Pastor's Blog

Jo Nell Barnes & Peggy Knighten have a friend who lives in Mobile.  He is fifty-four years of age and was taken to the ER, admitted to the hospital and is now on life support.  His wife and children are asking for prayers.  His name is Bo Lewis.  Please join me in praying for Bo, his family and the medical personnel attending him.

As I was reading the obituaries yesterday, I was taken back many years ago when I saw the obit for Sylvia Douglas.  One of Sylvia’s daughters, Dee Dee (Dorothy) was a faithful rider of the blue bus.  The obituary states that the visitation with the family will take place one week from today, 11/28, at Serenity Funeral Home from 12:00PM until the 2:00PM service time.  Pray for the Douglas family, please.

I also learned of another passing that takes me back many years.  Caroline Ford’s son, Craig Cumbie, passed from this life.  Betty Creech as kind enough to send me the following: Craig Allen Cumbie Mobile Memorial Gardens Wednesday November 22, 2023
visitation starts 12:00 chapel service begins at 2:00 graveside to follow there is a free will choice to make a contribution towards his burial expenses instead of flowers:Bryan E Cumbie P. O. Box 427 Irvington, Alabama 36544.

Please continue to pray for Kristie Potts in Michigan.  Pray for her family and those hospice workers giving care to her.

I am told that the services on our campus went well this past Sunday, 11/19.  Praise the Lord!

Our basketball practices have begun.  Bro. Abel needs about ten more folks to help with the game devotions on Saturdays.  If you will help, contact Bro. Abel.  Thank you.

I was blessed with a very unexpected blessing yesterday afternoon.  Nineteen years ago I had the privilege of meeting Pastor Mario Monroy, his wife, Amuy, and their two children, Katarina & Josias during one of our GRACE Ministries mission trips.  Mario was in seminary in the city and he and his family would travel to Chimaltenango each weekend to minister.  They then moved to Spain as church planters.  Lisa, Eddie, Sue & I had the awesome privilege of visiting them in Spain a few years ago.  They have a great ministry and our church is blessed to help support them financially.

At this point you may be saying, “nice story.  Now fix me a sandwich!”  Not so fast my friend!  It just so “happens” that Mario is in Guatemala City for a few days attending a church planting gathering. Yesterday afternoon Lizzi, Sandy, and I met Pastor Mario and Pastor Alex in the city for a late lunch.  Talk about a sweet time of fellowship!

Pastor Mario reminisced about Caroline Ford’s gumbo and her banana pudding at the mission house.  His mouth watered as he spoke of these things!  Mario & Amuy now have three children as Lucas is nine years old.  What a great family!

I was blessed to preach at Iglesia JET this past Sunday.  Emotional time for me as that was, obviously, my first time to be in a service there since Soy’s passing.  Many tears were shed as those folks love Soy.

Colegio JET had three graduations Sunday afternoon.  I was able to attend the graduations for the kindergarten, sixth grade and ninth grade.  Nicely done and the covered basketball court was the perfect place to host these events.

Lisa will travel home today.  Pray for traveling mercies.

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

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.  Sunday School begins at 9:00AM; worship at 10:00AM; Experiencing God at 4:00PM; evening worship at 5:00PM.  Bro. Abel will be bringing the messages from the Word in both services.  I pray that those in town will be faithful to attend these services.

The church office will be closed this week.  Miss Edna has not been feeling well and Bro. Dylan is scheduled to have outpatient surgery tomorrow.  We normally close Wednesday noon of Thanksgiving week.  So, please note this closure as well as knowing that Bro. Abel and Bro. Dylan are on call in the event of an emergency.  Our deacons are also available to minister.  Thank you for understanding.

Please keep praying for Kristie Potts along with her husband, John, and their family.

I will be preaching this morning in the service at Iglesia JET.  Pray for me.

Colegio JET will have their graduations this afternoon.  I am not sure which grade levels “graduate” but I know it will be an exciting time for all of the students and their families.

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

I am told that the Thanksgiving meal for our senior adults went well.  Again, I appreciate Sherry Howell leading this ministry opportunity and all who helped.  To quote Miss Kittie Camp, “many hands make light work!”  Also, thank you to each senior adult who attended the meal.

