Pastor's Blog

It was six years ago today (on a Thursday) when my dad stepped over into Heaven.  Death stings!  Eddie A and I have the lost of our dads on almost the same day in common.  Wow, the emotions bounce all over the place.  I miss dad.  Did I mention that death stings?

I was able to watch the celebration of life service for Hope Bailey yesterday morning.  I thought things went well and that Pastor Jack and Pastor Joe did great jobs in a most difficult spot.  My brother, Eddie, also did well.  Ditto for Jason Bowling.  Keep praying for Hope’s family!

Heather Baria is scheduled to have surgery tomorrow.  Pray all goes well.

Soccer finale for this season this Saturday, 5/16, beginning at 9:00AM.  Pray for this ministry.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday, 5/17.  Praying for great services.

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

Today marks the fifty-sixth anniversary of my maternal grandfather’s passing from this life.  Tough day for my Mama and the family.  Death stings.

My prayers continue to be with the Hope Bailey family as the funeral service takes place today beginning at 11:00AM at Danville Baptist Church.  Pray for her father, Pastor Jack, and her brother, Pastor Joe, as they preach the service.  My brother, Eddie, will read the obituary during the service.

I “think” my memory serves me correctly in saying that Miss Bonnie Smiley will have surgery today.  Pray for Miss Bonnie.

Heather Baria is scheduled to have surgery this Friday, 5/15.  Pray all goes well.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.

Keep praying for the Refresh project.  Looking forward to Sunday, 5/24, at 10:00AM.

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

The visitation with Johnathan Jordan and family will take place this morning, 5/12, beginning at 9:30AM in Vicksburg, MS and will continue until the 10:30AM service time.  Bro. Jacob will be attending this visitation and service.  Pray for Johnathan’s family as they walk through this valley.  Pray for traveling mercies for Bro. Jacob.

We are on a regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.

“Chloe’s Challenge” remains before us.  Contact me personally no later than June 7, 2026 if you would like to give or raise funds for a house to be built in Guatemala.  The house will be built in 2026!

Friendship family, remember that the auditorium is now closed until it reopens for our 10:00AM worship service on Sunday, May 24.  We need to allow the workers the time and space to finish this Refresh project.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Our online registration for our June 1 – 5, 2026 VBS is open.  Register today!

Looks like the rain in Grand Bay should end this morning and then we are supposed to be in the clear weather wise for the remainder of the week.  So, it should be a great closing day for our Spring soccer leagues.  Good stuff!

I am still looking for pecan wood.  Odd request I know.  Contact me personally if you have some or know someone who does, please.

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

The Friendship family was blessed with a really good Mother’s Day 2026 service.  As usual, good attendance.  Excellent attendance.  Thank you to Gary & Rachel Walton for providing the flowers.  Also, thank you to those involved in taking the photos before and after the service.  Praise the Lord for all He did in our midst!

Lisa’s dad was discharged from the hospital late Saturday afternoon.  He joined us for Sunday lunch.  The doctors have not been able to specify what is causing him to lose blood.  At least one more test to come.

The visitation and service for Johnathan Jordan’s mother will take place tomorrow, 5/12, in Vicksburg, MS.  Keep praying for Johnathan, Jamie and the girls.  Pray for Bro. Jacob as he travels to and from the service.

My heart continues to hurt for Pastor Jack Bailey, Pastor Joe David Bailey and the entire Hope Bailey family.  Continue to pray.

To my knowledge, yesterday we did not receive anyone willing to donate to build a house in Guatemala.  Who will be next?  Or which group, class, et cetera?  Chloe’s Challenge!

The auditorium is now off limits to anyone not actively working on the refresh project as we are trying to make things easier for those finishing the project.  We will reopen on Sunday morning, May 24, at 10:00AM.

Odd request – does anyone have (or know of someone who has) any pecan wood to give away?  If so, please contact me personally.

If the weather forecasters are correct then after this evening the chances of rain this week in Grand Bay are almost zero.  That means our final Saturday of this soccer season should be in good shape.  Yes!  Friendship family, we need to have a huge day at the concession stand after missing this past Saturday.  Please support us by coming to buy a combo and/or make a donation.  Help the Peacock family and missions in Guatemala with your purchase!

By the way, I praise the Lord for the recent rains.  God is good!

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

Yesterday was a full day especially for our Associate Pastor, Bro. Abel Garcia.  I appreciate all he did with the funeral services, soccer pictures, et cetera.  I was able to attend the service for Marisa’s sister and the one for, CJ, the young man who accidentally drown last week.  Bro. Abel did a nice job of sharing the Gospel message in that service.

Lisa’s father, Charles, will have at least two tests done today to try and determine why his blood count has gone so low.  I have heeded my own advice and have not visited him (been looking over his life insurance policies instead – just saying).  Lord willing, I will be with the family today for the tests.  Thank you to those who have prayed for Charles & Ann.

