Pastor's Blog

A graveside service for Mrs. Katherine Westbrook will take place this morning beginning at 10:00AM in the Grand Bay Cemetery. Pray for Bro. Dylan as he will preach is grandmother’s service.  Pray for the family during this time.

There will be a visitation with the Richard Adkinson family tonight from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at the Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.  A celebration of life service will take place tomorrow morning, 4/9, beginning at 10:00AM from the funeral home’s chapel.  Interment will take place in Mobile Memorial Gardens.  Pray for the family during this time.

Laura Morie’s father passed from this life early yesterday morning.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for the Smith family during this time.

We were blessed with a good day in our services yesterday.  Of course, last night’s service was bittersweet.  We are sad to see Bro. Dylan and family leave us yet we are thrilled to see God leading them to this new chapter in their life.  Pastor Dylan!  Pray for this family as they make this transition.  Pray for the Friendship family as we adjust and find God’s will for us regarding a new staff member.  We trust God!

A special thank you to each person who helped with the reception last night.  Katelyn Johnson led the charge but she was helped by many others.  Blake & Blaine Jenkins made the chicken salad.  The Friendship family brought tons of sweets.  Folks helped set up and take down.  It was all good.  We give God the glory!

Miss Vinnie now has the answer to the “fifty” that has been mentioned in a couple of blog entries.  Not telling you to contact her but letting you know she now knows.  How does she know?  She asked!

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

Richard Alan Adkinson went to be with the Lord on March 30, 2024. He was born in Mobile, AL on September 25, 1965 to Frank William Adkinson, Sr. and Lois Tanner Adkinson. He spent his adult years employed by the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System until his retirement in 2021. He enjoyed hunting, sailing and fishing in his later years and spent many hours on the water with his brother and many friends. He was brought up as a child in Magnolia Springs Baptist Church and was a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL at the time of his death. He is preceded in death by his father, Frank William Adkinson, Sr. He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Deborah “Debbie” Nassar Adkinson, his mother, Lois Adkinson, son, Tanner Rick Adkinson, step son, Nathan Miller (Cindy), brother Frank William “Billy” Adkinson, Jr. (Melissa). He also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren, Tytan “Ty” Adkinson, Maverick “Mac” Adkinson, Hazel Mae Adkinson, Avea Grace Miller and Charles David Miller, together with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Funeral Services will be held from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 9, at 10:00AM. Visitation will be 5:00 – 8:00 pm on April 8, 2024. Interment will take place at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

“Katherine Street Westbrook was born in 1937 in Wayne County, MS and became a long time resident of Grand Bay, AL. She departed this life on March 31, 2024 on Easter Sunday morning. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She always put her family above herself and adored every member. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lem and Lillian Street, three sisters, Willie Mae Gentry, Lois Wilson, Erlene Street, and her grandson Levi Westbrook whom she loved dearly. She leaves to cherish her memory, husband James Westbrook and three children, Jason Westbrook (Melinda), Jennifer McDavid (Joe), Jeffrey Westbrook (Sheri) and seven grandchildren, Matthew Westbrook, Josh Taylor, Katie Makofske, Seth Taylor, Dylan Westbrook, Caroline Rodriguez and Sarah Taylor. Five great grandchildren, Ellie, Cash, Hallie, Emmy and Archer who all knew her affectionately as “Nanny”. She has nine remaining siblings that she loved to talk and spend time with. She will be sadly missed by all of her knew her. “

Friendship family, help needed.  Rita Boutwell and Clara Broadus are coordinating meals for two funeral situations.  We will feed the Westbrook family on Monday, 4/8, and the Adkinson family on Tuesday, 4/9.  Food for each day needs to be in the Preschool Building no later than 10:00AM each of those days.  Please contact one of these ladies if you will help or if you need more information.  Thank you in advance for your help and cooperation.

Also, we need desserts to be brought to the farewell fellowship for Dylan, Elizabeth, Ellie and Cash.  This will follow our evening service.  Simply bring your dessert to the CAB before the service.

Kaydenz Edwards got home last night.  Keep praying!

I have not spoken to Peggy Knighten this week but do ask that you keep praying for her physical problems.

Jason Husband rang the bell yesterday at The Cancer Center.  Hooray!  Keep praying!

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning.  Ordination council will meet at 3:30PM in the auditorium.  Fellowship following the evening service.

Looking for fifty!  Will you be one of that number?

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

Kaydenz Edwards did very well through her surgery.  She is doing well in her recovery as the pain medicine being given every four hours is a huge help.  X-rays this morning followed by another visit by the surgeon and she then will most likely be sent home.  Pray for Kaydenz to travel well and for safety for her, Devon & Witney as they travel on those busy Florida highways today.

The arrangements have been set for Richard Adkinson.  Everything will take place from Mobile Memorial Funeral Home with the visitation take place on Monday, April 8, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM.  The celebration of life service will take place Tuesday, April 9, beginning at 10:00AM.  Keep praying for Debbie, Miss Lois, Tanner and the family.

Jason Husband will have his forty-third, and final, radiation treatment this morning.  Scott & Nanette Fontenot will take him as they have done each Thursday minus one during this process.  Lord willing, I plan on being present this morning to watch Jason ring the bell.  Special thanks to Scott & Nanette, Carl Ray & Charlotte Moulds, David & Kim French and Henry & Sue Wyse for being Jason’s wheels for the past seven weeks.  Likewise to Daphne Hutto for arranging Jason’s schedule.  To Carl Ray & Charlotte for providing housing four days each week, along with Jimmy & Dede Tagert and Henry & Sue for filling in when needed.  To Jason & Dana Taylor for treating him to an awesome meal and afternoon of relaxation one Sunday.  It has truly been a “family” effort.  Also, “thank you” to Ernest & Kay Tucker for being such encouragers to Jason at each of his appointments.  Thank you Friendship family for praying and loving Jason.  (I am probably leaving someone off this list.  If so, my apologies and I will make it up once I am made aware of my error)

Special thanks to Joey, Bibbi, McKenzie, Hadley & Hollis for driving to Orlando on Tuesday and back home yesterday just so they could be there for Kaydenz, Witney & Devon.  Awesome move of Christian love on their part.

