Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36 Romans 1:18-32 Psalm 10:1-15 Proverbs 19:6-7

On the revival prayer point today – Marisa Felps, Linda Green, Kayla Hatcher   wade@wademorris.com

On the revival prayer point tomorrow, 7/13 – Bobby Broome, Sanna Collier, Phil Sims

My goal is to get many folks signed up to be on the revival prayer point as a part of today’s services – morning and evening.  The concept is real easy but the implications can be very far reaching.  Three folks (no duplications) a day are asked to be “on the point” concerning revival prayer which basically means they pray specifically and fervently that day.  If possible, we ask that they send Wade Morris an e-mail assuring him of their prayer support that day.  A couple of folks up to this point have been kind enough to copy me on those messages and they have been awesome!  Will you join this prayer movement?  You will get the opportunity today in our services.

Once again, the hospitals are empty of members of the Friendship family.  We give God the thanks!  Phil Morgan’s mother is not technically a member of our church but she told me this past week that she considers me a pastor to her as I have visited her a number of times.  She was discharged from the hospital too.

We had a good service last night.  Levi, Kyle and Ethan did a nice job of leading the musical worship and Bro. Chris talked about “restore” which focused on relationships.  Our attendance was forty six with several new folks present.

An update on our GRACE team in Guatemala is posted on the GRACE blog.

Regular schedule today and tonight.  I hope many members of the Friendship family will be present.  I am praying for revival.  Are you?

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

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17 Romans 1:1-17 Psalm 9:13-20 Proverbs 19:4-5

On the revival prayer point today – Rita Broome, Peggy Knighten, Dana Taylor

On the revival prayer point tomorrow, 7/13 – Marisa Felps, Linda Green, Kayla Hatcher

Three or four folks took advantage of my office phone functioning properly by leaving me a voice mail yesterday about being on the revival prayer point.  That is probably the best way to contact me as you can call any time of the day or night.  We now have Monday & Tuesday covered and one person on Wednesday.

Our Celebration service resumes tonight after a one week break.  That service begins at 6:00PM and Bro. Chris will be preaching.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  The deacons (2013 – 14 nine) are asked to meet at 4:00PM in the church office.  This will be the final regularly scheduled time for those nine men to meet together as deacons.  The three newly elected men will be a part of the August meeting.

Keep praying for Bro. Jerry & his team in Guatemala.  They will be dedicating the new playground equipment today plus hosting a block party at the ministry center.

Lisa and I, along with Tico, were able to meet my brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue for supper last night.  We do not see Eddie & Sue much so it was a very nice evening.  Of course when it came time to pay the bill, Eddie “only” had  “renminbi” (Chinese currency) and Tico “only” had quetzals (Guatemalan currency) so guess who got stuck with the bill?  (I was just glad that Lisa had one of Charles’ credit cards with her!)  We had met Pastor Bob & Miss Terry Harvey for lunch at the Lighthouse so we had a full day of eating and fellowship.  I will not even mention the stop at Hope’s Cheesecake to end the day!

My yard work schedule was interrupted yesterday morning by an appointment and yesterday afternoon by rain.  So, the weed eater, push mower and riding mower are calling my name.

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

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18 Acts 28:1-31 Psalm 9:1-12 Proverbs 19:1-3

On the prayer point today – Rick Bradley, Sr., TJ & Lindsey Vice   wade@wademorris.com

On the prayer point tomorrow, 7/12 – Rita Broome, Peggy Knighten & Dana Taylor

On the prayer point Sunday, 7/13 – Marisa Felps, Linda Green & Kayla Hatcher

We have done well the first few days of this revival prayer emphasis but, as of this writing, the proverbial well is dry after Sunday.  We have three more folks signed up for select days later but beginning Monday we are without prayer warriors.  Contact me via e-mail or call 445-5416 and leave me a voice mail which goes to my e-mail (my voice mail has been malfunctioning but is working now as of late yesterday afternoon).   Folks, this ministry is important to revival!

Russell Johnson was discharged from the hospital.  Liz W posted a comment on yesterday’s blog entry giving some details.

