Pastor's Blog

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Judy Blackwell’s sister unexpectedly passed from this life.  She lived in California.  Pray for Judy and her family.

John & Liz Whalen left yesterday heading to Michigan in order to attend John’s mother’s celebration of life service.  Keep praying for the Whalen family.

Keep praying for Dollie Trout.

Charles Clark’s oldest sibling, Howard, is seemingly nearing the end of his earthly life.  Pray for Howard and his family.

Word came to us this afternoon that Mr. Harold Rainey, father of Pastor Terry Rainey, passed from this life and entered Heaven.  Pray for Pastor Terry and his family as they walk through this time of sorrow.  A memorial service will take place later.

The team in Guatemala enjoyed a good Saturday and Sunday of ministry.  On Saturday, the medical team went out and had a good day.  I did not get any numbers from them but I know their day was good.  The building team built eight houses with four of them being completely finished.

While the teams were out doing ministry, Ross Genzink was busily trying to discover a leak in the upper level floor of the mission house.  He had a very long day!  He did find two leaks so we shall see.  I appreciate all Ross did for us!

Eddie & Sue left Guatemala on Saturday morning.  Ross, Kim & Tony left yesterday afternoon.

Yesterday, the women of the team hosted a breakfast for the women of the church here on the mountain.  Then Pastor Terry Rainey preached in the church service.  Some of the team members then took their sponsored child to lunch.  It was then off to host a food distribution in a location still basically unknown to some of our Yankee friends.  From there it was to Pastores for a birthday party for Caroline, daughter of Nacio & Teresita.  The team enjoyed that experience.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Happy seventh birthday to our granddaughter, Sydney.  Sydney is basically a happy camper and I hope her day is great!  Lisa and I love Sydney.  Happy birthday Sydney.

John Whalen’s mother passed from this life yesterday.  She lived in the UP of Michigan.  Pray for John as he travels and for the entire Whalen family as they walk through this time.

Miss Dollie Trout remains hospitalized.  Keep praying.

The dedication of Colegio JET went very well from my perspective.  I am very grateful to Deidra for putting it all together and also to each person who attended.  I may write more about it in a later entry.

All of the team members are finally here on GRACE Mountain as the final ten arrived after midnight this morning.  This team will hit the ground running.  All is well!

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Happy fourth birthday to our grandson, Asher!  We celebrated before I left for Guatemala and they had a party last Saturday but today is actually Asher’s special day.  I hope he has a wonderful day and I know that his parents and siblings will see that he does. We love Asher and thank God for him!

Miss Dollie Trout remains in the hospital and continues to need our prayers.

Bus worker’s meeting in the morning.  Last Saturday of our basketball leagues takes place tomorrow in the CAB.

We are on a regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.  The focus is “I Love” and the morning message will address that topic.

I am hearing that our Spring soccer leagues are almost maxed out player wise.  If you have a child wanting to participate, contact Bro. Abel immediately.

What a Thursday for our mission team.  The weather in Atlanta created some problems.  As far as I know, everyone who left GRACE mountain yesterday morning finally arrived home safe and sound.  We are thankful.

Twenty five of the forty five team members on the team that was scheduled to arrive last night are still in the States – twenty four in Michigan and one in Michigan.  Lord willing, they will arrive here this afternoon (15) and tonight (10).  God knows.

Today is a day we have been looking forward to for over a year.  We will gather at 10:00AM to say, “glory to God” for all He has done in providing this school, Colegio JET.  We will be joined by the team members, dignitaries and friends.  As I type this just before 2:00AM there are men working feverishly to put some finishing touches on the school building.  It is a marvelous building!

I am told that the dedication will be live on FB.  If you get the opportunity, watch it.  Please pray for God to be glorified in all that is said and done today and from this point forward.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Miss Linda Green did so well through her surgery that she was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  She is glad to be home.  Thank God for His blessings in her life.

Miss Dollie Trout remains in the hospital and is in ICU.  Pray for Miss Dollie.

Pastor Terry Rainey’s father remains in a hospital in South Carolina but has made remarkable progress since he was first admitted.  Keep praying for Mr. Rainey.

One group left the Pastor L.G. Camp, Jr. mission house in Guatemala today at 3:30AM and another group is scheduled to arrive around on GRACE Mountain around 11:00PM tonight.  Pray for traveling mercies for both groups.

