Pastor's Blog

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”  (Proverbs 18:10) 

I decided to begin each daily blog entry with a Scripture verse.  I try to read a chapter from Proverbs each day and this verse was in today’s chapter.  That song is playing in your head right now, isn’t it?  Aren’t you glad to have a safe place?  Praise the name of the Lord! 

Kathy Wadkins and the other children’s choir workers are to be applauded for leading our children in a wonderful presentation of the Gospel through song/skit last night.  Each child did a really good job!  I know their parents were proud and rightfully so!  Thank you Kathy, workers, and children! 

The Lord blessed our morning services too.  Amanda Blackwell, Drew Crawley, Brandon Davis, Korie Fontenot, Tyler Hayes, Katelyn Jackson, Matthew Schlehuber, Kristen Whitehurst, Rhea Wilkinson, & Brianne Woods are our high school graduates for this year.  Dale Bosarge, Bridget Whalen Chambliss, Kristin Fontenot, Chris Taylor, & Josh Woods are our college graduates.  Brad Hutto received a doctor’s degree in physical therapy and Derrick Wilkerson graduated from seminary.  T. Garrett Wright received his doctorate in law.  (I think he told me he is now a DJ or something like that!)  Congratulations to all of our graduates!  

Jordan Smith, Tena Hovel’s nephew, had surgery on Friday and continues to have some complications following that surgery.  Pray for him.  Reb Nevin’s cousin, Dave Reilly, continues to have some serious health issues too so keep him in your prayers.  As always, pray for those folks battling cancer. 

It was a sweet/sweet weekend as the Lakers won (was there ever any doubt?) and the Celtics are done!  (Sorry Ethan, Bro. Benny, & Reb)  Of course, the bigger news is that the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks in game one of their series!  Of course, the sweeter news is that the Jacksonville State Gamecocks softball team beat UT twice (in Knoxville) to win their regional!  (I’m pretty happy if UT gets beat in any thing!) 

My good friend, Pastor Jack Bailey, is considering doing a blog.  If he does, I’m done!  His entries will be much more entertaining than mine!  (Pastor Michael Mason has a blog that he updates annually – what’s up with that?)  I would pay a subscription fee to read Pastor Jack’s blog.  I will let you know if, and when, he is up and running. 

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

Maxine Rogers was doing better yesterday and was in hopes that she would be discharged from the hospital by today.  The family is concerned for Ralph as he refuses to leave the hospital and it is taking a physical toll on him too.  Tara Sinquefield did well through her second surgery and hopes to come home today.  I don’t have an update on Dawn Autin. 

The wedding ceremony of Rebecca Bates & Jay Taylor will take place tomorrow afternoon at 5:00PM and the Friendship family is invited to attend.  The ceremony and reception will take place in the auditorium and CAB.  Pray for Jay & Rebecca as they begin their life together. 

The June 18 – 25 GRACE team was scheduled to meet this Sunday afternoon, 5/17, but we are moving that meeting to Monday, June 1, at 6:00PM.  That will also be the date when the trip must be paid in full. 

Last night was one of those bitter/sweet nights.  Sweet to watch the Celtics go down to the Magic and bitter to see the officials cheat again and the Lakers lose to the Rockets! 

FA calls but will only do so four more times this school year – hooray!  I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus!    

The adults met in the fellowship hall last night as the children’s choir used the auditorium for a dress rehearsal.  As I walked out of the fellowship hall at the conclusion of the service, the student ministry building door opened and it seemed as though a thousand students poured out – praise the Lord!  I then went to Soy & Deidra’s house and it was basically wall to wall with young adults – praise the Lord!  I have mentioned before that meeting with those young adults is really a blessed way to end my day. 

Speaking of that, we are going to meet at Soy & Deidra’s one more Wednesday and then we will move to the student ministry building.  We just need more space and that building is more condusive to hosting a large number.  So, on Wednesday, 5/27, we will meet in the student ministry building as soon as the high school students dismiss. 

