Pastor's Blog

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1)

Howard Brinkman sent me a message around 9:30PM last night saying things with his mama, Stella, are about the same.  He, and the family, asks for continued prayers.

Miss Mary Jackson has been admitted to the hospital again.  Please keep praying for Miss Mary.

Warren “Blo Joe” Guidry had a surgical procedure yesterday morning and all went well.  Thank you for praying.

The Lord blessed and we had a really good day in our services/classes yesterday.  Our morning attendance was down a bit but it was raining and you know how Baptists and rain do not mix.

Speaking of rain, the forecasters are now calling for the worst of our rain to arrive on Sunday and to continue through next Wednesday.  The tropical storm could affect us Sunday and Monday per Kendall Falana who is our resident weather expert.  It now looks like we will be fairly dry through Saturday which will be good for getting the grass mowed.

Bro. Jerry, Bro. Abel and I will meet today to continue discussing the possible division of our adult Sunday School classes.

Someone told me yesterday that they did not want to bother me with their problems because what I am going through is greater than their problems.  So not true!  I am here, ready, willing and able to help in any way possible.  Yes, I grieve the loss of my dad but life goes on.  I cannot do anything to bring dad back.  However, I “might” be able to help someone who is dealing with life and life’s issues.  Please feel free to contact me if I can help in any way.

I picked like four pods of okra late Tuesday afternoon.  Lisa was kind enough to fry those for me as I love fried okra.  I try to stay away for fried foods but okra is a proverbial Achilles heel for me!  My garden is so far behind John Milton’s & Jason Taylor’s that it even is not funny!  I plan on planting mine January 1, 2021 next year to get ahead of them!  Just saying!

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1)

Visited with Stella Brinkman late yesterday morning and she was pretty much the same.  Stella has a very strong will.  Her family is staying right beside her.  The hospice facility is great.  Keep praying!

I met Ken & Jean Assink from Michigan on my first trip to Guatemala in December of 1998.  They became friends, have attended our church services, stayed in our home, allowed us to stay in their home, hosted our youth group one evening while on a mission trip to Michigan and have been with us to Guatemala several times.  Ken had an aneurysm and passed from this life this past Monday, June 1.  They are going to have a drive through visitation this Sunday, 6/7, and a private service at a later date.  Pray for Jean, their two daughters and the rest of the family.

Regular schedule this morning at 10:00AM and then this evening at 6:30PM.  I encourage the members of the Friendship family to be involved if they are comfortable with doing so.

Bro. Jerry, Bro. Abel and I met yesterday to try and determine the best way to divide our adult Sunday School classes.  Hopefully, I will have some type of an answer in tomorrow’s blog entry.  Stay tuned!

It now looks like the greatest chance of rain for South Mobile County will be Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  Hopefully, I can get all of the grass mowed before the rain comes.

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1)

The church office is open today from 8:00AM until 4:00PM.  We stagger our lunch breaks so the office is open the entire eight hours.

Lisa and I visited Stella Brinkman yesterday morning.  Her condition was unchanged.  Howard gave me an update last night and said Stella was actually breathing easier.  Her vital signs remain good too.  Keep praying for Stella and all involved in her care.

Learned yesterday afternoon of the passing of a friend in Michigan.  He was very instrumental in the earliest days of GRACE Ministries.  Pray for his family as they walk through this valley.   (I am not mentioning his name until the obit goes public)

I spent much of yesterday reflecting on how good God was to the Friendship family on Sunday.  I have encouraged anyone who has any hesitation or reservation about being in the buildings to stay away i.e live stream or radio.  However, many others are out and about and I encourage you to join us for the services and Sunday School.  Our intent is to divide three of our adult department classes this week to decrease the size now but to position us for growth later.  You multiply by dividing.  (Bro. Robbie would be proud!)

If my memory serves me correctly then today is Bro. Johnny Tucker’s 73rd birthday.  Happy birthday to Bro. Johnny!

Allen Glover graciously came and changed our garage lights from fluorescent to LED yesterday afternoon.  Man, what a difference!  Thank you Bro. Allen!

Well, I finally got the bill from Joey & Seth on my truck.  It was only about double the original quote.  I was fine with that until I saw the itemized breakdown – adjusted back up camera?  Hello, it is a 1991 and last time I checked those models did not come with a back up camera.  Just saying!  Put new cover on back seat?  Hello, it is a single cab truck.  Just saying!

I have now secured Eddie Albritton to go behind the Cracker Jack crew at Joey’s and correct what needs to be corrected.  Why did I not go to Eddie in the first place?  You live and you learn!

If the weather forecasters are correct, we are in for a wet rest of the week.  Friday, Saturday & Sunday look to be very wet.  We shall see.

