Pastor's Blog

This was sent to me tonight and I assume it comes from FB:

“WOW! What a wonderful GOD we serve!!! I know that the gates of heaven have been bombarded in my name today and I can not thank everyone for that. God is listening and He is SHOWING OUT! A little bit of back story for those that don’t know. On Monday I was told that the cancerous spots in my liver had gotten bigger and had multiplied. A plan was made and a new chemo was going to be started on Tuesday. When I arrived at the cancer institute on Tuesday my blood pressure was very low and even after a couple of bags of fluid there, it still had not come up to an acceptable level. So straight to the ER I was sent. They admitted me and performed several tests to figure out why my blood pressure was staying so low. During the entire stay at the hospital I was having a horrible headache on the verge of a migraine. A MRI of the brain was ordered and things got very scary very quickly. The scan showed that the malignancy had moved to my brain however the severity was not completely known. Of course more tests had to be performed. At that time, the only treatment option given was a very hard chemo that would be injected straight into my head. Side effects were unimaginable and prognosis was not very good at all (per my family, I would not let the doctor talk to me about time frames). But as the results on the tests have been coming back the news has gotten better. I was able to meet with both my medical oncologist and my radiation oncologist today (at the same time) and the tests indicate that the cancer is not actually in my brain but in the lining of my brain. With this being the case the option of radiation is now available. I will undergo 10 radiation treatments to my brain starting on Monday. Of course the side effects are not great but are very manageable. I will lose my hair (again), fatigue, inflammation and fluid build up in my ears and some memory loss. Following radiation I will immediately start the chemo for my liver. We know that this is nothing more than a God thing. And it is truly from the prayers you guys have been sending up! He is still in the healing business and we are trusting and believing. I cannot thank my family and friends enough for the texts, the food, the goodie baskets and for those that have taken care of Larsyn. To Brother Teddie, Mrs. Lisa, Daphne and Deidra for all y’all have done. To Elizabeth for being here with me and for the entertainment today, I don’t think I could have made it today looking at these four walls with out being entertained. To my Dad and Brother and other family members for the visits. To Mom and Chad for being with me 24/7. For reminding me that I don’t have to be so strong, that it is okay to break down some. I still had a ways to go and lots of obstacles to get through so I ask that you continue to pray!”

The Lord is hearing/honoring your prayers regarding Carla.  I will not try to go into the details but suffice it to say the the doctors are much more encouraged today than they were yesterday.  Carla will start radiation on Monday (ten treatments) and then begin the new chemotherapy.  Folks, this a far, far cry from what the doctors were thinking just twenty four hours ago – hallelujah!  Carla’s faith is strong!  We must pray, pray and then pray some more!

Chase Chambliss took a fall from a ladder today.  He has been admitted to the hospital with his injuries.  Nothing life threatening but he is banged up with some pretty good injuries.  Pray for Chase!

Lindsey Vice and Daphne Hutto have agreed to watch babies and toddlers from 7:45AM until 8:00AM while we have our call to prayer at the altar.  We will do it again at 10:15AM and then at 5:45PM.  Come join the deacons and me in prayer.

“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:  Deuteronomy 3-4

Pretty cool when a guy sends you a message on Friday night to tell you that his wife just prayed to receive Jesus as her personal Savior!  Who?  Stay tuned!

Thank you to each person who has joined me in praying for Carla Kyser.  Lisa and I spent some time with her yesterday.  She messaged me last night to say that the first report to come back was actually better than the doctor expected!  Can someone say “God?”  I was wallowing in sadness last night and thinking about what the doctor said when God reminded me of Who He is!  I believe in prayer!  God answers prayer.  I appreciate Donald Butler placing one call that has three hundred churches praying for Carla.  Do we believe “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever?”  If so, let’s call on Him to work a miracle.  He can!  Carla sent me these words last night – “trusting and believing!”  Me too!

As a matter of fact, I am calling the church to prayer for Carla and others.  Tomorrow morning at 7:45AM and then again at 10:15AM we will enter into a time of prayer before the respective services begin.  The altar will be open.  The music will be playing.  We will do the same at 5:45PM before the evening service.  I am asking our deacons to be present and to join me in leading this prayer time.

Ruby Gulley was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  As I figured, she has no idea that I visited with her each day since her surgery.  Hilarious!  Glad she is doing ok.

Miss Jimmie Hall has been moved to a rehab facility.  Pray that she can now begin to make progress in her recovery.

Linda Green’s sister, Shirley, was discharged from the hospital on Thursday.  She is requiring around the clock care but is at home.

