Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 44:24-47:7 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17 Psalm 94:1-23 Proverbs 26:6-8

Good morning from Hamilton, Michigan.  Evangelist Michael Mason & I arrived safe and sound late yesterday morning.  The GRACE Ministries pig roast was a blessed time as we saw over one hundred folks gather for a meal, fellowship and to hear a message from Dr. Michael.  It was a great time – one of my favorite nights of the year.  My only regret is that Lisa was not able to join me but that is ok.

I appreciate Tom & Shari for hosting us and for everyone who helped i.e. cooking, setting up, cleaning up, et cetera.  What a blessing!  To my huge surprise, Sherry & Josh Schlehuber (Gulf Shores) attended the pig roast.  Are you kidding me?  (I thought Sherry was going to get saved but it did not happen!)

I am going to meet with a few family members in the Kalamazoo area this morning before heading South later today.  I thank God for our friends and supporters in Michigan.

Lindsey Hatcher Vice sent me a really “threatening” e-mail regarding the need for wrapped candy for the Hallelujah Festival.  Receptacles are in the auditorium foyer and the fellowship hall.  Will you please help by bringing some candy this Sunday?  Thanks!

I am going with Bama over UT and AU over USCe tomorrow night.  I think OM takes LSU but will not surprised if an upset takes place.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 42:1-44:23 2 Timothy 2:1-21 Psalm 92:1-93 Proverbs 26:3-5

Raymond Wilkinson’s mother remains hospitalized.  I visited yesterday afternoon and she did not know when they were going to discharge her.  However, she is ready!

Tommy Johnson’s wife is also in the hospital.  Attempted to visit yesterday but was told she was not in the hospital.  I obviously did not have the correct name.

C’s chemo treatment went well.  She goes back tomorrow to have a scan.

Daphne’s second chemo shot was uneventful.

Courtney Hubbard posted this yesterday – “Mark and I have just finished meeting with Dr. Brewster. My blood work showed that my cancer marker has increased (from 91.8 to 105),and the PET scan revealed that some lesions are brighter indicating the bone disease is progressing even more. I will stop most of my current treatments and begin oral treatments daily. Although this is not the report we wanted, it could have been so much worse!! There are NO new lesions or organ disease! We’re still believing the report of the LORD! By Jesus’ stripes I AM HEALED!! Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers, and sweet messages!! They mean so much to me!!”

I am making my annual trek to Michigan today in order to take part in the GRACE Ministries pig roast tonight.  Lisa was supposed to join me but decided against it due to Daphne’s situation.  So, I get stuck with Evangelist Michael Mason instead.  He will be preaching tonight.  It is such a blessing to see so many of our friends and supporters each year at this event.  I appreciate those who work to make it happen.  Lord willing, I will return home tomorrow.

Friendship family, pray diligently concerning the special offering for the paving project on November 9.

We will have a form available this Sunday, 10/26, for those willing to help cook for the community senior adult Thanksgiving meal on 11/20.  My hope is to take care of this Sunday!

One more Saturday of Upward registration.  That takes place from 3:00 – 6:00PM in the CAB this Saturday.

Mission of Hope service at Friendship tomorrow night, 10/24, at 7:00PM.  Everyone invited.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 39:1-41:18 2 Timothy 1:1-18 Psalm 90:1-91:16 Proverbs 26:1-2

Lisa Thompson posted a comment on yesterday’s blog.  You should take the time to read it.

Courtney Hubbard posted this yesterday – “We’re feeling abundantly blessed, at peace, full of faith, and have all of the hope in the world. God ALWAYS goes before us orchestrating the most amazing experiences, ALWAYS confirming His fingerprints on our lives. Mark and I were invited to Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL yesterday (we were baptized together and started our married Christian walk together at Friendship) to share my testimony and attend the most amazing sermon on HOPE! We were invited to share our story; but, the love and prayers offered to our family by the congregation blessed us abundantly. I woke up excited this morning to leave for my WELLNESS CHECK when normally I’d be a bit anxious to be honest!”

Raymond Wilkinson’s mother remains hospitalized as far as I know.

Sue Blodgett called yesterday to say that she was able to bring Roy home from the hospital.

Sent an iMessage to C and she said that she was feeling better.  Is very excited about being the speaker at next year’s service!  (Wink, wink!)

Daphne had a “blah” day yesterday.  Gets another chemo shot today.

Tyrone Crawley and Carl Ray Moulds spent some time yesterday afternoon checking on the drainage project.  Nearing completion and looking good.  I think we have a winner!  (At least as long as it does not rain!  LOL!)  The committee has done a great job and I appreciate them!  BTW, they will meet after the service tonight.

We will host a training session for members of the Friendship family in using the AED units that are now in place (thanks William Reynolds) in the auditorium and CAB.  Interested in being trained?  Must contact Daphne before noon on next Wednesday, 10/22.  daphnehutto@gmail.com  The training session will take place on Thursday, 10/30, from 6:30 – 8:00PM in the fellowship hall.  Linda Green’s son-in-law, David Garmon, will be the instructor.