The funeral service for Renee Crimm, mother of Johnathan Jordan, will take place in Vicksburg, MS this Tuesday, 5/12, beginning at 10:30AM.  It will be preceded by an hour of visitation beginning at 9:30AM.  Pray for Johnathan, Jamie and family during this time.  Bro. Jacob will attend the service on behalf of the Friendship family.

The funeral service for Hope Bailey Garner will take place this Wednesday, 5/13, beginning at 11:00AM at Danville Baptist Church.  A visitation will take place Tuesday night, 5/12, also at Danville Baptist Church.  Pray for this family.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning, 5/10 – Sunday School begins at 9:00AM followed by worship beginning at 10:00AM.  We will have an abbreviated prayer time in the auditorium from 8:30AM until 8:45AM.

NO evening service this Sunday evening, 5/10.  Happy Mother’s Day!

“Chloe’s Challenge!”  I am praying for at least one more donation of funds ($550) by the end of this Sunday morning’s service to build a house in Guatemala.  Give through the offering, give it to me personally, or, best yet, give online (aglimpseofgrace.com).  We are at four houses and the goal is eight more by Sunday, June 7.

Friendship family, remember, we will reenter the auditorium for worship beginning Sunday morning, May 24, at 10:00AM.  Please be there and bring others with you!  It is going to be a great day to the glory of God!

Henry Wyse was working the auditorium yesterday afternoon.  He and I had a conversation and I “think” he is warming up to the idea of the oil painting of me on the front wall over the baptismal pool.  (I could be wrong?).  I know he is seriously considering the idea of aluminum foil in the windows (whatever David & Leslee call it).

By the way, after this Sunday, 5/10, the auditorium will be off limits to everyone except the workers as the carpet will be installed and the final cleaning will take place.  We do not want to have to clean, re-clean, clean, re-clean – you get the idea.  Thank you for understanding and cooperating.

Online registration for VBS is open now!

I am one who loves rain!  Not severe thunderstorms or heavy downpours but the rain is soothing to me.  Weird?  Probably, but it is who I am.  (The forecast calls for at thunderstorm at 3:00AM so I need to get ready to listen and enjoy!)

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

The private graveside service for Sheila Booker’s sister takes place this morning.  Bro. Abel will be doing the service.  Pray for this family and for Bro. Abel.

The visitation for Marisa Felps’ sister, Lynn’s family, will take place today at Serenity Funeral Home beginning at 1:00PM and lasting until the 2:00PM service time.  Pray for the Cosentino family.

The visitation and service for the young man who worked with Joey & Bibbi takes place today at Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the Guillotte family.

There will be a memorial service in our CAB today at 3:30PM for the young man who fell to his death last week from the Cedar Point Pier on the island.  Bro. Abel will be officiating that service.  (Bro. Abel has a full plate on his “off” day.  This is called ministry!). Pray for this family and for Bro. Abel.

The visitation and service for Johnathan Jordan’s mother will take place on Tuesday, 5/12.  Somewhere in the Vicksburg, MS area.  Bro. Jacob will attend that visitation and service.  Pray for Johnathan, Jamie, the girls and the entire family during this difficult time.

Lisa’s dad, Charles, was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon.  He has lost significant blood and they are trying to figure out the reason.  They gave him blood late yesterday and by the time they went to give him more blood his count had decreased.  Pray for Charles & Ann during this time.  (Honestly, Charles struggles with memory issues and is feeling very poorly so, this is just me, it would probably be best if he not have company at this time.  Ann is too sweet to say this so I will say it for the family.  If you have a problem with that contact John M Ladnier and/or Scott Fontenot – just saying!).  Thank you for understanding.  Once Charles is better physically, I will post that information.

I received some bad news late yesterday morning.  Hope Bailey, daughter of Pastor Jack & June Bailey and sister of Pastor Joe David Bailey, unexpectedly passed from this life.  What a devastating blow to this family.  Hope was forty-seven years old and today would be her forty-eighth birthday.  Hope and our niece, Jamie, used to come stay with us some during the Summers when they were teens.  Sweet girl.  Great family.  Pray especially for Hope’s two children and for her parents!  Death stings!

No soccer this Saturday and these games will not be played later.  We move on to the last Saturday of the season which be 5/16.  Bro. Abel has made this difficult call and he has my full backing.  Soccer pictures will be taken today in the CAB from 5:00 – 7:00PM.

Enough for today.  I will post about Sunday’s schedule in tomorrow blog.  Remember, no evening service for us this Sunday, 5/10.

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

Happy fifteenth birthday to our granddaughter, Emmy!  Emmy loves life and has a very outgoing personality.  I pray that she will have a great birthday.  We love Emmy!

Johnathan Jordan’s mother passed from this life early this morning.  Johnathan stayed in Jackson in order to be with his mother while Jamie & the girls came home.  So, Jamie & the girls will head back to MS today.  Pray and Johnathan and his family as they walk through this valley.

There will be a private family service for Sheila Booker’s sister tomorrow.  Keep praying for that family.

Marisa and Lynn’s family will make arrangements with the funeral home today.  They are thinking the service could be tomorrow.  Keep praying!

