Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Samuel 17:1-29 John 19:23-42 Psalm 119:129-152 Proverbs 16:12-13

Bill Teasley’s situation has gotten urgently serious and needs our immediate prayers.  If I understand correctly, he received seven hours of chemotherapy yesterday, will receive eleven hours today and then will receive twenty four hours tomorrow.  He and his family need our prayers in a big way so please pray!

We are on a regular schedule this morning and evening.  Our 10:30AM service will see us commission Zach Huhn as he leaves tomorrow heading to San Francisco where he will live for the next two months.  Zach will be going with NAMB and the Mississippi Baptist State Convention to help plant a new church in San Francisco.

Today is appreciation day for our Associate Pastor/Minister of Education, Bro. Jerry Hovel as this month marks his fifteenthth year on our staff.  A love offering will be received in all three services.  Members of the Friendship family are encouraged to send him a card/note of appreciation during this coming week.

There is a VBS workers’ meeting tonight immediately following the evening service.  Meeting will take place in the auditorium.

Chris & Will got a nice start on the building of the new playground.  They basically worked all day yesterday and I appreciate their efforts thus far.

I was wrong on the name of the road in Lucedale – it is Fig Road and not “pig” road!  (Just proves what can happen when you listen to Bobby Stork!)

How did the “mud pie makers” do?  All I heard is that “we finished!”  Ok, what does that mean?

Picked the first picking of peas late yesterday afternoon.  Mind you, it was not a bushel or anything like that but it is a start.  My sweet mother-in-law has now canned ninety eight quarts of snap beans.  Okra has begun bearing.  Looks like much of the garden will be played out before I leave for Guatemala in June which is the way I like for it to happen.   God is good!

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

Tomorrow, 5/31, has been set aside to recognize Bro. Jerry Hovel.  The month of May marks the fifteenth anniversary of Bro. Jerry serving as our associate pastor/minister of education.  We will receive a love offering in all three services as a tangible way to show our love and appreciation to Bro. Jerry and his family.

Bro. Jerry is married to Tena and they have two sons, Josh & Luke and three grandchildren.  Tena is a tremendous asset to Bro. Jerry’s ministry.

So, join us tomorrow in celebrating Bro. Jerry’s  anniversary of serving the Lord through the Friendship family.  Pass the word!

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23 John 18:25-19:22 Psalm 119:113-128 Proverbs 16:10-11

The celebration of life service for Greg Boutwell’s brother, David, takes place this morning at 10:00AM at the Corinth Baptist Church in Lucedale, MS.  It will be a graveside service.

Eddie Whitmore was discharged from the hospital late yesterday afternoon as the doctors were satisfied that the amount of fluid remaining in his lung was no longer problematic.  Eddie expresses great appreciation to the Friendship family for their support.

Bill Teasley continues to have problems with COPD and other breathing issues.  He maintains a really good attitude and is very thankful for the prayer support being given to him by the members of the Friendship family.

Pastor Terry Rainey called me late last night as the doctors discovered a “large” mass in his wife’s, Miss Cookie, colon while doing a test yesterday.  The results will be in next Wednesday morning.  Pastor Terry asks that we pray it not be malignant.

Chris Cavin and Will Reynolds will begin building the new playground today.  Chris has really given this matter much thought and research.  I appreciate all he has done up to this point.  Will most likely will get in Chris’ way today but maybe he can get something done in spite of WPR!

While Chris & Will are doing something constructive today, Soy & Ethan Nelson are taking a few other girls and driving three hours to play in the mud!  Are you serious?  Absolutely!  “When I was a child, I spake as a child and acted like a child but when I became a man I put away childish things!”  I think the writer of Scripture (my paraphrase by the way) would have included making mud pies in the list of putting away childish things!  It is one thing to play in the mud but to drive three hours to do so – really?

Today marks an anniversary for Lisa, Dana, Gina and me as we moved into the house the Lord has blessed us with four years ago today – May 30, 2011.  Where does time go?  We are very thankful to God for His blessing us with this house as it has served us very well in hosting many people over these past four years.

My mama and Sue left last night.  I was able to take mama to breakfast (Hardee’s) yesterday and then spend some time with her and Sue yesterday afternoon.  I do not see my parents nearly enough and the fault lies squarely on me!  (I appreciate Vera Bosarge being very understanding in regard to this situation as I did not stay for the service for her sister)

We are on a regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  I hope to be joined by many members of the Friendship family for Bible study and the services.

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus (even if you are playing in the mud)!

