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 – Proverbs 7-9

Word came from Dylan last night that yesterday was a long and tiring day for the Frontlines team with no visible results until the last two folks with whom Elizabeth spoke.  They both prayed to receive Jesus as their personal Savior.  Hallelujah!

I did not leave the hill yesterday so I do not have an update on Sharon Jardee.  I am going with the “no news is good news” approach.

Heard from Pastor Doug Chappelle last night.  Miss Mary Lee Owens is improved and should be moved to a convalescent facility tomorrow.

Charles Suthoff continues to settle in to his new surroundings in the rehab facility.

Dave said Becky was much better.

Mark said Courtney was a little queazy but otherwise doing good.

Regular schedule today/tonight.  Baptizing as a part of each service which will be a first for us.  Love offering for Soy & Deidra in all three services.

VBS begins Monday.  Pray for a great week!

Continued to work in the garden all of yesterday morning.  Moved to the mower around noon before getting washed away at 2:30PM.  No rest for the weary as Lisa then demanded that I snap beans.  She canned more beans yesterday afternoon and we now have over one hundred quarts canned.  I think Lisa said she will stop somewhere around one hundred and fifty quarts.  The Lord has blessed our green bean crop!

I pray that you will have a great Sunday with Jesus.  Go to church!

“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 – Proverbs 4-6

Sharon Jardee’s surgery went very well with not even a glitch from her heart.  The doctor said she only lost three ounces of blood during the surgery which was very, very good.  It is “possible” that she could be discharged today with tomorrow probably being more realistic.

Charles Suthoff was moved to a rehabilitation facility yesterday afternoon.  According to Pattie he seems to be a happy camper and is adjusting well.

Coley’s dad had a blockage and they placed one stent.  He should be discharged today.

The fluids did Becky Sellers well.  She was much better yesterday and was going back to the doctor’s office yesterday for another “fill up” to make sure she gets through the weekend.

Heard from Carla K yesterday and she was feeling ok.

I know that Jonny G and the folks with him arrived in Washington, D.C. safe and sound.  I can only assume the same for Dylan & Elizabeth as they flew in last night.  Pray for the ministry of Frontlines Mobile today and tomorrow.

We will be receiving a love offering for Soy, Deidra and the girls in our three services tomorrow.  They leave for Guatemala this Wednesday, June 8, and this offering will help them with their ground transportation while in Guatemala plus provide for ministry opportunities.  Sure hate to see Deidra, Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey leave!

FYI, Zach Huhn will leave this Friday, June 10, for a Summer mission opportunity in Washington state.  He is set to return on August 10.  Pray for Zach.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  We will experience a first as we will be baptizing in all three of our services tomorrow.

The Lord has really blessed our garden as we have green beans on top of green beans.  My sweet mother-in-law canned a boat load last week and Lisa is presently canning another boat load.  The corn is setting ears.  We are in a race to have it come in before our next GRACE Ministries trip to Guatemala.

Got to pick a few beans this morning and then hopefully get some yard work done.  Lisa and the family will be gone to the Broome family reunion in Richton, MS today.  I would go but I have thought about getting a red truck!

I pray that you will have a great Saturday 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 – Proverbs 1-3

Sharon Jardee is scheduled to have surgery today.  She has some heart issues so there is a higher than normal risk for her being put to sleep.  However, without the surgery then she is looking at almost certain paralysis.  Pray for Sharon as she goes through this surgery.

Sharon’s sister, Ruby Gulley, will have a procedure done this morning that will hopefully help fight the infection in her amputated leg.  If not, more amputation of that leg will be required.  Pray for this to stop the infection.

Coley Johnson’s father, Vic, will have a heart cath today.

The Frontlines Mobile team is traveling to Washington, D.C. today and tonight.  Pray for all of them but especially for Dylan & Elizabeth as they will arrive late tonight.  This will be spiritual warfare in a major way!

Becky Sellers had to go to the doctor’s office yesterday to get fluids because she was dehydrated.  If that does not help by today, they will possibly admit her to the hospital.  This chemo has really had some tough side effects on Becky.

Becky’s uncle, Charles Suthoff, remains in the hospital.  He seemed to be doing well and told me yesterday that they are looking at getting him into a rehab facility on a short term basis.

Mary Lee Owens was sleeping when I visited yesterday so I do not have an update on her situation.

