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)

Luke Brown’s mother is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today.  That is really good considering she had her knee replaced on Tuesday.  Pray that she does well in rehab.

Bro. Benny McGath’s brother-in-law, Joe, was taken by ambulance to the hospital on Tuesday.  He was transferred to a different hospital yesterday.  It is my understanding that he will have at least a triple bypass surgery on his heart tomorrow.  Pray that all goes well.

Max Peacock’s son, Kenny, passed from this life this past Sunday.  He lived in California.  Pray for Max and his family as they go through this difficult time.

Bob Evans’ aunt also passed from this life Sunday.  Her service was yesterday in Oregon.  Pray for Bob and family as well.

Good attendance in our services yesterday.  I am thankful to those who are faithful to attend.

The fire department is hopefully going to burn the back forty today.  I appreciate John Milton Ladnier handling this for us.  Our ultimate goal is to get our soccer fields built on this property so everything can take place on our campus.  Still need two or three more coaches for the soccer leagues.

The Sweet Sixteen begins tonight.  I hope to catch some of the games over the course of the weekend.  Of course, Lisa has that proverbial “list” for me to do.

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)

Regular schedule for the Friendship family this morning and evening.  I hope many members will attend.

Joey Switzer’s father did not have surgery yesterday.  They found some other things that needed to be corrected before they can do the surgery.

I will get an update on Luke’s mother today but I am assuming her surgery went well.

Bobby & Ann’s brother-in-law, William Freeman, is not doing well.  He is battling cancer.  He is at home under medical care.  Pray for him along with his family.

Wendy Johnston and her sisters left this morning heading to Kansas to be with their mother.  Pray for them as they travel and then that they would have a blessed time with their mother and each other.

We need four folks to step up to serve as coaches in our soccer leagues.  If you are willing to serve in this ministry then please contact Amy Reynolds or Coley Johnson as soon as possible.  Same if you know of a child wishing to join these leagues.

I probably cannot name you four of the sixteen teams left in the tourney as I have watched very little.  However, I am going with John Wooden and the Bruins to win it all again!

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)

Scott Fontenot’s heart went back into rhythm yesterday morning and they sent him home from the hospital.  Changed his medicines in hopes of preventing a stroke should he have another episode.  Pray that all continues to go well.

Wendy Johnston called last night to say that her mother in Kansas has been diagnosed with a mass in one of her lungs.  She has opted to not have anything done as surgery is not a medical option.  Wendy will most likely be traveling to Kansas within in the next few days.  Pray for this situation.

Luke Brown’s mother will be having knee replacement surgery today.  Pray that all goes well.

Joey Switzer’s father will be having surgery today.  Pray for that procedure too.

Marie Brooks will have a test performed today.  She is anxious so please pray for her.

Steven Johns has gotten less than desirable reports from the doctors in recent days.  He has some tests coming up.  Pray for Steven.

Bro. Jerry Hovel will be having knee replacement surgery on April 10.  Begin praying now that all will go well in that procedure.

Get ready as Bo’s “freeze” is here for the next three nights with projected lows of  43, 40 & 45.  Brrrrrr!   The long range forecast is calling for sixty percent rain chance on Easter Sunday.  Could affect our early service – we shall see!

Soccer sign up has gone well and the teams have been divided.  If you know of a child wishing to play in these leagues then you need to contact Amy Reynolds or Coley Johnson immediately if not sooner!

I am going with Lisa and her parents this morning to visit Ann’s brother-in-law, William “Smidge” Freeman.  He is not doing well physically.  I hope to be back by noonish.

I spot planted some corn two weeks ago and it is coming up nicely.  Snap beans appear to be doing the same.  The peas are still hiding in the soil.  My initial corn is looking good.

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 way late.  My apologies.

Scott Fontenot was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon.  He is in afib which has never happened to him before.  He and Nanette were in the service yesterday morning but then he had to be taken to the ER in the afternoon.  I am on my way to visit Scott this morning.

Good day in our services yesterday.  Topped off with Parker Vice’s public profession of faith last night.  Good attendance in all services.

Wow, the tourney is crazy.  How is your bracket?

Hope your Monday is great with Jesus.

