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)

Received a call from Larry Whitehurst shortly before 3:00PM yesterday afternoon telling me that Tammy Womack passed from this life just after 2:00PM.  I stopped by and visited ever so briefly with Pastor John last night.  He will go make the arrangements today.  Pray for Pastor John, their daughters and the entire family.  Thank you for being faithful to pray for Tammy over this past year.

Liz Whalen will have surgery today.  Pray that all goes well.

Stacey & Gayla Dyess have their hands full at this time.  Last Wednesday, 8/22, Stacey’s mother suffered a stroke and was admitted to a hospital in Jackson, MS.  Monday his dad had an episode that has had him admitted to a hospital in Meridian, MS. Gayla is having some issues with kidney stones and had some test done Monday.  So, as you can see this family needs lots of prayer support.

I have another prayer request that is private for the time being but certainly is deserving of our prayer support.

By the way, Bro. Johnny Tucker is preaching revival services in the GRACE Community Church this week.  I think that concludes with tonight’s service.

Looking forward to Dale & Karla being with us this Sunday morning and evening.  Carl Ray Moulds will be bringing the men from the Mission of Hope for the evening service which means we will need plenty of food.

Regular schedule today – morning and evening.  I will go into Mobile for Liz’s surgery but will be back in time for the morning service, Lord willing.

Eddie Albritton & Marcus Hatcher will be coordinating our basketball leagues this year.  I know they are not much but mama always taught me that “beggars cannot be choosy!”  Details about the leagues coming soon.

It needs to “thunder” in order for Bobby & the boys to have a chance in the NL East race.  Why?  Because Les Hacker’s Braves have grabbed onto that league like a snapping turtle and apparently are not going to turn loose until it thunders!

The college football season is almost here – hooray!  I am ready!  Have I mentioned that in this space previously?

Lisa had me eating weeds Monday afternoon and mowing yesterday afternoon.  Would not let me come in either day until past dark thirty.  I am literally mowing or eating weeds every day of the week except Sunday!  Can someone say “Fall!”

I do not want to jinx this blog but I “think” we may be up to fifteen readers now.  Is that incredible or what?  I just hope our website does not crash because of an overload!

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)

Liz Whalen’s surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning.  Pray that all goes well.

Keep praying for Tammy Womack.  As far as I know, there has been no change in her situation.

There are at least four people hospitalized who are related to folks within the Friendship family.  I am praying for them but do not list those people on this blog unless I have received prior permission.  I want to be mindful of a person’s privacy.  Just pray for these four folks, please.

Larry’s fifth radiation treatment went as planned.  However, he and Judy got a huge lift as they were able to get a room in the Gabriel House on the campus of the Mayo Clinic.  This is an answer to prayer and they are happy campers.  He receives treatment number six today at 9:00AM.  Keep praying!

I am excited about Dale & Karla being with us this Sunday in all three of our services.  The evening service is an excellent opportunity for you to invite folks who are not involved in a church to come join you.  Meal at 5:00PM and the service at 6:00PM. Lisa and I invited a couple of folks yesterday.  If you are in town this weekend then please make plans to join us.

I am not necessarily a fan of Tiger Woods.  However, I will give the man his props for what he said this past weekend about respecting the office of the President of the United States.  Well played, Tiger!

College football begins for me this Saturday, 9/1, at 2:30PM when Auburn plays Washington.  Of course, Alabama plays that night and then LSU plays on Sunday night.  Also interested in the Michigan vs Notre Dame game.

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)

We were blessed with a really good day in our services yesterday.  To God be the glory.  It is all about Him.

Tammy Womack continues to keep our prayer support.  Keep praying for Pastor John and the family too.

Larry Whitehurst begins his second week of radiation treatments today.  Pray that he will have a good week.

Lois Adkinson continues to recover from her surgery so keep praying.

Sarah told me yesterday that Tom is doing well.  Keep praying.

Liz Whalen will have surgery on Wednesday morning.  Pray for it to be successful.

Linda Green & Tina Wilkinson have traveled to Mississippi in order to attend a celebration of life service for one of Linda’s nephews.  Pray for the family and for traveling mercies.

The Friendship family will host Dale Bosarge this Sunday, 9/2, in our morning services as he will be bringing the message.  Then he will be bringing the message through illusions in our evening service which will take place in our CAB.

We will gather in the CAB at 5:00PM to enjoy a meal together which will feature bar-b-que cooked by Jack Lastorka and hot dogs grilled by our deacons.  The church will also furnish the drinks.  The church family is asked to bring the sides i.e. beans, potato salad, chips, et cetera plus desserts.  Our plan is begin the service around 6:00PM.

A love offering will be received for Dale & Karla in all three of our services.  If you were in last night’s service then you know what my prayer is for the minimum offering to be given to this fine young couple who lives by faith.  Pray and give!

