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)

Ethan and Brittney Nelson welcomed their fourth child, first daughter, into this world yesterday afternoon at 5:29PM.  She was a couple of weeks early based on Brittney’s due date but she weighed five pounds and thirteen ounces.  Congratulations to Ethan & Brittney and their three sons!

Thanks to the members of the Friendship family who attended the visitation and memorial service for Ted Ezell yesterday.  I appreciate it.

Dana and the baby were discharged from the hospital yesterday morning.  All is well with them.  We are grateful.

Basketball today beginning at 8:00AM and then awards ceremony beginning at 5:00PM.  Pray for this ministry.

Bus workers’ meeting today at 8:30AM.  Pray for this ministry too.

The men from the Mission of Hope will be fed breakfast at 7:15AM tomorrow and then will join us for our 8:00AM worship service.  Thanks to Carl Ray Moulds and all those helping with this ministry.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Pray, attend and bring someone with you.

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

They have admitted Brittney Nelson into the hospital and have induced her labor.  She is thirty six weeks into her pregnancy but has been having high blood pressure issues recently.  I visited with Ethan & Brittney this afternoon and they are simply playing the waiting game.  Pray for Brittney and this precious baby.

“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 Ted Ezell family takes place today from noon until the 1:00PM graveside service.  This will all take place at the Pinecrest Funeral Home and Cemetery.   As I mentioned in yesterday’s entry, I hope some members of the Friendship family will attend this service honoring the life of a very faithful member of the Friendship family during his days in Grand Bay.  Ted was a good friend to this pastor and I am grateful.

The celebration of life service for Courtney Hubbard was the largest one I have ever personally witnessed.  The high school gym was packed!  I heard someone say the capacity was around two thousand.  Just an amazing crowd to remember an amazing young lady.  Keep praying for Mark and the family.

Dana and the baby are scheduled to be discharged from the hospital this morning.  I am in hopes that I can bring them home before heading to Ted’s service.  Dana has great motherly instincts and is doing a really good job.  Still tired and sore but I guess that comes with the territory.  Thank you for your prayer support.

Service at the Mission of Hope tonight beginning at 7:00PM.  Bus leaves church at 6:15PM.  Everyone invited!

Our final Saturday of this season’s basketball takes place tomorrow beginning at 8:00AM.  There will be an awards presentation beginning at 5:00PM.  Pizza and soft drinks will be served.  Katelyn Johnson needs three or four folks to help her serve these items.  If you will help, please contact her.

Bus worker’s meeting at 8:30AM tomorrow morning.

Breakfast for the men from the mission at 7:15AM Sunday.  Food needs to be in the fellowship hall no later than 7:00AM.

The NFL is apparently in damage control mode.  After rejecting the AMVETS ad in their written Super Bowl program they have now decided to involve fifteen Medal of Honor recipients in the game’s coin toss.  I am probably wrong but I think if the Super Bowl television ratings were to bottom out then the NFL might change their position on some matters at hand.

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

Ted Ezell, 75, of Mobile passed away on January 23, 2018 with family by his side. He was born June 1, 1942 in Destin, FL and was a longtime resident of Mobile and Grand Bay, AL. Ted served in the US Army, graduated from the University of West Florida and was an active member of Dauphin Way Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church for many years. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Kathleen Hughes Ezell, who preceded him in death. A dedicated father and grandfather, he is survived by his three sons and five grandchildren: Steven R. Hughes (Lesia) of Ackerman, MS and their children Katie Corley (Charles) and Drake Hughes, James E. Hughes (Kim) of Fairhope, AL and their children Mary Kathleen, Calvin and Hunter, and Thomas G. Hughes of Mobile, AL. He was a wonderful and giving man who loved his family and loved Jesus. We rejoice that his pain is over, and he is now with his Lord and Savior. The family will receive friends at 12:00 on Friday, January 26 at Pine Crest Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL. Graveside service will immediately follow at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to GRACE Ministries, P.O. Box 756, Grand Bay, AL 36541.

Since I posted the earlier entry today, I have made my way to the hospital to be with Dana.  She is doing good.  However, I found a very tired young lady, a very sore young lady and a young mother who is breastfeeding her baby every couple of hours.