Our friend in Michigan, Kristie Potts, was discharged from the hospital yesterday and is now at home under hospice care.  Here is what one of her daughters wrote about the situation: Because of the bowel obstruction and no way for her body to absorb hydration and nutrition, we expect Mom’s earthly time to be very limited. We also asked for prayers for a smooth and painless transition home, as we were worried about Mom’s strength and energy for the ride home and getting into house. Late last evening, I received a text from “2 of my favorite amazing paramedics” (per Mom), who had made arrangements with AMR to come in on their day off and bring Mom home. Wow. They were able to load mom up from her room on the fifth floor and bring her down through the lower level of the hospital, where she has spent so many hours working with the X-ray, CT, Nuc Med, IR, MSW, Cath Lab, and ER staff. The halls were lined with staff. It was such an overwhelming, tearful, and beautiful experience. After leaving the hospital, we were able to drive past the boat slip and out to Macatawa for a final view of the lake and beach…Mom said “what a great send off leading to Heaven”  Keep praying for Kristie, John and the family.

Pastor Jack Bailey’s wife, June, had shoulder replacement surgery earlier this week.  I think she was discharged yesterday.  Pray for her as she recuperates.  By the way, this is Pastor Joe David Bailey’s mother just in case you did not know.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.  Bro. Abel will be preaching.  Pray for those services.

Per Bro. Abel, there were three hundred and fifty folks in attendance for our basketball league parent’s meeting last night.  Wow!  Pray for this ministry.

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

Laurie Chandler’s husband, Bobby, passed from this life yesterday.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for Laurie, Sharon, Jeff and the rest of the family as they walk through this valley.

Our friend in Michigan, Kristie Potts, is being placed under hospice care.  The thought is that she will be discharged from the hospital today.  Pray for Kristie, John and the family.  Pray for the caregivers.

We have a friend, Rhonda Johnson, in South Carolina who has been diagnosed with a malignancy.  She will be undergoing a test today and needs our prayers.  Pray for Rhonda and Doug.

Keep praying for the Georgia Crawley family and the Larry Brown family.

The Thanksgiving meal for our senior adults takes place in our CAB today from 10:00AM until noon.  Thank you to each person who is helping in any way with a special thanks to Sherry Howell for leading this ministry opportunity.

I just learned that Judy Pierre’s husband, Tony Brooks, passed from this life on Saturday, 11/4, and a service was held on 11/8.  Pray for Judy and family.

I also learned this morning that a good friend through RA basketball, Marx Nicholson, passed from this life this past Saturday, 11/11.  His service took place on Tuesday, 11/14.  Marx was an outstanding gentleman.  I have very fond memories of Marx especially as they relate to RA basketball back in the day.  Pray for his wife, Elaine, and the family.

How are Deidra and the girls?  The girls are happy to be home.  Deidra continues to struggle.  So many memories of Soy here.  Thank you for praying.

I do want to give a shout out to Chino for all the work he did in getting things ready for the return of Deidra and the girls.  Outstanding job!  Daisy & Delmy were supposed to help but they were basically useless.  Chino is the man!

Edgar, Jr. is twenty-three years old and he did not finish his high school education.  However, a couple of years ago he began an acclerated program to earn his high school diploma.  Mission accomplished!  This past Friday, 11/10, he graduated from high school.  He is the first person from his family to do so!  A huge congratulations to Edgar!  He will begin the university in February 2024!

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

There will be no morning service on our campus this morning.  Our folks are encouraged to attend the visitations/funeral services for either/and Georgia Crawley (Serenity) and Larry Brown (Heritage).  Keep praying for these families, please!

Regular schedule on our campus tonight beginning at 6:30PM.

The Lord blessed Deidra, her girls, Lisa and me with a good day of travel yesterday.  Special thanks to deacons Eddie Albritton and TJ Vice for driving us to the airport early yesterday morning.  Yes, it was a long day as it took us right about three hours to cover the thirty miles from the airport to GRACE Mountain.  Thanks to Chino and Edgar, Jr. for meeting us at the airport and bringing us to the mountain.

A group of friends were waiting upon our arrival and that was an emotional time especially for Deidra.  The girls were happy to see their friends.  Deidra had to gather herself for a few minutes before getting out of the vehicle.  It played out just I thought it would once I knew folks would be present.  God is faithful.  We have had great support in the USA and great support here too.  Thank you, Jesus.

We were greeted by two folks in the Mobile airport yesterday morning who assured us of their prayer support.  One was from Mobile and one from Semmes.  I had no idea that they even knew of the situation but they were extremely kind in expressing their support for our family.  God is good!

Received a message during the night of someone in the states talking about how memories of Soy hit them at random times and it affects them.  I completely understand.

Just know that I love the Friendship family.  They can send me a letter of termination today and all I would be able to say would be “thank you it has been a great ride!”  The support given to us since 9/30/23 has been beyond amazing!

Pray for Bro. Abel and Bro. Dylan as they minister in my absence.  Great guys!  Pray for our nine deacons as they also minister.  I could not ask for better men to serve as deacons at time like this!  (And I do not even like deacons.  Just saying!)

