Pastor's Blog

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Daniel 7-9

Holly Lybarger’s test results came back negative.  (Reb had sent me an e-mail but it never made it to Guatemala)  Regardless, praise the Lord!

Steve Lewis was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

Keep praying for those folks battling cancer.  No new updates.  Bernard is getting close to the end of his radiation treatments.

The group of men and women who have spent this week working on Pastor Ben’s house left the mission house heading to the airport at 3:30AM.  The Mobile folks should land around 2:00PM and Ross will land in Grand Rapids around 4:30PM.  Pray for them to have safety in travel.  (I will be traveling a bit later today and get home late tonight)

I cannot say enough about this group and the work they accomplished this week!  Absolutely amazing!  They spent around fifty four hours (yes, 54) over the past four days working.  They never complained – not even once!  Caroline & Clara did a great job preparing the meals for the team.  These folks paid their own ways and several of them brought tools and supplies to be used on the job.  While they did not get “finished” the finish line is now easily in sight!  I am very grateful to each of them for their service to the Lord.  I am also thankful to Kirk Lightfield and John King for their assistance in this project.  Great week!

Pastor Doug Chappelle and his team arrived at the mission house last night.  It was good to see Pastor Doug, Pastor BJ, Michelle and the rest of the team.  (Pastor Doug hit me up for some money but what else is new?)

Received devastating news last night.  I thought we had thirteen faithful readers of the blog but that number is actually twelve.  Found out that my niece, Jamie Glenn, no longer reads the blog – wow!  It was a restless night for me!  (Just makes me appreciate Rex Looney all the more!)

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading –Daniel 4-6

Good morning from Guatemala.  Could not post yesterday as we did not have internet service before we left for the work site.  Sorry about that!

Steve Lewis had a heart cath and should come home from the hospital today.

As far as I know, Terrance McGaster came home from the hospital.

Holly Lybarger should have gotten her test results yesterday.

We had at least three ladies step up and provide transportation home from the church service for some of our students last night.  Thank you ladies!  The Lord knows who you are and will reward you!

Women’s conference weekend.  Ladies, please plan on attending.  The Riders will be in all of our services this Sunday.

This small team is incredible!  They left at 5:30AM on Tuesday and got back to the mission house after dark.  Yesterday, they left at 3:30AM and got back around 7:30PM.  This morning they are leaving at 5:30AM and will get home whenever.  Not a single complaint from any team member!  Much has been done in Pastor Ben’s house.  God is good!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Joel 1-3

Good morning from Guatemala.  This will be short and hopefully sweet as the team is leaving at 5:30AM for the work site and will not get back to the mission house until dark thirty.

Terrance McGaster will possibly go home today.  He is doing well.  I appreciate Bro. Jerry checking on him.

I do not have an update on Randy Collins but will most likely receive one at some point today.

We are on a regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening with one exception – there will not be a 7:30PM Bible study.

The team here had a productive day.  These guys know how to work!  I joined them in the afternoon and we came back to mission house after dark.  Caroline Ford and Clara Broadus had a feast waiting for us – what a blessing!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 46-48
Tuesday, September 13 – Joel 1-3
Wednesday, September 14 – Daniel 1-3
Thursday, September 15 – Daniel 4-6
Friday, September 16 – Daniel 7-9
Saturday, September 17 – Daniel 10-12
Sunday, September 18 – Ezra 1-3

Terrance McGaster remained in CCU as of last night.  He is doing good.  It seems that they simply do not have a regular room available for him.

Randy Collins is scheduled to have another surgery today.  Hopefully this will correct his problems.

The Lord blessed us with a good day in our services yesterday. The evening service was very meaningful.  I am very grateful to each person who had a part in any of our services.  We continue to give God the thanks for His blessings.

Our GROW ministry takes place tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  Folks participating need to meet Bro. Jerry in the church office.

We will not have our prayer time tonight but will resume it next Monday, 9/19.  Please note this and let others know.

Also, we will not have the 7:30PM Bible study this Wednesday night, 9/14.  It too will resume next week.

The women’s conference is set for this Saturday, 9/17.  All women who have not done so yet are encouraged to get their tickets for this brunch gathering.  Contact Betty Creech if you need more information or want to purchase a ticket.

We had eight members of the Friendship family travel to Guatemala over the past two days.  Those traveling yesterday were joined by Ross Genzink from Michigan.  These folks will be continuing to work on the renovation of Pastor Ben Labriel’s house.  Pray for this team as they minister this week.  Actually, Randall & Rita ministered in song in a church yesterday morning.

Enjoyed the college football weekend although I actually only saw one game.  Crazy how the Oklahoma State game ended.  Will give credit to Coach Mike Gundy in his handling of that situation afterwards.  Personally, I do not understand why they cannot simply reverse the decision and award the Cowboys the victory?

I am on vacation this week as I am traveling to Guatemala today to join the others in working on Pastor Ben’s house.  Did not want to miss yesterday’s services so waited until today to fly out.  Lord willing, I will arrive home on Friday night.  Have a wedding in Baldwin County on Saturday.