We, as a family, are very appreciative of every prayer and every act of kindness shown to Dana up to this point.  We cannot adequately express our thanks enough.  However, “Dr.” Dad has decided that Dana does not need company today.  She needs rest and the baby will have some “boy” stuff done.  I surely hope this does not offend anyone and I appreciate you understanding.

Dana could be discharged today but the greater likelihood is that she will come home in the morning.  Folks are welcome to visit us on the hill.

Again, we thank you for your prayers and support.  We are blessed!

“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 Courtney Hubbard family takes place tonight from 5:30PM until the 7:00PM celebration of life service.  Everything takes place at the Ocean Springs High School gym.  Pray for Mark, the children and the rest of the family.

Learned yesterday afternoon that Ted Ezell was promoted from this life to his heavenly home early Tuesday evening.  Ted was a wonderful person!  There will be a visitation with Ted’s family tomorrow, 1/26, from noon until around 1:00PM at the Pinecrest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile.  A graveside service will begin at 1:00PM.  It is my strong conviction that as many members of the Friendship family as possible need to go show their respect and appreciation for Ted.  I realize that Ted has not lived in Grand Bay for years but he and Miss Kathleen were faithful members of the Friendship family during their time here.

Lisa and I were blessed with the birth of our eighth grandchild yesterday afternoon.  Long day but Dana did well.  Thank you for praying.  Jayden Everett made his appearance right before 5:00PM.  He checked in at six pounds and thirteen ounces.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away blessed be the name of the Lord!

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)

The celebration of life service for Courtney Hubbard will take place tomorrow night beginning at 7:00PM from the gymnasium on the campus of Ocean Springs High School.  It will be preceded by a time of visitation with the family beginning at 5:30PM.  Pray for Mark and family.

Thank you to those who are helping with the meal today for the Hubbard family.  You have responded beautifully.  A special thanks to Marisa Felps and Cecil Guidry for taking over the coordination of this meal.  They are being assisted by a good number of folks.  Thanks to Deidra for her help.  Thanks to Morris Bryant for transporting the meal to Ocean Springs.  If you have a question about the meal then contact Miss Kittie in the church office today and she will give you instructions.

I spoke to Larry Whitehurst a couple of times yesterday.  Folks, we need to seriously pray about Larry’s vision.  It is frustrating to him and I understand that.  Larry & Judy are strong believers in prayer and they strongly desire your prayer support on Larry’s behalf.

Keep praying for David Sellers.  Pray his rehab goes well.

Keep praying for Brittney Nelson and the baby.  Ethan too.

Word came to me yesterday morning that Ted Ezell is not doing good at all.  He is now under hospice care.  I spoke to one of his sons, James, yesterday.  I appreciate Rickey & Carolyn Barkley visiting with Ted.  Ted is a great guy.  Pray for him.

Our daughter, Dana, had an appointment with her doctor yesterday morning.  All was well.  As was the case last Tuesday, she had some issues and was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon.  Lord willing, we will see a baby born at some point today.  Pray for Dana and the baby.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Bro. Jerry will be preaching in both services in my absence.

I told you yesterday morning of three folks who did their homework on Monday.  I learned of a fourth person who did their homework too.  It is an anonymous situation but “wow” what an absolute following of James 2:14-26.  I will never be able to share it but I sure am grateful that person shared it with me.  What a spirit of humility!  Have you done your homework?

Still supporting the NFL?  Consider this – The NFL has rejected an ad for the Super Bowl’s printed program submitted by a national veterans organization. The full-page ad features a photo of the American flag, along with the words “Please Stand.”

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement Monday: “The Super Bowl game program is designed for fans to commemorate and celebrate the game, players, teams and the Super Bowl. It’s never been a place for advertising that could be considered by some as a political statement.”

“Freedom of speech works both ways,” Polk said in his letter. “We respect the rights of those who choose to protest as these rights are precisely what our members have fought — and in many cases died — for. But imposing corporate censorship to deny that same right to those veterans who have secured it for us all is reprehensible and totally beyond the pale.”

Enjoy the game!