Special free will love offering for the paving project on Sunday, 11/9.  Pray and plan to give.  Praying for a surplus.

Mission of Hope service this Friday night, 10/24, beginning at 7:00PM in the auditorium.

Regular schedule today and tonight.  Lord willing, I will be present for all services.

Ever see the bumper sticker that says, “my child and my money go to whatever university?”  My bumper sticker should read like this – “my grandchildren and my money go to the Pascagoula  fair!”  Who said family night at the fair is cheap?  Not when you are feeding Soy!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 37:1-38:28 1 Timothy 6:1-21 Psalm 89:38-52 Proverbs 25:28

C was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  She will be taking potassium pills by mouth in hopes of keeping her potassium at an acceptable level.  She and Rusty were in good spirits.  They will attempt to give her a chemo treatment tomorrow.

Raymond Wilkinson’s mother is in the hospital.  They suspect an infection but do not know what type, where, et cetera.  They were waiting yesterday for an infectious disease doctor to get involved in her case.

Daphne received her chemo shot yesterday morning.  The doctor told her this round has to get her number to 5 or lower in order to satisfy him.  Otherwise, he will recommend the tough stuff.

We will begin in the services tomorrow to enlist folks to cook for the community Thanksgiving service.  I would like to have all of the cooking assignments done by this Sunday, 10/26.  Sara Nell Moulds will be as involved as she can be with a major assist from Cecil Guidry and Marisa Felps.

We have secured sponsors for all twenty of the new children who will be added to the feeding center program in January of 2015.  Thank you to each person who has agreed to be a sponsor.  Good stuff!

Visited the folks in the convalescent home yesterday and everyone seemed to be doing good at this time.

Pray and plan for the miracle offering to be received on 11/9.  God is able!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 35:1-36:32 1 Timothy 5:1-25 Psalm 89:14-37 Proverbs 25:25-27

21 Jeremiah 37:1-38:28 1 Timothy 6:1-21 Psalm 89:38-52 Proverbs 25:28

22 Jeremiah 39:1-41:18 2 Timothy 1:1-18 Psalm 90:1-91:16 Proverbs 26:1-2

23 Jeremiah 42:1-44:23 2 Timothy 2:1-21 Psalm 92:1-93 Proverbs 26:3-5

24 Jeremiah 44:24-47:7 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17 Psalm 94:1-23 Proverbs 26:6-8

25 Jeremiah 48:1-49:22 2 Timothy 4:1-22 Psalm 95:1-96:13 Proverbs 26:9-12

26 Jeremiah 49:23-50:46 Titus 1:1-16 Psalm 97:1-98:9 Proverbs 26:13-16

God blessed us with a really good day yesterday.  The day was capped with a salvation decision in our evening service.  God gives the increase and we give Him the glory!

I was very pleased with the testimonies shared by Courtney Hubbard & Carla Kyser.  IMO, they both did an excellent job (please do not tell Carla that I said that about her!)  I received many positive comments about the 10:30AM service and the attendance was great!  Special thanks to Jeanette Bates, Randall & Rita Broome, Lynda Sims, Adriana Arriola and Brad Hutto for the messages in song yesterday as they all did great!  

The schedule yesterday was “different” and yet almost everyone adapted very well with an excellent attitude.  Thank you!  “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape!”

We will be receiving a “free will” offering on Sunday, 11/9, to pay for the paving of the parking lot.  I am believing God for the entire amount needed on that day.  Members of the Friendship family are simply asked to pray and then follow God’s leading in bringing their offering that Sunday.  It can be done!

The response to the calls for help with the Hallelujah Festival (10/31) and then for the Thanksgiving meal (11/20) was very good.  Still need workers for both.  Call the church office to let us know if you can help.  I will continue to promote these two ministry opportunities until we either have enough help or see where we are not going to have enough help.

The response to helping with the video/sound board was good too.  I will be giving that list to Bro. Chris for training purposes.

C remains in the hospital.  I will be seeing her first thing this morning.  Pray for C.

Daphne goes for chemo today.  Thankfully, this is not the strong stuff.  Praying for a zero on 10/31.

South played so well this past Saturday that I may go to their games against Troy this Friday night.  Let me think about it.  Ok, I have thought about and decided not to attend!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 33:1-34:22 1 Timothy 4:1-16 Psalm 89:1-13 Proverbs 25:23-24

C did not get discharged from the hospital yesterday so obviously she will not be able to attend our service this morning.  She wants to but it is not possible at this time.  Keep praying for C!

Regular schedule today.  The two morning services will both focus on “hope” but will be different.  Courtney Hubbard and Carla Kyser will be sharing in the 10:30AM service which is the service that I hope folks will attend.  It may prove to be one of those “you had to be there” services.

I will be preaching in both morning services (different messages) and then again in tonight’s service.

It appears that we have two children left to be sponsored in our feeding program in Guatemala.  I believe those two children will get sponsors today.  First come, first served.  Thank you to each person who is sponsoring a child through this ministry.