Bro. Jerry is in the office if needed.  Our deacons are ready and available to minister in any way needed.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 40-41

Terrance McGaster came through his surgery very well.  I appreciate Bro. Jerry Hovel going to pray with Terrance before the surgery and being with the family during the operation.

Just found out that Randy Collins has been admitted to the hospital – again!  Wow, Randy has really been through it.

The breakfast with our senior adults went well too.  Sherry Schlehuber did a nice job of cooking with an assist from Cecil Guidry.  Bob Evans graciously helped with the clean up.  A decision was made to move the next two of these gatherings to Wednesdays since our folks are at church on Wednesday mornings for the service.  So, the next senior adults breakfast will take place on Wednesday, October 12, at 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  Folks who attend the breakfast will be expected to remain for the service at 10:00AM.  In November we will either do another breakfast or may do a “potluck with the pastor” following the morning service – TBD.

Our TNBA went well last night.  Our next gathering will be on Sunday night, 9/18.

We are on a regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.  Our evening service will be a special prayer service for our nation featuring prayers for our local officials, state officials and national officials.  The choir will be singing two specials and we will have a special guest to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” too.  My hope is that many members of the Friendship family will attend this special service.  Josh has a fellowship planned for our students following that service.

Pastor Jack Bailey does a daily blog at brotherjack.org.  He posted an article yesterday written by a Wesleyan pastor from San Diego.  The article concerns the upcoming presidential election.  In my opinion it is a good read.  It is the very last thing on Pastor Jack’s blog for Thursday, 9/8, if you are interested.  Or, I can send it to you as an attachment if you let me know you would like to receive it.

I did not watch the first game of the NFL season last night but read that the Broncos won which surprised me a bit.  Like him or love him, Cam Newton is a player!  The guy is good!  I have much more interest in the college games this weekend as opposed to the start of the NFL season.

The yard is calling my name.  I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 38-39

Terrance McGaster, son-in-law of Robert & Rose Anne Baria, is scheduled to have open heart surgery today.  This surgery was supposed to have taken place this past Tuesday but the surgeon had complications in another procedure which delayed this one.  Pray that all goes well for Terrance and that the surgery will be successful.

Carla Kyser was able to receive a chemo treatment yesterday.  However, her blood count was low so she will go in today to receive a couple of units of blood.

Claire Turner has a fourteen year old cousin who is in ICU due to heart failure.  No prior history of heart problems.  Pray for this young girl.

Jeff Long’s mother will have a pacemaker inserted tomorrow.

Clara Broadus has a great nephew whose life was taken in an accident.  I am not sure of the arrangements but do ask that you pray for the Johns family.

We had a good day in our services yesterday/last night.  The number in our student ministry Bible studies continues to climb and we give God the glory.

This morning our senior adults will gather at 9:00AM in the fellowship hall for breakfast.  A simple time of food and fellowship.  All senior adults are invited to attend even if you did not sign up as that was just to give our cook a general idea.  We will finish by 10:00AM.  Come join us!

We are going to have TNBA tonight beginning at 7:00PM.  The guys know the requirements.  I realize the NFL regular season begins tonight but the show must go on!

The Friendship Fall soccer league begins at 8:00AM this Saturday, 9/10.  All games will be played at Grand Bay Middle School on the baseball/softball fields.  Pray for this ministry.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 35-37

We had a group of folks minister at McKemie Place last night.  I received the following from Rita Broome:  “We were very blessed to see how our church family responded to the McKemie ministry. So many people donated to the supply list and many others prepared a meal to bring to these women. Their prayer tonight was so touching as they thanked the Lord for our church and the time we took to bring them a meal. 9 women came to know Christ tonight as a result of us giving economically and giving our time. Would you please let the church know how very appreciative and how blessed they were to receive such a delicious meal? They had enough left  for tomorrow’s breakfast due to the outpouring of love from Friendship.”   All I can say is “amen” and “to God be the glory!”

By the way, I mentioned that we had two salvation decisions in our middle school Bible study last Wednesday night.  We also had one following our senior high Bible study taught by Dylan Westbrook.  God gives the increase and we give Him the glory!

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Fare for the 7:30PM Bible study is lasagna and the trimmings.  Dylan Westbrook will once again teach the senior high students while Jim Chinners will teach the middle school students.

All of our senior adults are invited to join us in the morning, 9/8, at 9:00AM for a breakfast.  We will meet in the fellowship hall.  All you have to bring is yourself.  It would be great if you would bring a friend!  The food will be great but I believe the fellowship will be even greater.  Come join us!

I did not make any college football picks last weekend and I am glad.  I would have fanned on most of my picks.  Sure I would have picked South to beat MSU – right!  I am just in hopes that Bama can beat WKU this Saturday.  BTW, Troy won this past Saturday too!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 32-34

Good morning from home sweet home – Grand Bay, Alabama!  It is true that there is no place like home!  We thank the Lord for His protection and watch care as we traveled over the weekend.