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

Our world lost its sparkle on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, when Courtney Michelle Jalanivich Hubbard, wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend entered her eternal heavenly home.  Look to the sky and you should see it shimmering brighter than it ever has because she leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes. Courtney was born 1977, to her loving parents, Cheryl and John Jalanivich.  She was a life long resident of Ocean Springs, MS.  She touched the lives of countless children during her eighteen year career as an elementary school teacher for the Ocean Springs School District.  She was a phenomenal teacher and viewed her students and teaching as her medicine.  Courtney loved spreading joy and was known to shower her family and friends with special gifts to make them smile.  Her smile alone could light up a room and now the world seems a bit dimmer for all who love and cherish her.

Courtney fought the fight of her life battling cancer.  If love could cure cancer, Courtney would still be here spreading her love and kindness.  However, cancer did not win, Courtney is at peace and perfectly whole. She is singing, laughing, and adding extra sparkles of glitter in Heaven.

Courtney was joyously welcomed to Heaven by her niece, Blayne Davis who is enjoying all CoCo’s undivided attention; as well as, her maternal and paternal grandparents, Patricia and John Fagan and Winton and David Jalanivich, Sr.

Courtney leaves behind her Prince Charming of 20 years, Mark Hubbard.  Together they have 3 beautiful children, twins, Brock and Maura Kaye and son, Brayson.  Her children were her greatest achievement and brought her much joy and happiness.  She lived for watching her boys play sports and Maura Kaye dance and cheer. She was always on the sidelines or in the crowd cheering them on. She cherished the life she and Mark had built together.  Along with her husband, children and parents, she leaves behind two sisters; Melissa (Chad) Davis and Ashley (Chad) Collums; father and mother-in-law, Angelyn and Billy Hubbard; brother-in-law, Tracy (Jade) Hubbard; nieces, Laynee Davis and Logan Hubbard; nephews, Pruett and Parker Collums and Easton Davis; countless aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She treasured her friendships and considered her friends part of her family.

Courtney was treated by the world’s best medical teams at two of the finest facilities on the planet. Courtney loved her medical team and the staff at both locations.  Her team at MD Anderson was led by Dr. Abenaa Brewster and her team at The Regional Cancer Center was led by Dr. Benjamin Gatewood.  Her family would also like to thank Hospice of Light for the care and compassion that was provided in the days and weeks leading to her passing.

In lieu of flowers, Courtney wishes donations be made to: Sprinkles of Hope an organization that she established to shower patients with love and support; while undergoing cancer treatment. Donations can be made at Charter Bank under Sprinkles of Hope, 2702 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or you can hand deliver to the branch. She also wishes that you seek God in all things, give your life to Jesus, sign up to become an organ donor, and perform a random act of kindness.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 25, 2018, from 5:30 pm – 7 pm at the Billy G. Hubbard Gymnasium at Ocean Springs High School, 6701 Old Spanish Trail, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.  A service celebrating her incredible life will be held at 7 pm.

Online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com

She is clothed in strength and dignity, she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25

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

When the phone rang at 1:05AM this morning I immediately knew that one of two things had just taken place.  Either Dana was calling to say it was time to go to the hospital because she was in labor or Mark was calling to tell me of Courtney’s passing.  It was Mark sharing that Courtney had just traded life for everlasting life.  It is approaching 4:00AM and I just returned from being with Mark and family while they waited for the funeral home personnel to come.  Pray for Mark, the three children, Courtney’s parents, Courtney’s siblings and all of the family as they walk through this valley.

Lisa, Daphne and Deidra have been cooking a meal for the Hubbard family at least once week for the past several months.  Ann Clark & Marisa Felps have helped.  Lisa will be cooking a meal for them again tomorrow.  I am going to give anyone reading this blog the opportunity to help.  Lisa will be cooking roast – they absolutely love Lisa’s roast.  If you want to help with this meal then you can bring a side or a dessert.  I would simply ask you to have it in fellowship hall by 3:00PM tomorrow.  Cakes, cookies, brownies, et cetera would be great as they do not have to be refrigerated.  Please use disposal containers that do not have to be returned.  Please call Lisa’s office at 865 4517 by 5:00PM today (Tuesday) if you want to help with this ministry.

I did not contact Larry Whitehurst yesterday.  I was coughing so badly that I did not want to get around anyone.  I will contact him today to get an update.