Elizabeth Hart (Mac & Joan) had her labor induced on Wednesday morning.  I went into the hospital yesterday afternoon to visit with her and the baby.  The only problem with at scenario was that she was still in labor.  The expectation was that the baby would be delivered around 7:00PM last night.  Did that happen?  IDK at this point.

I did not get to visit with Phil’s mother yesterday.  I am assuming that she remains hospitalized.

Bro. Jerry’s team arrived safe and sound in Guatemala yesterday afternoon.  Their plans are to build fifteen houses and to stain two pieces of playground equipment that they purchased for the children at the ministry center.  They will have a dedication service for that new equipment tomorrow afternoon.

We are on a regular schedule this Sunday.  We should have more folks at “home” since it is not a holiday weekend and my prayer is that each member of the Friendship family will be in his/her rightful place of ministry, service and worship.

Looking and listening for revival prayer warriors.

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

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14 Acts 27:21-44 Psalm 8:1-9 Proverbs 18:23-24

On the prayer point today – Carla Kyser, Reb Nevin, Pattie Suthoff     wade@wademorris.com

On the prayer point tomorrow, 7/11 – Rick Bradley, Sr, TJ & Lindsey Vice

Bro. Jerry’s team left the church at 3:30AM headed to the airport.  They are scheduled to arrive in Guatemala City around 1:15PM (Guatemala time) which will be 2:15PM our time.  Pray for their safety in travel.

I am not sure if Liz’s Uncle Russell is still in the hospital.  I do know he is still taking radiation treatments.

Phil Morgan’s mother is in the hospital.  I visited with her yesterday afternoon as Miss Lillian told me about her hospitalization during our morning service.

Dr. Tico did a very good job in both our our services yesterday.  He preached from Philippians in the morning service and Ephesians in the evening service.  I appreciate those who supported him financially through the offering.

Saw several of the folks who attended the morning service yesterday at the Lighthouse during lunch.  One young lady was there with her maternal grandfather and her mother who had both been to the service.  She told me that she would “C” me in the evening service.  I saw her husband in the evening service but I did not “C” her!

I mentioned the “cards” in the message this past Sunday.  I could not find them on Saturday.  One of our ladies did find them on Tuesday!  She brought them to the manager’s attention.  She also sent an e-mail to Hallmark.  She very politely explained her position as being offended by the cards.  Here is Hallmark’s e-mail reply – “Thank you for your comment.  Hallmark is committed to reflecting people’s real lives and enriching their relationships, and our mission includes all people. We know how increasingly diverse our connections to each other are and we’re here to help people express love, celebration, support or recognition in a wide range of situations.”  Translated – who cares that you were offended!  Folks, I have purchased my last Hallmark card, watched my last Hallmark movie, et cetera.

Regular schedule this Sunday, 7/13.  Regular is going to feel good!

The soccer game yesterday afternoon was too much for me to handle!  Zero to zero after two hours of play – riveting!  Tico watched the game at my house and acted like an Auburn fan after the kick six!  Please!  I am pulling for the Russians now that the USA is out of it!

My wife and girls are at home – praise the Lord!  This house went from really quiet to really LOUD quickly!  It is all good!  Would have it no other way (or something like that!)

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

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40 Acts 27:1-20 Psalm 7:1-17 Proverbs 18:22

On the prayer point today – Karla Cooper, John Ladnier, Chris Taylor   wade@wademorris.com

On the prayer point tomorrow, 7/10 –  Carla Kyser, Reb Nevin, Pattie Suthoff

Our revival prayer ministry is off to a good start.  I had the privilege of joining Jim C & Liz W by praying for Wade yesterday and then sending him an e-mail.  He replied to me early in the morning expressing his desire to see revival as well.  He is looking forward to being with us during the days of August 17 – 20.

We have tomorrow, Friday, & Saturday covered with three folks praying each day.  We have one person already assigned to Sunday.  To join us, simply send me an e-mail.  I cannot receive texts and my office voice mail has malfunctioned too.  You can call the church office if you do not wish to e-mail.