Really no updates today.  I suspect those should come tomorrow.

McKemie Place ministry tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  Want more information?  Call Rita Broome.

I am asking our senior adults to sign up for this Thursday’s (9/8) breakfast by noon tomorrow.   We will meet in the fellowship hall and the meal will be served beginning at 9:00AM.  Great food and greater fellowship!  Come one, come all!  Call the church office to sign up or do so in tomorrow’s morning service.  This is designed to become a monthly happening for our seniors.

The Friendship Fall soccer league begins league play this Saturday, 9/10.  Pray for this ministry.

Enjoyed the weekend of watching the college football games.  Got called out following yesterday’s post for not mentioning the USM Eagles come from behind victory over UK.  (Honestly, I did not even know USM played UK and certainly did not know they had won)  So, “climb the top” or whatever it is they say in the ‘Burg!

While I am at it let me mention that the Montana State Bobcats lost a close one, 20 – 17, to the Idaho Vandals.  Louisiana Monroe was able to win in their new coach’s debut.  Did I miss anyone?

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 28-31

Tuesday, September 6 – Ezekiel 32-34
Wednesday, September 7 – Ezekiel 35-37
Thursday, September 8 – Ezekiel 38-39
Friday, September 9 – Ezekiel 40-41
Saturday, September 10 – Ezekiel 42-43
Sunday, September 11 – Ezekiel 44-45

Good morning from Dallas, Texas.  Lisa, Dana, Gina and I have enjoyed a long weekend away.  We have certainly enjoyed the company of Tom & Shari Compagner and Ross & Kathy Genzink (it would have been so much better had Tom or Ross at least offered to pay for at least one meal – just saying!)

Obviously, we enjoyed the game on Saturday night.  I enjoyed watching other college games on television. Happy for South Alabama and their huge win on Saturday (that comment was for Kim French).  Auburn can be proud of their effort against Clemson.  Bryant won their game on Friday night while Coach Collier and team took a tough loss.  The ND vs UT game was entertaining last night.  Looking forward to the FSU vs Mississippi game tonight.

We were able to attend a church service yesterday morning.  I always enjoy attending other churches just to see how they do things.  This church observed the Lord’s Supper as the main focus of their worship.  They were very, very welcoming of guests.  I think they have a bright future.  Which church?  First Baptist Dallas.

Our four Yankee friends boarded a plane and headed home this morning while we will get in a car and drive home.  We are in no rush so we will be home whenever we get home.

Do not have an update from our services yesterday.  I am sure Pastor Wes did well.  Hope to update in tomorrow’s post.

I pray that you will have a great Labor Day with Jesus.  Remember, the church office is closed today for the holiday.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 22-23

Good morning from Dallas.  Nothing new to report today as far as those on our prayer list are concerned.  Just keep praying.

Regular schedule tomorrow with Pastor Wes Bates preaching in all three services.  Randall Broome will be leading our musical worship.  Pray for the services.  If you are in town, please be in your rightful place.

Emotionally, it has been a tough couple of days for me.  I vividly remember 9/1/14 (Labor Day) when “C” sent me an iMessage telling me that she was in the hospital.  Little did I know at that time that in just a little over three months she would pass from this life at such a very young age with so much life seemingly in front of her.  However, she had an absolute trust in God as do I so I take comfort in “absent from the body present with the Lord!”  One day I will see her again but death sure does stink!

Yesterday, 9/2, marked the thirtieth anniversary of the passing of Lisa’s only brother.  I had the privilege of knowing Michael Clark for just over six years.  He was not only my brother-in-law but he was my good friend.  I also vividly remember where Lisa, Deidra, Daphne and I were when we got the news of his accident.  One of the toughest (maybe the toughest) days of our lives up to this point.  Again, so young.  However, Michael also had an abiding faith in God and I will see him again too but death sure does sting!

Exactly three years later, 9/2/89, the Lord would call Dub Ladnier home after a tough battle with cancer.  Bro. Dub & Michael were friends and I guess it was only fitting that they shared a promotion date (9/2).  Dub Ladnier was a faithful church member and a very good friend.  I miss Dub too.  I do not like cancer!  However, cancer did not win as Bro. Dub was simply escorted from this life into eternity because of his personal relationship with God through Jesus – our God is an awesome God!

So, we all need to enjoy each day of life given to us and celebrate with those we love as we have no promise of tomorrow.  Tell those close to you that you love them today!

College football galore today!  Somehow I let Lisa make the hotel reservations for here and we are staying in a hotel connected to a mall – imagine that!  She “thinks” she is in Heaven!  We had a good time fellowshipping with Ross & Kathy Genzink and Tom & Shari Compagner yesterday afternoon.  Last night, we were joined by Joe David, Lori, Ty & Josie Bailey.  Good times.  Dana & Gina joined us around midnight.

Lisa and I spent Thursday night in Monroe, LA at the home of Ken & Kathryn Huff.  You talk about good hosts – wow!  I highly recommend “Hotel Huff” to anyone passing through Monroe!  Great people!

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