Pastor's Blog

Yesterday’s Bible reading – Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22 John 4:4-42 Psalm 105:1-15 Proverbs 14:25

Today’s Bible reading –  Ruth 2:1-4:22 John 4:43-54 Psalm 105:16-36 Proverbs 14:26-27

Wednesday, May 7 – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21 John 5:1-23 Psalm 105:37-45 Proverbs 14:28-29

Thursday, May 8 – 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22 John 5:24-47 Psalm 106:1-12 Proverbs 14:30-31

Friday, May 9 – 1 Samuel 5:1-7:17 John 6:1-21 Psalm 106:13-31 Proverbs 14:32-33

Saturday, May 10 – 1 Samuel 8:1-9:27 John 6:22-42 Psalm 106:32-48 Proverbs 14:34-35

Sunday, May 11 – 1 Samuel 10:1-11:15 John 6:43-71 Psalm 107:1-43 Proverbs 15:1-3

Folks, I have been posting entries on this blog for over seven years.  Something happened yesterday that has never happened to me previously.  I “posted” an entry around midnight on Sunday night for yesterday including the daily Bible readings, thanks to the preachers from Sunday, an update from El Salvador, et cetera.  Imagine my surprise this morning when I realized that post did not exist!  I am clueless but I do apologize!  (Personally, I think Dr. Jack Bailey is jealous and sabotaged it!)

The funeral service for Tena’s dad takes place this morning at 11:00AM.  Pray for that service and the Alford family.

Nine of the folks from the Friendship family who traveled home yesterday arrived safe and sound around 8:30PM last night.  (Thanks to Bro. Jerry Whitmore for the update)  The other two team members should be in the air and on their way now.

Lisa and I had the wonderful opportunity to take part in the feeding center program yesterday.  Folks, it is an amazing blessing to me to see this ministry in action.  Yesterday, there were three locals who showed up to simply “volunteer” their services.  That was a first and was a blessing.  The children were so polite.  So cute.  Good experience for Lisa and me.

Visited briefly with Carlos Raxon.  He looks good and is very thankful to GRACE Ministries for the support.  Keep praying!

Lisa and I visited with Dr. Mike Clark & his wife, Miss Dottie, for about thirty minutes.  He is recovering from major back surgery.  Dr. Mike has always been very kind to GRACE Ministries.  We went to be a blessing but were the ones who received the blessing.

We also were able to share a meal with Juan Marcos, Lucky & Natalie Ruiz last night.  It was an opportunity for us to say “thank you” to Juan Marcos for all of his help in getting electricity to the feeding center.  God really used him to help GRACE Ministries.

There are a bunch of Canadians staying in the mission house this week.  They have placed Canadian flags everywhere and I do mean everywhere!  I am about to set this matter straight!

We have a meeting with Lazaro & Glendy this morning to discuss the feeding center ministry.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Judges 19:1-20:48 John 3:22-4:3 Psalm 104:24-35 Proverbs 14:22-23

The arrangements for Tena Hovel’s father are listed in a separate entry.

Art Elliott remains hospitalized as does Bea Unrue.

Rusty Suthoff’s mother has been admitted to the hospital.

We are on a regular schedule today and tonight.  The three men preaching are Jim Chinners, Jerry Hovel, and Benny McGath.  Pray for them.

Tonight’s service marks the final time to order roses for next Sunday and Mother’s Day.

Sierra Edwards, Gloria Whitmore, Tim & Peggy Knighten all did a very good job of sharing with the folks during yesterday’s morning session.  Jerry Whitmore also did a very good job of sharing during the banquet setting.  Ditto for the praise band as Kyle once again did the songs in Spanish.

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

Ellsworth Wesley Alford, age 75, departed this life on Friday, May 2, 2014. Mr. Alford is survived by his beloved wife Darlene Alford, six daughters; Becky Alford, Tena (Jerry) Hovel, Melissa (Terry) Miller, Vicki (Larry) Barnes, Cheryl (Ronnie) Ivy, Velvet Alford-Smith, one sister Charlotte Kibby, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. Visitation for Mr. Alford will be on Monday, May 5, 2014 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Indian Springs Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Valhalla Memorial Gardens.

Today’s Bible reading – Judges 17:1-18:31 John 3:1-21 Psalm 104:1-24 Proverbs 14:20-21

As you know, I am in El Salvador.  I did not receive any updates through the night so I do not have any to share.  Maybe tomorrow.

I do ask that you keep praying for the Alford family.

