Pastor's Blog

Parker Vice made his entry into this world at 7:47AM weighing 8 pounds, 9 ounces.  He is 20 1/4″ long.  Lindsey, TJ, & Parker are all doing great!  Praise the Lord!

Parker Vice is scheduled to make his arrival into this world this morning.  TJ & Lindsey were to be at the hospital around 5:00AM and would suspect Parker should be here shortly after 7:00AM depending on what time the doctor arrives to do the c-section.  Pray for Lindsey as undergoes this procedure and for TJ as he will be in the room with her to welcome Parker.

Conner Ferguson is in a local hospital for some testing that relates to a problem he had last week.  Miss Kathleen Henderson was admitted to a local hospital yesterday too.  Dee Dee’s dad remains at home.  Pray for these folks.

The stormy weather really had a negative impact on our attendance in yesterday morning’s service but, to be honest, I really do not blame folks for not getting out in that storm.  Bro. Jerry preached as I was in the CAB helping with the renovation.  I appreciate those who attended and our attendance last night was good – not great, just good.

Speaking of the CAB renovation, yesterday saw major progress.  This is an “all hands on deck call” for folks to help today and tomorrow to have it ready for the TOF on Saturday.  I will be at the hospitals first thing today but the building will be open.  We need folks to clean, caulk, paint, et cetera.  Thirty minutes or three hours – it is all appreciated!

I left Soy & Deidra’s house devastated last night.  Why?  Josh Woods has been in North Carolina for two weeks.  He is scheduled to arrive at the Mobile airport around midnight tonight.  He has a fiancee, Kristin Fontenot, and one would naturally assume she would be there waiting on the “love of her life” to welcome him home.  Uh, no!  She told me that he could get home the best way he could (loose translation) that it was too late for her to be at the airport regardless of who was coming home!  I can see all of the passengers on that plane running into the waiting arms of loved ones as they deplane as Josh walks “solo” to the baggage claim area and then to his car.  Wow!  (Folks, I did not know it at the time but this may very well be why I did not marry Kristin’s mother back in the day when we were dating!)  I am in a state of shock!   Pray for Josh!

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

I ask that you continue to pray for Mr. George Douglas, Dee Dee’s dad.  Also, Ted Ezell called yesterday to say that he will remain in rehab for a few more days.  Ted is such a blessing and has such a wonderful attitude.

Today is a “normal” Wednesday for the Friendship family with the morning service at 10:00AM and the various evening activities beginning at 6:00PM.  The reality is that our evening attendance will be “down” numerically because of the public schools being out today.  (I am told that in 2012 they will get the entire week off for this emphasis)  So, I encourage those in town to join us this morning or tonight for the services/Bible studies.

Please note that the CAB will be “closed” again tonight.  Just too much stuff in the way and too many risks for us to open it.  Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Thank you for your prayers as the carpet for the west end rooms did arrive yesterday.  Special thanks to Chris Howell for coming immediately with two helpers and getting it installed.  Chris has been a real blessing to us in this area!

Tony & Nick Hacker continue to be a real blessing too.  I called them off the golf course and they came to help hang some of the doors along with marker boards, cork boards, et cetera.  The rooms on the lower west end of the CAB are ready for use this Sunday, 3/13!  Praise the Lord!

Today, a “major” part of the renovation takes place.  It will be huge and will greatly change the appearance of the CAB even more so than up to this point.  The “ladies” will be happy!

Folks, we have much to do in order to have the CAB ready for Saturday’s TOF.  Pray.  If possible, come help!

We had our first night of GROW last night.  I was not a part of that effort as I had just gotten home from the CAB.  (The CAB has consumed all of my time the past two days and, except for the services today/tonight, will continue to do so until it is ready for the TOF and Sunday)  I will get a report from Bro. Jerry today on GROW and share it tomorrow.

Do not forget – time changes this Sunday, 3/13.  Spring forward one hour before going to bed!

I am sorry but my initial response is to not believe the coach at OSU and his confession that he was “scared” for his players which is why he did not report the NCAA violation last April.  Two games, $250K, and a public reprimand?  Wow, that will teach him!  Big time college athletics seems to be a very dirty business!  You think?

“Myrna from Smyrna” is here!  Soy will be on his best behavior this week!

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

As per yesterday’s comments, Dee Dee’s dad has basically been sent home to pass from this life.  Please pray for Mr. Douglas, Dee Dee and her family during this time.  Dee Dee is such a blessing to me as she grew up riding the bus to Friendship and now is so very faithful to attend and bring her children with her.

Herbert Benefield was in the service Sunday morning but it was painful for him.  (That could be said for many folks who listen to me preach!)  His neck was giving him a lot of problems and he was to contact his doctor yesterday.  Pray for Bro. Herbert.