The Friendship family adopted the proposed budget last night.  Our next official budget will not begin until January 1, 2020 per an earlier vote of the church family.

Bobby and the boys had a great game yesterday but there just seems to be too much ground to make up in order to catch Leslie Hacker’s Braves.  Ditto for making it in as a wild card entrant too.  I guess stranger things have happened and I would love it.  Just not optimistic.

It is game week for college football – hooray!

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

The Friendship family will host a service at the Mission of Hope tonight, 8/24, beginning at 7:00PM.  Everyone invited!  Bus transportation is not an option tonight.  Pray for this service.

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

The knee replacement surgery on Miss Lois Adkinson went well.  It was a long day for her as they took her late (surprise, surprise) but it all ended well and for that we are most grateful.  The family “thinks” Miss Lois will be discharged from the hospital today.  Pray for Miss Lois.

Spoke to Larry Whitehurst via the phone last night.  He is doing well.  He will receive another radiation treatment today and then have the weekend off.  Keep praying that the radiation is removing the tumor!

Visited with Pastor John Womack last night.  Wanted to encourage him as best I could and to pray with him.  As you know, Pastor John is a man of strong faith.  Keep praying for Tammy as she is physically low.

One of my great nephews, Jayden, suffered a broken arm on Wednesday night.  He had surgery yesterday and the doctor put three screws in to hold the bone in place.  It was a very bad break.  Jayden will be nine years old in October.

Regular schedule this Sunday, 8/26, for the Friendship family.  We will have the proposed budget meeting at 4:15PM in the auditorium and then will vote on it with no further discussion in our evening service.  I am very grateful to the members of our Finance Committee for a job well done (in my opinion).

The weather folks are calling for rain again tomorrow and Sunday.  So, Lisa has laid down the law regarding the yard work on this hill – get it done today or else!  Plus, get groceries!  Plus, et cetera!  You folks just do not know!

Jack Lastorka, will you contact me today, please?  Thank you!

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)

Miss Lois Adkinson will have knee replacement surgery today.  Pray that all goes well.

The visitation with the Ruth White family takes place tonight in Pensacola.  This is Elizabeth Westbrook’s maternal grandmother. Pray for the family.

Larry Whitehurst had his second radiation treatment yesterday and will have treatment number three today, Lord willing.  Keep praying for Larry.

Tammy Womack continues to need our prayer support.

Liz Whalen confirmed last night that she is still scheduled for surgery next Wednesday, 8/29.  Pray for Liz.

Service at the Mission of Hope tomorrow night, 8/24, beginning at 7:00PM.  Jonny Gaston will be preaching.  The bus will not be making the trip.  Everyone invited to join in this service.

We were blessed with good attendance in our services yesterday.  Thank you Friendship family for being faithful!  We give God the glory!

Just got back from taking Bobby Gene to the airport.  Bob is an important dude!  As we are on our way to the airport his phone rings at 4:30AM.  Who gets calls at that hour?  Only important folks!

Leslie Hacker’s Braves are going strong.  The Dodgers are too just in the opposite direction!

One weekend away from the official start of the college football season – hooray!

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

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

I spoke to Tammy Womack’s mother-in-law yesterday afternoon and she simply said what Larry & Judy have been telling me in that Tammy is physically low.  Keep praying for Tammy, Pastor John, their daughters and the family.

Larry’s second radiation treatment should take place today.  Pray for Larry.

Laurie Chandler sent me a message yesterday saying that her recovery is a slow go.  She is basically not able to do anything and her husband, Bobby, is having to do it all for her.  Pray for Laurie and also continue to pray for her mother.

Lois Adkinson has knee replacement surgery tomorrow.  Pray that all goes well.

The visitation with Elizabeth Westbrook’s maternal grandmother’s family takes place tomorrow night from 5:00 – 7:00PM in Pensacola.  The service will take place on Friday morning at 11:00AM.  Everything at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.  Pray for the family during this time.

We are on a regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Preschool choir and children’s choir at 5:30PM.  I hope the Friendship family will be faithful to attend.

We have six of our senior high students who will be taking part in our GRACE Ministries trip to Guatemala next June.  They are actively raising their financial support with the help of Bro. Jim Chinners.  They are selling Boston butts for the Labor Day weekend.  The cost is only thirty dollars.  Please consider helping our students experience a life changing trip by purchasing one or more of these meats.

How did the meal with Bob Evans go yesterday?  Great.  We went to Juanita’s and Bob used all seven of the Spanish words he knows!  I like Bobby Gene!

Leslie Hacker’s Braves just keep winning.  Bobby & the boys beat the Phils last night but they have a long row to hoe if they are going to catch the Braves.  I am basically throwing in the towel on the Dodgers.

