Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 3:1-5:30 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 Psalm 53:1-6 Proverbs 22:28-29

Visited with Caryn yesterday morning.  Folks, C is one sick young lady.  The fluid is back and she cannot get any relief from the pain.  Cannot get in a comfortable position.  She, Rusty & Debbie go this morning to meet with the oncologist.  As far as I know, they will learn the origin of the malignancy, the type, and the treatment options.  Pray!

Martha Patrick “could” be released from the hospital today.  If so, she will be living with Bill & Elsie for the foreseeable future.  She can no longer live alone.  I commend Bill & Elsie for being so good to Martha over the years.

Members of the Friendship family need to remember that September is the month to sign up for the Summer 2015 GRACE Ministries trips to Guatemala.  Please do not assume that we “know” that you are going.  I fully expect the trips will fill quickly once released to others.  Could be wrong but most likely not.

Watched some of the two NFL games last night.  I am no Joe David Bailey – the NFL just does not hold my attention like the college game does.  Especially Bama and the SEC.  I think I will find myself pulling for Tennessee this Saturday night!  Folks, that  will be hard!  LOL!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 1:1-2:22 2 Corinthians 10:1-18 Psalm 52:1-9 Proverbs 22:26-27

Tuesday, 9/9 – Isaiah 3:1-5:30 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 Psalm 53:1-6 Proverbs 22:28-29

Wednesday, 9/10 – Isaiah 6:1-7:25 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 Psalm 54:1-7 Proverbs 23:1-3

Thursday, 9/11 – Isaiah 8:1-9:21 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Psalm 55:1-23 Proverbs 23:4-5

Friday, 9/12 – Isaiah 10:1-11:16 2 Corinthians 12;11-21 Psalm 56:1-13 Proverbs 23:6-8

Saturday, 9/13 – Isaiah 12:1-14:32 2 Corinthians 13:1-14 Psalm 57:1-11 Proverbs 23:9-11

Sunday, 9/14 – Isaiah 15:1-18:7 Galatians 1:1-24 Psalm 58:1-11 Proverbs 23:12

I know this post is late but it is by design.  I wanted to visit “C” before posting.  Had the opportunity to visit with her and her mom this morning.  “C” is in so much pain.  She cannot get in a comfortable position.  It is one of those where you want to do something but there is nothing you can do.  Pray that the pathology report comes back today so the meeting with the doctor can be scheduled and something can be done treatment wise.  Pray for “C”, Rusty, Debbie and the entire family.

Martha Patrick remains hospitalized.  Heading out the door to visit her.

Really good services yesterday.  It was special to ordain three men as deacons in last night’s service.  The spirit in the services was really good.  I have not seen the numbers but our attendance was good too.  Thank you for being faithful.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Song of Solomon 5:1- 8:14 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 Psalm 51:1-19 Proverbs 22:24-25

“C” remains in the hospital.  Kayla told me last night that it is “likely” she will be discharged today.  If so, I suspect she and Rusty will go to her mom’s house again.  They changed some meds which is helping “C” feel better.

Amber Joyner began a Go Fund Me page for Rusty & Caryn.  You can find it at www.gofundme.com/caringforcaryn if you want to give financially.  It does allow you to give anonymously.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  I am praying for God to move in our midst.  May we have a great spirit and may we be faithful as a church family.

The ordination council will meet in the auditorium from 3:00 – 5:00PM today.  We will examine Kyle (3:00PM), Jeff (3:30PM) and TJ (4:00PM).  The ordination service begins at 6:00PM.

September is the month for the members of the Friendship family to sign up for the Summer 2015 GRACE Ministries trips to Guatemala.  Do not delay!

We still have openings for the December 6 – 13, 2014 GRACE Ministries trip to Guatemala which will focus on celebrating Christmas with the families involved in the ministry center.   Contact me if you are interested.

I pray that you will have a great Sunday with Jesus.  Go to church!

Today’s Bible reading – Song of Solomon 1:1- 4:16 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 Psalm 50:1-23 Proverbs 22;22-23

The report from Caryn’s surgery was definitely not what we had hoped for as the doctors confirmed that she indeed has a malignancy.  Folks, at this point, there are many more questions than there are answers.  Once the pathology report comes back the doctors should know where the malignancy originated and the type.  They will then be able to discuss treatment options with Caryn, Rusty and Deb.