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1)

Stella Brinkman’s condition remains basically unchanged.  It seems to be just a matter of time before she passes from this life into Heaven.  Will that be hours?  Days?  A week?  Only God knows.  Her family is faithfully waiting beside her.  Keep praying.

Wow, it felt “almost” normal on our campus yesterday morning!  Praise the Lord!  It was certainly good to be back in Sunday School, to have a nursery, extended session and children’s church.  The attendance was good in all three of our services and we were able to end our day of corporate worship with three baptisms.  To God be the glory!

The President of Guatemala said last night that nothing will change there for the month of June i.e. the borders will remain closed.  This saddens Lisa and me for obvious reasons but I am also saddened by the fact that the country of Guatemala is being hurt severely economically.  Export and tourism are major players in the economy of Guatemala and neither can take place which is definitely a problem.  I am praying that the President will see the bigger picture and change his mind soon.

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1)

We will receive an anniversary offering for Bro. Jerry Hovel today in all three of our services.  We will not receive the offering in our normal fashion but will have a basket on the platform to receive cards and monetary gifts.  Checks should be made payable to Friendship Baptist Church.  May 2020 marks Bro. Jerry’s twentieth anniversary on our staff.  Pray and give as the Lord leads.

Visited Stella Brinkman around mid-afternoon yesterday.  Her condition was basically unchanged.  Last night around 8:30PM Jennifer Brinkman sent me an update saying Stella’s breathing was becoming more labored.  My prayer for the past two days has been for God to be merciful in this situation.  Pray for Stella and her family.

How about that crew that showed up at Sharon Jardee’s house yesterday morning!  There were at least twenty three present and I am probably not remembering everyone.  The move was basically complete in a little over an hour.  Way to go Friendship family!  Good stuff!

We are basically back to a normal schedule this morning.  I envision today will be a morning of working out the kinks, making some adjustments, et cetera as we move into June.  I appreciate each person who has helped get us ready for today and that includes planning, cleaning, et cetera.  The workers in our preschool building will be wearing masks.  We plan on limiting the number of folks in that building.  Remember, no nursery or childcare in the 8:00AM service.

Today is a very special day for me in that my mama, my older brother and his wife will be joining us for our 10:30AM service.  It has been a good number of years since mama has been in one of our services so I am blessed that she will be with us.  Obviously, I wish dad could join us too.

John Milton Ladnier came bearing garden gifts yesterday – tomatoes and cucumbers.  The man is an amazing gardener.  He also shares his produce many times over to many folks.  Thank you John Milton!

So how much did Seth Switzer get me for on the truck?  Actually they are still adding so there is no telling what the final tally will be!  Like father, like son!

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

Tomorrow, 5/31, has been set aside to recognize Bro. Jerry Hovel.  The month of May marks the twentieth anniversary of Bro. Jerry serving as our associate pastor/minister of education.  We will receive a love offering in all three services as a tangible way to show our love and appreciation to Bro. Jerry and his family.

Bro. Jerry is married to Tena and they have two sons, Josh & Luke.  Obviously, Tena is also a major part of the Friendship family.

So, join us tomorrow in celebrating Bro. Jerry’s  anniversary of serving the Lord through the Friendship family.  Pass the word!

There will be a basket setting on the stage to receive financial gifts and cards.  The offering plates will not be used to receive this offering.  Checks should be made payable to Friendship Baptist Church.

Happy birthday to my wife, Lisa.  I am very biased in my opinion but she is the best pastor’s wife ever!  Best looking one too!  She successfully juggles her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, business woman, et cetera.  I definitely out punted the coverage on this one!  How old is she today?  If you are going strictly on looks, then she is still in her thirties although she is a tad older than that.  I hope Lisa has a great day today!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1)

Visited with Stella Brinkman yesterday morning.  Received word later that they had removed all means of life support.  As of last night around 10:00PM she was resting well and being kept comfortable with medicines.  Keep praying for Stella and her family.

Bro. Jerry tells me there was a pretty good response from the men willing to help move Sharon Jardee this morning.  All available men are asked to meet at Sharon’s house at 7:00AM.  Thank you in advance to each person helping.

It seems that Brianne Seymour, Debbie Adkinson, and others have the nursery and preschool ready for this Sunday morning – 9:15AM and 10:30AM.  I appreciate all they have done and I am looking forward to getting back to a somewhat normal on Sundays.

Joey Switzer has taught his son, Seth, very well.  Decided to put new tires on the truck that belonged to my dad for fear of dry rot on the existing ones.  Joey gives me a price of $420 out the door.  Not so fast my friend!  I took the truck to the shop around 10:00AM for a simple tire change and was finally called around 7:00PM last night saying it would be ready today around noon.  They were talking turbo jet replacement, paint job, et cetera.  Seth calls me to tell me all of these things that they need to repair, replace while they are in there.  Something tells me that “out the door” price just changed to an “out of this world” price.  Just saying!

