Pastor's Blog

Charles Grant failed a stress test this morning and is now scheduled for a heart cath in the morning, 4/1.  Pray that the doctors can get a clear view of what is happening in his heart.

Lillian Brinkman was cleared to be discharged from the hospital today, 3/31.  They were waiting for the doctor to determine whether she would need oxygen at home or not.

Darryl McMann is doing great.  Betty thinks that he “could” be discharged tomorrow but most likely it will be Thursday, 4/2.

Catherine Leach was discharged from the hospital this afternoon, 3/31.

Billy Teasley had not seen the doctor when I visited this morning.  He was in hopes of going home today.  Not sure if that happened.

Mena Bosarge-Johnson was doing some better.  She has a long road to recovery.

Visited Max Peacock at home today.  He had been to the doctor and had his staples removed.  Doctor wants him to gain weight and come back in two weeks.

Everyone that I visited in the convalescent home was doing good.  Morris’ mother, Miss Lucine, is now a permanent resident there as she needs someone with her around the clock.

Bro. Kerry’s father in the ministry, M.R. Bradley passed away and there will be a service tomorrow in Brookhaven, MS which Bro. Kerry will attend as he will be singing.

Heading to prayer meeting.  Come join us!  5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Come and go.  Come and stay.  Just pray!

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20 Luke 9:7-27 Psalm 72:1-20 Proverbs 12:8-9

Darryl McMann’s surgery went very well.  The doctor was pleased.  I suspect he will remain in the hospital for two or three days.

Miss Lillian “may” be discharged today.  She is on oxygen and that will need to be taken off before she is allowed to come home.

Linda Bosarge had surgery early yesterday morning and did well.  She was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

Billy Teasley was pretty sick but thought he might be discharged yesterday.  I do not think that happened.  He is battling pneumonia and a diabetic problem.  (Personally, our team beat his team so badly last week that I think he just wanted a reason to miss TNBA tonight!  Just saying!)

Becky Sellers did well through her first chemo treatment.

Did not get in to see Junior’s mother.  Also, did not make contact with Junior or Anna Carol.  Keep praying.

Miss Catherine Leach was in good spirits even though she was in ICU.  Was thinking that she would be moved to a room yesterday afternoon.

Pastor Jack Bailey saw a doctor yesterday afternoon.  He is basically out of commission for two more weeks as he cannot lie flat enough for a MRI.  Steroid shot, steroids, and muscle relaxers were given to him.  May be sciatic nerve or could be disc problems.  MRI will tell the tale.  Pray for Pastor Jack.

Prayer meeting tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM.  I am calling on some who have never taken the time to join us to come and pray.  I am calling on the church leadership to lead by example in this most important discipline.  Come and go.  Come and stay.  Just pray!

TNBA tonight beginning at 7:00PM.  Will Randall & Joey overcome their nerves and show up?  Will “Bullet Bob” make another steal?

Wow, it is pretty amazing the number of folks who are contacting me about the song, “At The Cross.”  Received a couple of e-mails through the night of folks saying, “I simply cannot get that song out of my head and have been singing it continually!”  One family said they sang it all the way home on Sunday night.  Amazing!

I am also getting many comments from folks regarding how much they are being blessed by our worship services.  Folks, God is at work!  If you do not see it, you may want to do a spiritual check up!  We praise Him!  To God be the glory!

Phase one of the asphalt work is complete!  I appreciate those men on the committee as they did a nice job.  When will Phase two begin?  As soon as we secure the necessary finances.  I will be asking Larry Whitehurst to update us soon on how much is needed and for what areas.  (I am in hopes Donald Butler will get off some of that Pentecostal money and help us out!)