Bro. Abel is keeping an eye on the sky regarding this Saturday’s weather.  The forecast keeps changing regarding the percentages of rain being forecast.  The problem is not simply playing in the rain but our fields are not “rain friendly” which presents a challenge to the players, coaches and the fans.  The back forty can be a muddy mess.  Pray for wisdom on Bro. Abel’s behalf.

“Chloe’s Challenge” has gotten off to a very good start.  A couple within the Friendship family gave online yesterday in order to have another house built in Guatemala.  Our goal is to have eight more houses paid for ($550 each) by Sunday, June 7, 2026.  Will you help?  Will you give?  Thank you in advance for doing so!  (By the way, the couple who gave yesterday have never been to Guatemala and may never get to go.  However, they pray and now they have given again.  A blessing!)

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning, 5/10, as we celebrate God by honoring our mothers.  Sunday School begins at 9:00AM and our service begins at 10:00AM.  Come join us!

There will be NO evening service this Sunday.  Prayerfully families will be able to spend time together.

It was great having Clay S back with us in the service last night.

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

Got to hurry with this one as internet connection issues are problem here again.  Comes and goes.  Sorry but there is nothing I can about it even though I am basically a genius when it comes to technology. Not on Al’s level but. . . .

Marisa Felps’ sister, Lynn, passed from this life yesterday afternoon.  Pray for the family.  Lynn was ten days short of her seventieth birthday.  Arrangements pending.

Jonathan Jordan’s mother was moved to ICU yesterday.  Obviously, not a good situation.  Keep praying for this family.

“Chloe’s Challenge” is before us.  I would love to see at least nine more folks step up by June 7 and finance a house to be built in Guatemala this year (June, September or December).  Chloe has raised the funds for one house.  Her sister, Jenna, has now done likewise.  A gentleman gave a check this past Sunday for another house.  The goal is twelve houses paid for by June 7.  Five hundred and fifty dollars is all it takes.  Give through our church in the offering or you can easily give online.  Pray and give, please.

Our “move in” day is Sunday, May 24, 2026 as the Refresh project will be complete.  We will all enter the auditorium just before 10:00AM for that special first service.  Save the date, join us, bring others.

Regular schedule on our campus today.  Co-op graduation at noon in the CAB.

Pray for Bro. Abel as he has to make a decision regarding soccer this Saturday.  The rain is good, and we are thankful, but it is making it tough on the playing fields.  (Personally, I think there should be a five year moratorium on soccer world wide!).  I do love the concession stand proceeds!

GRACE Ministries got some amazing news yesterday afternoon.  God is great!  We praise Him!  Details TBA.

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

Pastor Jack Bailey had the following quote in his blog this morning: Our attitude toward the unfortunate is a reflection of our attitude toward the LORD Himself. (John Philips).  I agree with Philips.

Marisa Felps sister, Lynn, is not doing well.  It is most likely that some decisions could be made today regarding the what comes next.  Pray for all involved in this situation.

I have not gotten an update on Jonathan’s mother but I do ask you to keep praying.  There may be updates on social media but I would never see those.

I was pleasantly surprised last night to see Aaron Baisden’s mother at one of our soccer games.  She is very thankful for the prayers.  Ditto for Aaron and his family.  Keep praying.

Sunday, May 24, 2026 will be a huge day in the life of the Friendship family as we move back into the auditorium for our worship services.  Please make plans to join us for this most special day!

VBS online registration is open.  Our VBS will be June 1 – 5 from 9:00AM until noon daily.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow – morning and evening.

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

Two pressing prayer needs this morning.  First, Jonathan Jordan’s mother is in a Jackson, MS hospital and is seemingly near the end of her earthly life.  Jonathan, Jamie and the girls left yesterday afternoon to go visit with her.  Pray for this family.

Second, Marisa Felp’s sister, Lynn, is still in the hospital and is not well.  Her daughter arrived in town yesterday.  Not sure what will be the outcome but do ask that you pray for Lynn, Marisa and family.

The Lord Jesus blessed us with a really good day in our services yesterday.  Thank you Friendship family for blessing the Peacock family with the tissue and towels.  Alaina did a really good job of sharing in our evening service.  (The girl can talk!).  Thank you Lord for a great day of worship.  He is worthy!

The fish fry at State Farm on Saturday was a success.  The proverbial icing on the cake was the fellowship following last night’s service.  Thank you to Scott Fontenot and John Milton Ladnier for being the chief cooks.  Thank you to Daphne for coordinating everything else.  Thank you to all others who helped in any way.  Thank you to Lisa for use of her office and parking lot.  She is a good neighbor!  Even better wife!  Just saying!

Henry Wyse and I talked last night and we will once again begin holding our worship services in the auditorium on Sunday morning, May 24, at 10:00AM.  (The auditorium class will meet in the youth building that Sunday morning so we will all enter the auditorium at the same time for the initial service).  Friendship family – save the date!  By the way, I am open to any suggestions as to what we should do for that special service.

Regular schedule this Wednesday morning and evening.

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