Pastor's Blog

Good morning from GRACE Mountain.  Lisa tells me that yesterday went well on our campus with a good attendance and a very good front pew shower for Bro. Jacob, Allyson & Presley.  Thank you to each person who attended the services, participated in the front pew shower, prayed, taught, et cetera.  Special thanks to Bro. Abel for preaching the Word.  Praise the Lord!

This coming Sunday, 11/9, will be an important day in the life of the Friendship family as we will receive the special Refresh offering and gather around the table for a time of homecoming fellowship and food.  Lord willing, I will be home and in the pulpit Sunday morning.

The first graduation at Colegio JET went well.  Actually, it was great!  Eddie Turrentine did an outstanding job of delivering the commencement address.  Rex Looney, Daisy & Sabrina did well with the music.  Deidra, the teachers and the North Americans in attendance all did a great job of decorating, hosting the seniors, et cetera.  The seventeen seniors and their families were happy campers. Thanks be to God for His many blessings on that special day.

The seniors and six chaperones left at 3:30AM today for the inaugural senior trip.  They will travel all over Guatemala returning home this Friday.  Pray for their safety and a great time of fun and fellowship.

The first wave of North Americans left Guatemala yesterday afternoon, the second wave leaves today and, last but not least, Sandra Wilson leaves tomorrow.  Again, pray for traveling mercies.

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

On Friday, February 7, 2020, we gathered on GRACE Mountain to dedicate the building which would house our school, Colegio JET.  That first year would see us have grades K5 through the 7th grade.  We added a grade each following year (8th – 2021; 9th – 2022; 10th – 2023; 11th – 2024 and then our final addition was a 12th grade class in January of 2025).  The dedication day was a big day!

Today, Saturday, November 1, 2025, is an even bigger day as we will gather this afternoon beginning at 4:00PM to celebrate as our seventeen seniors will walk across the stage to receive their high school diplomas!  Hallelujah!  To God be the glory!  Several of them are the first one in their respective family to graduate from high school.  Rex Looney will be our guest singer (assisted by Sabrina) and then my brother, Eddie Turrentine, will bring the commencement address to the graduates.  Eddie deserves the honor of being the keynote speaker for this first Colegio JET graduating class as God greatly used him to help bring it into existence.  I am thankful!

Seven of our graduates have been with GRACE Ministries since we began the feeding/tutoring ministry in 2014.  They are Cindy, Erick, Ingrid, Melany, Ronaldo, Sergio & Wilfredo.  Seven other graduates have been in Colegio JET since the beginning in 2020.  They are Amaryllis, Fabian, Henry, Hilda, Jefferson, Jennifer & Kevin.  The three Labriel brothers, Lawrence, Michael & Jules have been students in Colegio JET for four years.  I am equally proud of each of these graduates and this major accomplishment in their lives!  To God be the glory!

I think I am correct in writing that twenty-two folks from four states will be in attendance at the graduation ceremony today.  Thank you to each one who has made the trip to join us for this special time.

Yes, today will be a bittersweet time as the one person who would absolutely love being in attendance is Soy Taylor.  Soy loved these seventeen students and they love him.  He would be super proud of this first graduating class of Colegio JET.  He will not be with us today but his memory and influence will last for many, many years.  Soy will be missed but he lives in our hearts and memories. Thank God for Soy!  Pray for Deidra, Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey today in a special way.

Tomorrow (Sunday, 11/2) will see us celebrate the graduations of our K5, 6th graders and 9th graders.  Congratulations to each of these students!

More good news from GRACE Mountain – this past Monday saw a machine removing dirt making a place for the construction of our new building for Iglesia JET.  As the dirt began to be moved, a couple contacted Deidra to share that they were going to make a large financial donation which makes it possible for the first level of the church to be completed and possibly a good start on the second level.  How about that!  Thank God for obedient people!  God always comes through as He is faithful!

Back on the home front – flag football today beginning at 8:00AM.  Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.  Front pew shower in the 10:00AM service for Bro. Jacob, Allyson & Presley Hall.  Diapers (sizes 2 or 3), wipes and/or sweets will be appreciated.  Bro. Abel will be preaching in both services tomorrow.  Friendship family, be faithful to attend.

Two of the four heating/cooling units in our auditorium were replaced this week.  Thank you to each person who helped in any way.

Special offering for our Refresh project next Sunday, 11/9.  Homecoming meal on that day in the CAB beginning at 5:00PM.

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

I am going to have to go with the “no news is good news” today regarding things from home as I have not received any updates.  Bro. Abel is traveling so I fully understand the “why” he has not updated me.  Just pray for those whom we have been listing.