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

Our first prayer need this morning is to pray for those families who have lost loved ones over the past couple of days. The celebration of life service for Miss Georgia Crawley and the one for Larry Brown will both take place tomorrow at noon. Larry’s will take place from the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home in Escatawpa, MS while Miss Georgia’s will take place from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL. Pray for these families as they walk through their respective valleys.

Also, Pastor Jorge Garcia’s father passed away in Cuba. It is my understanding that Pastor Jorge will be flying to Cuba today. Pray for traveling mercies and for the family as they deal with the loss of this family member.

Please continue to pray for Bobby Chandler as he is in a hospice care facility. Pray for Laurie and the family as they wait beside him.

Larry Crawley is still taking treatments in his battle against a malignancy. Pray for the Lord to touch him physically.

Word came yesterday that Herbert Benefield suffered a stroke while undergoing a procedure in a local hospital. I have no other details but do ask that you pray for Herbert and his family.

Pastor Mack Morris’ daughter continues to need our prayer support.

Remember, no morning service on our campus tomorrow. We will have our evening service and classes beginning at 6:30PM.

On a personal note, please pray for Deidra, Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey as they are traveling back to Guatemala today. Obviously, this is their first time back to Guatemala since the passing of Soy. I have likened it to having a scab on wound indicating that the wound has begun the healing process. In my opinion, the scab will be ripped off today which will bring a different time of grief and mourning. God is faithful and we trust Him. Lisa and I are traveling with our daughter and granddaughters. I am very grateful to the deacons and the church family for being most gracious, kind and understanding to me during this difficult season.

It was great to see Mike & Carla Parker yesterday and then to have a surprise visit from my brother, Eddie, his wife, Sue, and their grandson, Grayson.

I continue to hear from folks whom I have not seen or heard from in years. How nice is that! Thank God for family and friends!

Sorry for this delayed entry but just now getting internet service.  Thank you for understanding.

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

Larry Oneal Brown, affectionately known as Larry, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2023, in Ocean Springs, MS. Born on March 13, 1948, in Pecan on Bayou Heron , Larry was the baby of 12 children. He was a beloved figure in his community and will be remembered for his loving, handy, and thoughtful nature.

Larry was a hard-working man, retiring from the International Paper Company and the Jackson County Roads Department. His dedication, reliability, and work ethic were admired by his colleagues. Larry was always ready to roll up his sleeves and lend a hand, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his community. Beyond his professional life, Larry had a myriad of interests that highlighted his love for nature and craftsmanship. He was a skilled beekeeper and a master woodworker, creating beautiful pieces that showcased his talent and patience. Larry also enjoyed shrimping, an activity that connected him to the natural beauty of his home state. As a relic collector, he had an eye for historical artifacts, each item telling a story that fascinated him. Larry had a special love for tractors, a passion that harked back to his rural roots and symbolized his love for hard work and the land. Larry was a man of many talents, but above all, he was a man of kindness, love, and thoughtfulness. His family, friends, and community will remember him for his big heart and the way he touched the lives of those around him. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. Larry Oneal Brown was not just a man, but a symbol of love, dedication, and kindness. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel Richard and Mary Edna (Stork) Brown, and his siblings, Olive Lorena Hart, Robert Lee Brown, Marion Richard Brown, and Cecil Paul Brown.

Larry was a devoted family man, cherishing his 55 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Joyce Elaine (Brinkman) Brown. Their love story was one for the ages, a testament to their dedication and commitment to one another. His children, Susan (Keith) Powell, Neal Brown, and Lessley Eger, were the pride of his life. Larry was always there to lend a hand, share wisdom, or simply lend a listening ear. He was a proud grandfather to Jacob (Nicole) White, Alexandria (Billy) Creswell, Shannon (Kelly) Morel, and Garrett Eger. His great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Seth White, Scarlett and Grayson Creswell, and a soon-to-arrive baby boy Creswell, brought immense joy to his later years. Larry was the beloved brother of Mary Catt, Shirley Schmitz Clyde, Clarence, Kenneth, Lonnie, and Sidney (Stephanne) Brown. His family circle extended to numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the nursing staff at Ocean Springs Hospital MICU and the Hospice floor.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in honor of Larry Oneal Brown to the following:
Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute -1514 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson , LA 70121 or
Singing River Cancer Center – 3535 Bienville Blvd Suite 220, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Heritage Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS. Funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel beginning at 12:00 p.m. with Bro. Jeff Saksa officiating. Interment will be held at Orange Grove Cemetery.

Georgia Phillips Crawley went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at her home in Grand Bay November 11, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.