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

Ok, everyone who had UMBC taking down UVA raise your hand!  By twenty points!  Amazing!  That is why I am not into predicting games!  Oh well, the Will Reynolds look alike (UVA coach) has now been sent home from the tourney.  Just amazing!  I could not believe the outcome of the game or the score when I read it this morning at 4:00AM.  Are you kidding me?

Work day begins at 8:00AM today.  Biscuits at 7:30AM.  I have had more folks tell me that they were not coming then I have folks saying they will be there.  Yes, there is a 50/50 chance of rain.  Here is the plan – we will lay the sod which should not take long and hopefully plant the grass seeds.  Too wet to burn the brush pile.  We should be finished fairly quickly if all goes as planned.

Soccer evaluations continue this morning from 9:00 – 11:00AM in the CAB.  Contact Amy or Coley for more information.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

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

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

If I would only be kind to others then that would be great.  Throw in the tender-hearted and it would be amazing!  Great verse!

I have done a poor job of posting the blog entries early this week so I decided to make Friday’s edition an early one.

First, we still plan on having the work day tomorrow beginning at 8:00AM unless it is just raining really hard.  The sod will be delivered today so we should be good to go.  There are other things to be done as well.  The rain will affect the raking of leaves, et cetera but we will do what we can.  Biscuits at 7:30AM.

Second, the evaluations for our soccer leagues take place this afternoon from 5:00 – 7:00PM and then in the morning from 9:00 – 11:00AM.  All evaluations will take place in the CAB.  Question?  Need more information?  Contact Amy Reynolds or Coley Johnson.

Third, regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.  I am praying for a full house in each service.  Join us!

Fourth, I owe Coach Avery Johnson an apology for picking against Bama based on coaching.  Bama did not play great but they did play well enough to win.  Do I think they will beat Nova?  Did you seriously just ask me that question?  No, I do not but that is why they play the game!  Congratulations to the SEC conference for going 4-0 the first day.  Hopefully, they can duplicate that in today’s games.  I am a SEC homer!

Fifth, State Senator Rusty Glover is trying to get a bill passed that keeps Alabama on daylight savings time (totally not correct) year round.  I like the no time change but I prefer leaving it on the standard time.  I do applaud Senator Glover’s efforts though.

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)

This entry is way late.  I apologize.  I could make excuses but they would be just that – excuses.

I found out yesterday morning after our service that one of the young people involved in the bus accident on Interstate 10 had a connection to GRACE Ministries.  I had met her sister two or three times while she was staying/ministering in Guatemala last Summer & Fall.  So, I went to Mobile and visited with the young girl who had been in the accident and her mother.  She has two torn ligaments in her left knee but will be sent home for surgery.  They were supposed to be discharged yesterday afternoon and were going to begin driving home.  Keep praying for all involved in that accident.

Speaking of driving home, Mark, Tina, Rachel & Ben left yesterday morning heading toward Canada by way of Michigan and then Chicago.  It was good having them with us for a few days.  Great family.  Great missionaries.  Great friends.

Kirk Lightfield sent me a message yesterday afternoon telling me that his brother, Carl, passed from this life yesterday morning.  About one month ago Kirk & Michelle were able to spend a week with him.  Pray for the Lightfield family.  It is my understanding that Kirk will not be traveling back to the States for the service.

Good day in our services yesterday.  God is good.

The work day set for this Saturday, 3/17, is a go.  It “may” be raining.  If so, we will still lay the sod unless it is just pouring.  Biscuits at 7:30AM and work begins at 8:00AM.

Ok, so March Madness officially (in my mind) begins today.  I am going with the team coached by the Will Reynolds look alike and that would be the Virginia Cavaliers.  (Each time I see their coach I think of Will)  I also think Bama gets out coached today (nothing against Avery) and will be one and done.  I am a Buzz Williams fan.  I think Auburn wins big tomorrow.

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)

“Be kind to one another!”  What a great admonition from the Word of God.  I would do well to heed that advice today and every day.  Kind to everyone even those who are not kind to me.  Easier said than done but what a testimony of the grace of God.  (Disclaimer – as far as I know no one has been unkind to me in recent days, weeks, et cetera – just need to be reminded to be kind to all)

Carolyn Abendroth was moved to a rehab facility.  I hope to check on her today.

Visited with Randy & Pam Tillman yesterday.  Pam is under hospice care as she is now in her fourth battle with cancer.  Amazingly, she is the one who answered the door as Randy was not a home when I first arrived.  Pray for Pam and Randy.