Flag football tomorrow morning beginning at 8:00AM.  Pray for this ministry.

Time change on Saturday night – “fall back” one hour prior to going to bed.  (The Fall time change Sunday is my favorite Sunday of the year and I am going to miss it this year due to being in Guatemala!)

Special offering for our Refresh project on Sunday, November 9.  Pray fervently and then give sacrifically as led by the Lord!

Special homecoming supper/fellowship on Sunday, November 9, in the CAB beginning at 5:00PM.  Meat and drinks provided by the church.  Please bring sides and desserts.

The third day of the conferences and revival services went well here.  A special thanks to Spencer Bell, Doug Chappelle and Rex Looney for being here to lead these ministries.  I so appreciate their heart for GRACE Ministries!

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

First, a correction as I gave some incorrect information in yesterday’s entry.  Can you believe I made a mistake?  Tim Knighten did not see a doctor at Houston Methodist but simply dropped off a copy of his medical records/history.  The folks at HM will review those records and then set an appointment for Tim to come to see their doctor(s).  So, Tim & Peggy wait on the call.  Keep praying.

Bro. Abel tells me that Marie Brooks is better and should be discharged from the hospital at some point today.  Pray for Marie & family.

I “think” Jeanette’s newest granddaughter may be discharged from the hospital today,  Keep praying for Wes, Rebekah and the baby.

Bro. Abel also tells me that we had a good day in our services yesterday.  He said the youth building was filled for Bro. Jacob’s first service – praise the Lord!

A good second day of ministering to pastors and other church leaders in Guatemala yesterday.  Several obstacles came up but when all was said and done the Lord blessed the singing, preaching and teaching of His Word.

The revival service at Iglesia JET was great.  The place was literally packed.  Our missionary/pastor friend, Mark Mast, was in attendance with twelve others from Michigan. Bro. Rex did a nice job of leading the musical worship and Pastor Doug Chappelle did likewise in preaching the Word.  Thank God for a really good night!

I missed the softball game but I know one must have taken place based on Spencer Bell’s attire.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday, 11/2.  Remember, time changes this Sunday morning at 2:00AM so “fall back” one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

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

First, let me give you an update on Tim Knighten.  He and Peggy arrived at M.D. Anderson on Sunday night, 10/26.  Scans were done on Monday and they met with the doctor for the results yesterday.  The good news is that Tim’s situation with his malignancy continues to be great.  Praise the Lord!

The not so good news is that they found a problem with his carotid arteries.  The Lord blessed and Tim was able to get an appointment yesterday afternoon at the Methodist Hospital in Houston.  They will be doing more testing and setting up a plan of action.  Pray for Tim & Peggy!

Word came to me from Bro. Abel last night that Marie Brooks has been admitted to the hospital.  Lisa had told me late yesterday afternoon that was a possibility.  Pray for Marie.

Praying for those in Jamaica and Cuba who are being affected by Hurricane Melissa.  What a powerful storm!

Tonight will mark Bro. Jacob’s first Bible study with our students.  Pray for all to go well.

Jimmy Tagert has taken the lead in handling the air conditioning situation in our auditorium.  I appreciate his diligence and expertise.  Hopefully, all will be well this Sunday, 11/2.  Jimmy is not flying solo so I not only appreciate him but the others who are helping too.

Friendship family – regular schedule on our campus today.  Special “refresh” offering on Sunday, November 9.  Homecoming meal/fellowship on 11/9 beginning at 5:00PM in our CAB.

Yesterday was a long day for those of us involved in the Christian workers conference and revival service on GRACE Mountain.  We left the mountain at 5:30AM, did the conference, returned at 4:30PM and then had the revival service beginning at 7:00PM.  We had a really strong attendance in the revival service.  I am thankful to Spencer Bell, Doug Chappelle and Rex Looney for their ministry yesterday.  I was a bit confused when Spencer asked the pastors at the conference what percentage of their offerings went to the CP – talk about calves looking at a new locked gate!  Oh well, he is young!

I appreciate Bro. Abel filling in for me today.  Pray for him.

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

Good morning from GRACE Mountain.  Thank God for a safe day of traveling yesterday.  I was joined in Atlanta by Spencer Bell, Doug Chappelle, Haley Rae Garnett and Rex Looney.

First, I want to give a belated welcome to Bro. Jacob Hall as he began his ministry at Friendship yesterday.  Praying for many fruitful years of ministry for him.  We will have an “honest sweet hug” front pew shower for Bro. Jacob, Allyson & Presley this Sunday, 11/2.  Bring diapers, wipes, a cake, pie, cookies, et cetera to bless this family.

