Pastor's Blog

Better late than never?

Quick update – Betty Hamil was admitted to the hospital late last night/early this morning.  They “think” they know her problem but will be doing tests to be sure.  Pray for Betty and Andy.

Keith & Aninha leave for Brazil today.  They will be missed by us – big time!

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow – morning and evening.  I pray for a great attendance.  Come join us!

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

Wow, what a Sunday!  God blessed us in a very special way as we were privileged to see a sixty-eight years old gentleman be born again during our morning invitation.  Hallelujah!  Yes, there is room at the cross for you!

Our student leaders did a superb job of cooking lunch yesterday.  I will not try to list them as I will invariably unintentionally leave someone off the list.  So, suffice it to say “thank you” to each person who helped in any way.  And thank you to each person who supported this effort!  We are better together!

Joey & Bibbi Bosarge will lead our ministry to the McKemie Place tonight.  Pray for this ministry and this opportunity.

Our Ladies Helping Hands Ministry will have their monthly diaper give away tomorrow morning.  Pray for this ministry too.

Mark & Brenda Timberlake’s grandson was discharged from the hospital.  The doctors will now decide on the next move which  very well could be major surgery.  Pray!

There will be a church wide wedding shower for Sienna Bosarge and Ian Tagert this Sunday, April 13, in the Preschool Building from 2:00PM until 3:30PM.  All ladies of the church are invited.

Easter weekend will see us have Sunday School classes for our Preschool and Children’s (1st – 5th grades) Departments beginning at 9:00AM on Saturday, April 19.  Those classes will be followed by Preschool Church and Children’s Church. The buses will run their regular routes at the normal times which means the trip home will begin at 11:00AM.  Yes, there will be an egg hunt beginning at 10:30AM for both the preschoolers and grade schoolers.  We need all teachers in our Preschool Department and our Children’s Department to be in their place no later than 8:45AM on Saturday, 4/19.

Easter Sunday will see us have two morning worship services – 8:00AM & 10:00AM.  The first service will basically be a normal schedule service with music and preaching.  The second service will feature the ministry of our adult choir under the leadership of Jeanette Bates.  Obviously, folks are free to choose which service they attend but are cordially invited to attend both if they so desire.  Pray for our Easter weekend!

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

P.S. – there will be no services, classes, Bible studies, et cetera on our campus on Wednesday, 4/23.  Just FYI.

Want to make sure the Friendship family knows about our Easter weekend schedule.  On Saturday, April 19, we will have Sunday School for our Preschool Department and our Children’s Department beginning at 9:00AM.  This will be followed by Preschool Church and Children’s Church and then a time of fun with an egg hunt.

Our buses will run their regular routes and should return home around the same time as a normal Sunday – maybe a tad earlier.  Pass the word!

Easter Sunday will see us have two morning worship services – 8:00AM and 10:00AM.  I will be preaching in the 8:00AM service and our adult choir will be sharing a musical in the 10:00AM service.  We are asking folks to attend whichever service fits their schedule best.

No evening service on Easter Sunday.

Where did the morning go?  Wow, I totally missed it.  Sorry!  I definitely have the “red truck” syndrome.  (Although I do not forget to bake a cake!)

One of Mark & Brenda Timberlake’s grandsons has battled seizures for years.  He is now in the hospital and they have inserted needles into his head to try and determine the exact origin(s) of his seizures.  If successful, they will do a major surgery in the coming week.  Pray for this situation.

The visitation and service for Andrew Johnson took place this afternoon.  I want to say a “huge” thank you to the ladies from our church who help feed the Johnson family following the burial.  That a great group of ladies the Friendship family with which the Friendship family is blessed.

The visitation with the Jack Dowdy family takes place this Saturday, 4/5, from 2:00 – 4:00PM in our auditorium.  Another shout out to our ladies for ministering to this family following this visitation.

Can we offer you Sunday lunch?  Immediately following this Sunday’s (4/6) morning service our student ministry will be serving baked spaghetti lunches (includes green beans, brownies and bread) to go.  Cost is eight dollars per plate with maximum of forty dollars per immediate family.  The deadline for placing an order is tomorrow (Friday, 4/4) at noon.  Daphne Hutto (251) 533 4595 is the point of contact.

Rumor has it that Bro. Chris will be providing hamburgers for the children this Sunday.  This is mainly designed for those who will not have a parent with them.

IF you cannot afford a meal this Sunday, contact me personally and Lisa & I will purchase your meal.  No questions asked.  (I fully expect TJ to be the first caller!).  If possible, I need to hear from you tonight or before noon tomorrow.

I picked Auburn to win the national championship early in the season and I have not changed my mind.  Kevin & Kim are going to carry the Tigers to victory!

