphasis on the healing of the incision.  Pray for Edna and Phil.

Andy Hamil has thrush on his lips and in his mouth.  It appears the healing process has begun.  Pray for Andy & Betty.

Jeanette Bates’ daughter, Adrian, did not have a MRI yesterday.  She had an ultrasound on her neck.  MRI tomorrow.  The ultrasound came back normal.  Praise the Lord.  Keep praying.

Today is election day in parts of Alabama including Mobile County.  The turnout is expected to be very low.  I would say “very, very” low.

Remember our new starting time for tomorrow night’s service – 6:00PM.

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

First, Friendship family, please note that we are making a change regarding the starting time for our Wednesday night service/classes/activities.  Beginning this Wednesday, 8/12/26, we will begin everything at 6:00PM.  Please note this major change!  Pass the word!

Jeanette’s daughter, Adrian, is having a MRI today.  Pray that all goes well.

Carol Lucky will have dialysis in Grand Bay today and then go home.  Pray for her to be able to complete the treatment as this is basically a must.  Keep praying for Carol & Terry.

We were blessed with good services yesterday.  God is faithful!

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

I visited Carol in the hospital yesterday morning.  It seems that the plan “may” be to move her into a rehab facility for twenty-one days.  She wants to go home but is willing to whatever it takes to get better.  I will find out today where her situation stands. Keep praying for Carol & Terry.

Andy Hamil remains about the same.  Someone asked if he can have visitors?  Yes.  Andy appreciates folks who take the time to visit with Betty and him.  Keep praying!

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday, 8/9.  Join me in praying for our services.

Lisa and I enjoyed lunch with Charles & Ann yesterday as a partial celebration of Ann’s birthday.  We had a blessed time together. I am thankful for my in-laws (well at least one of them!).

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

Happy birthday to my mother-in-law, Ann Clark.  How old?  Yes!  I hope that Ann will have a great day.  She is truly a sweetheart and, in my opinion, the best mother-in-law ever.  No one cooks a better dressing than her.  It is the highlight of our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.  Happy birthday, Ann!

We had a good day in our services yesterday.  I can say with almost complete confidence that we will move the starting time for our evening services on Wednesdays to 6:00PM.  Final call to be made very soon.  If you attend our evening services, feel free to contact me via email to share your thoughts.

Well, things did not go as planned yesterday.  Carol Lucky remains hospitalized.  What happened?  She did not get to dialysis until much later than planned and it has been determined that she needs some blood.  Will she be discharged today?  Great question.  Time will tell.  Keep praying.

Had a good visit with Andy & Betty Hamil yesterday.  Andy has gotten weaker but his faith remains extremely strong.  Betty is doing well.  Pray for Andy & Betty.

We had a young lady pray to receive Jesus as her personal Savior about three Sundays ago.  She has been absent since that Sunday.  Found out that she sustained a broken foot which has limited her mobility.  Her plan is to be present this Sunday.  Pray for her, please.

Keep praying for Edna Pearl and Jeanette in their respective recoveries.

Volcano Fuego in Guatemala has calmed down.  Here is the latest posting:  Right now, on the evening of August 5, 2026: routine. INSIVUMEH ended the August 3-5 eruptive phase at 1:50 PM after 50 hours and put Fuego back at 4-6 weak-to-moderate explosions per hour. Two things have not gone back to normal: lahar risk in the ravines while it rains, and the closure of the Acatenango and Fuego hiking routes, which INGUAT was still keeping in force after the eruption was declared over.  This is good news and we are thankful.

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