I had a delightful visit with Liz W’s Uncle Russell yesterday morning.  He has been receiving blood and has begun radiation treatments. He “may” go home today and just go back each day for his treatments.

I attended the graveside service for Brenda Anderson yesterday morning.  Afterwards, a person came to me and told me that they wanted me to preach their funeral service.  (Believe it or not, I get this pretty often)  I told that person that they needed to express their wishes to their family and not to me.  They assured me they had and would.  Member of the Friendship family?  No.  I am considering funeral evangelism!

Our Finance Committee met again last night.  They are being so diligent in their work.  I appreciate their time and efforts.

We are on a regular schedule today/tonight.  Tico Vargas will be our guest in the 10:00AM and 6:30PM services.  He arrived later than expected last night because he stayed in Montgomery in order to watch some silly contest!

Someone told me last night that “soccer was invented in Europe by a bunch of women while their husbands stayed at home and cooked!”  Do you think that is true?

We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works!  Have you been actively doing good works this week?

Today is a big day for me as my wife and girls come home!  Hooray!  I have not seen Dana and Gina in twenty one days.  Of course, they leave again on Monday bound for camp!  It will be good to have them at home for a few days.

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

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81 Acts 26:1-32 Psalm 6:1-10 Proverbs 18:20-21

On the prayer point today – Jim Chinners, Liz Whalen, Teddy Turrentine.  wade@wademorris.com

On the prayer point tomorrow, 7/9 – Karla Cooper, John Ladnier, Chris Taylor.

The funeral service for Brenda Anderson takes place this morning at 10:00AM.  It is a graveside service and will take place in Serenity Gardens.

Liz Whalen’s Uncle Russell is back in the hospital.

Kevin Sprinkle’s brother, Archie, will be going back to M.D. Anderson hospital later this week (I think on Sunday).

Miss Phoebe Weiss passed away last Tuesday.  Her funeral was this past Saturday.  I did not know of her passing until visiting the convalescent home yesterday morning.  I always enjoyed visiting with her.  She was a delightful lady.

We have tomorrow and Thursday covered for the revival prayer.  We need one more person for this Friday, 7/11, and then folks to step up for Saturday & Sunday.  Simply put, you just commit to pray for revival on your assigned day.  Yes, we all need to pray daily but the folks on the “point” are the leaders for that particular day.  Looking for 120 different folks to pray one day of forty.  How about you?

We are on a regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Dr. Tico will be our guest in both services.  Students all meet in the CAB with Bro. Chris.

Bro. Jerry & team are readying to leave for Guatemala on Thursday while Bro. Chris & crew are readying to leave for camp on Monday.  Pray for both of these groups.

The Finance Committee is actively working on the budget for our next fiscal year.  They met last night.  The ad hoc committee on the drainage issue also met with some contractors last night.  I appreciate folks giving of their time and expertise.

I failed to mention in yesterday’s entry that Bernard Suthoff brought us a gallon of blueberries this past Saturday.  Lisa will be thrilled! What a thoughtful deed!  I am going to classify that in the “good works” department that we talked about last Wednesday night.  The dust had not settled real good when Bobby Jack Felps showed up with a bag full of tomatoes.  Another in the “good works” department.  I began to think that maybe they knew something that I did not know!  I am grateful to Bernard & Bobby Jack!  (If I could only get Joey Switzer to give me one free day in the gym!  Not happening!)

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

Jim Chinners and Liz Whalen will join me tomorrow, 7/8, as being on the point to pray for revival.  Pattie Suthoff has taken one of the spots on Thursday, 7/10.  Eula Mae Blackmon has taken a spot on Friday, 8/1.  Next?

BTW, there was a 7.1 earthquake this morning  in southern Mexico that affected Chimaltenango.  All is well on the GRACE mountain.