Dawn Autin did well through her surgery.  Brenda Poiroux had a procedure done too but I am not sure if she came home from the hospital.  Maxine Rogers will remain in the hospital until at least tomorrow following her procedure.  Betty Hamil is having a procedure done today.  Shea Childress got a good report from the doctor yesterday – praise the Lord! 

Tammy Johnson passed away yesterday morning.  She has battled cancer for several years.  Please pray for that family.  Continue to pray for all of those from our church family who are battling cancer. 

Tracie Holifield’s sister, Tara, will have surgery today at noon.  Sonni Holifield Eyler fell and broke her heel last week.  I am not sure what they are going to do to correct that problem.  Pray for these ladies!

A group of ushers/greeters met with Bro. Jerry & me last night to discuss how we can be most effective in that area of ministry.  Hopefully, we will meet again in the very near future to continue our dialogue.  We need more greeters – male and/or female. 

T. Garrett Wright has invested a number of hours already in trying to help us get a passport for Hien (pronounced Hennie).  I appreciate his efforts.  It is always good to know folks in high places!  By the way, it was great to have T. Garrett in our service last night and he was happy that I mentioned Rush Limbaugh! 

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

Dawn Autin is scheduled for surgery today.  They will be grafting skin from her leg to her thumb/hand area.  Pray for her as I don’t think they have ever determined the exact cause of her infection. 

Bro. Jerry & Tena Hovel have a nephew who is 15 years old and he scheduled for surgery too.  It was scheduled for today but I am not sure if it is still on due to some other problems.  At any rate, pray for him. 

I have not heard from Maxine Rogers as to how she did during her procedure yesterday.  Brenda Poiroux was thinking she would be discharged but I don’t know if that happened either.  Continue to pray for those folks battling cancer. 

T. Garrett Wright came by the office yesterday and I enjoyed our time in conversation.  He is set to graduate this Sunday with his doctor’s degree as a lawyer.  Congratulations are in order to him and all of our graduates!  By the way, we will be recognizing our graduates this Sunday during the 10:30AM service. 

We are on a regular schedule today with one change – our 7:00PM Bible study/prayer time will take place in the open area of the fellowship hall as the children’s choir will be having a dress rehearsal in the auditorium. 

Today takes me down memory lane as it was 39 years ago today that my maternal grandfather passed away very unexpectedly.  I was a nine year old boy but I remember the events of that day as though they happened yesterday.  I remember our Pastor, Bro. Jack Freeman, coming to the house to comfort & pray with my mama.  I will be thinking of, and praying for, my mama and her siblings today. 

Again, thanks to those from the Friendship family who have encouraged me to blog daily as it helps you keep up with the prayer requests. 

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

I realize that some members of the Friendship family use this blog to keep with the prayer needs within, and connected to, the Friendship family.  So, I want to give an update on some folks.

Betty Neal did great as she received four stents and is now at home.  Donald Stork was also discharged from the hospital and is presently staying with his mother. 

Dawn Autin was admitted to the hospital again last Friday and will receive a skin graft on her hand tomorrow.  David Bosarge’s mother, Maxine Rogers, was admitted to the hospital again last week and will have a procedure done today.  The doctors now feel they know the source of her problems and prayerfully this procedure will get her on the road to wellness.  Brenda Poiroux was admitted to the hospital yesterday morning and is probably battling a kidney stone(s).  Pray for these folks.

Dee Dee Douglas’ father was diagnosed with liver cancer yesterday and she has asked us to pray for him.  Max Peacock continues to receive daily treatments for his cancer.  Miss Joyce Bosarge was in church this past Sunday.  Carla Kyser continues to take treatments too.  Shea is finished with her treatments but still needs our prayers. 

Wes Bates has been preaching revival services in Idaho since Sunday morning.  He has a service tonight and tomorrow night so please pray for him and those services. 

Jay Taylor & Rebecca Bates will have their wedding ceremony this Saturday, 5/16, so pray as they make the final preparations.  That ceremony will be at 5:00PM in the church auditorium and the members of the Friendship family are invited to attend. 

I appreciate those who have commented about missing these entries.  I am not sure where I am going from here but will eventually be back to writing on a regular basis. 