We have a group of three deacons who met with me last night to discuss what will perhaps be the most important matter ever considered by the Friendship family.  It is all about taking a stand!  The entire deacon body will be considering this matter on April 12 and will then be bringing it to the Friendship family for consideration.  Pray fervently!  Pray without ceasing!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 13:1- 15:23 Luke 8:40-9:6 Psalm 71:1-24 Proverbs 12:5-7

Tuesday, 3/31 – Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20 Luke 9:7-27 Psalm 72:1-20 Proverbs 12:8-9

Wednesday, 4/1 – Deuteronomy 18:1- 20:20 Luke 9:28-50 Psalm 73:1-28 Proverbs 12:10

Thursday, 4/2 – Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30 Luke 9:51-10:12 Psalm 74:1-23 Proverbs 12:11

Friday, 4/3 – Deuteronomy 23:1- 25:19 Luke 10:13-37 Psalm 75:1-10 Proverbs 12:12-14

Saturday, 4/4 – Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26 Luke 10:38-11:13 Psalm 76:1-12 Proverbs 12:15-17

Sunday, 4/5 – Deuteronomy 28:1-68 Luke 11:14-36 Psalm 77:1-20 Proverbs 12:18

We were blessed with a wonderful day in our services yesterday – “O What A Savior!”  The quartet did a great job of sharing that message in song.  The attendance was strong in all three services but especially in the 10:30AM & 6:00PM services.  Thank you Friendship family for being faithful!

I want to say “thank you” to each Sunday School class that did “extra” to increase their attendance yesterday.  I do not know what our total attendance was but I appreciate every effort made.  We were blessed with guests in our Sunday School and all three worship services.

Billy Teasley, Jr. was admitted to the hospital yesterday.

Darryl McMann will have hip replacement surgery today.

Miss Lillian Brinkman will have a test done this morning and then the doctors will chart a course of action.

Becky Sellers will begin her chemotherapy treatments this morning.

Junior Bosarge’s mother has been moved from ICU to a regular room.

Linda Bosarge is supposed to have a surgical procedure today.

Catherine Leach, mother of Elizabeth Sessions and Ginny Easterling, is in ICU.

Pastor Jack continues to have problems with his back.

I will be visiting all of these folks (minus Becky & Pastor Jack) in the respective hospitals today and will give an update tomorrow.

MSU got it done yesterday but the Zags let me down.   It sure looks like a UK vs Duke final.

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

Ladies, there is a baby shower for Pastor Wes & Rebekah Bates this afternoon from 2:00 – 3:30PM in the fellowship hall.  Everyone invited.

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32 Luke 8:22-39 Psalm 70:1-5 Proverbs 12:4

The doctors are working to get the fluid off from around Miss Lillian’s heart.  At this point in time, they have decided against doing the procedure they were scheduled to do this past Friday.  They will do another test tomorrow and then go from there.  Pray for Miss Lillian.  Pray for wisdom for the doctors as they make these decisions.

Dave Sellers’ mother was discharged from the hospital on Friday.

As far as I know, there has been no change in Junior’s mother’s situation.

Darryl McMann will have hip replacement surgery tomorrow.

Becky Sellers begins her chemotherapy treatments tomorrow morning.

Linda Bosarge is a teen who faithfully attends our services.  She had surgery some weeks ago on her ankle.  She is back in the hospital as that surgery did not work.  I am assuming they will do another surgery.

Bro. Jack Bailey remains down because of his back.  Pray for him.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Observance of the Lord’s Supper in the evening service.  My prayer is that our evening service will be our best attended service of the three today as we remember Jesus and His sacrifice.

John Milton Ladnier spent the entire day yesterday planting his garden.  If my garden does not make it, then I will just do like I did last year and live off of his while he and Teresa are gone to work each day.

I told you UK would not get beat!  Go Sparty & Zags today!

I hope to be joined by many members of the Friendship family for Bible study and worship today/tonight.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 9:1- 10:22 Luke 8:4-21 Psalm 69:19-36 Proverbs 12:2-3

Scott Fontenot’s heart cath revealed nothing new except that the artery that was previously one hundred percent blocked has actually opened up ever so slightly.  Why the heartburn?  Two words – Nanette’s cooking!  (I did not take her to CB and she was as mad as an old wet setting hen!)  Scott will continue on his medicines.  Thank the Lord there was nothing new there!