Sammy & Myrtle Bowden spent the morning yesterday working in the CAB and Tony & Nick Hacker spent the better part of the day doing the same.  We had a group of men come last night to finish some work and to make some major decisions on the final stages of the renovation.  I appreciate all who are helping in any way.  We have to get the main area clear by this Saturday in order to host TOF.  Pray!  Help!

Here is one specific prayer request – we need the carpet to come in today so it can be installed immediately.  This is crucial to our getting the west end rooms ready by Sunday.

Our first night of GROW takes place tonight beginning at 6:30PM.  The folks participating are asked to meet in the adult SS building.  Pray for this ministry.

As mentioned earlier, The Taste of Friendship takes place this Saturday, 3/12, from 5:00 – 7:00PM.  I hope many members of the Friendship family will attend this important fundraiser for our student ministry.

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

It is always a blessing to me to see the baptismal waters stirred as last night was no exception as three students and one young adult followed Jesus in believers’ baptism.  We thank God for their obedience and for His blessings!

Our 8:00AM service attendance was good but you could tell it was a “school is out” weekend during our 10:30AM service.  The evening service attendance was good too.  I really appreciate those folks who are faithful!

The “Taste of Friendship” takes place this Saturday, 3/12, from 5:00 – 7:00PM.  I hope the members of the Friendship family will support this effort by our students to help supplement their summer ministries/camp.

The CAB renovation did not get as far along as hoped/planned.  It is imperative that we get it ready for the TOF by this weekend.  If you can help at any time, give us a call or just show up during office hours.  Thank you in advance to all who will help.

Time changes this Sunday, 3/13, as we “spring forward” one hour.  I do not like the fact that this happens on a Sunday but it is what it is.  Please make a mental note to change your clock before going to bed this Saturday night so as to not miss the services this Sunday.

The Danville Lady Hawks lost in the finals but they had a great season.  Congratulations!  The Lakers have now won seven in a row.  Will Bama make the tourney?  IMO, they probably need to win two in the SEC tourney as the SEC West is so weak this year.

How was the skiing?  Awesome!  Soy beat a three year old girl in a race down the bunny hill.  He was pumped!  (Her parents said he tripped her as she was getting off the magic carpet but Soy says she just fell.  I am going with Soy on this one!)  Spencer & Drew could only muster a measly 70.8 mph on their best run of the day Friday – that is crazy!  Dr. Tico & Pastor Bob did well for first timers!   I only wish Rusty Suthoff would have joined us!

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

I received word that Merwyn Gunter was discharged from the rehab facility and is now at home.  Martha Patrick was also discharged and is staying with family members.  Ted Ezell should be discharged next Tuesday.

I think Herbert Benefield went home from the hospital yesterday.  Outside of those folks, I do not have any updates but assume no news is good news.  I do not know the status of the CAB renovation but I do know it is in capable hands with Tony Hacker leading the way.  He could use help getting the CAB ready for use this Sunday so contact him if you can help.

The Ross “Griswald” Genzink family hit the road this morning as they left Michigan bound for Florida – twelve family members (one year old triplets and a three year old in that number) plus seven adults plus Jeremy – all in the same vehicle!  Are you kidding me?  It is only a twenty hour drive without any stops.

Tico Vargas now works for Dominos as he made lots and lots of pizzas yesterday.  Yes, he took some falls but did move from the bunny slopes to the first lift and did well coming down.  No broken legs but a bruise here and there.  What about Bob?  Great question!  You may send those “get well soon” cards to. . . .  j/k.  Pastor Bob took to it like a “mouse takes to eating cheese” and spent the afternoon noon on the lower slopes.  Yes, he took some falls too but nothing major and he does not have far to fall so the bumps and bruises were at a minimum.

Spencer Cole did a great job of teaching Tico & Bob.  I appreciate his spirit and expertise.  Drew & Spencer skied the late afternoon and evening together and they ski like “idiots” for lack of a better word.  Absolutely no fear!  They will probably get their lift tickets clipped today!

Soy?  Did you have to ask?  He spent three hours on the slopes and three hours in the coffee shop.  He rode the “magic carpet” a bunch of times and only fell off once.  He was so proud of himself!  I bought him a ring pop last night for his “good” day!   He says that today he is going to ride the “big” lift.  Why me Lord?

Lord willing, we will ski today and then fly home in the morning.  I hope to see many members of the Friendship family in church this Sunday morning and evening.

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

Herbert Benefield is in a local hospital as he has been having severe pain in his neck.  The doctor has diagnosed the source and Herbert should be discharged this morning.  Pray for a complete healing.

As far as I know, all of the other folks we have been mentioning are about the same.  Dee Dee’s dad certainly continues to need our prayers.

Les & Tony Hacker came back yesterday and continued getting the east end of the CAB ready for the electrical work and the sheetrock guys.  John Curl painted most of the day on the west end.  Sammy Bowden will most likely be in the CAB today doing the electrical stuff.  I appreciate each of these men and their efforts.