Come on college football season!  I am so ready!

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)

Spoke to Larry Whitehurst via the phone last night.  He and Judy arrived safely and he is set to receive his first radiation treatment today.  I am praying and believing that God is going to use this means to rid Larry of this tumor.  Will you pray with me toward that end?

Larry also told me that Tammy Womack continues to be low physically.  Judy visited with her on Sunday night.  Tammy, Pastor John, their girls and the family certainly need our fervent prayer support.

Charlotte Davis did well through her surgery and went home yesterday afternoon.  Praise the Lord!  I appreciate Brenda Poiroux keeping me updated.

Tom Thornton’s surgery was a success as well and he went to his father’s house following his surgery.  Tom has a sister who is a nurse who will be keeping an eye on him.  Thankful that Tom’s surgery went well.

Levi Seymour was involved in an automobile accident late last week.  Brianne had to take him to the ER early Sunday morning.  He is better and I pray he completely recovers soon.

Lois Adkinson is next on the surgery list as far as I know.  She will have knee replacement surgery this Thursday.  Pray for Miss Lois.

Elizabeth Whalen will then be next on the surgery list.  If my memory serves me correctly, her surgery will take place on August 29.  Keep praying for Elizabeth.

Steve & Virginia Morris still need our prayer support.  Slowly but surely may be the words for Steve and his recovery.

I have not heard from Laurie Chandler but I am sure prayers would be appreciated as she recovers from her surgery.

Same for Bro. Jerry Hovel and Miss Kittie Camp.

Failed to mention in yesterday’s entry that Claire Belle and Collins were discharged from the hospital on Sunday.  They are doing well.

The deadline for the members of the Friendship family to sign up for the June 2019 GRACE Ministries trip was this past Sunday, 8/19.  Again, I assumed nothing in regards to folks going.  The trip has filled but I will allow folks to contact me today to either sign up or make sure their name is on the list.  I will not accept someone else doing the sign up for another person – have to hear from you personally.

Took Deidra to the airport yesterday afternoon and she arrived on GRACE Mountain around 11:00PM their time (midnight here).  I know her girls are going to be happy campers in just an hour or so when they awaken.  It was really good to have Deidra with us for a few days.  I am very proud of Deidra.

Foot note – Lisa went with me to take Deidra to the airport.  Why?  She would not get out of the car because she was squalling and then Deidra is squalling going into the airport.  That was certainly a great help!

I made an appointment with Bobby Gene Evans last week to have lunch with him today.  His birthday is next week but he will not be here on that special day.  If Bob was not a fan of the Yankees then he would be a really good guy!  He is basically a clone of Sammy Bowden except Sammy is a Dodgers fan which is the correct team for which to cheer.

Speaking of the Dodgers, it appears that neither the Dodgers or the Nationals will be taking part in the post season this year.  That saddens me especially as it relates to the Nationals.  Things can change but they are not looking good right now for either team.

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)

Larry & Judy will be traveling today as Larry begins his radiation treatments tomorrow.  Pray for safety in travel and then for the radiation treatment to be effective.

Two surgeries are scheduled to take place today.  First, Charlotte Davis, sister-in-law, to Anna Carol Bosarge & Brenda Poiroux, will have surgery in Mobile.  Pray that all goes well.

Second, Tom Thornton, husband of Sarah, will have surgery in Birmingham.  Tom has been diagnosed with a malignancy.  Pray that the surgery will be successful.

It was good to see Bro. Jerry Hovel in our early service yesterday.  Keep praying for his recovery.

Miss Kittie Camp will have her stitches removed today.  Her plan is to be at work on Wednesday.  We shall see.  Pray for Miss Kittie.

Keep praying for Tammy Womack.

Wendy Johnston has an Aunt who is supposed to be discharged from the hospital today but is going to require 24/7 care at home. Pray for this situation.

Deanna Wetterer’s maternal Uncle suffered a heart attack yesterday afternoon.  He is in Mississippi.  Pray for him.

Elizabeth Westbrook’s maternal grandmother’s service will take place this Friday.  The visitation with the family will take place on Thursday night.  Everything will be in Pensacola, Florida.  Pray for the family during this time.

I am very biased but I enjoyed hearing Deidra in last night’s service.  She, Soy and others are doing a good work in Guatemala.

I am also thankful that the Friendship family is sending some relief money to Pastor Alex in India.  Pray for the folks affected by the flooding.  Pray for Pastor Alex as he ministers to those affected by the floods.

I was raised being told “if you want something done right, do it yourself!”  I just returned from taking Kendall Hargraves to the airport.  Wait, I thought she had a flight yesterday afternoon?  She did.  Problem is that you have to actually be at the airport before the plane leaves in order to be on the flight.  Like I said, “if you want something done right. . . ”

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