My Friday was spent mowing and in the garden.  I hope that it will dry enough for me to be able to plow the middles this afternoon.  We shall see.

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1)

Stella Brinkman was moved yesterday afternoon to a hospice facility.  She remains on a vent for the time being.  Her family is allowed to be in the room with her.  Obviously, this is a much better situation for the family as far as being with Stella.  Stella’s situation is not good so please keep praying.  Lord willing, I will visit her this morning.

Tim Knighten has a date for his surgery – Monday, June 29.  Praise the Lord!  Keep praying for Tim.

Ok, the focal point of today’s blog is a call to the men of the church to help a widow within our church family.  Listen to the Apostle Paul’s writing to the church in I Timothy 5:3 – “Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.”

Sharon Jardee is a widow indeed having no one to care for her.  She needs to move from one location in Grand Bay to another and this move needs to take place this Saturday, May 30 (tomorrow).  Bro. Jerry has tried to secure men to help but so far his pleas have fallen on deaf ears minus two (last count I had).  So, I am calling on the staff, the deacons (not just the nine presently serving), and any other man (young or old) to show up at Sharon’s house tomorrow morning at 7:00AM to help move her furniture and appliances.  A moving truck will be there and I really believe that this job can be finished (both locations) in under two hours IF enough men show up.  Sharon’s present address is 11072 Moreland Drive E.  It would be great, not totally necessary, if you would send Bro. Jerry a text today if you can come help.  His number is 251 599 6968.

The highlight of my vacation day yesterday was a trip to Bucees and back.  What an amazing place.  I think they have one hundred and twenty gas pumps and one hundred and twenty five were being used.  The place was packed inside too.  Was social distancing taking place?  LOL!  If you have never ventured over to Bucees then you should go just once.

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1)

Stella Brinkman will be moved to a hospice care facility at some point today if all goes as planned.  This will allow her family members to be with her 24/7 in limited numbers.  Stella’s situation is very dire so keep praying for her and for her family.

Tim Knighten continues to wait on the surgeon to set a date to do the surgery.  Pray for Tim.

Keep praying for Debbie Kendrick’s mother.

I want to say “thank you” to Bill & Debbie Kendrick for bringing squash and cucumbers to our morning service yesterday and sharing those things with those in attendance.  John Milton does the same thing many times over on an individual basis.  Thank you brothers for “doing good” to others.

It seems our first Wednesday back to “normal” went well last night.  I appreciate Bro. Abel leading the charge to refresh our seating arrangements in the auditorium.  It was really nice to see adults, teens and children milling about after our evening service.

We are going with a regular schedule this Sunday morning, 5/31.  This includes Sunday School, nursery, extended session and children’s church during the 10:30AM hour.

I am using another vacation day today to work around the house.  My brother, his wife, and my mama are supposed to be in our 10:30AM service this Sunday, 5/31.  I am looking forward to them joining us.

Bro. Jerry & Bro. Abel are in the office today and are available to assist in any way.  I am available in the event of an emergency.

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1)

Stella Brinkman remains in the hospital.  Her children were allowed to visit her yesterday.  They, along with the medical folks, continue to explore their options.  Keep praying.

Tim Knighten continues to wait for a word from the surgeon as to when his surgery will take place.  Pray for Tim.

Shirley Hill is one of the finest ladies I have ever known.  Pray for her as she walks through this valley after having buried her husband yesterday.  Again, privacy is requested for the time being as Shirley works through some things.  Pray for Shirley.

Bill & Debbie Kendricks’ granddaughter, Molly Estes, will be having surgery on her ankle this morning.  Pray for all to go well, please.

We are going to be on a “normal” schedule tonight beginning at 6:30PM.  Not exactly what that “normal” will look like but we will be flexible and adjust as we go.  Let me stress again that no one should feel forced to attend any of our services.  If you are older, have underlying health issues or just plain are skeptical of being in a crowd then please do not come into the buildings.  Each person and family have to do what is right for them.

By the way, we will be having our 10:00AM service this morning.

Bro. Jerry, Bro. Abel and I met yesterday afternoon.  We are planning on “all systems go” this Sunday morning minus our buses running their routes.  If you are a teacher in our adult department then please contact me by tomorrow noon to let me know if you will, or will not, be present this Sunday.  Teachers in our youth department need to contact Bro. Abel.  Children’s department teachers please contact Bro. Jerry.  Preschool department teachers please contact me.

There will be no food served on our campus this Sunday or any other Sunday for the immediate future.  We ask each class to cooperate with us in this matter and thank you in advance for doing so.

More details coming in tomorrow’s entry.

My older brother and his son are bringing my dad’s 1991 truck to me today.  Dad bought it new and it has a whopping 139,000 miles on it.  I am thankful to have it in my possession.

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