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

Word came to me through Deidra earlier this afternoon that Samuel Acan who used to work with/for GRACE Ministries passed away yesterday afternoon and will be buried today.  Pray for his wife, Reyna, and daughter, Denise.

Samuel was second in charge when the mission house was built 11/01 through 07/02.  He then worked with/for GRACE for many years and was in charge of the building of the houses.

He was able to come to the States one time visiting Alabama and Michigan.  Tom & Shari Compagner visited with him just a few weeks ago.

Life is so uncertain so it pays to be ready!

I know, I know, I know.  I cannot go back to yesterday but I can catch up today.  Sorry for the slothfulness on my part.  I do have a red truck!

Coley Johnson’s cousin, Andrew, passed from this life last Wednesday, 3/26.  He was only thirty-three years old.  The visitation will take tomorrow, 4/3, at Serenity Funeral Home from 12:00PM (noon) until the service which will begin at 2:00PM.  Pray for the Johnson family.

The visitation with the Jack Dowdy family will take place this Saturday, 4/5, in our auditorium from 2:00 – 4:00PM.  Pray for the Dowdy family.

Mark & Brenda Timberlake’s grandson, Tyler, had surgery yesterday.  I pray that all went well and that his recovery will so smoothly.  Pray for Tyler and his family.

Eddie Albritton’s sister, Wendy, was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  She will begin treatments in a few weeks.  Pray for Wendy.

Eddie went to work today.  Said he was not going to work a full day which is not unusual as he has never worked a full day in his life.  Just saying!

JZ Baker will not be having the therapy they thought he “might” be able to have.  Pray for JZ and family.

We had a good service (good attendance, great spirit) this morning and I am looking for another good one tonight.  Come join us!

Friendship family, want to take Sunday lunch home with you this Sunday, 4/6, after the service?  Good meal, good price.  Text Daphne Hutto (251) 533 4595 for more information or to place an order.  Deadline to order is this Friday, 4/4, at noon.

I pray that you will have a great rest of your Wednesday.

It was a rainy Sunday morning and we all know what is said about rain and Baptists when it comes to church attendance.  Well, that was not true yesterday morning as we had a packed house including folks sitting in the choir loft.  How about that!  Obviously, it did not hurt that the men from the Mission of Hope joined us be we would have had a strong attendance without them.  Wow, what a Sunday morning.  The proverbial “cherry on the top” was having Justin & Amber Dunnam join the Friendship family during the invitation.  Praise the Lord!

Eddie Albritton is experiencing some pain due to his surgery.  Pray for Eddie to recover quickly.

Eddie’s younger sister, Wendy, remains in the hospital but should be discharged later today.  Pray for Wendy and family.

The visitation with the Jack Dowdy family will take place in our auditorium this Saturday, 4/5, from 2:00 – 4:00PM.  Continue to pray for this family.

I am told that we had another great day of soccer this past Saturday which was preceded by a great night on Friday.  As I have written many times, pray for this ministry, Bro. Abel and all who help in any way.

Unless something happens, all three of the remaining 2025 GRACE Ministries trips are now at capacity plus.  I will gladly add anyone to a waiting list but the prospects are not good.

Speaking of mission trips, thank you to the six ladies from the Friendship family who baked cakes for the University of South Alabama’s Baptist Campus Ministries auction this past Friday night.  Those cakes sold extremely well.  The proceeds will help college students spend six to nine weeks on the mission field this Summer.  Good stuff!

Congratulations to the Auburn basketball team for reaching the Final Four.  I have had Auburn as my pick to win it all since the season began.  I am also glad to see Florida in the Final Four.  SEC, SEC, SEC!

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

Where have the blog entries been this week?  Well, I have not exactly been sitting on my hands.  However, I will simply say “I have a red truck” and move forward.  My apologies.

Eddie Albritton had surgery yesterday morning and the doctor said it went well.  He is at home recovering.  Pray for Eddie.

Eddie’s younger sister, Wendy, will have a biopsy today.  The most recent news coming to her from the medical folks has not been the best.  Pray for Wendy and her family.

Also, Tim Knighten’s brother, Mark, has been moved to a long term rehab facility.

Soccer tonight and tomorrow morning.  Pray for this ministry.

By the way, even if you do not attend the soccer games why not come support our students by purchasing a burger, fries, Conecuh dog, nachos, et cetera from the concession trailer?  Good food at a great price helping a potentially life changing experience for our students.  Contact Daphne Hutto if you need specifics.  Also, you (adults) are invited to help work the concession if you so desire.

The Lord blessed us with four good days with Evangelist Michael Mason.  It is my opinion that the Friendship family embraced Bro. Michael and his preaching more this time than ever before.  That is not to say that they have not embraced him in past years but this time was special.  You attended well and gave an outstanding love offering.  Thank you!

Lord willing, Lisa and I will make a very quick trip to Decatur to visit Mama tomorrow.  I have not seen her since February 11 and March is almost gone.  Pray for us to have safe travels.

