Pastor's Blog

Well actually she isn’t Juan Jose!  Cora Jayne DeYoung entered this world via C-section yesterday afternoon weighing 7 lbs 3 oz and measuring 21 1/2 inches long.  Cora Jayne was breech so the doctor decided it was time for her to enter this world.  She is doing great on her second day outside the womb and mom is doing well too. 

Eric & Jayme DeYoung are the proud parents of this first addition to their family.  They, along with Eric’s family, are very dear friends and great supporters of our GRACE Ministries.  It was in November ’05 on a GRACE trip that I began urging this great couple to bring Juan Jose into the world!  They listened and now Cora Jayne (I was pushing for Juanita Josephina) is here.  I know grandmother Beth is estatic!  Congratulations Eric & Jayme! 

I am very aggravated at myself for failing to mention that Kelli Fontenot Stork spent a couple of days in the hospital with recurring headaches.  She was discharged today but really isn’t any better.  She and Todd have become fairly frustrated as the doctors just cannot find a source of relief for Kelli.  So, please join me in praying that God will remove these headaches or will allow the doctors to find a suitable medication and/or treatment. 

Jeanette Bates came through her surgery in about forty-five minutes and did very well according to the initial reports.  I left the hospital shortly after the surgeon spoke with Sonny and haven’t heard from anyone since then.  I have plans to see Jeanette later today. 

Our Finance Committee has completed their work of putting together a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and will distribute copies following the services this Sunday morning.  A meeting for discussion will take place at 4:00PM and the vote will then be taken during the evening service.  I appreciate chairman, Morris Bryant, vice-chairman, Edwin Williams, and committee members Louise Allison, Dewayne Lavelle, Mike Moreland, June Strickler, and Lynne Watson.  They have prayed, discussed, erased, prayed, and will be bringing a proposed budget to the church that is reachable and one that honors the Lord Jesus. 

Sunday night will also see us elect three men to serve as deacons for the next three years beginning August 1.  See the list of nominees on yesterday’s entry, pray, and come vote. 

The Michigan folks are on their last day and from all reports it has been a good week for them.  I even heard Pastor Tim say “y’all” the other night so I think it has been worthwhile!  I thank God for all they have done this week in doing ministry along the Coast.

Derrick & Jodie have returned from three days in Mexico which were necessary in order to renew their passport.  (You have to physically leave the country after 180 days)  Team season begins full force on Monday as Bro. Jerry and his team arrive for eight days of ministry.  Pray for them to have safe travels and a great week of ministry.

Our students leave for Wild Week on Monday too.  They aren’t going far geographically but my prayer is that next week will be a turning point for our student ministry.  Please join me in that prayer. 

We will recognize the fathers in our services Sunday morning with special recognition going to the oldest father present.  I hope you will join us for Sunday School, worship, Discipleship Training (Tim Burnett will teach the adults in the auditorium), and the evening service.

Pray for Whitney Bryant as she will have surgery Monday morning.  As I was typing this, I received an e-mail from Trish Cohen stating that she has an appointment with her surgeon Monday afternoon.  Continue to pray for Christine Leasure.

I pray that you will have a great weekend.  Go to church!