Second, I want to congratulate Bro. Abel Garcia on the birth of his grandson this past Friday.  All is well and we give God the glory.

Full day here as we leave the mountain at 5:30AM for the pastors conference, return around 5:30PM, have a revival service at Iglesia JET beginning at 7:00PM.  I look forward to hearing Dr. Rex lead in worship and to hearing Dr. Doug preach the Word.  Pray for God to show up and show out!

Speaking of God showing up and showing out, He did exactly that yesterday as a huge donation was promised to the building of a physical building here on GRACE Mountain.  Wow!  God is faithful!  More details later.

Friendship family, special Refresh offering on Sunday, 11/9.  Pray & give!

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

Happy birthday (belated) to my sister, Melissa.  Her big day was yesterday.  I hope she had a great day.

Happy birthday to my younger brother, Freddie.  I hope that his day will be great!

We were blessed with a good day yesterday.  Yes, the rain did keep a good number of Baptists away but thank God for the rain!  Thank you to each person who attended our Sunday School and worship service.

Our annual Hallelujah Festival was well attended and TJ & Lindsey Vice did a nice job or coordinating it all.  Special thanks to each person who helped in any way.  Thank God for the CAB!

I am traveling to Guatemala today in order to take part in a pastor’s conference featuring Dr. Spencer Bell, Dr. Doug Chappelle, and Dr. Rex Looney.  Pray that God will move among us this week.

Got to board.  Blessings!

The Lord blessed us with a good day in our services yesterday.  Our evening service was especially well attended and the Spirit was great in both services.  Thank you, Jesus.

Bro. Abel will become a grandfather again tomorrow.  He should be heading North at some point today.  Our mini’s soccer has been moved from Friday night to Saturday morning.  Bro. Abel has plans to be back soccer and flag football Saturday morning.

Bro. Jacob Hall will begin his ministry at Friendship on Monday, 10/27.  Pray for him and his family as they make this move and begin this new phase of ministry.  Exciting time for our student ministry.

It appears almost certain that our annual Hallelujah Festival will be held inside the CAB this Sunday, 10/26, from 4:00PM until 6:00PM.  The weather forecast has been consistent for several days calling for Sunday to be a rainy day.  I will hear from TJ Vice today and will post the final decision on Saturday morning.  However, I am almost one hundred percent certain the inside plan will be route we will take for this year’s event.  Stay tuned!

Jimmy Tagert is leading the charge in handling our heating/cooling situation in our auditorium.  I appreciate his time and effort.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning.  Friendship family members, come join us for Sunday School beginning at 9:00AM and the worship service beginning at 10:00AM.

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

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.  Come join us!

The visitation/service for family and Sharon Jardee takes place today at 11:00AM and noon respectively.  Everything at Serenity Funeral Home.

A HUGE thank you goes to each person who came yesterday and helped load the container.  We were a bit short on help but the Lord certainly used those who came to be a blessing.  I appreciate Mike & Wes driving all the way from Knoxville, TN to bring much of the stuff too.  Did we have obstacles?  We did.  Did the Lord allow us to overcome them?  He did.  Praise Him!

We need candy for the Hallelujah Festival and we need folks to host trunks/booths/whatever.  The time will be from 4:00PM until 6:00PM.  What if it rains Sunday?  TJ Vice has a back-up plan.  The man is always prepared.  Can you say Eagle Scout?

Special offering on Sunday, 11/9, for our auditorium refresh project.  Special anniversary fellowship meal on that day beginning at 5:00PM.  More details coming soon!

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

Special thanks to Eddie Albritton & Joey Bosarge for their help last night in getting the final boxes ready to be placed on the container this morning.

Two Yankees (Tennessee), Mike & Wes, arrived around 5:00PM yesterday with a U-Haul truck, two U-Haul trailers and a full size truck loaded with Christmas packs for Guatemala.  Of course they just happened to mention that they love seafood so off to Bozo’s II we went.  Good food and good fellowship with a stop at Lowe’s to finish their packing list.  When they got back to our house they were two tired men.  Today will be another long day for them.

This morning the container is supposed to be on our campus at 9:00AM.  We have two hours to get it loaded and sent away.  Yes, we could use “all hands on deck!”  No heavy lifting just a lot of boxes with mainly the Christmas bags inside.  If available, please come help.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.  Praying for a great attendance and a great spirit in those services.

We will have a homecoming meal/fellowship on Sunday afternoon, November 9, in the CAB beginning at 5:00PM.  Pot luck style.  More details to come!  Mark the calendar.

The visitation with the Sharon Jardee family takes place tomorrow morning beginning at 11:00AM.  The service begins at noon.  Everything at Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the family.

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