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 – 2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 16-17

The events in France yesterday are disturbing.  Very disturbing!  Join me in praying for the families of those eighty four folks known to have had their lives taken in this senseless act.  Two American citizens were in that number.

Sharon Jardee was set to be moved to a local rehab facility but received word yesterday that was not happening.  Not sure the “why” but do think she will be moved just to some other facility.  Bro. Kerry did the hospital visiting yesterday and I have not heard from him since he talked to Sharon.

The GRACE team led by Bro. Jerry returned home yesterday afternoon.  We thank God for their safety in travel.

Pastor Joe David Bailey and his team will be driving down from Danville, Alabama today.  Pray for them to have traveling mercies.  They will use tomorrow as a “tourist” day, will be in our services Sunday morning and evening and then will begin working on Monday. BTW, even though they will be staying in our CAB rooms, we will still have our regular Sunday School classes in there this Sunday morning.

I believe Jonny Gaston will be returning home from Dallas today.  Pray for him to have traveling mercies as well.

I spoke to Sheriff Ezell on the phone yesterday.  He is excited about the service on Sunday night.  I am too.  If you know of law enforcement personnel who are going to attend this service, it would be helpful if you could let me know in advance so we can kind of have a number as we have some plans in the works.

If you are a member of the Friendship family, you have received yesterday or will receive today a copy of the proposed budget for 2016-17 fiscal year.  If you did not for some reason and want one, contact me and I will make sure you get one.

Lisa arrived in Guatemala yesterday around noon their time safe and sound.  I am thankful.  She was a tired puppy last night as she only got a couple of hours of sleep the night before and, unlike me, she cannot sleep on a plane.  I am praying that she will have an awesome time this weekend with our family.

Lisa left me a list of things to do while she is away so I have to get with the program.  She is demanding that I make the bed daily to which I say “why?” but I best do what she says!  Will Rusty help mow today?  If he does it will be his usual twenty minutes!

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 – Micah 1-7

Sharon Jardee received word from the doctor yesterday afternoon that she is headed to a rehab facility before this week is over.  I would assume that means either today or tomorrow at the latest.  She is past ready to get out of the hospital.

Rob Nevin’s mother, Miss Barbara, is in the hospital for observation.  She seemed to be doing fairly well yesterday afternoon.

We had a good Wednesday.  The Youth Works folks showed up for our student Bible study last night.  I think they had sixty or so with them – folks from Pennsylvania and at least one from Alaska.  Lisa did a nice job with the meal for the 7:30PM Bible study folks.

Speaking of Lisa, she leaves early this morning heading to Guatemala.  Mission trip?  Nope!  Going to see Deidra, Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey!  Pray for her to have safe travels.  She is scheduled to return home on Monday.  As I said in an earlier post, Titus plans on being my shadow this weekend.

Pastor Joe David Bailey and twenty something young people/adults from Danville Baptist will arrive in Grand Bay tomorrow for a week of ministry in our area.  They will be living in our CAB.  The best part of that is that our daughter, Dana, will be coming home with them.  She has basically been gone from home since June 8.  Think she will be surprised that we have changed the locks?

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 –  2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12

Coley’s dad, Vic, was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon.   He and his family are grateful for the prayer support.

Visited with Sharon Jardee yesterday afternoon but she was fast asleep so I left a card.

Found out after I was almost home from the hospital that Yancey Hall is a patient having had a heart cath yesterday morning.  Plans called for him to be in the hospital overnight only so he should be discharged today.

Have not heard from Jonny Gaston as I do not have social media.  However, I do ask that you join me in praying for him as he ministers in Dallas.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Menu for the 7:30PM Bible study is meatball subs with the trimmings.  Trying to lighten the load a bit on my wife as she heads back to Guatemala early Thursday morning.  However, I will not be flying solo at home as Titus has already committed to being my shadow!

Excitement seems to be pretty high for this Sunday evening’s service which begins at 6:00PM.  I will be excited if we have a SRO crowd to show our support for the folks in law enforcement.  My younger brother is hopefully going to be among the law enforcement personnel in attendance.  Sheriff Mike Ezell will be the keynote speaker.  Pass the word!

My cousin, Anthony Gettig, has updated our “a glimpse of grace” website (aglimpseofgrace.com).  You really need to take a look!  Great job Tony!  Thanks!

Speaking of Guatemala, can you believe that our June ’17 GRACE Ministries trip is already filled to capacity plus?  Wow!  We will have to go to a waiting list after the next one or two folks sign up.  Interested?  Better contact me like yesterday!  We already have five or six young adults signed up for the July 27 trip too.  We thank God for these blessings!

Was in the office really late last night but did catch the very end of the Clemson vs Bama game.  Bama won!  I am happy!