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22 John 18:1-24 Psalm 119:97-112 Proverbs 16:8-9

Dana & Gina are officially high school graduates!  Lisa and I are happy campers!  Lord willing, “Harvard on the Highway” is their next destination.  We appreciate Bro. Chris doing the graduation circuit and I am sure he was glad to see last night’s ceremony end as it brings the 2015 high school graduations to an end.  Thank you to each person who has been so kind to Dana & Gina with words, cards and gifts.  They have been very, very blessed.

William Sessions had surgery yesterday.  Not sure of the results.

Visited Bill Teasley yesterday morning.  His heart had gotten out of rhythm but was back in rhythm when I visited.  He was waiting on a pulmonary doctor to come and make some decisions regarding his COPD and breathing problems.

Also visited with Eddie Whitmore.  He did see the doctor yesterday morning and they are still in the process of sorting things out.  They are intentionally being methodical in removing the fluid from his lung.  He had gotten some rest and was feeling some better.  Eddie is very grateful to his siblings (Jerry & Sierra) and to the Friendship family for their support.  Keep praying.

The visitation with the Juanita McRoy family takes place today beginning at 10:30AM and lasting until the noon service time.  The visitation and service will be held at the Coden United Methodist Church.  Pray for Vera Bosarge and the rest of the family.

The service for Greg’s brother takes place in the morning at 10:00AM in Lucedale, MS.

My mama and my sister-in-law, Sue, are in town because of last night’s graduation.  It is good to see them and I hope to be able to spend some time with them today.

Soy and Charles did some major grass cutting yesterday which helps me greatly.  Did Soy do a good job?  I plead the fifth!  Did he do his best?  I plead the fifth!  Did he use fuel, time and energy?  I plead the fifth!

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

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Samuel 13:1-39 John 17:1-26 Psalm 119:81-96 Proverbs 16:6-7

Eddie Whitmore remains in the hospital.  I will be visiting with him this morning.

I also plan to go by and visit with Bill Teasley who remains hospitalized.

Pastor Wes told me yesterday that he thinks Rebekah and Nathan will be discharged from the hospital today.  By the way, Grandma Jeanette says Nathan checked in at 7 pounds and 7 ounces and she says that is official.

Pastor Johnny Howard has not been doing so well and I would ask you to join me in praying for him.  Not sure if he was able to preach last night which would be major if he was not.

We were blessed with a good day in our services yesterday.  God is good!

Today is a big day in the Turrentine household as our last two daughters, Dana & Gina, graduate from Faith Academy tonight!  We are excited for them.  My mother, my younger brother and my sister-in-law, Sue, are supposed to join us for the celebration.  Kenny Cooper will be the other member of the Friendship family in this FA graduating class.  Once tonight’s ceremony is over, all of the 2015 graduates from the Friendship family will have completed their graduation exercises.  Congratulations to each of them!

It is daybreak and the garden is calling my name.  May sneak over to Bobby Broome’s garden and get some green tomatoes and over to John Milton Ladnier’s and get some corn!  If you do not tell them, they will never know and they surely would not mind!

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

Eddie Whitmore was admitted to the hospital today after they ran a test.  The test results are not back but they did discover fluid in one of his lungs.  It is expected to take a few days to completely drain that fluid.

Bill Teasley’s cardiologist determined that his condition is not heart related but is pulmonary.  He battles COPD anyway.  So a pulmonary doctor will be called in to examine Bill.

Lisa and visited with Wes Bates.  Rebekah was asleep which is very understandable.  Everyone is well.

Vera Bosarge’s sister, Juanita McRoy’s, arrangements are visitation from the Coden Methodist Church on Friday, 5/29, from 10:30AM until the 12:00PM (noon) service time.

Greg Boutwell’s brother, David, will be buried in a graveside service on Saturday, May 30, at the Corinth Baptist Church in Lucedale, MS beginning at 10:00AM.  Take Highway 26 West out of Lucedale and turn right onto Pig Farm Road.  The church is about one mile down on the left.

Pastor Wes & Rebekah Bates welcomed Nathan Glen Bates into this world at 3:27AM today.  He checked in weighing 7 pounds and 4 ounces.  Mother and son are doing great!

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Samuel 12:1-31 John 16:1-33 Psalm 119:65-80 Proverbs 16:4-5

Pastor Wes & Rebekah Bates have been patiently waiting on their son to enter this world.  He was due a week or so ago and yesterday afternoon Rebekah was admitted into the hospital.  It is 5:00AM and I do not do social media so it is possible that Rebekah has already given birth.  If not, she is in labor and the baby should make his arrival at some point today.  Either way, pray for this family.

Vera Bosarge’s sister, Juanita McRoy, passed from this life yesterday afternoon.  She has really struggled in the last few days and is now at rest.  The family is exhausted so pray for them as they do all of the things that have to be done during this time.  Arrangements pending.