I am looking forward to being in the pulpit this Sunday morning and evening.  I hope to be joined by many members of the Friendship family plus many guests.  Pray for our services!

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

Praise the Lord!  The Lord used Evangelist Michael Mason in a powerful way to preach the Gospel to us in both services yesterday.  We were blessed with an excellent Spirit, strong attendance and a general excitement among those in attendance.  The proverbial “cherry on the top” was seeing Miss Bonnie Smiley (sp?) join the church by transfer of letter in the morning service.  God is good!

Sue Wyse told me last night that there will be a memorial service for Jack Dowdy on Saturday, April 5, from 2:00PM until 5:00PM.  This service will take place in our church auditorium.  Keep praying for the Dowdy family.

The visitation with the Pastor Terry Rainey family takes place tonight in South Carolina and the celebration of life service will take place tomorrow afternoon.  Pray for Shannon, Chris and the family.

It was good to see Lee Sessions and Clinton Stringfellow in our morning service yesterday.  Pray for these men and their respective health issues.

Tim Knighten’s brother, Mark, has yet to be moved to a rehab facility.  Keep praying for this situation.

Our service tonight begins at 6:30PM sharp.  I suspect we will be dismissed around 7:45PMish.  Friendship family, please pray, attend and bring others with you.

Congratulations to Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi & Tennessee basketball teams for advancing to the Sweet Sixteen of the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tourney.  It is possible that six of those seven could advance to the Elite Eight.  How sweet would that be!  SEC, SEC, SEC!

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

Terry Joe Rainey
August 13, 1949 — March 19, 2025
Campobello, SC

Pastor Terry Joe Rainey, 75, passed away at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Pastor Rainey was currently serving as the pastor at Motlow Creek Baptist Church and had preached his final sermon this past Sunday. He had served this church for the past 20 years and had served his Lord faithfully as a Pastor for 52 years.

He was the first of 3 sons of the late Harold and Ruth Rainey of Easley, SC.

Pastor Rainey was married to the late Cookie Smith Rainey. Survivors include his beloved daughter, Shannon Frances Sally Hood (Chris), brothers Steve Rainey, Butch Rainey (Sharon), numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, three brothers in law and four sisters in law.

He finished Wren High School in Piedmont, SC, attended Anderson University, Columbia Bible College & Gardner Webb. He undertook extensive study of the Bible as a lifelong pursuit.

Terry was saved, born again and baptized at Geer Memorial Baptist Church, Easley, SC in 1971 and then surrendered to enter the Ministry in 1973. A talented musician, Terry was an accomplished drummer and used that skill in his charismatic approach to serving our Lord. He sang numerous solos of Gospel music at his church and during his Evangelism, sometimes singing together with wife, Cookie or son in law, Chris Hood. His first pastorate was Unity Baptist Church in Woodruff, SC. He served as Pastor at Airport Rd Baptist Church in West Columbia, SC, Centerville Baptist Church in Anderson, SC and Mt Vernon Baptist Church and Christian School in Stockbridge, Georgia. Terry also led numerous youth camps in various locations.

He often entertained when the whole family gathered at the river for special occasions, using his unique talent as a comedian, to imitate virtually anyone, singing Gospel solos and leading the whole family in singing hymns together.

Pastor Rainey had many, many close friends who were involved in the Ministry. Several other young men were called to and presently serve as Pastors due to Terry’s leadership and mentoring. Together with Cookie, Terry conducted Revivals in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia and Illinois as well as organizing Medical supply relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Together, through Life Aid Ministries, they raised over $4,000,000 worth of medical supplies for mission trips to Eastern Europe & Central America.

Pastor Rainey was internationally known as an Evangelist preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Russia, Romania, Guatemala & Hungary as well as across the South East United States.

His daughter Shannon, was involved with Terry and Cookie’s ministry by coordinating and planning event arrangements for Revivals.

A Clemson fan, Terry had a warm, friendly personality, was easy to talk with, had an excellent sense of humor and could have been an entertainer. A serious Bible Scholar, he preached with passion & integrity. He was admired, loved & respected by both sides of his family & by many, many friends in Christ & church members.

He will be buried at the Motlow Creek Baptist Church beside his devoted wife, Cookie.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29307. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 25,2025, at Holston Creek Baptist Church with Dr. Keith Kelly, Pastor Teddie Turrentine, Pastor Lloyd Stancil, and Pastor Eddie Burdette officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons from Motlow Creek Baptist Church.

Active Pallbearers will be Robbie Smith, Richie Smith, Mike Worley, Sam Worley, Bryan Yelton, Dagan Rainey, and Cameron Rainey.

The arrangements are entrusted into the care of Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel.

An online guest is available at www.floyd’s greenlawn chapel.com