Zach Huhn leaves this morning heading to New York City for a week long mission trip.  Pray that goes well.

Charles Suthoff will have a heart cath next Tuesday.  Charles is trusting God!

There will be a celebration of life service for Raymond Wilkinson’s Uncle Bob on Tuesday morning in Kennesaw, GA.  Pray for that family.

Spring forward one hour tonight!  Do not forget!

We will receive a love offering in all three services tomorrow.  This offering will be used to replace the roof of the CAB.  Pray and give!

I sent a message to Larry, Curly & Mo asking about the soccer games scheduled for today.  Have heard nothing from them so I am clueless!

Need one of our rain watchers to give us a reading on how much rain we got yesterday?

Was convinced Alabama would not beat UK last night in basketball.  The officials were the difference in the game!  No, not the game officials.  The league officials for putting Bama in a game against UK – what were they thinking?  UAB vs Bama in the Bayou La Batre Civic Center!  Rex Looney is going to sing the national anthem to begin the madness!  It is going to be awesome!  Be sure and say a word of thanks to Coach Collier for making this happen!

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.  Spring forward tonight!

With her approval, I write to ask you to join me in praying for Carla Kyser.  Her doctor told her last night that the malignancy is now in her brain.  They are doing a MRI and spinal tap today.  Folks, we need to bombard the throne of grace with our prayers for this sweetheart of a lady!  I will be totally honest in telling you that this news has really worked on me all through the night and this morning.  Carla and I have been communicating and she is trusting God.  What a testimony of faith!

Per her continued request, no visitors at this time.  Carla and her family are trying to process this whole thing.  Thank you for your understanding and prayer support.

I have told you everything that I know at this point.  Will update as I receive more news and Carla’s permission.  Pray, pray, pray!

“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:  Deuteronomy 1-2

Visited with Carla K yesterday morning and she had just been told that she was being discharged.  They then decided to do one more test before letting her go home and the decision was made to keep her one more night.  Early last night they decided to discharge her before changing their mind and deciding to keep her at least one more night.  Talk about a roller coaster.  I will go up this morning and visit her.  By the way, as far as I know, the request remains for “no visitors” but they deeply appreciate your prayer support.

Eddie’s mother remains hospitalized too.  She is set to be moved on any given day to a rehab facility.

Ruby seems to be doing good in her recovery.  She remains somewhat “happy” as a result of the pain meds.

Linda’s sister was having a better day yesterday and is in hopes of going home soon.  Not sure if that is going to happen soon or not.

The celebration of life service for Raymond’s Uncle Bob will take place on Tuesday in Kennesaw, Georgia.  Pray for the family.

Two important things for the members of the Friendship family to remember:  no work day tomorrow, 3/12, due to the wet weather.  Rescheduled for next Saturday, 3/19.

Spring forward tomorrow night, 3/12!  Move your time pieces forward by one hour before going to bed.  This is really important if you plan on joining us for morning worship.

Made the Walmart run after work yesterday afternoon in anticipation of the possibly heavy rains this morning.  Wow, that place was crowded but they did have a good number of the check out lanes open so that helped tremendously.  The time from leaving the house to returning was eighty five minutes but who is counting!

Yes, I did watch some of the SEC basketball tourney last night.  No, I do not think Alabama will beat UK tonight.  I see a UAB vs Alabama NIT game coming soon!  Maybe we can get them to play that one in the Bayou La Batre civic center.  Coach Eric, see if you can make that happen!  (He is the one who gets all of the wrestling matches to come to town!  The man has pull!)

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:  Numbers 35-36

Our “Ladies Helping Hands Ministry” meets tonight at 6:30PM in the fellowship hall.  All ladies are invited/encouraged to attend.

We will not have our work day this Saturday, 3/12, at it has been postponed until next Saturday, 3/19, due to the expected rainy conditions this Saturday.  We announced this in our services yesterday, put it in the pastor’s letter, and are now letting our ten readers know.  I am thinking that Donald Butler was probably planning on coming to help us and wanted him to get this notice.   Pass the word!

Zach Huhn leaves Saturday morning heading to New York City.  He is taking part in a mission trip with the BSU from MCGCC and MSU.  Those schools are on Spring break next week.  Pray for Zach and this ministry opportunity.

Jimmy Moates and Holly Lybarger are both receiving radiation treatments this week.  Jimmy is finishing up with this round and Holly is just getting started.  Holly also received a chemo treatment yesterday.  Pray for Jimmy & Holly.