What about a huge shout out to the University of South Alabama for their huge 30 – 27 victory  over Georgia State last night.  Way to go Jaguars!  Exciting win!  (Satisfied Kim?)

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 31:27-32:44 1 Timothy 3:1-16 Psalm 88:1-18 Proverbs 25:20-22

The visitation with the Clark family and the service for Miss Jessie Clark take place today at Serenity Funeral Home.  Visitation from 12:00 noon until the 2:00PM service time.  Pray for Sheila and the family.

C did not get discharged from the hospital.  Still doing some tests to determine what is happening.  Pray for C!

We received some good news yesterday afternoon concerning Daphne’s situation.  Here is the iMessage she sent to me – “Praise report!!!! My labs today had dropped to 37!!!!!! The nurse and doctor were shocked! So Dr. Finan has recommended that we go back to the 8 day injection cycle I was on before surgery. He wants to try it for one cycle then redraw labs on Oct 31. We will then reasses to see if it’s working or if we need to switch to the more aggressive chemo! We are extremely grateful for this drop and know that it is definitely the result of the many prayers we have had for us. God is good through it all and we give him the glory for this report.”

Folks, that means no real tough stuff next week.  Lisa and I are very excited!  I cannot tell you how many of the Central American folks joined you this week in praying for Daphne.  We are still trusting God!

I had the opportunity to visit with Paul Leytham a couple of times this week.  His back is giving him great problems.  Pray for him, please.

I am told that we do not have water at the church due to the work being done on the drainage.  Hopefully, that will be corrected by tomorrow.

The pastors’ conference was really good.  Maybe the best one of the seven thus far.  Definitely better than last year’s.  I so appreciate the men who went down to lead it as they did a fantastic job!

For all of you weather watchers – our flight out of Guatemala City was delayed by one hour yesterday due to stormy weather.  It was reported to me last night that in El Tejar (mission house) it rained 4.8 inches in around thirty minutes.  Down in the town of El Tejar the water was standing twelve inches deep and cresting at twenty inches!  Wow!

Regular schedule tomorrow.  Special service on “hope” in the 10:30AM service only.  Special guests, special music, special message will all be a part of that service.  I plan on wearing something pink i.e. tie, socks, whatever.

If the Lord continues to lead, tomorrow night’s message will be on a “dark” day for the Friendship family.

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

Oct. 6, 1927 – Oct. 16, 2014 Jessie Mae Clark, a native of Taylorsville, MS and longtime resident of Irvington, AL passed away Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the age of 87. She is preceded in death by her husband, W.C. Clark, Jr. She is survived by her children, Yvonne (George) Collins, Juanell (Rory) Landry, Sheila (Kenny) Booker, and Anita Clark, grandchildren George (Leanna) Collins, Ethan Landry, Candy (Greg) McGahan, Brian (Teresa) Booker, Keith (April) Booker, Jessica Etheredge Boudreaux, and Aaron Etheredge, 13 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 12 noon to 2 pm at Serenity Funeral Home with a chapel service following at 2 pm. Burial will follow at Oddfellow Cemetery. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff and care givers at Country Gables, Springhill Hospice staff and Dr. McKelvey for the excellent care that was given to our mother.

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 30:1-31:26 1 Timothy 2:1-15 Psalm 87:1-7 Proverbs 25:18-19

One of the things that got “chopped off” my original post yesterday is that Chris & Sherry Howell had taken their son, Gunnar, to the doctor earlier this week to check is shunt.  The thought was that he may have to have immediate surgery.  It was decided to keep an eye on it for another month and then check it again.  That is good news.

Sheila Booker’s mother, Miss Jessie Clark, passed away yesterday.  The visitation with the family takes place tomorrow, 10/18, from noon until the 2:00PM service time.  Both take place at Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the Clark family.

C did not come yesterday.  Her potassium level is too low.  I mean if she did not want to attend the service this Sunday all she had to do was say so!  Pray for C!

I am told that Roy Blodgett had a better day yesterday.

The final day of the 2014 pastors’ conference went well.  There were 401 participants and that number could have probably reached 500 had we not ended registration.  Yesterday, Pastor Mark Mast preached in the morning and his son, Ben, shared during the evening.  Dare I say that son out preached dad?  No, but they both did very well.  Thank you to each person who prayed and gave to help make this conference possible.  It was a blessing to all involved!

We are on a regular schedule Sunday but I am encouraging folks to attend the “special” service at 10:30AM.  If you so desire, wear whatever color represents the fight against any particular cancer.  It really does not matter whether you wear a special color or not.  What matters is that you attend the service.

Still looking to finish the sponsorship of the children being added to the feeding program in January.  I think we have six children left.  Lets finish it by this Sunday!

Lord willing, I return home late tonight.  Pray for safety in travel for all of us today.

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

You should be able to see the first post from this morning.  Do not ask me why but it only posted “some” of that entry.  I do not remember how I closed but it ended so abruptly that I wanted you to know that was not intentional.

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