Georgia was born at home on February 2, 1936, in Antioch Mississippi. She is preceded in death by her parents James Otho Phillips and Eunice McNeil Phillips.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Delaney Crawley, children Larry Crawley, Marilyn Crawley, David Crawley (Diane) Iris O’Brien (Joby) and Grandchildren, Nicole Taylor (Chris) Rachael Sigsbee (Shane) Ivey O’Brien, Emma Sakon (Ethan) Sage O’Brien, Savannah Crawley, Jack O’Brien, Jorgia O’Brien, Amelia Lee Crawley, Great Grandchildren, Truett Taylor, Riley Mae Sigsbee, Tag Taylor and Shepard Sigsbee.

Georgia was a great lover of family, music, food, education and ministry. At eight years old, she sold two calves which she raised to buy her first piano. At the age of twelve, she became the church pianist at Antioch Baptist Church. She later learned to play the organ and would play piano and organ for multiple congregations for over seventy years. She taught piano lessons for the better part of her life. She was often found sitting at her piano playing hymns from her childhood, late into the night.

In High School, she won the state championship in Mississippi for her cherry pie. This earned her a trip to the National 4-H Convention in Chicago, IL.

She graduated from Jones Junior College and Mississippi University for Women (the “W”). She met Delaney Crawley, a Mississippi State student, whom she met at the “W’s” BSU Valentine’s banquet. They fell in love and were married nine months later. She graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Fine Art’s Degree in Home Economics.

Following Delaney’s graduation, they moved to Mobile, Alabama and finally settled in Grand Bay. In 1969 Georgia started Magnolia Springs Christian School, where she taught first and second grades. She later went on to earn her Master’s in counseling from the University of South Alabama and became a Guidance Counselor for Theodore High School.

She and Delaney started Children’s Church, a new concept, at Friendship Baptist in Grand Bay which continues to this day. They also started an inner-city ministry in the Happy Hill’s area in Mobile. In 1973 Georgia and Delaney started a telephone hotline ministry, to lead others to faith in Christ with a three-minute Gospel presentation. They later expanded this ministry to Washington D.C.

In 1974 they worked with Here’s Life Gulf Coast through Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) and were also in charge of showing Christian films in the local theaters in Mobile. They felt called into part-time Christian Ministry with Here’s Life America (CCC), while Delaney continued to work with the U.S. Navy.

In 1976 Georgia and Delaney led CCC’s “I Found It” campaign for the Mobile area.

In 1978 Georgia and Delaney were called to part time staff with CCC.

When ‘The Jesus Film’ was released, their lives were changed forever, and they joined CCC’s Jesus Film Project. Georgia and Delaney took ‘The Jesus Film’ to Haiti in 1982. Realizing the great impact of the film, they both left their jobs and launched into full time Christian ministry. They soon became the field reps for The Jesus Film Project and spent the next 41 years taking ‘The Jesus Film,’ and the Gospel of Christ to over 40 nations.

In addition to showing ‘The Jesus Film,’ drilling water wells, discipling and starting new churches, Georgia would lead women’s conferences while Delaney discipled the men.

Taking the Gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth, Georgia and Delaney found themselves hundreds of miles up the Amazon River, in the Arctic of Siberia, and in the deepest parts of the African Congo. They lived in Moscow, The Republic of Georgia and The Ukraine.

In 1997 they retired from Campus Crusade and started ‘Here’s Life Africa,’ in Tanzania and seven surrounding nations. In 2013 they left to start a new ministry, ‘Mission To Zambia,’ which continued up until 2023.

Georgia helped to start the current food pantry at Union Baptist Church and was also a member of Union Baptist’s Dixie Dulcimer Players.

Growing up in the rural in Mississippi, education was of utmost importance to Georgia, and she was very proud the education of her children and grandchildren. She was always counting the schools of higher learning where her immediate family had studied.

The most important thing in Georgia’s life was that her children and generations that follow, would walk with The Lord. She taught her family how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She died with perfect peace, and she would love for you to experience that same peace she had through Christ.

“But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

The family would like to thank Adonis Caring Hands for ministering to their parents in their time of great need.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home at 12 o’clock noon. A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at Serenity Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to the food pantry at Union Baptist Church, Grand Bay, Alabama.

First, let me announce that there will be no morning service on our campus this Wednesday, 11/15.

The visitation and service for Miss Georgia Crawley will take place at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL.

The visitation with the Larry Brown family will take place this Wednesday, 11/15, beginning at 10:00AM and lasting until the noon service time.  Both visitation and service will take place at the Heritage Funeral Home in Escatawpa, MS.  Burial will take place in the Orange Grove Cemetery.  Pray for Elaine and the entire Larry Brown family.