The group that just left built twenty houses, saw hundreds in five medical clinics, hosted the Colegio JET staff for a meal, hosted a men’s breakfast in the church, hosted the church for lunch, did repair work on the mountain, did some dental work, et cetera.  This was a really good group with a really great attitude and no complaints.  I am grateful to God for each of them.

Today will be a busy day of getting things “ready” for tomorrow’s school dedication service.  Please pray for all to go well.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Linda Green’s procedure was deemed a success and the could possibly be discharged from the hospital today.  Keep praying.

Miss Dollie Trout has been in the hospital for several days.  I do not have an update but do ask you to pray for Miss Dollie.

Andy Hamil was to receive an epidural shot in his back yesterday.  Pray that brings some relief to him.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and tonight.  Bro. Abel will be sharing during the morning service and Bro. Jerry will be sharing during the evening service.

The team in Guatemala had a good Tuesday.  The day began early with breakfast at 5:15AM followed by our devotional time at 6:00AM.  The medical team left at 7:00AM and returned at 7:00PM.  The building team finished all of the houses with the exception of hanging one window.  Their day was not as long as the medical folks.

Supper was a time of good fellowship and good food but you can sense that a number of the team members are physically tired.  However, their attitudes have remained very good and for that I am grateful.

My wife, Lisa, arrived safe and sound yesterday afternoon.  She had a happy daughter and three happy granddaughters.

Today, my brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue, Tony Gettig, Kim French and Ross Genzink are all scheduled to arrive on the mountain in anticipation of the dedication of the school on Friday.  Pray for traveling mercies.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Happy birthday to our Vietnamese daughter, Henni.  She is not “legally” our daughter but we claim her (sometimes).  It is hard to believe that she is twenty eight years old, has a Master’s degree and is teaching school.  Two words come to my mind – “only God!”  I am certain that Henni does not read the blog but I do hope she has a great day.  We love Henni!

Linda Green’s procedure scheduled for yesterday was postponed until today.  Keep praying for Linda.

Cindy Stokes was scheduled to leave today and come to Guatemala with Lisa.  However, her sister was admitted into an ICU last night and is not doing well.  So, Cindy come not leave.  I ask you to pray for Cindy’s sister, the doctors, Cindy and the family.

Pastor Terry Rainey is scheduled to join us in Guatemala on Thursday.  His father, 94 years of age, was placed in intensive care yesterday.  That is much as I know at this point.  Pray for Mr. Rainey, the doctors, Pastor Terry and all involved.

The team in Guatemala had a good Monday.  It was a bit shorter day on the work side as they spent the late afternoon in Antigua shopping, sightseeing, drinking coffee, et cetera.  They then enjoyed a really nice meal and a time of fellowship at the Las Antorchas restaurant in Antigua.

My wife, Lisa, will be traveling solo to Guatemala today.  Pray for traveling mercies.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

This entry is being written on Sunday night as I will not have access to the internet early in the morning.  Al says they have checked everything and the problem is not with the internet but is inside our place.  That helped me zero!

Since I am writing on Sunday night I do not have any updates on the folks for whom we have been praying.  Hopefully I can update Tuesday morning.

Lisa did tell me that Bro. Abel did an excellent job of sharing in both services yesterday.  That is good news to me!

My Uncle Herschel’s celebration of life service takes place Monday afternoon, 2/3.  My brother, Eddie, will help with the service.  I will be thinking of the family as I go through the day.

As I am writing this entry, there are about seventeen or eighteen team members playing some card game.  They have had a good day of ministry and fellowship.  Men’s breakfast, church service, church lunch, food distribution, supper in the local mall.

Monday will be more medical and more building.  The team will spend a few hours in Antigua in the late afternoon and then supper at Las Antorchas.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Sorry for no entry yesterday but I did not have internet access.  I still do not have it so I am doing this from a different location.  Yes, I have contacted Al!

Linda Green remains in the hospital.  She will have some type procedure tomorrow.  Keep praying.

Carol Lucky was discharged from the hospital as were Rileigh Glass and Frank Glass.  Keep praying for these folks.

Keith Barrett received an injection on Friday and is doing well.  Pray for Keith.

Lisa tells me that the anniversary reception for Terrell & Marie was absolutely beautiful.  Nice!

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.

The team in Guatemala has had a full first two days.  Everyone built on Friday and six houses were up with two receiving concrete.  Yesterday, the medical team went near Tecpan and a much smaller building team put up six more houses with seven more receiving concrete.  Seven houses are now completely finished.