Miss Lillian had a test which revealed the need for a procedure to be done yesterday afternoon.  She was NPO and waited patiently (well kind of – LOL) for her turn.  A NP walked in just before 3:00PM talking to her and referenced the fact that the procedure has been postponed due to fluid build up around the heart.  One problem – no one had let Miss Lillian or the family know it has been postponed so she had been there NPO for several unnecessary hours.  I felt bad for her.  (Not to mention that Terry & I were stuck in the room with Pearl, Elaine, Karen & Cecil for all of those extra hours!)  The procedure is now set for Monday if all goes as planned.  Pray for Miss Lillian.

Junior’s mother remains in ICU.  Talking about getting her into a rehab facility.  Junior has a lot on his plate.

I did not get an update on Dave’s mother.

Memorial service for Pastor Harold McInnis this morning at 10:30AM at Cloverdale Baptist Church.

Pastor Jack Bailey is still down because of his back.  Pray for him.

Regular schedule this Sunday with an emphasis on attendance.  Lord’s Supper on Sunday night and we will observe it in a way we have never done before.  I am praying for a packed house for the evening service.

Plastic eggs and candy needed for the egg hunt which takes place next Saturday, 4/4.  I have not done a good job of getting this word out!  Bring either or both to the services tomorrow or Wednesday.  Thanks!

Good job by the MSU Spartans last night.  I am thinking that UK and UW will both walk away as winners in today’s action.  Will not be surprised if UW were to get beat but UK is not getting beat.  As for tomorrow’s games – go Spartans and go Zags!  (Sorry, Zach Huhn)

Several have asked about the garden.  It coughed a time or two yesterday so “all” may not be lost.  Need a couple of hot days to get an accurate measure.  Really, to be honest, Soy ran the planter so what do you expect?

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20 Luke 7:36-8:3 Psalm 69:1-18 Proverbs 12:1

Lillian Brinkman was admitted to the hospital yesterday.  The last time I talked to Edna Pearl, they will still waiting to see the doctor.  I will visit this morning.

Scott Fontenot is scheduled to have a heart cath this morning.  Pray that everything goes well and they can get a clear picture of what is taking place in his heart.  (Nanette has asked that I take her to Cracker Barrel for breakfast while they are doing the procedure but I am not comfortable with that.  She is going to be mad when I tell her no!)

Junior Bosarge’s mother remains hospitalized as does Dave Seller’s mother.  Dave’s mother is “supposed” to come home today.

Caroline Ford was able to come into the office yesterday which means she is much better.  Praise the Lord!

Pastor Jack Bailey and family are on vacation this week but he has spent the entirety of the time in bed with a bad back.  Hurt it some time last week.

Mission of Hope service tonight at 7:00PM.  Bus leaves the church at 6:15PM.

There will be a memorial service for Pastor Harold McInnis tomorrow morning at 10:30AM from Cloverdale Baptist Church.

I think the asphalt company should finish laying the asphalt today, weather permitting.  They will paint the stripes next week and phase one will be complete.

The final verdict is not in but I fear that my garden has drown.  The rain last week followed by the rain yesterday may have done it in.  Not sure if I will replant or not as my Summer schedule dictates that the garden come in at a certain time.  I may just apply for some type of financial help from the federal government.

Did Miles from WVU really believe they would beat Kentucky?  Are you kidding me?  I do not see anyone outside of the Golden State Warriors stopping UK.  Could it happen?  Sure, anything is possible.  Will it happen?  Probably not.  I do not have a dog in the fight so it really does not matter to me but I am fine with the SEC winning it all.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 5:1- 6:25 Luke 7:11-35 Psalm 68:19-35 Proverbs 11:29-31

We had a really good day in our services yesterday morning and evening.  The Spirit was excellent and the attendance was very good.  Thank you to those who are faithful to attend!

Scott Fontenot will have a heart cath tomorrow.  (Nanette sent me an e-mail sharing this with me asking me to come down and pray with her yesterday?  Folks, any man married to Nanette for the past thirty something years would need a heart cath!  I am surprised Scott has made it this long!)  Pray that the doctors can get a clear picture of what is taking place in Scott’s heart!

Dave & Becky were in the service last night.  Becky remains positive.  I continue to pray “big” for her and her situation.  Dave’s mother was not discharged from the hospital yesterday but should be today.  Becky begins chemo treatments on Monday.

