Pastor's Blog

This past Sunday, 1/21, the Friendship family was blessed to hear Missionary Ronnie Calvert share his heart about his family’s financial situation brought about largely in part due to the pandemic.  Ronnie is stateside while his wife, Nanny, and their daughter, Sofi are in Ecuador.  So, why is Ronnie not in Ecuador?  Fair question.  The Ronnie Calvert family got into debt, personally and ministry wise, during the pandemic.  This led to some problems within the family.  Ronnie came back to Alabama in August of 2023 to work in order to pay off this debt.  He has successfully paid off a little under half of it but still owes approximately eight thousand dollars.  Once that is paid, Ronnie will board a plane heading to Ecuador to be reunited with Nanny & Sofi.  By the way, the family problems have been addressed and reconciliation has taken place.  Professional counseling continues.  Keep praying for Ronnie, Nanny & Sofi.

The Friendship family unanimously voted at the close of Sunday night’s service to receive an offering this Sunday, 1/28, in our services.  Folks, I believe we can reach the eight thousand dollars needed, plus more.  I received an email Sunday night that read, “Wow! His message was awesome tonight. I am all in on getting Ronnie on that plane and back home! My wife and I will be giving $500.00 if not more.”  Amen!  That is the spirit!

Today (Monday, 1/22) someone contacted me to say that their family will match each thousand dollars given up to four thousand dollars.  Yes, you read that correctly!  Four thousand dollars given by the Friendship family will immediately become eight thousand dollars through the matching challenge.  How about that!  Can someone say, “praise the Lord!”

I would like to have Ronnie present in our morning service this Sunday, 1/28, to present him with an eight thousand dollar check if/when we reach the goal.  So, if you would be so kind as to send me an email (tcturrentine@gmail.com) by this Friday noon to tell me the amount you and your family will give to this offering.  Twenty-five dollars, five hundred dollars, two thousand dollars, whatever amount.  I will then have an idea whether we are going to reach our goal of eight thousand dollars or not and I can act accordingly as far as having Ronnie in our service.  You do not have to contact me but it would be helpful.  Obviously, I will not be sharing with anyone the names of those who contact me or the amounts given.

What if we receive more than the eight thousand dollars?  Once the debt is paid then any, and all, remaining funds will go to Ronnie and his family for living expenses.  I believe I am correct in saying that Ronnie will be a plane to Ecuador as soon as possible once the debt has been retired.

Pray, attend Sunday’s morning service and give as the Lord leads.  Pass the word as, believe it or not, not everyone reads these blog entries.