Pastor's Blog

Welcome to the late morning addition of the blog!  Why late?  Yes!

First, I want to say “thank you Jesus” for His blessings on our services yesterday.  I was very pleasantly surprised by our attendance especially in the morning service.  God is good!

Winston Gulley is in ICU.  He is not doing so well.  Pray for Winston and his family.

Betty Creech came home from the hospital but then had to be taken back to the ER.  She was in the morning service yesterday so all is well.  Keep praying for Betty.

There is another person in an ICU but I do not have the liberty to post that just yet.  God knows so please pray.

The sign has been straightened.  I was told that Stacey Dyess & Jason Taylor were going to do this.  Are they the ones?  Not sure but I will find out.  Just know that I am grateful to whomever!

“Potluck with the pastor” this Wednesday immediately following our morning service.  Lisa and I are furnishing the meat (roast), drinks (tea and water), and bread.  You bring the sides and desserts.  This is open to each person who attends the morning service.

Johnny & Sharlene Sessions will host a fish fry for our senior saints on Wednesday, 5/15, immediately following our morning service.  More details coming.  Mark this date on your calendar.

Senior adult Sunday on Sunday, May 5.  Catered meal following the morning service.  Senior adults, please join us for this service and meal.

Brad & Titus are in Europe.  Daphne and the rest of the Hutto clan left this morning heading to Guatemala.  Pray for all of them to have safe travels.  By the way, very much appreciate Jeanette Bates filling in for Brad yesterday.  As always, she did great!

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

Short and sweet this morning but important.

The graveside service for Laura Morie’s father takes place this morning in Mobile.  Pray for the Smith family.

Betty Creech had a surgical procedure done yesterday.  One kidney stone was crushed and a stent was put in place.  She was discharged from the hospital.  Thank you for praying for Betty and pray for a very quick recovery

Jason Fosmore’s mother did well through her surgery.  She will know the results of the next within the next two weeks.  Also, she will begin radiation treatments soon.  Keep praying for Mrs. Fosmore.

Gary Walton called me last night to share that Mr. Houston Busby, Jr. is not doing well and is possibly near the end of his time on this earth.  Gary considers Mr. Busby a grandfather.  Very close relationship all of Gary’s life.  Pray for Mr. Busby, Gary & Rachel, and the family as they go through this time.

I am thankful to God this morning as I left home at midnight Wednesday and drove to Knoxville, TN to deliver some items to be placed on a container.  Got home just before 8:00PM last night.  Thankfully, my brother, Eddie, met me in Birmingham and did the lion’s share of the driving from there to Knoxville and back to Birmingham.  I am very thankful to Brad & Daphne allowing us to use their “bus!”  God is good and I thank Him for His watchcare.

Soccer tomorrow.  Hooray!

I pray you will have a great Friday with Jesus.

Betty Creech sent word last night that she is in the hospital – kidney stones!  Ouch, ouch, ouch!  They “may” place a stent this morning.  Pray for Betty!

Jason Fosmore’s mother will be having surgery today.  This is related to her cancer.  Pray that all goes well.

The child for whom we prayed for on Sunday morning will begin receiving treatments this Monday.  Pray for this young child and the family.

There will be a graveside service for Laura Morie’s father in the morning beginning at 10:00AM at the New Hope Cemetery.  Pray for the Smith family.

Special thanks to Chris Scofield and his five sons for their help yesterday.  Much needed and much appreciated!

I was impressed with our morning attendance in yesterday morning’s service.  Those folks are faithful!  Wow!

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.  Back to “I Am A Church Member” on Sunday evening.

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

Those bringing food to help feed the Richard Adkinson family need to have it in the Preschool Building no later than 10:00AM this morning.  Thank you to Rita Boutwell & Clara Broadus for heading this ministry and also to each person providing the food.

Obviously, I am thankful to Rita, Clara and those who helped with the feeding of the Westbrook family yesterday.

I saw a good number of the Friendship family at the visitation with the Richard Adkinson family last night.  Thank you.  The celebration of life service will begin at 10:00AM today from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Funeral Home.  Pray for that service.

There will be a graveside service for Laura Morie’s father this Friday, 4/12, beginning at 10:00AM from the New Hope Cemetery in Mobile.  Pray for the Smith family.

Thanks to Jason Fosmore for finding some really good tables to be used in our classrooms.  If you need it, Jason can find it!  Just saying!

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and night.  Bro. Dylan will be teaching the students one final time.

Speaking of Wednesday services, we will have “potluck with the pastor” on Wednesday, 4/17, immediately following the morning service.  The meat (roast), bread and drinks will be provided.  Those attending are asked to bring sides and desserts.

Our annual Senior Adult Sunday will take place on May 5th.  Seniors, make plans to attend the morning service and join us for lunch in the CAB.

Miss Edna H. Glover has submitted her resignation as our church secretary effective April 19, 2024.  I am not sure why she is leaving so quickly as she has only been doing this for fifty-two years!  We will need to fill this part time position with someone who is computer savvy – that will be one of the main requirements.  Just FYI.

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

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.