By the way, great flight on Spirit Tuesday but a cancelled flight yesterday.  So, thank God for Joey & Bibbi giving me a ride home. Got home at 12:30AM today.

We need desserts for this Sunday night’s farewell reception for the Westbrooks.  Contact Katelyn Johnson if you have questions or need more information.  Also, there will be a basket available at the reception for cards of thanks, encouragement, et cetera.

Ordination council will meet in the auditorium at 3:30PM this Sunday, 4/7.

Praying  and believing for fifty!  Details coming!

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

I ask that you join me in praying for Kaydenz Edwards as she will be undergoing heart surgery around 7:30AM (Alabama time) this morning.  Kaydenz and her parents are anxious.  Rightfully so.  This surgeon is supposed to be the best when it comes to juvenile heart surgery.  Pray without ceasing.

Dede Tagert messaged me last night to share that she and Debbie will be meeting with the funeral directors this afternoon to make the arrangements for Richard’s service.  Keep praying for Debbie, Miss Lois, Tanner and the entire Adkinson family.

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.  Bro. Abel will be teaching in the auditorium.

We will have a farewell fellowship for Dylan, Elizabeth, Ellie & Cash this Sunday evening immediately following our service.  We need the members of the Friendship family to help by bringing a dessert.  Please bring enough for those attending with you plus at least two more.

We will be licensing and ordaining Bro. Dylan this Sunday evening during the service.  Ordination council will meet at 3:30PM in the auditorium and all ordained men are invited to attend.

Two weeks from today, 4/17, we will having “potluck with the pastor” immediately following our morning service.  Lisa and I will provide the meat (roast), drinks and bread.  You are asked to bring the sides and desserts.  Pass the word!

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

Welcome to the afternoon edition of the blog.  Sorry for no post yesterday.  A few of our thirteen readers are so impatient!  Folks, remember, I do work two days a week!

I am writing this entry from the Pensacola Airport while waiting to board a Spirit Airlines flight to Orlando.  Did you say “Spirit Airlines?”  I did.  Main reason is that it is a direct flight going and coming.

Why Orlando?  Kaydenz Edwards will have heart surgery tomorrow morning.  She is a very special young lady (11 years old) and want to be there in order to minister to her and her parents.  The boys are remaining at home in Pensacola.  Pray that all goes well!

I spoke with Debbie Adkinson a bit earlier and they are still playing the waiting game.  Not sure when they will be able to meet with the funeral directors to finalize the service plans.  Pray for Debbie, Miss Lois, Tanner and the entire Adkinson family.

All ordained men are invited to join us this Sunday, April 7, at 3:30PM in the church auditorium for an ordination council as we will ordain Pastor Dylan Westbrook to the Gospel ministry.  The ordination service (everyone invited) will begin at 5:00PM.  This will be a special service so please do not miss it.

The deacons will host a farewell reception for Dylan, Elizabeth, Ellie & Cash immediately following the evening service.  Members of the Friendship family are asked to bring a dessert to the reception.  Please bring enough for those attending with you plus two more.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow – morning and evening.  Bro. Abel will be teaching in the auditorium.

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

Jesus is alive!  Hallelujah!

We will gather at 8:30AM and then again at 10:00AM this morning to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus!  Child care will be provided for children up to three years of age.  No exceptions, please.

My mind is still reeling from the passing of Richard Adkinson.  Keep praying for Debbie, Miss Lois, Tanner and the entire family.

I pray that you will have a great Easter Sunday with the risen Savior, Jesus Christ!

This morning just before 7:30AM word came to me from Bro. Dylan that Richard Adkinson had unexpectedly passed from this life.  I went to his house and waited with the family until the ambulance company arrived.  Pray for Debbie, Miss Lois and the entire family.  Richard was fifty-eight years old.

As I left the workday at the church, I saw an emergency vehicle at the home of Grady & Carolyn Walker.  Stopped there and an ambulance came to take Carolyn to the hospital.  Not sure what the problem is but she cannot stand up without falling.  Pray for Carolyn & Grady.

Big day today!  Buses running routes this morning, classes for our preschoolers and children.  Preschool church and children’s church to follow.  An egg hunt to end the day.  Special thanks to Bro. Dylan for coordinating this day of ministry.  Thank you to each bus worker, teacher, whomever who will be helping today.  May God be glorified.

Our Buildings and Grounds committee members have been working this week to make sure things are ready for Easter Sunday.  I appreciate their efforts and attitudes!  Thank God for folks who have a “mind to work!”

Easter Sunday will see us have two morning services – 8:30AM and 10:00AM.  Katelyn Johnson sent me this message last night – the nursery & the 2-3 year old classroom will be open Easter Sunday during both services.  Thank you to Katelyn and those who will be taking care of those children.  Good stuff!

A friend from Michigan, Merrie Bannink, passed from this life last Saturday, 3/23.  Today, they will have a visitation with her husband, Jack, and family followed by a celebration of life service in Holland, Michigan.  Pray for the Bannink family during this time.

I received a special request for prayer late yesterday afternoon.  At this point, it is private but I do ask that you join me in praying. God knows the need.

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