Carla Kyser remains in the hospital.  She has been diagnosed as having pneumonia along with a couple of other problems.  They were coming in to give her blood yesterday as I was leaving.  She remains in good spirits and wants to go home.  The two nurses who came in to give her the blood told me that she had been a bad patient – just saying!

Eddie Hall’s mother, Miss Jimmie, also remains in the hospital.  She will eventually be moved to a rehab facility and the hope is that then she will begin to show improvement.

Ruby Gulley is doing well.  I am not sure if she is fully aware of much as she remains under the influence of the pain medicines.  Right now, she is a happy camper.

Linda Green’s sister, Shirley, had a rough night on Tuesday.  She also remains in the hospital.  I plan to visit with her again today.

Justin & Amber Dunnam became parents this past Monday.  Congratulations!  Dunnam is a dad – let that sink in for a moment.  Wow!

Curly, Larry & Mo have me confused with this whole soccer thing!  They tell me the games will begin this Saturday, 3/12, if it does not rain.  What?  Soccer is a sport that you can play in the rain, right?  Their response to me was “you are not having work day because of the rain!”  Great comeback!  Stay tuned!

Good day in our services yesterday.  Our morning attendance continues to do well.  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:  Numbers 33-34

Carla Kyser was not able to receive her chemo treatment yesterday due to low blood pressure.  She spent most of the day in the emergency room and was admitted to the hospital last night.  She appreciates so very much all of the support given to her by the members of the Friendship family and others.  The request is that there be no visitors at this time.  I know that you will understand, will not be offended and will fervently pray for Carla.  Carla is a sick young lady and just needs time to get past this latest hurdle.  She is in hopes that her stay in the hospital will be very short.  I am telling you that her attitude last night after having spent the day in the ER waiting room was nothing short of amazing!  What a sweetheart!  (Do not tell her that I said that!)

Visited with Ruby Gulley yesterday morning.  I can pretty much guarantee you that Ruby has no recollection of my visit.  The pain medicines do a number on Ruby!  She seemed to be doing well.

Visited with Miss Jimmie Hall too.  She is very grateful for the prayer support.  Keep praying.

Visited with Linda Green’s sister, Shirley.  She looks like she has been in a major fight as her face is bruised because of her fall.  She too is thankful for the prayer support.

Jimmy Moates has four more radiation treatments.  The tumor is shrinking.  The doctor is going to leave him on the current medication  because his gene profile did not match the newer drug.  The doctor is confident the present drug will work.  Keep praying for Jimmy.

Charles Suthoff saw the doctor yesterday.  He was immediately diagnosed with AFib.  He will see a cardiologist tomorrow.  Pray for my friend, Charles!

Continue to pray for Holly Lybarger too as she begins radiation treatments.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  The 7:30PM Bible study menu is poppy seed chicken, green beans, macaroni & cheese, rolls, blueberry pie, cherry pie and drinks.  I am telling you that it is worth coming to this Bible study tonight just for the meal.  Lisa does an incredible job with this particular meal.

Time change this Sunday, 3/13, which means you will need to set your time pieces forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.  Basically, we will lose one hour of sleep!  While Dr. Jack Bailey may look forward to this change in the time, I just wish they would leave it alone.  I am totally good with the time we are on right now – works in Guatemala.  Just saying!

Cool story – AJ & Alaina Westendorp are a young couple from Michigan.  They are presently living in Guatemala City and were a part of our January 28 – February 4, 2016 GRACE Ministries team led by Pastor Bob Harvey.  They just went back to the village where the team built the houses and stayed with one of the families for a few days.  Slept in hammocks outside and just enjoyed life with the Guatemalans.  If interested, I will forward you the e-mail they sent along with five pictures.  Just let me know.

As far as I know, Tico returned home to Guatemala safely yesterday.  It was good seeing him.

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:  Numbers 31-32

The surgery on Ruby Gulley went as planned.  They did not have to put her to sleep but did a local and then put her in la-la land.  I think she will be in the hospital for two or three days.

Eddie Hall’s mother had a surgical procedure done yesterday as well because she cannot swallow properly.  The thought is that she will soon be moved to a convalescent facility for rehab.

I do not have an update on Linda Green’s sister, Shirley, but plan on visiting her today.

Carla Kyser sent me an iMessage yesterday telling me that there are some new spots on her liver so she begins a new chemo treatment today.  Please join me in praying that this chemo is totally effective on these spots!

Our prayer time was well attended last night.  Thank you to each one who came and prayed.  The greatest number of folks still prefer the first hour. I will monitor that for a month or so before making any time adjustments.  However, the night will remain Monday.

