Pastor's Blog

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

The memorial service for Greg Boutwell begins at 2:00PM today in our church auditorium.  Visitation with the family takes place following the service.  Folks bringing food to feed the Boutwell family need to have it in the fellowship hall by noon.  Pray for Rita, Kim (David), Kevin and the family.

Mission of Hope service tonight at the mission.  Jonny Gaston will be preaching.  Brad Hutto will be singing.  Bus will leave the church at 6:15PM.  Our 40-49 years old Sunday School class will provide the food.  Everyone invited to attend.

Regular schedule this Sunday on our campus.  Our preschoolers will be involved in a “creation celebration” from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the preschool building.

I “think” this is my present list of men going to Florida on Monday to do hurricane relief work – Eddie Albritton, Rhett Butler, Bob Evans, Kendall Falana, Jeff Holifield and Scott Kirschenman.  Did I miss anyone?  If so, forgive me and then remind me via email.  Interested in joining this team?  Contact me via email.  It would be nice to have a final count by Saturday noon but if that is not possible then let me know as soon as you know.  Again, our plan is to leave at 3:00AM from the church and return around 11:00PM.  The needs in Florida are great!  Who is my neighbor?

We can use more candy for the Hallelujah Festival.  Bags of individually wrapped candy.

I am weird in this regard but I totally enjoyed the rain yesterday.  Sat with the blinds in the office open just watching it rain.  Relaxes me.  Had the blinds open at home too during some study time.  Now, I was not having to work in the rain or do any driving in the rain which are things that are not enjoyable.  I am simply talking about being able to sit and watch it rain while doing office work/reading/studying.  The only thing that would have made it better would have been if it had been about twenty to twenty five degrees cooler.

Congratulations to Coach Eric Collier and his Theodore Bobcats as they clinched the Class 7A Region 1 championship with their victory over MGM last night.  They have one more regular season game before opening the playoffs at home!  By the way, this is Theodore’s first Region/Area championship since 2000.  Nice job Coach!

Neither Alabama or Auburn will lose a football game this Saturday.  Can Florida beat Georgia?  Rick Bradley says absolutely!

Have I mentioned that the World Series is rigged?

Lisa, Dana, Gina, Jayden & I went to the Jackson County Fair last night.  We rode zero rides.  Just wanted Jayden to enjoy the lights.  The only members of the Friendship family we saw were Tim & Peggy Knighten along with Ava & Braxton.  Tim asked me to ride the Ferris wheel with him as he was afraid to ride it alone.  I passed.

When I got home I received a message from a panicked parent asking if I could help find George!  They had forgotten and left him at church on Wednesday night.  He had been there all alone for twenty four hours.  I found him and took him home.  George was curious as to why he was left.  The parents were relieved to get him back.

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

James Gregory Boutwell, age 72, went to his heavenly home on October 23, 2018. He was born August 15, 1946 to Curtis “Cotton” and Avil Boutwell in Crosby, Mississippi, the oldest of five boys. He graduated from George County High School and followed in his father’s footsteps as a pipe welder at Ingalls Shipbuilding for 43 years. He served in the Mississippi National Guard for 6 years. He met his wife Rita Stringfellow on a blind date and they later married in 1970. They have two children. He and his wife loved to travel on their quest to see all 50 states. He also enjoyed his garden and fishing but his greatest joy was found in his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spent countless hours studying the Bible and faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher for decades at Friendship Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rita Stringfellow Boutwell, daughter Kimberly Boutwell (David) French, son Kevin Boutwell, two brothers Tommy (Audrey) Boutwell and Curtis (Jamie) Boutwell and many other friends and relatives. Those that preceded him in death include his parents and brothers, Glenn Boutwell and David Boutwell. In lieu of flowers kindly send any donations in support of the ministries of Friendship Baptist Church to PO Box 756, Grand Bay, Al 36541 or online at www.friendshipfamily.net. Graveside service will held in Serenity Memorial Gardens on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 12 noon. A memorial service will be held at Friendship Baptist Church of Grand Bay on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 2 pm.

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

We were blessed with a good day in our services yesterday.  Our evening attendance in the auditorium was really good.  What a blessing to see folks being faithful to the house of God.

Linda Green’s sister, Shirley, has been in the hospital for an extended period of time.  Linda told us yesterday that Shirley will remain in the hospital for at least the rest of this month.  Pray for Miss Shirley.