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17 Acts 25:1-27 Psalm 5:1-12 Proverbs 18:19

Tuesday, 7/8 – 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81 Acts 26:1-32 Psalm 6:1-10 Proverbs 18:20-21

Wednesday, 7/9 – 1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40 Acts 27:1-20 Psalm 7:1-17 Proverbs 18:22

Thursday, 7/10 – 1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14 Acts 27:21-44 Psalm 8:1-9 Proverbs 18:23-24

Friday, 7/11 – 1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18 Acts 28:1-31 Psalm 9:1-12 Proverbs 19:1-3

Saturday, 7/12 – 1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17 Romans 1:1-17 Psalm 9:13-20 Proverbs 19:4-5

Sunday, 7/13 – 1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36 Romans 1:18-32 Psalm 10:1-15 Proverbs 19:6-7

This past weekend had me totally confused.  The office was closed on Thursday but it was in some ways a regular day for me as I did hospital visits and such.  However, I kept thinking Friday was Saturday.  (I do not know what day I thought Saturday was)  Then I did not know what to do on Sunday with no early service or Sunday School.  (Why do you think we started the service early?  I always favor starting early!)

The Lord blessed and we had a really good service yesterday morning.  The house was basically packed.  Lynda, Randall, Brad, Deanna, & Tena did a nice job with the music.  I had an excellent liberty to preach the Word.  It began during the invitation, continued after we dismissed and then came in the form of e-mails all afternoon – Friendship folks giving me words of encouragement regarding the message.  Humbling!  Appreciated.  However, we know that God deserves the glory and if a pastor is not going to stand on the Word then. . .

If you know me, then you know that I am not likely to stay at home on a Sunday night if someone is having church somewhere.  This is especially true when all of my family members who live with me are gone.  So, off to 1st Bayou La Batre I went last night to worship with those folks and to hear Pastor Clint Landry preach.  I enjoyed the service.  Pastor Clint preached on “Simon the leaper” and talked about how Simon leaped everywhere.  I took him aside afterwards (he is a son in the ministry) and explained to him that it was “Simon the leper” (Mark 14:3) but he said that was a minor technicality!  Seriously, Clint has a great wife!  What was Suzy thinking?  LOL!

Evangelist Wade Morris will be with us the dates of Sunday, 8/17, through Wednesday, 8/20.  We are praying for revival.  That prayer begins in earnest tomorrow as we begin forty days of prayer for revival.  I am asking for three folks to agree to pray specifically on an assigned day and to send Wade an e-mail or note letting him know you are praying.  I need two folks to join me tomorrow in starting this prayer effort – first two to contact me.  Obviously, we need three folks every day thereafter until August 16.  Please send me an e-mail letting me know which day you will take.  Do not send me a text as I cannot receive texts.  (I have a 1984 bag phone)  You can send me an iMessage.  You can call 251 445 5416 and leave a voice mail which goes to my e-mail.  Do not delay – act today!  But wait, if you call in the next ten minutes. . . .

Dr. Tico Vargas will be with us this Wednesday in both of our services.  He is a good friend!

Bro. Jerry’s GRACE team is in the final stages of preparing to leave this Thursday, 7/10.  Pray for them as they make ready.

We had at least three folks show up for early church and/or Sunday School yesterday.  Folks, all I am going to say is that two of the three were blondes!

I miss my wife and girls.  Even Titus abandoned me this past weekend as his paternal grandparents/family have been in town.  Kayla Hatcher did invite me to join them for fried shrimp Saturday afternoon.  Only because she knows that I am not eating fried foods (except okra) and I called her out.  Nicole said she is not in our class!  The others i.e. Claire, Caryn could care less!

As you noted at the top of this entry, today is 7/7/14 which means the month and day added together equal the year (last two figures only).  My friend, Dr. Jack Bailey, would quickly point out that will not happen again for the next twenty eight years or so – he is good with numbers!

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

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17 Acts 23:11-35 Psalm 3:1-8 Proverbs 18:14-15

Robert Baria was moved to a rehab facility yesterday.  Plans call for him to be there about three weeks.  Pray that his recovery will go as needed.

As it stands right now, the Friendship family is hospital free – praise the Lord!