Jimmy Moates’ scan showed no new cancer but did show some activity around the rim of the existing tumor which had increased in size.  He will begin radiation again next week.

Rick Bradley’s aunt, Sue Mills, has been in a medically induced coma.  They took those medicines away from her a couple of days ago but she has still not awakened.  Pray for her.

Carla Kyser’s latest scans showed no change.  They are giving her a new medicine to try and get her blood pressure up.  If that works, they will try to give her a chemo treatment next week.

The joint ministry opportunity with Jonny Gaston went well yesterday morning.  Thanks to Jonny and my wife, Lisa, for their help.  Planting seeds and expressing thanks in a tangible way.

Thirteen members of Bro. Johnny’s mission team did not get rebooked on flights yesterday.  They are now set to arrive in Guatemala late tonight. Pray that will be the case.

Our two Summer interns, Karoline & Anna, arrived safe and sound yesterday.  Many thanks to Kirk Lightfield and Lazaro Suruy for providing their transportation from the GC airport to GRACE mountain.

What a tragedy concerning the soldiers from Ft Hood yesterday and for the Blue Angels pilot.  We need to pray for those families.

If the weather folks are correct, we should see some rain beginning as early as tonight and continuing off and on through Monday.  My garden needs the rain but not strong winds.  God knows and I trust Him!

I watched most of the NBA game last night.  Still believe that when all is said and done the Cavs will be the champions.  Again, I hope I am wrong!  (What was up with Curry & Thompson last night – Phillip Turner & Rusty Suthoff can “almost” shoot as good as they did last night!  Note that I said almost!)

The garden and yard are calling my name.  Will be leaving in a bit to be with Sharon during her surgery.  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 – Song of Solomon 1-8

We were blessed with a good day in our services yesterday morning and last night.  I appreciate folks who are faithful!  We are doing something very unusual for us next Wednesday in that we are not having any services.  It is VBS week and we are going to focus solely on that ministry and give our workers a break from having to be back for the evening service/activities.  We shall see!

I will be checking on Charles Suthoff and Miss Mary Owens today.  Keep praying for those who are battling cancer.  Jimmy Moates should get his scan results today.

Evangelist Johnny Tucker was supposed to leave at 6:30AM today leading a mission team to Guatemala.  The flight from Mobile to Houston was cancelled last night meaning that twenty one of them “may” not fly at all today.  The planes are booked heavily over the next several days as well.  Pray that they can find flights to get them to Guatemala as soon as possible.

Karoline Holsonback and Anna Arrington leave today to travel to Guatemala in order to spend their Summer working alongside GRACE Ministries in the feeding center.  Pray for these two young ladies.

We are joining hands with Jonny Gaston and Frontlines Mobile for a ministry opportunity early this morning.  Pray that it goes well.

This Sunday, 6/5, we are going to receive a love offering for Soy, Deidra and the girls as they leave next Wednesday, 6/8, heading to Guatemala for two months.  This offering will help them with their ground transportation cost while in Guatemala and/or their ministry opportunities.  It is a love offering so give as the Lord leads.

I have a full day but hope to hit the garden this afternoon after office hours.  Even though Tim Knighten does not believe that our green beans are bearing yet, they are.  Today’s picking should be heavy.  In hopes of getting some rain this weekend.  The garden needs it but the yard does not as it is growing rapidly without rain!

I am not a big NBA fan but I will make this prediction – Lebron and the Cavs will win the title.  I sure hope I am wrong!

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

Word came to us as we were in our morning service today that Carla Kyser was not able to receive a chemo treatment today.  Her blood pressure continues to be too low.  We really need to pray fervently for Carla during this time!

Reb shared with us that Holly is receiving a chemo treatment today which has always meant not feeling well afterwards.  Pray for Holly!

Jimmy Moates had his scan yesterday and will get the results tomorrow.  Pray for good results!

Dave told me that Becky continues to be sick as a result of the latest chemo treatment.  She is good as long as she is in the bed but when she gets up and moves around then the sickness returns.  Pray for Becky!

Coach Hubbard told me that his wife, Courtney, is taking a chemo pill in this new clinical trial.  She goes back to Houston today for blood work and returns home on Friday.  Pray for Courtney!

Just heard from Claire Belle regarding her mother.  Has lost her appetite but is trying to eat.  Pray for Robin!