The memorial service for Greg Boutwell takes place tomorrow afternoon at 2:00PM from our church auditorium.  Those helping feed the Boutwell family need to have the food in the fellowship hall no later than noon tomorrow.  Thank you to each one who is helping with this ministry.  Thank you to Tina Wilkinson for once again coordinating this ministry.  Pray for Rita, Kim (David) and Kevin.

The visitation with the Marie Howard family takes place tomorrow morning, 10/26, from 9:00 – 10:00AM at Serenity Funeral Home.  A graveside service will take place at 10:30AM from Oddfellows Cemetery in Bayou La Batre.

Lindsey Vice says that we have sufficient cakes and workers for the Hallelujah Festival which will take place next Wednesday, 10/31.  However, we do need more bags of individually wrapped candy.

Dr. Rex Looney has a new ministry opportunity in front of him this Sunday, 10/28.  I pray that all goes well.  Pray for Dr. Rex.

Bernard Suthoff, the pastor needs to see you today regarding two matters!  (Bring your checkbook!  LOL!)

The World Series is rigged!  How else can one explain the Dodgers being down 2 – 0 to the Red Sox?

I invested probably four or five years of my life trying to teach Larry Whitehurst how to hunt deer.  I finally got him to the place where I felt comfortable handing him off to Bernard Suthoff.  I think he has slipped some under Bernard’s tutelage but I am not going back there.

Now Phil Sims wants me to teach him how to fish.  I realize he needs help but I am not sure if I want to invest the time.  He tells me that he has the equipment and supplies all he needs is a teacher.  I told him that I would pray about it.

Someone contacted me last night wanting me to believe they are a faithful reader of the blog.  Not so fast my friend!  They said they were one of the “fifteen” readers of the blog – hello!  We only have thirteen readers and a faithful reader would know that!

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

Age 69, a resident of Mobile, AL passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2018. She is survived by her son, Michael P. Howard, daughter, Jennifer M. Howard, sisters, Frances Howard, Carla Stern and Billie Landry, brother, A.J. Bosarge, grandchildren, Abbie, Seth, Sawyer, Eden, Luke and Owen, other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 9 am until 10 am. Graveside service will be in Oddfellow Cemetery on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 10:30 am.

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

I am still reeling from the passing of Greg Boutwell.  I ask that you join me in continuing to pray for Rita, Kim, Kevin and the entire family as they walk through this valley.  The arrangements have not been completed but every indication is that everything will take place this Friday, 10/26.  Arrangements should be completed at some point today.

We will feed the Greg Boutwell family on Friday but not sure on those details just yet.

Sarah Thornton was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Her attitude has been very, very positive and seem has remained upbeat throughout this whole ordeal.  Said she saw two of me as I was preaching Sunday morning and I quickly said, “I just hope you did not have to hear me twice!”  Pray for Sarah.

The number of men who have agreed to travel to Port St Joe, FL on Monday is now up to six.  We could use more.  Not sure what our work will consist of but I am being told that there is plenty to do.  We will probably leave the church around 3:00AM and get back around 11:00PM.  Just letting you know up front.  Email me if you are willing to join us.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit for both services.

Marcus Hatcher will be in the CAB before tonight’s service for any child wishing to sign up for the basketball leagues.

Troy came out slinging the ball last night and the early run just proved too much for South to overcome.  Obviously South’s defense played much better in the second half but so did Troy’s.  Coach Collier had several of his former players in last night’s game – nice!

As I figured, the Dodgers could not handle the Red Sox last night.  It is highly possible that Boston will take their brooms to LA.

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

Greg Boutwell departed this life and entered Heaven around 3:30AM today.  Pray for his wife, Rita, his children, Kim French (David) and Kevin along with the rest of the family.  Arrangements pending.

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Sarah Thornton remains in the hospital as they are doing tests.  She is in good spirits.  Pray for Miss Sarah.

Jamie Jordan’s mother was discharged from the hospital yesterday morning.  That is good news.

We are on a regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  I pray that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend.

If possible, I need to hear from any men willing to travel to Florida with us this coming Monday, 10/29, to help with the hurricane recovery by tomorrow night.  As it stands right now, we have two men committed.  Both of these men are taking off work.  We are a good number of young men who are retired and I was in hopes some of them could take part in this ministry.  If you can go then please email me at pastor@friendshipfamily.net.  Thank you.

Troy vs South tonight at Ladd.  I know South pulled the upset in Troy last year but I do not think they can do so tonight.  (David French, please do not tell John that I said that!).   I would love to be wrong on this prediction.