Attempted to visit with Junior’s mother yesterday but the physical therapists were working with her.  She remains in ICU.  Keep praying for her.

As far as the Friendship family is concerned, we are hospital free for the time being.

The west side of the auditorium was asphalted yesterday.  Looks good.  Do not know how much they will be able to do today because of the possibility of rain.

The women’s ministry is going to Mt. Vernon tonight to minister to the women in the rehab home there.  They will leave the church at 5:00PM and all women are invited to join them.

The monthly Mission of Hope service takes place tomorrow night, 3/27, beginning at 7:00PM.  Bus leaves the church at 6:15PM.

High attendance day this Sunday, 3/29.  Pray, attend, and bring others with you.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 4:1-49 Luke 6:39-7:10 Psalm 68:1-18 Proverbs 11:28

I spoke with Max Peacock via the phone yesterday afternoon and they were in the process of discharging him from the hospital.  So, as far as I know, Max came home yesterday afternoon.  Keep praying for him in his recovery.

Junior Bosarge’s mother was having a procedure done when I visited there yesterday.  She remains in ICU.  Keep praying!

Becky Sellers will have a port put in place today in order to begin her chemotherapy treatments on Monday, 3/30.  Dave said she is as positive as ever and ready to be a survivor of this disease.  Folks, pray big!

Dave Sellers’ mother is still having a problem with fluid on her lungs.  She is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today if all goes according to plans.

Kayla Hatcher had a paternal aunt to pass away last night so pray for that family.

The Lord did it!  I had a confidence He was going to!  Last night, we had our highest attended prayer meeting of the year!  Praise the Lord!  We even had a Methodist amongst us!  Thank you to those who attended last night.  Thank you for praying!  Pray big!

Our TNBA went well last night too with twelve guys showing up.  Bradley did show up but he did not play on a winning team until I showed up and got him on my team – just saying!

Regular schedule today/tonight.  Meatball subs are the fare for our 7:30PM Bible study at the house.  I hope many members of the Friendship family will attend our services/classes today.

The asphalt work could prevent us from parking in certain places today/tonight.  Please be understanding as this work is taking place.  If the plan works, all parking should be available this Sunday, 3/29.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 2:1- 3:29 Luke 6:12-38 Psalm 67:1-7 Proverbs 11:27

Visited with Max Peacock yesterday afternoon.  First, he was very grateful to the guys who worked at his house yesterday morning.  He spoke from a heart of deep gratitude.  Second, there is a good chance that he will be discharged from the hospital today and go home.  He is still retaining some fluid but not nearly as much as before.  Max is ready to go home!

Junior Bosarge’s mother remains in ICU.  She was some better yesterday morning.  I will visit again today to get an update.

Becky Sellers meets with her surgeon today.  He will have a fairly major say in when she begins treatment.  Pray that the meeting goes well and that she can begin soon.

I will get with Dave Sellers today to get an update on his mother’s situation.

The asphalt work began yesterday morning.  I spoke with the owner of the company and his plans are to have all of the asphalt in place by the end of the day this Friday.  They will then do the marking/striping next week.  I appreciate Larry, Terry and any others who spent time with them yesterday.

Prayer meeting in the auditorium tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM.  Come and go or come and stay.  Just pray!  Please enter/exit using the side door on the West side of the building.

TNBA takes place tonight at 7:00PM.  It appears that Bradley Phillips will show up tonight.  He came once before and got intimidated so it has taken me awhile to convince him to come back.  We let everyone play!

I received multiple questions/requests yesterday about the song we have been singing for the past two Sundays.  It is from the Brooklyn Tabernacle’s latest project “Pray” and the title is “At The Cross.”  You can purchase the entire project online via iTunes or just purchase that song (I recommend the entire project).  Or, you can purchase the cd in the local Christian bookstores.

Lord willing, I will be in the prayer meeting tonight for the duration.  That is good.  It is even better when one considers that means I will not be attending the t-ball game which means I do not have to watch Pee Wee’s attempt at umpiring!  Hallelujah!

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