Pray without ceasing!

“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 – Psalm 119:89-176
Thursday, June 2 – Song of Solomon 1-8
Friday, June 3 – Proverbs 1-3
Saturday, June 4 – Proverbs 4-6
Sunday, June 5 – Proverbs 7-9

Visited with Charles Suthoff yesterday morning and then heard from Pattie last night.  Charles was moved into a regular room late yesterday.  He was in excellent spirits.  Charles is very blessed to have Bernard & Pattie there with him.  Pattie is a medical professional and she gives great care to Charles.  She seemingly can diagnose his health problems before the doctors can.  Pray for Charles.

Visited Miss Mary Owens yesterday morning and there was basically no change.  She was sleeping so I did not communicate with her.  Heard from Pastor Doug last night and he said they are simply waiting on the doctors to tell them what is next.

Pastor Doug & Vicki are about to become grandparents.  PD looks like a grandfather with all of that white hair but Vicki looks too young.  Their oldest daughter, Christin, has been having contractions for a couple of days now.  Exciting days for that family!

Dale Bosarge and I attended the celebration of life service for Melissa deBrabant yesterday.  It was well done.  Bro. Randy seemed to be doing well.  Will was doing ok.  I appreciate Allen & Edna Glover and Jeff Holifield also attending the service.  Dale served as my driver which allowed me to get some work done on the computer.  We crammed that three hour trip into about three and one half hours on the way home.  How?  It is our secret!

Heard from Eddie Albritton.  He received his shot yesterday and it has had an immediate effect for the good.  He is a happy camper but will now have no excuse for getting drilled on the court!  Just saying!

Frontline Ministries Mobile will be traveling to Washington, D.C. this weekend to do ministry.  Pray for them as they travel and share!

We are on a regular schedule today and tonight.  The fare for tonight’s 7:30PM Bible study will be pulled pork sandwiches, beans, chips, cake and drinks.  It will be good stuff as my wife always does it right!

Speaking of pulled pork, I want to say a huge “thank you” to Jim Chinners for cooking the Boston butts this past weekend.  I had some of one of them and it was delicious.  Enough funds were secured to build a house in loving memory of Caryn “C” Hyatt Suthoff.  This will be done on our June 23 – 30, 2016 GRACE Ministries trip.  Good stuff!

Les Hacker and I will be meeting with a company today that will be replacing the CAB roof beginning at some point in August.  Les has invested a lot of time in this matter.  Joe Hanson has done a lot of investigating for us too.  We feel this is the best route to take even though the price is higher than we originally thought.  Thank you to those who have given financially and will be giving in the days ahead to help with this project.

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 – 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72

I was unaware until last night that Charles Suthoff is in ICU.  Rusty told me that they hope to move him into a regular room today.  I did not visit him yesterday but will do so this morning.

Heard from Pastor Doug late yesterday afternoon regarding his mother-in-law and there was really no change.  They are going to do a swallowing test today.  I will be visiting Miss Mary this morning too.

Heard briefly from Carla Kyser yesterday morning.  She is not feeling well and her blood pressure remains low.

Tico & Lisa Vargas’ oldest daughter, Laurie, has been having some health issues over the past couple of weeks.  They have spent time with her at the hospital and doctor.  Pray for Laurie.

I plan on going to Selma today in order to attend the celebration of life service for Melissa deBrabant.  Keep praying for Bro. Randy and Will during this most difficult time.

FYI, we are on a regular schedule for tomorrow morning and evening.

Do you save the gorilla or the child?  I totally agree with the decision made by the zoo officials in Ohio and am amazed (not really in today’s world) at those who are upset that the animal was put down.  Unfortunate situation but an obvious no brainer too!

I spent a good portion of yesterday morning picking snap beans.  Lisa, Ann, Dana & Gina spent the morning snapping beans.  Ann will spend today canning those beans.  The Lord has once again blessed us with a good harvest of beans.  I am thankful.

Was also able to trim limbs from some of our pecan trees.  Makes them look better and will save me some “dodging” when mowing the grass.

Watched most of the NBA game last night.  I am a Lakers’ fan but hope the Warriors can repeat as champions.  Lebron is the best player in the game today but I am not a huge fan.  Why not?  Just not.  I do like Curry and everything I read about him.  It may not be true but it sounds good at this point.