I do not know if they have completed the arrangements for Greg Boutwell’s brother.  Will get that information today.  Pray for this family as well.

Bill Teasley was admitted into the hospital last night with congestive heart failure.  I plan to visit with him today.

Jimmy Moates and Becky Sellers both received chemotherapy treatments yesterday.  Pray that all goes well.

My Aunt Alice in Michigan had a stent placed in an artery yesterday.  She had surgery in 2005 and this was a replacement from that surgery.  She did well and the doctor was pleased per my cousin Tony.  I appreciate Tony keeping me up to date.

I was present for the prayer meeting last night.  Our number was about where it has been for the past several weeks.  I so appreciate those folks who take the time and make the effort to come pray.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Lisa and I have not discussed the menu for the 7:30PM Bible study but I am leaning toward sandwiches as she has a lot on her plate for the next four days.  Whatever it is will be good as she does a great job.

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

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Samuel 9:1-11:27 John 15:1-27 Psalm 119:49-64 Proverbs 16:1-3

Greg Boutwell’s brother, David, passed away either Sunday night or early yesterday morning.  Arrangements are pending.  Pray for the Boutwell family.

Vera Bosarge promised to keep me updated on her sister, Juanita’s, situation so I am going to assume that there has been no significant change there.

Lazaro Suruy and I communicated via iMessage last night and he told me that his mother, Margarita, has been sick for two months now.  Lazaro’s father, Glendy and Lazaro are taking turns caring for her each night.

Carlos Raxon in Guatemala is at home being cared for by his family.

Prayer meeting tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Please use the West side door to enter/exit.

TNBA tonight at 7:00PM.

My day off yesterday was not close to what I had planned because of the rain and this Summer cold I have picked up.  The only productive thing I did all day was pick snap beans and Lisa fussed at me about that because I was in and out of the rain doing so.  I will be honest, this cold has gotten the best of me.  I do not need to be around anyone so I will not be going to the office today, making any visits, et cetera.  I do plan on being in prayer meeting tonight at least some of the time but will isolate myself.  I will use today to do some studying, relying to e-mails, writing my letter to the church family, et cetera.  I will just have to wait and see what tomorrow holds

I will say this about yesterday – Lindsey Hatcher gave me my laugh for the day!  Priceless!

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

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18 John 14:15-31 Psalm 119:33-48 Proverbs 15:33

Tuesday, 5/26 – 2 Samuel 9:1-11:27 John 15:1-27 Psalm 119:49-64 Proverbs 16:1-3

Wednesday, 5/27 – 2 Samuel 12:1-31 John 16:1-33 Psalm 119:65-80 Proverbs 16:4-5

Thursday, 5/28 – 2 Samuel 13:1-39 John 17:1-26 Psalm 119:81-96 Proverbs 16:6-7

Friday, 5/29 – 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22 John 18:1-24 Psalm 119:97-112 Proverbs 16:8-9

Saturday, 5/30 – 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23 John 18:25-19:22 Psalm 119:113-128 Proverbs 16:10-11

Sunday, 5/31 – 2 Samuel 17:1-29 John 19:23-42 Psalm 119:129-152 Proverbs 16:12-13

Received word from Vera through Dale last night that is appears Vera’s sister, Juanita, is in her final hours on earth.  I am writing this entry at 6:30AM and have not heard any update since 7:00PM last night.  Pray for Miss Juanita and the family during this time.

Got the chance to speak to Becky Sellers after the 10:30AM service yesterday.  She is doing really good although she does grow tired more easily.  Her attitude remains amazing!  She will receive her fifth chemotherapy treatment tomorrow and then has one more before beginning five weeks of radiation.

It was good to see Lisa Thompson in our second service yesterday morning too.  Ditto for seeing Herbert Benefield in our first service.

Wow, we were blessed with three really good services yesterday.  The 10:30AM service saw Isabella and Emma Gordon come to make public professions of faith desiring baptism.  Their parents had led them to the Lord earlier.  Then in our evening service we saw J.T. Lastorka come forward for baptism and Amber Joyner pray to accept Jesus as her Savior.  Amber sent me this iMessage last night, “Thank you for giving me one more verse.”  As always, God gives the increase and we give Him the glory!

I want to say “thank you” to each member of the Friendship family who was faithful to attend our services yesterday.  We had a good attendance in all three of our services.  That speaks so very well of your spiritual maturity and I am grateful.

By the way, we will observe the ordinance of baptism as a part of our morning worship services on Sunday, 6/7.

The church office is closed today for Memorial Day.  Stop and say a prayer of thanks for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

I pray that you will have a great Memorial Day with Jesus.