We have folks out of town who will miss the service tomorrow morning.  However, we have other folks who are “out of town” but close enough i.e. Dauphin Island to attend the service.  I know it can be done because we have folks who have been doing it each weekend for several weeks.  Obviously, it is my prayer that those of us in town will be present in the morning at 10:30AM.

Lisa’s flights were timely yesterday and she actually arrived in Guatemala City ahead of schedule.  I miss her tremendously whenever she is not here but I am glad she is there with our girls.  I pray that they will have a great few days together.

I know some of you are following Soy on Facebook.  Why?  IDK!  My point is that he has posted some really good videos from Guatemala.  They are also on our GRACE blog.  IMO, worth watching.

My 4th started early in the pea patch and evolved to the weed eater and from there to the mower.  I started around 6:30AM and ended at 6:30PM.  Productive day.  Never left the hill!  More to do today but my day should not be as long.  Have to get in some study/prayer time this afternoon.  No service tonight.

Caroline Ford did invite me to her house for lunch yesterday – is she crazy?  (Do not answer that)  She feeds so many folks that she does not even know who half of them are – they just see the cars and stop by for the meal!  Did Caryn invite me?  Claire?  Katie? Courtney? Kayla?  Nicole?  A big “no” to all of those “friends” plus many others in our class!

When I came in at 6:30PM, Hennie asked me what was for supper.  I told her that Lisa was in Guatemala and they were grilling dogs.  She got sad.  I asked what is wrong?  She said that she wanted to grill dogs.  I told her that we had hot dogs and a grill.  She said, “hot dogs?  Never mind!”  Confused me!

As I worked in the yard yesterday, my thoughts centered on Lisa’s only brother, Michael, who was taken from this life in 1986 at the tender age of 18.  Today is his 46th birthday.  So many memories – I started at 6:30AM yesterday while Michael would have started at high noon; I heard a million fireworks last night and Michael absolutely loved fireworks as that was always what he wanted for his birthday.  Morris and I could write a book about his last six days on this earth – funny stuff!  Thank God for memories!

So much wondering – who would he have married, would he have children, what would his line of work be, et cetera?  Questions without answers.  Death stings!  Yes, it has been almost twenty eight years since Michael passed but it seems like twenty eight hours ago on one hand while feeling like an eternity on the other hand.  Time helps.  Only Heaven will heal!  I do thank God for the time that Charles, Ann, Kim, Lisa and the rest of us had with Michael even though it was brief.  I thank God that Michael was a follower of Jesus!  One day!  Hallelujah!

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

Happy Independence Day!

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Kings 23:31-25:30 Acts 22:17-23:10 Psalm 2:1-12 Proverbs 18:13

Lisa and I visited Brenda Anderson in the hospital yesterday morning.  Word came to me last night that she passed from this life a bit later in the day.  Pray for her family.

We also visited Robert Baria.  As I thought, he had no clue that I had visited him on Wednesday.  He was awake and alert.  Roseanne said they are looking at him going to a rehab facility for about three weeks.  Robert is not real happy about this but it appears that will be the course taken.

Remember, we only have one service this Sunday, 7/6, and that takes place at 10:30AM.  My hope is that all members of the Friendship family who are in town will attend this special service.  God does not need America but America needs God!

Rumor has it that “C” Suthoff “lifted” a melon from the Sessions fruit stand yesterday morning.  I was an eye witness but I plead the fifth as I like “C”!

Lisa went to Sessions fruit stand last night around 7:00PM and they did give her a melon.  Actually gave her two – one for us and one for Charles.  Charles will never miss it because he will never know he had it!  I think Jeremy is the one who gave Lisa the melons so I say “thank you” to him and the Sessions for their kindness to us!  (If David & Art find out about this, they will make Jeremy pay for the two melons!)

Lisa leaves this morning headed to Guatemala.  She cannot wait to see Lizzi, Sydney, Dana, Gina & Deidra.  Soy?  Really?  Diane Bryant was kind enough to invite me to their house for lunch today.  However, my plans are to work in the yard and garden all day.  Does it get any better?

Morris made a very insightful comment on yesterday’s entry.  He and I think alike!

I pray that you will have a safe holiday as you live for Jesus today.