The team hosted the church staff and families for supper on Friday night.  Each staff member and their family members shared.  It was a good night.

Last night, the team hosted the entire school staff for supper and that was a very special evening.  Some nice connections were made.

Pastor Bob is doing a great job in sharing the Word with us as is Rex Looney in leading the musical worship each morning.

This team has been excellent in their attitudes and work ethic.  It has been my observation that Gracie Wong can work circles around her husband, Gene Wong.  Junior Fuglseth cannot stop smiling – just saying!

Today, there is a men’s breakfast at the church with Dr. Rich Strabbing sharing the Word.  Pastor Bob Harvey will preach in the church service.  There will then be a church wide lunch following the service.  The team will do a food distribution this afternoon.  The team will then be given the chance to kind of catch their breath tonight before a full three final days.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

All of the tests performed on Carol Lucky have come back good.  She still has some fluid issues but she is breathing better.  So, just keep praying.

Linda Green continues to be in pain.  Obviously, she remains in the hospital so keep praying.

Tina & Rhea Rhea made it to Texas and Ty has made some improvement.  He too remains in the hospital and needs our continued prayer support.

I do not have any updates on Frank Glass or his daughter, Rileigh Glass.  However, I do know we need to keep praying.

My Uncle Herschel Martin passed from this life early this morning.  He has now been reunited with his wife, my maternal aunt, after over forty years as she passed from this life in 1979.  Folks, this is a tough day for me being here and this happening there.  God knew and He knows.  Pray for Robin, Jimmy and the family as they walk through this valley.

My dad was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Again, my older brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue, deserve medals for their excellent care of dad.  Thank you for praying.

The sixtieth wedding anniversary for Terrell & Marie Brooks takes place on our campus tomorrow afternoon, February 1, from 2:00 – 4:00PM in our Preschool Building.  Everyone is invited.

Thirty two team members arrived safe and sound to GRACE Mountain last night around 11:00PM.  Two more members are scheduled to arrive tonight.  Thank you for praying for this team.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Good morning from GRACE Mountain.  Lots going on so let’s get right to it.  First, Carol Lucky’s heart cath came back good so they will do another test today checking her lungs.  Keep praying for Carol.

Linda Green was in our morning service yesterday and said she was in pain.  Yesterday afternoon she was taken by ambulance to the hospital due largely in part to that pain.  Pray for Linda.

One of Linda’s sons, Ty, lives in Texas.  He has at least two blood clots.  I “think” Tina & Rhea Rhea may be heading that way to check on him.  Pray for Ty.

Riley & Dona Glass’ granddaughter, Rileigh, was flown to Birmingham yesterday because of a bubble on one of her arteries.  Pray for the doctors to be able to correct this issue.

Frank Glass, Rileigh’s father, has been admitted to the hospital due to a low oxygen level.  Pray for Frank.

Sonny Bates got a good report from the doctor in New Orleans this past Tuesday.  Praise the Lord!

Sammy said Myrtle is doing good this week.  Keep praying for Myrtle.

As far as I know at the time of this writing, my Uncle Herschel is still living.  Thank you for praying.

My dad came through his surgery ok.  The doctor found some things he did not like but only time will tell on those matters.  Dad remains in the hospital this morning.

A team of thirty four folks from Michigan, Auburn, Huntsville, & Florida are scheduled to arrive on the mountain tonight.  I will have to get mentally prepared to handle all of these Yankees for the next two weeks – just saying!  Pray for traveling mercies today.

The weather in South Mobile County should be nice today and then the rain moves in tonight and Friday.  The weekend looks nice.  I see some highs of 71 degrees in the ten day forecast and that does not make me smile!  We need some 31 degrees days!  Just saying!

Dusty Baker was named the manager of the Houston Astros yesterday.  I would love to see Dusty do very well and be able to coach for at least two seasons.  Why?  He is seventy years old and has 1,863 victories as a manager.  There is basically an unspoken rule that says one must have at least 2,000 victories as a manager to get into the MLB Hall of Fame.  I would like to see Dusty get in.

The Lord blessed me with a good day of traveling yesterday.  I got off of the flight from Mobile to Atlanta and went straight to the flight bound for Guatemala City.  I was through customs, got my luggage, had my luggage hand searched, and then went to sign papers for the rental vehicles these next two weeks all in a matter of about thirty five minutes – amazing!  My flight landed at 8:35PM and I was on the road at 9:10PM and on the mountain around 10:20PM.  Thank you Jesus!

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