Ok, the Dodgers and Red Sox square off for Game One in the World Series tonight.  I am in hopes that the Dodgers can win it thirty years after their last WS championship.  However, the Red Sox are the real deal.  I most likely will not watch any of the series but will keep up with it.

It will be a different Saturday this weekend with Alabama & Auburn having open weeks.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Sarah Thornton had to leave our 8:00AM service yesterday.  She was eventually taken to the hospital and admitted.  It is suspected that she suffered a TIA.  Pray for Sarah.

Jamie Jordan’s mother is also in the hospital.  Pray for her.  I will be checking on these ladies this morning.

Good day in our services yesterday morning and evening.   We give God the glory.

Thank you to each person who adopted a resident from the Grand Bay Convalescent Home yesterday.  Of course this is for the Christmas party which will take place on Wednesday, 12/12.

We need candy and cakes for the Hallelujah Festival that takes place next on Wednesday, 10/31, from 6:00 – 8:00PM in our CAB. As always, workers are needed too.

Obviously, we did not go to Port St. Joe, Florida today.  Simply not enough folks able/willing to make the trip.  So, we are going to see if folks can go next Monday, 10/29.  Again, we would plan on a one day trip.  Not sure all that will involve as far as work is concerned but will know before we leave.  Ideally, would like to know who/how many men can join us by the end of the day this Wednesday, 10/24.  Please contact me via email at pastor@friendshipfamily.net.  The folks there do not need water, food, et cetera but do need manual laborers to help them recover.

How about these temperatures in South Mobile County?  Nice.  I prefer even cooler temperatures but I am not complaining but rather give thanks for what we are enjoying.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Good Friday morning from GRACE Mountain.  All is well here and I pray the same is true on the home front.

Evangelist Johnny Tucker, Pastor Mark Mast and I all preached in different places last night.  All three services were blessed.  I appreciate these men continuing to minister here.

Candy, cakes and workers needed for our Hallelujah Festival.  Contact Lindsey Vice for more information.

The following is from my letter which was sent/mailed yesterday.  I am copying it to this entry because time is of the essence.

“A church in Port St. Joe, Florida, Long Avenue Baptist Church, has reached out to us if we can/will help them in their recovery effort. They need manual labor. At the time of this writing they are still without electricity, water, et cetera. They cannot house people but they need help.

Here is what I received from their worship leader: “Any team that comes must be self contained as there is no power at the church. Of course, if using a camper or trailer, they can park in the back lot. Generators, gasoline, razor knives, gloves, respirator masks (because of mold and mildew). The mud is incredible so clothing that is of no value to the team.”

So, I am trying to get a group of folks together to travel down to Port St Joe this Monday, October 22, to help this church family. My plan is that we would leave early (3:00AM), drive down, work all day and then drive back. I know it is crazy but the area and this church needs help.

In order for this to be feasible I need to hear from some folks who are willing to make this day trip. Please contact me via e-mail at pastor@friendshipfamily.net if you will commit to go help. I need to hear from you as soon as possible. Could you miss one day of work to help our brothers & sisters?”

Their need obviously is great so if there are folks from other church families who can help Monday or whenever then please respond.  Long Avenue is very involved in our Guatemala ministry.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

There was no blog entry yesterday.  It seems that not a single one of our thirteen readers even noticed.  Am I writing these things to an audience of zero?

All is quiet and peaceful on the home front as far as I know.

The conference in Guatemala ended tonight.  It was a good conference.  The numbers did not get to where we had hoped but the folks who attended seemed to be blessed.  I was blessed by the attendees plus Randall & Rita Broome, Ben Labriel, Clint Landry, Jordan Lollar, Mark Mast, Blair Nodine, Terry Rainey, Marie Sullens, Soy & Deidra Taylor, Johnny Tucker, Tico Vargas & Sandra Wilson.  The dates for the 2019 conference have been set for Monday, October 7, through Thursday, October 10.

By the way, the dates for the 2019 conference in El Salvador have been set for Monday, November 4, through Thursday, November 7.  We need pastors who have been involved in Central America to join us for these two conferences.

Some of the North Americans are returning home today, some tomorrow, one Saturday and one Monday.  Pray for their safety in travel.

Hey, the Dodgers hold a three to two lead in the series with the Brewers.  Can they win one on the road and take the series?  Time will tell.

It is the third Saturday in October which is significant in Alabama football history.  I am not a UT fan.  Does that surprise you?

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