Another estimated four liters of fluid was taken from Caryn yesterday.  This is obviously problematic as that is almost eight liters in four days.  The doctors say this cannot continue.  Caryn remains hospitalized.  She could be discharged today or may stay through the weekend.  Yesterday morning she was in great pain again because of the fluid accumulation.

Pastors are not supposed to have “favorites” but I do not mind telling you that “C” is one of my favorites.  Always has been.  She and Rusty have always been so faithful to Jesus through the church.  I like Rusty but not nearly as much as I do “C” and it may have to do with that goofy LSU cap he wears all of the time!  You do not know how much it bothers me to be writing about “C” having this disease in her body.  I basically never sleep “long” but tonight has been one of those toss and turn nights awaking every few minutes thinking about “C” and praying for her, Rusty, Deb, and the family.  Join me in those prayers!

I am pleased to write that Daphne’s count has come down to 125.  It is not the “zero” I was praying for but it is down 106 points from the previous week.  More labs next Friday.  Still praying for that zero!

The Lord also allowed me to receive good news through an e-mail last night.  Not ready to share that but just know that He is at work all around us.

The funeral/burial service for Ralph Rogers takes place this morning at 11:00AM in Gulf Shores.  Pray for Miss Maxine, David Bosarge and the family.

Our friend from Michigan, Don Redder, will bury his dad, Henry, today as well.  Mr. Redder’s life was taken in a automobile accident earlier this week.  Don & his wife, Linda, are such a wonderful couple and have been so kind to GRACE Ministries over the years.  I have known Don since 1998.

Men’s breakfast this morning at 8:00AM and bus workers’ meeting at 8:30AM.

Regular schedule tomorrow; ordination council at 3:00PM; deacon ordination at 6:00PM.

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.  Pray for Caryn!

September 2, 2014 Ralph Bufford Rogers, an ordained Baptist minister, went home to be with the Lord, his Wonderful Savior, on Tuesday. He was 82 years old. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Wyman and Madie Lee Rogers; brothers, Gilmer, Lawrence, Bobby Gene, and Wayne Rogers; and son Michael Rogers. Ralph is survived by his wife of 40 years, Maxine; children Larry (Linda), Phillip (Sandy), David (Vera) Bosarge; Joy (Marion) Chandler; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and brother Louis Rogers. Ralph was a loving husband, father, and minister of the gospel. He pastored churches in the Tuscaloosa/Northport area; East Fowl River Baptist in Theodore, and Lagoon Baptist in Gulf Shores. Ralph was also involved innumerous mission trips. He was faithful in his witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He lived out his Christian faith on a daily basis. He had a big heart for the hurting and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Tillman’s Corner. Ralph was known for his sense of humor, always having a joke ready for every occasion and never meeting a stranger. He enjoyed traveling and listening to Southern gospel music. Ralph’s Christian life can be summed up in one of his favorite Bible verses, Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.”. In Lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to First Baptist Church, Tillman’s Corner Building Fund. Visitation will be Friday, September 5, 2014 from 4:30 PM until the 7 PM service time at First Baptist Church Tillman’s Corner. Additional funeral services will be held at Lagoon Baptist Church in Gulf Shores at 11 AM on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11 AM. Rev. Rogers will be taken to church one hour prior to service time. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery in Gulf Shores.

Today’s Bible reading – Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14 2 Corinthians 8;1-15 Psalm 49:1-20 Proverbs 22:20-21

Caryn & Rusty met with a surgeon yesterday afternoon.  He has scheduled Caryn for surgery this afternoon at 1:00PM or later.  She will be in the hospital for at least a couple of days.  He is concerned and does not understand why a perfectly healthy young lady is having these problems.  He words were “we have to get something under the microscope in order to know what we are battling against.”  I do know this – Caryn is a very sick young lady.  You can just look at her and tell she is in constant pain.  Pray that the doctor can find an answer today.  Pray fervently, please!

Martha Patrick remains hospitalized.  Bro. Kerry visited her yesterday.

One of the ladies from the Friendship family is having surgery early this morning.  She has kept it very low key.  Lisa is actually covering this one for me.

Daphne goes for blood work today.  We are praying for a zero on the blood count.  That would be wonderful!  God knows!

