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 visitation with the Wanda Turner (Phillip’s mother) takes place today from 11:00AM until the 1:00PM celebration of life service.  Visitation and service at the Trinity Bible Church in Escatawpa, MS.  I am in hopes that a good number of the Friendship family members will be able to attend either the visitation or service.  Phillip & Claire are really great members of the Friendship family.  Pray for the family.

The arrangements for Vera’s sister are on hold.  It seems that a service will take place on Friday but nothing has been finalized yet.  Just pray for the family.

Brandi Wescovich Morgan’s paternal grandmother, Ella Mae Wescovich, passed from this life this past Sunday, 10/7.  The visitation will take place today from 2:00 – 3:00PM at Serenity Funeral Home.  The graveside service will take place at 3:30PM from the Oddfellows Cemetery in Bayou La Batre.  Pray for the family.

Brandy Gazzier was chomping at the bit to get out of the hospital yesterday.  Not sure if that happened.  She was waiting on test results when I visited.  Pray for Brandy.

Doug Martin’s mother-in-law is in ICU.  Pray for her.

Zach Switzer tore his ACL playing football this past Friday night.  Surgery on 10/30.  Pray for a successful surgery and a complete healing.  (Joey wants us to take up an offering but we are not going to do so)

Mandi Fortner is one of Lisa’s best friends.  Mandi’s parents are great friends too.  This past Wednesday, 10/3, Mandi’s mother took a fall.  Hurt her leg.  Went with Mandi on Thursday in order to lead a ladies’ conference at Pastor Terry Rainey’s church in South Carolina.  Finally went to the doctor yesterday.  Fractured femur.  Emergency surgery last night.  Three pins inserted.  Surgery deemed successful.  All I can say is that Katherine is one tough lady!  Read up on a broken femur and you will know what I am talking about.  Pray for complete healing.

Karlie Garnett’s fiancé, Kaleb Barker, is the starting quarterback for Troy.  He hurt his knee in the game this past Saturday and is out for the season.  Will have surgery on Friday.  He was enjoying a really good season.  His life is about to change drastically when Willard becomes his father-in-law!  That may be tougher than a torn ACL!  Just saying!

We are on a regular schedule tomorrow.  I thought Hurricane Michael might pay us a visit but that does not appear likely now.  I talked to Kendall Falana and he agreed to move it away from our area of the coast.  Pray for those who will be impacted by this hurricane.  It is presently forecasted to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall.

Folks, Kendall Falana knows weather.  Basically never gets it wrong.  If you want to know what the weather will be at your place on November 12, 2018 at 3:05PM just ask Kendall!  That goes for any date, any time.  The man is amazing!  You do not believe me?  Just ask his wife, Lee!

Well, the Dodgers won the series against Leslie Hacker’s Braves.  Honestly, the Braves arrived a year early.  They are so young.  The Brewers are on fire.  Not sure if the Dodgers can handle them.  I hope so but then it will be the Astros or Red Sox in the series which would be another tall order.  Meanwhile, Red Sox 16 Yankees 1 – are you serious?

Speaking of the MLB, it was great having Bobby Henley back in our services this past Sunday.  I wish the Nationals had made the playoffs but am really glad to have Bobby home.

This entry has been too long.  My apologies.

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)

This entry is late.  You think?  My apologies.  No excuses.

Brandy Gazzier was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon.  Lindsey Vice told me what the suspected problem is but all I can remember is gastro and elevated blood counts.  Regardless, pray for Brandy.

The visitation and service for Phillip Turner’s mother takes place tomorrow.  Visitation is from 11:00AM until 1:00PM when the celebration of life service begins.  Everything from the Trinity Bible Church in Moss Point (which is really in Escatawpa).  Pray for the Turner family.

Vera Bosarge’s sister passed from this life early yesterday morning.  Very unexpected.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for the family.

Miss Cora Martin was able to go back to the assisted living facility late last week.  Clara said Miss Cora is obviously doing better.

Virginia told me that Steve is “getting there” slowly but surely (paraphrase).

Pray for Brandon, Pam and their son, JZ, as they go to Florida next week.  Thanks for those who joined us in prayer last night.

Good day in our services yesterday.  God is faithful.