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.  (Can someone tell me where the month of May went?  Wow!)

“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 – Psalms 119:1-88
Tuesday, May 31 – 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72

(June’s readings will not be available until Wednesday, 6/1)

Happy birthday to my wife, Lisa.  I hope today is a really great day for her.  How old?  Well, she looks about thirty!  She looks younger than she is while I look older than I am so we balance it out!  She wins the “best wife ever” award hands down!  Happy birthday Lisa!  (She is one of our nine blog readers.  Yes, we have dropped below double digits as I learned last week that Soy is no longer a reader which disappoints me!)

No prayer time, Griefshare or GROW tonight due to the holiday.  Church office is closed today.  (I am in town and available in case of an emergency)

Charles Suthoff was taken to the hospital by ambulance yesterday afternoon.  He was admitted and appears to be losing blood internally.  Pray for Charles.

Pastor Doug Chappelle’s mother-in-law, Mary Owens, suffered a major stroke last Thursday.  She was unresponsive for a couple of days but did recognize my voice yesterday afternoon and called my name.  Vicki said that yesterday had been her mom’s best day since the stroke.  Pray for Miss Mary.

Jimmy Moates will have his scan tomorrow, 5/31.  I had said it was going to be last Tuesday but I was wrong.

Eddie Albritton will receive his shot tomorrow, 5/31, that will hopefully help greatly with his hip issue.

Brian Amonett is doing remarkably well!  Amazing!

Courtney Hubbard, Carla Kyser, Becky Sellers and Lisa Thompson all continue to need our prayers in their respective battles against cancer.

The visitation with the Melissa deBrabant family takes place tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM at the Selma Funeral Home in Selma, Alabama.  The celebration of life service takes place tomorrow, 5/31, beginning at 1:00PM from the Valley Grande Baptist Church in Valley Grande (Selma), Alabama.  Keep praying for Bro. Randy, Will and the rest of the family.

We had an awesome day in our services yesterday!  Glory to God!  Our 10:30AM service saw six public decisions – three professions of faith, one for baptism and two by letter.  We praise God for giving the increase on a holiday weekend!  Amen!

Aaron Chinners did a nice job of sharing from the Word in last night’s service.  He said that he was nervous but it did not show.  What a fine young man!

I pray that you will enjoy your Memorial Day.  Please join me in remembering those who gave their all while serving our country militarily.  We must never forget!  Yes, it is a holiday, family time, et cetera but please do not lose sight of why this day has really been set aside!

Our SNBA went well last night.  Last game of the night was a “loser leave town” match which means that Bradley Phillips had to leave town – literally!  The level of play has increased greatly since Bradley last joined us and he was amazed!  I suspect he will not be back any time soon!  Just saying!

Lord willing, I will spend a good part of the day in the garden and doing yard work.  Lisa is mandating this!  Says it is her birthday!

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

Melissa Bennett deBrabant, age 57, passed away, Friday, May 27, 2016.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Regena Bennett.

Melissa is survived by her husband, Randall deBrabant; son, Will deBrabant; brother, Robert (Lynn) Bennett, Jr.; sister, Beth (Rob) Streetman; four nieces, one nephew and numerous friends.

Visitation will be Monday, May 30, 2016 from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at Selma Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Valley Grande Baptist Church with Rev. Clarke Skelton officiating. A private burial will take place in Pineview Memory Gardens.

Melissa was an active member of Valley Grande Baptist Church where she worked with missions and led the children’s choir. She had been on mission trips to Mexico, Texas and the Philippines. She loved ballet and jazz dance. Melissa was a loving mother and wife.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the children’s ministry of Valley Grande Baptist Church 48 Co Rd 16, Valley Grande, AL 36701.

Tomorrow, 5/29, has been set aside to recognize Bro. Jerry Hovel.  The month of May marks the sixteenth anniversary of Bro. Jerry serving as our associate pastor/minister of education.  We will receive a love offering in all three services as a tangible way to show our love and appreciation to Bro. Jerry and his family.

Bro. Jerry is married to Tena and they have two sons, Josh & Luke.  Obviously, Tena is also a major part of the Friendship family.

So, join us tomorrow in celebrating Bro. Jerry’s  anniversary of serving the Lord through the Friendship family.  Pass the word!