Pastor's Blog

Arrived at the Birmingham hospital around 6:30AM.  Visited with Faron and talked to her about spiritual matters.  She is a very sick young lady.  At that time, it was not known what time the surgery would take place.  The call came around 9:30AM or so that the surgery has been postponed.  Too many surgeries on the schedule for today.  No timetable was given as to when it will be rescheduled.  Faron is very concerned so your continued prayer support is needed.

Edwin Williams’ first cousin, Denise Blocker, passed away this past Saturday, 3/7.  Visitation is from 10:00 – 11:00AM tomorrow, 3/10, from Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL.  Graveside service at 11:00AM.  Pray for the family.

James & Mary Cook’s daughter, Gracie, took a fall last week and broke both of her arms.  I think Gracie is four years old and will turn five years old in April.  Pray for young Gracie!

My inbox is being flooded with messages regarding yesterday’s services.  What an encouragement to this pastor.

Drove to Hartselle to pick up a “ton” of items Mike & Dottie Clark left for our teams to bring to Guatemala later this year.  Was able to have lunch with my mama, my niece and my nephew (my dad was fishing).  Also was able to visit my paternal grandparent’s graves.

Soy came with me and drove to Birmingham.  I brought Titus to this same hotel a couple of weeks ago and Soy was jealous.  So, I had to bring him and now have to go let him ride the carousel in the mall – he is so excited!  Just what I wanted – to babysit Soy!

Faron Steiner, Winston & Ruby Gulley’s granddaughter, is scheduled to have major heart surgery in Birmingham this morning.  I have traveled to Birmingham in order to be with Ruby and her daughter, Christy.  Folks, this is a very serious surgery.

Stella Brinkman is to have a pace maker put in today.  Pray that everything goes as planned and that this will be the answer to Stella’s recent problems.  Bro. Chris is going to cover that surgery for me.

Becky Sellers is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today.  That could change but that is the plan.  Her radiation treatments will begin as soon as possible.

Max Peacock continues to recover from his surgery.  Just keep praying!

Danny & Liz Cole’s granddaughter, Bethani, is much improved.  Keep praying!

Morris’ mother, Miss Lucine, remains in the hospital.  It is my understanding that they will not draw the fluid off but will simply use medications to do so.

Daniela Pedraza is a part of our Spanish ministry.  I found out after church last night that she is going to have surgery in Birmingham on Tuesday morning so, Lord willing, I will be able to be there for her surgery too.

Melissa deBrabant will have surgery in Birmingham on Tuesday as well.  I hope to get to go by the hospital and at least speak to Bro. Randy.

Edna Glover has a sister, Arlene, in ICU.   She has a brother, Sidney, having problems with his carotid arteries.

Today’s Bible reading – Numbers 11:24-13:33 Mark 14:22-52 Psalm 52:1-9 Proverbs 11:1-3

Tuesday, 3/10 – Numbers 14:1-15:16 Mark 14:53-72 Psalm 53:1-6 Proverbs 11:4

Wednesday, 3/11 – Numbers 15:17-16:40 Mark 15:1-47 Psalm 54:1-7 Proverbs 11:5-6

Thursday, 3/12 – Numbers 16:41-18:32 Mark 16:1-20 Psalm 55:1-23 Proverbs 11:7

Friday, 3/13 – Numbers 19:1-20:29 Luke 1:1-25 Psalm 56:1-13 Proverbs 11:8

Saturday, 3/14 – Numbers 21:1-22:20 Luke 1:26-56 Psalm 57:1-11 Proverbs 11:9-11

Sunday, 3/15 – Numbers 22:21-23:30 Luke 1:57-80 Psalm 58:1-11 Proverbs 11:12-13

Wow!  That is really all I can say about last night’s service.  It was definitely one of those “you had to have been there services” in order to understand/appreciate it.  I have already received several messages from folks stating what the service meant to them and that does not count those who talked to me in the auditorium following the service.  I appreciate Dylan & Elizabeth setting the table for us to receive the Word.  They did a very nice job.  To hear people praying and to hear people weeping was very moving to this pastor.  Folks, we must pray!  And then pray some more!  And then pray!  This kind comes by prayer!

The good news is that the morning services were also blessed.  I have received communication regarding them too.  Folks have intentionally encouraged me!  Am I blessed or what!  What a joy to have Eddie Whitmore join the Friendship family on statement.  He and I talked last Sunday and he followed through on it during the 8:00AM invitation.  Actually, we had a person trying to join during the 10:30AM service but someone (your pastor) did not notice them in time.  “O What A Savior” is our theme during this season.  Randall did a great job on that song as did Bro. Kerry on “Holy Ground.”  Folks, get used to hearing “At The Cross” because it will be a regular in our services for the next three Sundays.

Prayer meeting on Tuesday night from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Lord willing, I will be there for the duration.  I will be readily available for anyone needing me to pray specifically with them.  I have a vision for this ministry.  Join me!  We must be a people of prayer!

No Griefshare tonight, 3/9, or TNBA tomorrow night, 3/10.

Our “potluck with the pastor” is scheduled to take place next Wednesday, 3/18, immediately following the morning service.  Details forthcoming.

Putting the prayer needs on another entry as this one is too long already.

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