Maria Wainwright shared with me yesterday that her daughter, Brittney Nelson, has been having problems with high blood pressure during this pregnancy.  She will be thirty eight weeks next Wednesday and, if she does ok until then, there is a strong likelihood they will allow her to have the baby then.  Pray for Ethan & Brittney and their family.

Charles Wainwright’s mother took a fall yesterday.  She was taken to the hospital by ambulance but did not break any bones.  Pray for Mrs. Wainwright.

Jennifer Brinkman’s grandfather in Maryland has been put under hospice care.  He is in the latter stages of Parkinson’s.  Pray for him and his family.

A huge shout to Jack Lastorka and his employer, Merit Health in Biloxi.  Merit Health provided us with several hundred individual containers of hand sanitizer that were placed in our worship center this past Sunday.  I am not saying the we knew exactly what to do with them but it was nice having them available.  Thank you Jack!

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

Mission of Hope service on Friday night beginning at 7:00PM.  Service will be a the mission.  The men will join us for our 8:00AM service this Sunday, 1/28.  We have folks preparing breakfast for the men which will be served before the service.  Thank you to everyone helping with this ministry.

Folks who attended our evening service this past Sunday were giving a homework assignment.  I heard from one of our young adults and her daughter yesterday.  They prayed on the way home from the service and asked God to give them an opportunity on Monday.  He did!

One of our  a bit older ladies shared with me following the service that she may have missed an opportunity on Sunday.  God gave her another opportunity on Monday and she did not miss it.

The Lord graciously placed an opportunity in front of me yesterday too.  I am thankful!

Called the doctor’s office yesterday morning which is a major step for me.  Told the lady that I had a persistent cough and an awful voice.  She asked, “are you sick?”  I replied that I was not running a fever.  She said, “we cannot see you this week as we are only seeing sick folks!”  (Believe me when I say that this old boy will be one sick puppy before he calls that office again!).

So, I contacted a doctor friend who graciously called in a prescription to help cut this cough.  It has helped.  Still sound horrible but not coughing as much.  I am also eating Luke Green’s honey like it is going out of style in an effort to stop this cough.  I did ask the doctor to give me an excuse to miss work the rest of the week but he did not do so.

Why did I not just go to an Urgent Care?  Two reasons – do not want to wait and do not want to spend the money.

Are you tired of hearing me complain?  Thought so.  I will stop!

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

P.S. – remember to call Lisa’s office today before 5:00PM if you want to help with the meal for the Hubbard family.  (Yes Courtney Cavin they will need tea and rolls!).

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

Larry & Judy Whitehurst arrived home around noon yesterday.  Larry is thankful for the prayer support and asks for continued prayers as he experienced some problems with his vision yesterday.  So keep praying for Larry.

As of yesterday afternoon, no significant change in Courtney Hubbard’s situation.  Keep praying.

Dave Sellers’ dad may be moved to a rehab facility at some point this week.

We were blessed with a good day in our services yesterday.  We give God the glory.

The folks who attended last night’s service were given a homework assignment.  Would love to hear how those assignments come to fruition.

By the way, if you agreed to help with the breakfast this Sunday morning, 1/28, then please have your items in the fellowship hall by 7:00AM.  Questions?  Contact Carl Ray Moulds.

Mission of Hope this Friday night, 1/26, at 7:00PM.  Everyone invited to attend.

Final day of basketball this Saturday, 1/27.  Awards ceremony in the evening.  Everyone invited.

Carl Ray Moulds has asked for those on the security team to meet with him this Sunday, 1/28, at 4:00PM in the fellowship hall building.

As the thirteen of you know, I have not watched any of the NFL games this year.  However, Pastor Joe David Bailey had told me about Carson Wentz and his position as a believer in Jesus.  My friend in Montgomery, Decker Terry, sent me an article last night that shared the faith stories of three other players on the Eagles team – good stuff.  So, while I will not be watching, I will be pulling for these guys and any on the Patriots who have the same faith.

The extended forecast as of yesterday afternoon called for three consecutive nights of below freezing temperatures for us next weekend.  Now they have changed that to only having one night, Monday, 1/29, at thirty two degrees.  I was in hopes of another cold snap!  Oh well, there is always February!

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