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

Today – Betty Carol Neal will have stents placed in her heart.  Sara Nell Moulds will have another procedure done on her scalp in hopes they can eradicate her problem.  Marisa Felps’ father, Frank Boykin, will have surgery too.  Carla Kyser goes for a scan.  I think Lewis Jackson sees the doctor again regarding his kidney stones.  Pray for these folks today! 

Donald Stork, Bobby’s brother, has been moved to a regular hospital room so he is obviously making improvement.  As far as I know, Mike Moreland’s brother, Chuck, remains hospitalized in PA.  Betty Hamil is at home but is very sick. 

Tomorrow – Bill Goff will have a spot removed from his temple area.  Vera Bosarge will have cataract surgery.  Larsyn Kyser will see the doctor again. 

Louise Mason returns to Arkansas today and then to Guatemala later this month.  It has been a real joy to have her here with us.  I thank God for Louise and her ministry. 

I don’t have “writer’s block” or anything of that sort but I am going to step away from this blog until at least next Monday, 5/11.  It may last beyond that date.  Beth Moore’s Esther study says, “The world doesn’t care about our relationship with Christ. . . it cares about our resemblance to Christ.”  For me, the relationship part is solid & secure.  The resemblance part?  That’s what I need to examine in my own life.  I desperately want others to see Jesus in me! 

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

Did anyone happen to notice where April went?  Wow! 

The Lord blessed and we had a good day in our services yesterday.  He continues to faithfully bless us as we had another profession of faith and one to join by tranfer of letter.  We thank God for the increase! 

It was a special joy to host Louise Mason in our services yesterday.  She is such an important part of GRACE Ministries and it was good for her to see where we are, to renew friendships, and to make new friendships. 

Brandon & Pam (Landry) Baker, Michael & Deidra Taylor, & Alisha Vice will be spending their summer ministering through GRACE Ministries in Guatemala.  Pray for these five young adults as they give up their summer at home to be involved in this ministry. 

Betty Neal got an excellent report from her biposy as it was not cancer!  The next step is to determine what to do with her heart and that decision should come in the next day or so.  Bobby Stork’s brother, Donald, remains hospitalized.  Mike Moreland’s brother, Chuck, was involved in a fall and suffered mutliple breaks and other problems.  He is in an intensive care unit in a hospital in Pennsylvania.  Bea Unrue’s sister suffered a stroke last week.  Pastor Travis Northcutt did well through his surgery and even posted a comment on Friday’s post. 

Anyone interested in the ongoing renovation projects here are asked to meet with us this Wednesday at 6:00PM.  We will meet in the adult Sunday School building. 

The refs cheated and those Celtics won the final game and the series against da Bulls!  Go Magic! 

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

Miss JoNell Barnes’ surgery was a success and she was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  Betty Neal had a biopsy done yesterday afternoon and the results should be known in a couple of days.  Donald Stork remains hospitalized.  Miss Mary McNorton is a resident in the Grand Bay Convalescent Home as is her husband.  She is presently in a local hospital with pneumonia and congestive heart failure.  Pray for these folks! 

Pastor Travis Northcutt is having surgery this morning.  It was scheduled to begin at 7:00AM eastern time so take a moment and pray for him now. 

Louise Mason from Guatemala will fly in this afternoon and be with us for the weekend.  This will be her first trip to Grand Bay and we are looking forward to hosting her.  She will be in our services on Sunday.

I had a good night last night as I watched those Celtics lose once again to da Bulls!  The Celtics may win game seven Saturday but they have been battled! 

I fully expected to hear from some of our TN followers after yesterday’s post but I did not!  However, I then realized that most of them can’t read!  Come on Bret, defend your state!  (Jack Ciak threw you guys under the bus with his comment!) 

I have received “countless” e-mails from folks amazed that I could be in line to become a grandfather because of my young looks.  I may add some gray to my hair just to make me look a little older!  Thanks to all who have sent messages of congratulations! 

Our focus this weekend is on our senior adults – what a great group!  I hope the members of the Friendship family will join us for our Bible studies and worship services. 

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