What did Lisa and I do for our anniversary?  We went out to eat at some restaurant – Half Oyster or something like that.  My first time there.  The food was good but the fellowship was better!  The scenery from my viewpoint was amazing!

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 –  Amos 6-9

The were able to do the test on Coley’s dad yesterday and determined that his problem is diverticulitis.  It is “possible” that he will be discharged from the hospital today.

Sharon Jardee had a rough day yesterday as they did all types of procedures on her which really wiped her out.  It “appears” she will remain in the hospital most of this week.  She is so ready to be discharged but remains positive.

I was a little concerned about how the Friendship family would respond to our prayer time last night after two weeks off.  You did well.  As a matter of fact, we had the most we have had in attendance since mid May.  Thank you for praying!  Now, we have plenty of room for improvement in this area and I invite you to join us next Monday, 7/18, from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.

Today is a special day in my life as Lisa and I are celebrating our thirty sixth wedding anniversary.  Folks, I out punted my coverage on this one!  Lisa is the best thing that has ever happened to me humanly speaking.  I often times find myself wondering why did she marry me?  It was not for looks.  Or money.  Or a fast car.  I do not know the “why” but I sure am thankful!  I go along with the song that says, “I Do Not Get But Thank God I Got Her!”  Lisa, I love you!  Thank you for being an awesome wife, mother, grandmother, pastor’s wife, et cetera!

BTW, my sister, Melissa, and her husband, Tony, are also celebrating their wedding anniversary today so “happy anniversary” to them.  My paternal grandparents were also married on July 12.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

Watched some of the 2015 SEC championship football game last night.  I am assuming Bama won as they had a sizable lead whenever I turned the television off.

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 – Amos 1-5

Tuesday, July 12 – Amos 6-9
Wednesday, July 13 – 2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12
Thursday, July 14 – Micah 1-7
Friday, July 15 – 2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 16-17
Saturday, July 16 – Isaiah 13-17
Sunday, July 17 – Isaiah 18-22

This entry is late and for that I apologize.  I actually wrote some of it last night and was thinking in my mind that I had posted it already which I obviously had not done.

They will attempt to perform the tests today to determine why Coley’s dad is losing blood.  He was given more blood over the weekend.  Pray that they can find some answers.

Sharon Jardee remains in the hospital too.

As far as I know, all is well with the team in Guatemala.  I do not do social media so I do not get the updates.   I do know the one flying solo on Saturday made it to Guatemala as I talked to her daughter yesterday at church.

Speaking of church, we were blessed with good services yesterday.  The evening service as special.  Thanks to Amber Joyner for the slide presentation.  Thanks to Kayla Hatcher, John Ladnier, Brooke Ladnier, Rusty Suthoff and Karla Cooper for sharing as they all did well.  Thanks to James Mareno for his help with everything!  A special thanks to Jeff Holifield and Dana Taylor for being flexible!

Josh Schlehuber is doing a really good job of reaching out to our students.  There were approximately forty students in the service last night and they enjoyed dodge ball in the CAB afterwards.  I appreciate the effort Josh is giving to this ministry.  Late night bowling this Sunday night for those attending the evening service!

I have confirmed with Sheriff Mike Ezell of Jackson County, MS that he will be with us in our evening service this Sunday, 7/17.  We are in hopes that other law enforcement officials will attend as well.  We are simply going to let these folks know that we appreciate them and have their backs.  I am praying for a packed house!  Pass the word!

Our prayer time resumes tonight, 7/11, from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Enter/exit through the West door.  Come and go.  Come and stay.  Just pray!

Pastor Joe David and the students from Danville Baptist are set to arrive in Grand Bay this Friday afternoon/evening.  They will stay in the CAB for one week doing local missions.  Some of our students will join them.  Pray for this to be a great week of ministry.

I watched the LSU vs Bama football game (11/7/15) last night whenever I got home from church.  Tried to get Rusty to come join me but he said he was busy!  Bama won!  I was happy!  Lisa thinks I am crazy for watching a replay of a football game – what does she know!

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 –  Isaiah 1-4

Pray for Bro. Benny McGath and our bus workers as they meet this morning and then go out visiting.  What an important ministry to the Friendship family!

One of Bro. Jerry’s team members got sick on Wednesday night and was unable to fly on Thursday.  That team member is scheduled to fly “solo” today.  This will be their first time to travel to Guatemala so pray that the process is very easy.  I am believing it will be a piece of cake!

There were some complications that kept the doctors from performing the necessary tests on Coley’s dad yesterday.  As it stands right now, they will attempt to do the tests on Monday.

The visitation with Claire and family takes place tonight from 6:00 – 8:00PM at Holder Wells in Moss Point.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Jonny Gaston will be leading the evangelism training at 5:00PM in the youth building.  Our students will have a fellowship in the CAB immediately following the service.