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

Wanda Jean Turner, 63, of Escatawpa, MS passed away Thursday, October 4, 2018, after a short battle with cancer. She was born January 16, 1955 in Andalusia, AL to Charlie and Mary Smith. She was an employee of Moss Point School District for nearly thirty years and a devoted member of Trinity Bible Church. She enjoyed singing, baking, crafting, and family dinners after church. Most of all, she enjoyed being “Granny”. Wanda was preceded in death by her father, Charlie Smith; son, Charles Green; and brothers, Phillip and Harry Smith. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Bobby Turner; mother, Mary Smith; sons, Lindsey (Amanda) Turner and Phillip (Claire) Turner; sisters, Beck (Randolph) Cooper, Polly (Royce) King, Mary (Rick) Delauder, Gail Watson, Wynona (Gene) Harris, Charlene (Michael) Bosarge, and Terri (Dave) Bohannon; granddaughters, Charlee, Mary, and Collins Turner; along with numerous other nieces, nephews, close friends and extended family. She was also “Granny” to Aubrey & Tessa Hester and Travis & Allie Harris. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Trinity Bible Church, 7313 Elder Ferry Rd., Moss Point, MS 39563. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Perry Smith officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Serene Memorial Gardens in Moss Point, MS. Pallbearers will be Michael Bosarge, Gene Harris, Corey Harris, Robert Harris, Christon Green, and Charles Green. Wanda’s family would like to give special thanks to the staff on 1 North Center at Singing River Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Trinity Bible Church.

Phillip graciously sent me a message that I received early this morning sharing that his mother passed from this life around 11:00PM last night, 10/4/18.  Obviously the arrangements are incomplete at this time.  I simply ask that you join me in praying for Phillip and his family as they walk through this valley.  Phillip and Claire are an amazing young couple and we are blessed to have them as a part of the Friendship family.

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

I am writing this on Thursday night because of the time difference between Guatemala and Alabama.  (Ten of our thirteen blog readers live in Alabama so that is the official time of this blog – FYI)  So, I said that to say that I do not have any updates.  Going with the “no news is good news” scenario.

I do know that Phillip’s mother continues to need our prayer support.

Kirk & Michelle Lightfield’s grandson, Brayden, did well through his surgery.  The tumor was removed.  He remains in the hospital recovering.  Keep praying.

Lisa, Deidra and I boarded a bus at 6:15AM in San Salvador on Thursday heading to Guatemala City.  We arrived in GC right at 11:30AM.  Oscar Solis picked us up in a rental vehicle and took us to the airport where we would wait on Lisa’s sister, Kim, to arrive via Delta.  Once we got Kim then we headed to GRACE Mountain making one stop at San Martin in San Lucas.  We got to GRACE Mountain around 4:00PM.  I left soon thereafter going to take care of a very important matter – getting a haircut and shave – heavenly!

I met everyone else (minus Soy) in the mall for supper and the arcade.  It was a good evening of food and fellowship.

Well, the Dodgers won the first one against Leslie Hacker’s Braves.  Two more to in order to advance.  We shall see.

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)

As far as I know, Edna Pearl was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Pray for a speedy recovery.

It appears that Miss Cora will also be discharged soon.  Keep praying.

Pattie Suthoff’s sister had two surgeries yesterday if I understand correctly.  Last word I received is that she is now doing good following her second surgery.  Pray for her.

I did not get an update on Phillip’s mother yesterday but do ask you to keep her in your prayers.

Kim French told me this past Sunday that the procedure that was done on her father, Greg Boutwell, had not had the desired results as of that time.  I am praying it will eventually work.

The one day conference in Santa Ana was good.  Around eighty folks attended.  They seemed to be grateful for the opportunity.  I am very thankful to the men who put these conferences together – Carlos, Guillermo, Manuel & Miguel.  I am also grateful to Pastor Joe Bailey, Pastor Keith Martin, Evangelist Michael Mason, Deidra & Lisa.  They all did a superb job.  To God be the glory.

The Yankees took care of the A’s last night.  Can they handle the Red Sox in a five game series?  I am thinking it will be the Red Sox and Astros in the league championship series.  I am in hopes the Dodgers will get past the Braves but Leslie Hacker has other hopes.  Time will tell.

I am also in hopes that the system around Central America will just simply go away.  We need no more storms or threats of storms this year.  Just saying.

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

Kirk & Michelle Lightfield’s grandson is having surgery today to remove a tumor.  Please join me in praying for everything to go well.

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

Happy twenty second birthday to our daughter, Dana.  Happy twenty second birthday to our daughter, Gina.  It is hard to believe those two are now twenty two years old!  I hope they have a great day!  I love Dana & Gina and thank God for placing them in my life.  Happy birthday girls!

All is well on the home front as far as I know.  Miss Cora, Edna Pearl and Phillip’s mother all remain hospitalized.  Edna Pearl could be discharged from the hospital today.  Miss Cora has been moved to a regular room.  Phillip’s mother continues to be a very sick lady.  Pray for these folks.

Regular scheduled on the Friendship campus this morning and evening.  Bro. Jerry will be teaching in my absence.

We had a long day at the conference in El Salvador yesterday.  It was a good day.  Pastor Keith Martin brought a great message yesterday morning.  The three guys plus Deidra & Lisa taught workshops during the day.  The folks seemed to enjoy it.