The visitation with the Ralph Rogers family takes place from 4:30 – 6:30PM today followed by a 7:00PM service.  Everything at 1st Baptist Tillman’s Corner.

Men’s breakfast in the morning at 8:00AM.  All men are invited.

Bus workers’ meeting at 8:30AM in the morning followed by visitation on the routes.  Always room for more bus workers and/or folks to pray for this ministry.  Contact Bro. Benny McGath if you are willing to serve the Lord through this ministry.

Deacon ordination Sunday night at 6:00PM.  Ordination council from 3:00 – 5:00PM.

Did the Seahawks rock the Packers last night or what!  Based on that one game, they may be on their way to another Super Bowl title.  (I am basically an expert as I probably watched a total of ninety seconds of the actual game)

Lord willing, Lisa, Dana, Gina and I will be in T’town for the Bama game tomorrow morning.  This is one thing we do together as a family.  It is always good as long as Bama wins!

FWIW, I am going with the Ducks over Sparty tomorrow.  It pains me to pick against MSU as I know so many of their fans but I just think the home field advantage will be too much.  I have been known to be wrong before!  I am picking UM over ND – probably going to regret that one!  Going with OSU over VT.

Got to finish the mowing this morning.  Got started yesterday afternoon.  Will be heading to the hospital soon.

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

Just heard from Caryn Suthoff via her sister, Kayla.  The pathology report on the fluid drawn from Caryn’s stomach came back negative – praise the Lord!  Prayers have been answered!

Rusty & Caryn will still meet with a surgeon this afternoon.  Pray that meeting will go well too!

Today’s Bible reading – Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18 2 Corinthians 7:8-16 Psalm 48:1-14 Proverbs 22:17-19

Tommy’s mother, Mrs. Johnson, and Caryn Suthoff were both discharged from the hospital yesterday.  One early morning and one late afternoon.  Caryn goes to the doctor this afternoon to hopefully receive the results from her test and to meet with a surgeon.  I am still praying for C’s problem to be minor and easily resolved.

Martha Patrick remains hospitalized.

The visitation with the Ralph Rogers family will take place tomorrow night, 9/5, from 4:30 – 6:30PM at First Baptist Tillman’s Corner.  A memorial service will then take place beginning at 7:00PM.  There will be another visitation on Saturday, 9/6, from 10:00 – 11:00AM at the Lagoon Baptist Church on Ft. Morgan Road in Gulf Shores followed by an 11:00AM service.  Pray for Miss Maxine and the family.

Men’s prayer breakfast this Saturday, 9/6, beginning at 8:00AM.

We were blessed with a good attendance in our prayer services yesterday.  The morning crowd was a little low but the evening crowd was up.  It excites me to see folks being faithful to church.

I have attended two funerals the past two days and both have been preached by Evangelical Methodist pastors.  Both Pastor Kevin Brouillette and Pastor Ken Swearingen did a really nice job.

Need to hear from anyone planning on taking part in the December 6 – 13 GRACE Ministries trip to Guatemala.  We are in the process of purchasing the tickets now.  Great trip for the sponsors of the children in the Jennie Blaukamp Ministry Center.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7 Psalm 47:1-9 Proverbs 22:16

Martha Patrick is in the hospital.  Told me yesterday that she has been there since last week.  Problem with low potassium among other things.

Caryn remains hospitalized waiting on test results.  I am believing God for good in this situation!

Tommy Johnson’s mother also remains hospitalized.  She was not in her room when I attempted to visit yesterday.  I will visit again this afternoon.

We are on a regular schedule today/tonight including the college Bible study at 7:30PM.

Men’s prayer breakfast this Saturday, 9/6, beginning at 8:00AM.

Deacon ordination service this Sunday, 9/7, beginning at 6:00PM.  Ordination council from 3:00 – 5:00PM.

Anyone wanting to take part in our December 6 – 13 GRACE Ministries trip to Guatemala needs to contact me personally.  This trip will focus on celebrating Christmas with the families from the Jennie Blaukamp Ministry Center (feeding center) and the families who work in the local dump.

September is the month to sign up for our Summer 2015 GRACE Ministries trips.  I am fairly certain that the two trips I plan on leading will reach capacity as soon as they are opened to folks outside the Friendship family.  (The August trip is basically for young adults only)  Bro. Chris will meet this Sunday evening, 9/7, with the students going on the June ’15 trip.

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