Becky Hatcher must think I am her personal advertisement person as she wanted me to let you know that the student ministry has 50 pounds of pecans left.  They are selling for $5 per pound.  First come, first served!

The Danville Lady Hawks are in the finals of the 3A state tourney and will play Madison Academy on Saturday morning at 9:00AM.  DHS beat the defending state champions, Sumter County, last night.  Congratulations to Coach Paul Wilson and the girls.

I am posting this entry from 30,000 or so feet above the earth as I am on a plane headed to Denver, CO.  I am with Soy (why me Lord?), Tico Vargas, Pastor Bob Harvey, Spencer Cole, and Spencer’s brother-in-law, Drew Newsom (I think that is his last name).  We are going snow skiing for the next two days at Keystone.  This is Tico & Pastor Bob’s first attempt at snow skiing.  It should be an absolute hoot!  I may post pictures on my Facebook page!

This trip came together very last minute.  Soy begged to go.  It is just like having a child along.  We left Grand Bay bound for the Mobile airport and had to stop at Kountry Korner (10 minutes into the trip) for him to go to the bathroom.  Most of my time for the next two days will be spent “watching” him go down the bunny slope while only falling two or three times!  I should have brought Titus and they could have skied together!

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

I received the following e-mail message from Derrick Wilkerson yesterday:

“Hey Bro. T,  We pray that you and your family are well.  Thank you for your continued prayers.  We have heard back from the IMB, and we will be moving forward in the process.  The goal is to be on the field sometime between a year and a year and a half.  We are focusing on the Southeast Asia Affinity Group, and it will not have any open spots till 2012.  We will be in the paperwork and waiting process until something opens that we would fit.  So please continue to pray for us as we trust the Lord’s leadership.”

Folks, that cranks my tractor!  I look forward to the day when members from the Friendship family are on the mission field full time.  I think the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will have an even deeper meaning to us.  Pray for Derrick, Jodie, and Bella as they continue this process.

Miss Kathleen Henderson did well through her procedure yesterday and was discharged from the hospital.  Martha Patrick, Ted Ezell, and Merwyn Gunter all remain in the various rehab facilities.  They are doing “good” all things considered.  Keep praying for Carla Kyser and George Douglas.  Sonny Bates has another test today to help determine the cause of his pain (you might be expecting me to make a comment about Jeanette here but I refuse – LOL!).

There were 39 folks at GROW training last night – praise the Lord!  Pray for this ministry as the visits, phone calls, and cards begin next Tuesday night.

Lynne Watson did me a huge favor yesterday to cover my forgetfulness and I appreciate it!  Sammy & Myrtle Bowden continued to work on the east end of the CAB getting ready for the electrical work.  Chris & Sherry Howell finished the carpet upstairs yesterday.   Les & Tony Hacker built three walls and almost have the east end ready for the electrical work to be completed.  John Curl & Kenny Lingle began painting the west end rooms last night.  Folks, we are blessed to have people with such willing hearts to serve.

We are on a regular schedule today/tonight.  Remember, the CAB will be closed.  Bro. Chris is having the student fellowship time in the fellowship hall.  I think I heard that Amy Huhn & Sanna Collier are cooking eggs, grits, bacon, biscuits, et cetera for all of the students but maybe I misunderstood.  I know something was said about breakfast food.

Coach Paul “Wooden” Wilson leads the Danville High girls into action tonight in the high school final four in Birmingham.  I wish them well in their quest for a state title.

The “Griswalds” are packing.  More details later.

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

Miss Kathleen Henderson will have a surgical procedure done on her heart today.  She is concerned and asked that we pray for her.

Keep praying for Dee Dee’s dad in his battle against cancer.  As far as I know, Martha Patrick, Ted Ezell, and Merwyn Gunter all remain in rehab.  I hope to find out for sure today.  Keep praying for Carla Kyser too.

Tonight is the fourth and final night of the GROW training.  It begins at 6:30PM in the auditorium.  You are encouraged to take part in this outreach ministry.  Contact Bro. Jerry if you have any questions.

Hopefully, John Curl & Kenny Lingle will be able to paint the west end of the CAB tonight.  The rains of yesterday prevented them from doing so last night.  The walls may get built on the east end tonight too.

Again, the CAB is closed to all activity this entire week and that includes the classes/activities of tomorrow night.  The renovation is taking center stage this week.  Thank you for understanding and for your cooperation.

Found out last night that Will Reynolds was “off” from work yesterday!  Was that God opening the door for him to take part in the work day?  If so, he totally missed it!  However, I cannot be too critical since Soy also missed the work day.  This is what I hear from Deidra all of the time when we are having work nights – “Soy really wants to come to the work night but he has a skating party.  Otherwise, he would be there!” I really do not think there was a skating party at 8:00AM on Monday, 2/28!  Deidra asked last night, “when is the next work day?” Why?  So Soy & Will can make plans to miss?  (I have decided to just call Soy, Joe David and Will, Jason!)

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