I wrote in yesterday’s entry that a number of folks had spoken/written to me about this past Sunday night’s service.  That was the proverbial “tip of the iceberg” as I received more messages as yesterday progressed.  Things from “best regular service I have ever been a part of” to “I just want to hit the replay button from that service” to others.  I will say three things – God is awesome; thank you for the encouragement; and it was one of those “you had to be there” services to fully appreciate it.

Was able to spend a little time with Tico Vargas yesterday.  He preached in Frisco City and Uriah this past Sunday.  He is traveling home today.  Always good to see him.

Remember, we are on schedule for a work day this Saturday.  Main focus is on the outside so yard tools are needed.  We will begin with a light breakfast (think Sugar Rush), coffee and juice at 7:30AM.  Work begins at 8:00AM.  A steady rain calls it off but scattered showers can be worked around.  All hands on deck, please!

Friendship soccer begins this Saturday too but I am not sure of the time.  One of the “big three” will let me know.

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:  Numbers 28-30

Tuesday, March 8 Numbers 31-32
Wednesday, March 9 Numbers 33-34
Thursday, March 10 Numbers 35-36
Friday, March 11 Deuteronomy 1-2
Saturday, March 12 Deuteronomy 3-4
Sunday, March 13 Deuteronomy 5-7

Ruby Gulley is set to have surgery this morning.  The plan is to amputate one her legs just below the knee.  Pray for all to go well as Ruby is always concerned about being put to sleep.

Eddie Hall’s mother remains hospitalized.

GriefShare today from 6:00 – 8:00PM.  These folks meet in the choir room.

Prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Monday is now the regular night for our prayer time.  Please enter/exit through the West side door.  The auditorium will be open much earlier than 5:00PM should anyone need it.  A call to prayer!

Wow, God showed up and He showed out in our services yesterday especially last night’s service.  A number of folks expressed their appreciation after the evening service and then I received e-mails last night expressing the same.  Folks, thank you for praying!  We had three folks saved yesterday – one following each of the worship services.  Is that God or what!  We give Him the glory!

Also, we had a good attendance in our Sunday School workers’ meeting following last night’s service.  Workers expressed their appreciation for the meeting with one writing that it was “encouraging and productive.”  I want to say “thank you” to each worker who attended the meeting.  Sunday School is very important!

Our SNBA went well too.  I was really late getting into the CAB because of the after service meeting but the guys did great.  Really good fellowship and good ball too.  Johnny Five did not win any games the week before so he bailed on us last night.  Lord willing, we will do it again next Sunday night following the evening service.  Simple concept – attend the evening service and then stay for the church service.

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:   Numbers 26-27

We are on a regular schedule this morning and evening.  My prayer, as always, is that the members of the Friendship family will be found faithful.

I am asking all Sunday School teachers to attend the service tonight and then stay for a meeting which will take place in the auditorium.  Important!

SNBA tonight following the service.  Concept is real simple – attend tonight’s service and then stay for basketball.  Good stuff!

Please note that our Monday night schedule now includes prayer time (5:00 – 7:00PM), GriefShare (6:00 – 8:00PM), & GROW (6:30PM until).  Prayer time is in the auditorium, GriefShare is in the choir room and GROW leaves from the church office.

Jim Chinners, Jeff Holifield and Kenny Lingle are praying and evaluating the monthly men’s breakfast.  They want more men involved including young men.  They are open to suggestions as to how to make his happen even if it means something instead of a breakfast.

I need to go back to last Sunday, 2/28, for just a minute.  Marlene Broome had cooked a meal earlier in the week for Charles & Ann Clark because of Ann’s surgery.  Included in that meal were chicken & dumplings.  I am a huge fan of chicken & dumplings (white meat only) so Lisa saved  a bowl for my Sunday lunch.  They were amazing!  Absolutely amazing!   Who is Jennifer Davis?

So, I was walking to Joey’s oil change place yesterday afternoon because Gina had left her car there to have the oil changed.  I was walking by choice.  Logan Wainwright passed me, turned around and came back to offer me a ride.  That Logan is a fine young man!  Eva Mareno saw me walking, waved, smiled  and quickly sped away.  That Eva. . . .  (Mind you that my wife feeds Eva every Wednesday night and every Sunday she is in town!)

Jeff Holifield told me yesterday that he gets these blog entries via his e-mail but an entry was not delivered Thursday or Friday of this past week but he did get yesterday’s.  Folks, if you do not pay the subscription fee on time then we will cut you off!  Just saying!  Let this be a lesson to all ten of our readers!

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