This morning we are leaving to go to a second location.  Four of us are leaving at 4:00AM and the others will come one hour later. We have about a three hour drive.  All four guys will preach today and the ladies will lead workshops.  Then tonight we will all stay in San Salvador anticipating leaving in the morning.  Thank you to all who have helped in any way to make these conferences possible and specifically to those who have prayed.

Evangelist Michael Mason paid for my lunch yesterday!  A miracle!  Amazing!  They had to call 911 to revive me!  Of course it was only $3.11 but he paid is the point!  Has never happened before and will probably never happen again.  In other words, we had revival on this mountain in El Salvador!

Pastor Wes Bates is a sad man this morning as his beloved Cubbies took it on the chin last night.  The Rockies and Brewers have been very hot to end the season.  Levi S is pumped about “his” Astros.  Leslie Hacker and I will be on opposite sides of the fence when it comes to baseball over the division series between the Braves and Dodgers.

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday 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 morning from El Salvador.  Pastor Joe David Bailey, Pastor Keith Martin, Evangelist Michael Mason, Deidra, Lisa, Tico and I all arrived safely to the conference site yesterday afternoon.  The conference had already begun and Pastor Joe David basically got out of the vehicle and stepped behind the pulpit to preach.  After a supper of pupusas, Evangelist Michael Mason preached.  Both men did a great job of sharing the Word.  Thanks to those who prayed and are praying!

Edna Pearl Morgan did well through her surgery.  Knowing Edna Pearl she will asked to be discharged today!  Keep praying for Edna.

Miss Cora Martin remains hospitalized.  She is doing better but still needs our prayer support.

Phillip Turner’s mother also remains in the hospital.  As I have written previously, she is a very sick lady and certainly needs our prayers.

Keep praying for Steve Morris & Robert Baria in their respective situations.

I have received several messages related to this past Sunday night’s service.  Thank you to those who have taken the time to write to me.  We give God the thanks and glory for moving in our midst.

Lisa left early Sunday morning heading to Guatemala.  She did that in order to spend the afternoon with Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey before she and Deidra took a bus to El Salvador yesterday.  My point is that I was “on my own” for Sunday’s lunch.  Witney Edwards came through for me as she sent me a nice serving of red beans and rice.  It was pretty neat to me how she took red beans and rice from Popeyes and put them in a container to make them look homemade.  She also sent a cupcake but forgot to put icing on it.  I was good with that as I do not eat cupcakes anyway.  My chickens sure enjoyed it.  The food was good so I will give Witney an “A” for effort.

The Dodgers won their sixth consecutive NL West title yesterday – hooray!  Sammy Bowden, Cecil Guidry & I are happy campers!  Now the Dodgers wait on Les Hacker’s beloved Atlanta Braves to come to town to begin a best of five series.  Pastor Wes Bates is sad today as his beloved Cubbies lost yesterday and now have to win the wild card game today against the Rockies.  I am going with the Cubs in that one.

All of a sudden Levi Seymour comes on the scene boasting about “his” Astros.  I did not even realize they were still playing ball.  LOL!  The Astros (103 wins) and the Red Sox (108 wins) are both the real deal.  I suspect one of those two teams will win it all this season.

However, the important thing to remember is that college football will be played this Saturday.  I will be traveling and it appears I will miss seeing the Bama game – can you believe it!

Pray for the conference in El Salvador today, please.  Lisa & Deidra will lead four hours of workshops.  The other three brothers and I will lead five and one half hours of workshops.  Pastor Keith Martin will preach this morning and I will do likewise tonight.  Early tomorrow morning we will move to another location with a totally different group of men and women.

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)

Edna Pearl Morgan will have knee replacement surgery this morning.  She has to be at the hospital at 5:30AM which means her surgery should begin at 7:30AM.  Pray that all goes well for Edna today.

Clara Broadus’ mother, Miss Cora, remains in ICU.  Keep praying for Miss Cora to improve to the point of getting into a regular room.

Phillip Turner’s mother remains hospitalized.  She definitely needs our continued prayer support.

The visitation with the Jack Broadus family begins today at noon and lasts until the 2:00PM service.  Visitation and service at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore.  Jack is Jim’s brother.  Pray for the family.

We had a good day in our services yesterday.  Once again, the evening service was unique.  Not planned but God showed up and He blessed us in a special way.  I am very thankful to the folks who give priority to attending our Sunday evening service.

I am writing this entry from the Pensacola airport as I have a flight departing at 5:30AM.  I will be joining Pastor Joe David Bailey, Pastor Keith Martin, Evangelist Michael Mason, Deidra, Lisa and Tico Vargas in El Salvador for a pastors’ conference today through Wednesday.  I will join Deidra & Lisa on a bus Thursday going up to Guatemala where I will perform the wedding ceremony for Teresita Lara on Friday night.  I am scheduled to arrive back in PNS around 11:00PM on Saturday night so, Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit Sunday morning and evening, 10/7.

Deacons, we will meet at 4:00PM this Sunday.

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