It has been good to enjoy fellowship with Mark, Tina, Rachel & Ben Mast for the past couple of days.  They will leave this morning heading toward Michigan before turning Northwest on Saturday heading to Rainy River.  Pray for their safety as they will drive over thirty hours between now and Saturday night.

Regular schedule for the Friendship family this morning and evening.

Soccer evaluations in the CAB this Friday, 3/16, from 5:00 – 7:00PM and Saturday, 3/17, from 9:00 – 11:00AM.  Questions?  Need more information?  Contact Amy Reynolds or Coley Johnson.

Work day this Saturday, 3/17, beginning at 8:00AM.  Biscuits served at 7:30AM.  This is an “all hands on deck” effort as we seek to prepare the buildings and grounds for Easter weekend.  Bring yard tools, et cetera and come help.  We will quit no later than noon.

I am going to predict that the winner of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament will not be a team from the SEC.  I think I have made my pick but will not reveal it until tomorrow.  The suspense is killing you!

Kirk Cousins is going to sign an eighty four million dollars contract for three years with all of the money being guaranteed – that is crazy!  Good for Kirk!  Folks in Holland, Michigan speak very highly of him.

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)

Visited Carolyn Abendroth yesterday morning and she was in good spirits and in hopes that she would be moved to a rehab facility later in the day. I do not know if that happened or not.  Keep praying for Carolyn.

Spent a good part of the day with Mark, Tina, Rachel & Ben.  We made a couple of visits and just caught up on family matters, ministry matters, et cetera.  We enjoyed a family meal last night and then had a special time of worship led by Pastor Mark.  It was a good evening and I appreciate Pastor Mark’s leadership.

I do not like this time change!  I prefer it get light earlier in the morning.  I am thinking about going back to the “normal” time!

Not really interested in the play in games tonight but am ready for the tourney to begin on Thursday.  Should be fun!  I have not decided which team I will pick as the winner.  May reveal that Thursday morning.

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)

First, my wife made it home yesterday morning and for that I am most grateful.  I am very glad that she was able to spend a week with Soy, Deidra and the girls just enjoying their company and doing ministry.  However, she was greatly missed here by me!  So, I am a happy camper!  She returned exhausted as I booked her on the red eye return flight (1:00AM departure) and she cannot sleep on a plane.  As is her nature, she stayed up and helped serve lunch before going to bed.  She would have gotten up for the evening service but I intentionally did not awaken her.

We had a good day in our services yesterday.  The attendance was down some but nearly what I was afraid it would be.  I am thankful that the rains held off until after the second morning service.  Pastor Mark Mast did a very nice job of sharing in the two morning services.  Thank you for giving to the love offering for Rachel Mast.

Ben Mast did a very nice job of brining the message in our evening service.  He is a fine young man and I believe he will go far in the ministry.  It has been a blessing to see the work God has done in his life over the years.

The reports are that the yard sale and auction went very well.  Thank you to all who had a part in these events.

Work day this Saturday, 3/17, beginning at 8:00AM.  Gary Walton has already volunteered to work the flower beds.  Steve Morris has ordered some sod and grass seeds for a couple of areas on the campus.  We will lay that sod and plant those seeds.  We will have biscuits available beginning at 7:30AM for those interested.

Carolyn Abendroth may be moved to a rehab facility today.  Keep praying for Carolyn.

The visitation with the Bubba Blake family takes place tonight from 4:00 – 8:00PM and then again in the morning from 10:00AM until the noon service time.  Everything takes place at the Mobile Memorial Gardens funeral home.  Pray for the Blake family.

Yes, our plans call for our 6:30AM service on Easter Sunday to be held outside.  Obviously, the weather could dictate a change in those plans but we are in hopes of being outside.  The 8:00AM and 10:30AM services will be held inside our auditorium.

Our adult choir will present their Easter musical on Sunday evening, March 25, beginning at 6:00PM.  Please make plans to be present.  Pray for this evening of ministry.

Congratulations to the Auburn basketball team for being a four seed in the tourney.  They should win their first game fairly easily. Alabama has a tough first round draw.  I like VT’s coach.  Good to see the SEC get eight teams in the tourney.  Totally not a fan of the play in games!  Let the tourney begin!

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