The anniversary celebration got off to a good start last night.  The praise band led in worship.  Kyle sang one song in Spanish and did a really, really nice job.  Lisa spoke on the role of women in the church and did a really, really nice job as well.

This morning, Sierra Edwards will speak on missions, Gloria Whitmore will speak on prayer, and Tim & Peggy will speak on the importance of Sunday School.  All of these topics tie into the theme of having a healthy church.  Tonight, Jerry Whitmore will bring the message at the church’s banquet.  The praise band will lead worship tonight.

Rainy season begins today in El Salvador and it actually began yesterday with a good bit of rain falling.

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

Rick, Jr. & Kayla Bradley are the proud parents of Caroline Grace Bradley who made her appearance into this world at 8:49AM today.  She checked in weighing six pound and nine inches and is 20 1/2 inches long.  Congratulations to Rick & Kayla!

Almost exactly two hours later, Tena Hovel’s father, Mr. Ellsworth Alford passed from this life.  He was at home surrounded by his family.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for the Alford family during this difficult time.

Today’s Bible reading – Judges 15:1-16:31 John 2:1-25 Psalm 103:1-22 Proverbs 14:17-19

Kayla Brown Bradley is scheduled to give birth via c-section early this morning.  Pray that everything goes well.  Bro. Chris will be with the family and will send me the details once the delivery is complete.  I will get them on the blog as soon as possible.

Art Elliott was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon.  He continues to battle pneumonia and his condition worsened.

Miss Bea Unrue continues to improve little by little.

Dana Taylor was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

Coley Johnson’s mother is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today.

The five folks who departed for El Salvador yesterday arrived safe and sound.  Eight more leave this morning.  Pray for their safety in travel.  The first session of the anniversary celebration takes place tonight.

Remember the roses for Mother’s Day as we will have folks available to take your forms and payment immediately following all three services this Sunday.

The mens’ breakfast takes place in the morning at 8:00AM in the fellowship hall.

Had to spend some time mowing yesterday and then working in the garden.  Too wet to plow but I was able to hoe it out.  I did not lose any plants due to the rain but lost a good bit of soil which I think is now in John Milton’s garden!

Went to Walmart around 5:00AM yesterday.  Saw a gentleman who asked me about the church.  He asked me if the Benefield boys were still attending.  He then called them “goofy!”  (Said he liked goofy people)  I did not reply but I thought, “Bubba is not goofy!”  (BTW, I cannot divulge my source because I do not do that to my preacher friends!)

Looks as though Charles has already gotten someone to move in the house Rita just vacated.  Must be a big family as there was a white cargo van there last night.  Hope they are decent folks!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Judges 13:1-14:20 John 1:29-51 Psalm 102:1-28 Proverbs 14:15-16

Received an e-mail from Jerry Whitmore during the night informing me that Pastor Alex (P.C. Alexander) in India has been transported to a hospital which specializes in heart problems.  Pastor Alex was seeing a doctor regarding back/shoulder pain, and, after doing some tests, the doctor insisted he go to this hospital.  His wife, Alex, is in south India so she is obviously not with him.  Pray for Pastor Alex.

As far as I know, Dana did well through her surgery.

Bea continues to make improvement.

Bro. Jerry visited with Gail Bishop yesterday but I did not get an update from him on her.

Virginia Morris’ mother (Illinois) came home from the hospital yesterday morning.

Five of our folks are leaving early today bound for El Salvador.  Eight others join them tomorrow.

Cloverdale Baptist Church has a new pastor – Bro. James Messer.

The ad hoc playground committee consists of Heidi Butler, Courtney Cavin, Tiffany Fox, Jennifer Garrison, Kayla Hatcher, Amy Reynolds and Deidra Taylor, chair person.

Men’s breakfast this Saturday, 5/3, at 8:00AM.

Senior adult day this Sunday, 5/4, during the 10:30AM service.

The Dodgers won their 10,000th game last night joining the Braves, Cubs, & Giants as the only MLB teams to reach that plateau.  What about the Yankees you ask?  Please!

Umpire Pee Wee Roberts will miss the t-ball games tonight – first time all season.  Sick?  No, the Crimson Caravan is in town.  Pee Wee has his priorities in order!  (He may not have missed any games this season but he has certainly missed a lot of calls – LOL!)

Listing Caryn Hyatt as a Suthoff in yesterday’s letter raised some eyebrows and had the text line burning.  Simple auto correct mistake by the computer (or something like that!)

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