We had a hot one yesterday.  I literally changed my shirt four times while weed eating.  Do not tell Daphne but I killed a snake in her back yard.  How big?  Huge!  Probably twelve to eighteen inches long.  Rusty did do his twenty minutes of mowing as promised.  I will have to redo it today but at least he feels good about himself.

I did something yesterday afternoon that I never do – went to the picture show!  I promised Titus that he could have a sleep over at the house and we would do a show too.  Lisa, Emmy & Nora joined us for the show.  I think I have probably now filled up the fingers on one hand as to the number of picture shows I have attended in my life.  The girls went home and Lisa went to the island so it was just us boys here last night.  Keeps me from being able to get out early in the morning since I will not leave Titus here alone while he is asleep but a promise is a promise and memories can last a life time.

Eventually, I will finish mowing the grass today.  Needs to dry out some before I start anyway.

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.  Join me in praying for our law enforcement officials and their families.

Mrs. Robin Martin Tait, 52 passed away from this life peacefully on Wednesday July 6, 2016 surrounded by her family, after a brave, strong fight to cancer. She was born on March 20, 1964 at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, MS. She was a longtime resident of Jackson County, MS. She was a graduate of OLV and a 31 year employee at Ingalls Shipyard.

Her favorite times were spent on her back porch with her family and friends. It was especially nice for her if a thunderstorm was near. She also enjoyed flower gardening, golf-cart riding, and watching the birds and her pets. She was a witty, fun-loving adventurist who was made happiest by the simple things in life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph T. Martin, her sister, Susie Mazingo, and her niece Becky Mazingo Richardson.

She is survived by her husband, Doug Tait of nearly 21 years, her daughters, Claire (Phillip) Turner, and Haley Tait, her sister Lynn Merrill (Bruce Kines), and her loving mother Harriet B. Martin, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and close friends.

A visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS with a rosary recited at 8:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:00 PM Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pascagoula, MS with Father Mike Kelleher officiating.

Interment will follow in Serene Memorial Gardens in Moss Point, MS.

“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 –  2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 26

The visitation with Claire’s family will take place tomorrow night, 7/9, from 6:00 – 8:00PM at the Holder Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS.  The service will take place at noon on Sunday from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pascagoula, MS.  Our Sunday School class will be providing a meal for Phillip and Claire Belle early next week.  Pray for Claire and her family.

Because of social media, you do not need me to tell you that the GRACE team arrived safe and sound in Guatemala yesterday afternoon.  We thank God for traveling mercies.  They will begin the ministry portion of their trip today.

David Bosarge is one of the participants on the trip and he would be greeted with the news that his mother, Miss Maxine, was diagnosed with leukemia yesterday afternoon.  Treatment options are being considered.

Visited with Sharon Jardee yesterday and she was doing good considering all of the surgeries she has been through in the  last couple of weeks.  Her attitude is extremely positive!

Visited with Vic Johnson in ICU.  They decided to wait until today to run the tests to determine the reason for his blood loss.  He was also in good spirits.

Bernard Suthoff saw the doctor yesterday and now has an appointment with a radiation oncologist.  He will have between twenty five to forty radiation treatments.  The doctor is encouraged that all will go well.

The events in Dallas last night are extremely disturbing to me.  Our country has gone crazy!  Lives matter regardless of the skin color.  Lives matter – even those still in the womb!  Where is the outrage over those lives being taken on a daily basis?  Our law enforcement officials are in a most difficult situation and certainly need our prayer support.

The yard is calling my name.  Garden is done with the exception of okra.  Was thinking of planting more corn but have pretty much talked myself out of that notion.  The grass is going so fast that I cannot keep up.  Rusty sent me a message yesterday saying that he is on day shift today but that he can help cut grass for maybe fifteen or twenty minutes once he gets home before he goes out for the night – are you serious!

Deidra keeps telling me how “wonderful” Soy is by his using the weed eater around the mission house in Guatemala.  Well, I hope he remains “wonderful” whenever he gets home as we have an unending supply of weed eating needs here.  I would love for her to get a picture as I have never seen Soy use a weed eater!

Regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.

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

Just received word that around 9:00PM last night, 7/6, Claire’s mother passed from this life.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for Claire and her family.

As you know, Zach Huhn is serving this Summer as a missionary in the state of Washington.  He left on June 10 and is scheduled to return home on August 10 which means this is basically the halfway point for Zach.  I hope that many of you have joined me in praying for Zach and now I am going to ask you to send him a letter, card, note, et cetera to let him know of your prayers and support.

His mailing address is Zach Huhn  18303 NE 191 Ct  Woodinville, WA 98077.  Thank you in advance for helping to encourage Zach.