Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 45;11-48:11 Ephesians 4:1-16 Psalm 68:19-35 Proverbs 24:3-4

Mission of Hope service tonight beginning at 7:00PM.  Bus leaves the church at 6:15PM.  Everyone is invited to attend this service.

Bro. Kerry will travel to Hattiesburg, MS this morning to make the arrangements for his father’s service.  The thought process is to have a celebration of life service and the committal service on Tuesday, 9/29, in Hattiesburg.  We will have a memorial service for Bro. J.B. Kelley this Sunday evening, 9/27, beginning at 6:00PM in our auditorium.  Again, out of respect for Bro. J.B. and his family, we will not have Discipleship Training, meetings, et cetera as this memorial service will be our sole focus on Sunday evening.

Arrangements are pending for Pastor Donald Ray Sewer.  A funeral home from Biloxi, MS is handling the arrangements.  I expect they will be completed at some point today but do not know that for certain.  They will be posted here once they are completed.

Mariam Moates sent me a message yesterday telling me that Jimmy will receive the results of his latest PET scan this Monday, 9/28.  Pray for Jimmy & Mariam as they await these results.

Visited with Cynthia Cumbie, Louis Reyer and Greg Boutwell in the respective hospitals yesterday.  Cynthia was asleep.  Caroline was going to spend the night at the hospital last night in order to see the doctor this morning.  Several folks asked me yesterday  “what do you think” and my answer was “I do not have a clue!”  I do know Cynthia is concerned and is in constant pain.

Greg & Mr. Reyer seemed to be basically the same.  They are both very appreciative of the prayer support they are receiving from the Friendship family and others.

Speaking of Mr. Reyer, I think that with the promotion of Bro. J.B. Kelley, Bro. Louis is now our oldest church member.  J.B. would have turned 97 on October 5.  Myrtle Bowden may be older than Bro. Louis but I am not for certain.  I will check on that and let you know.

Herbert told me yesterday afternoon that Peggy’s heart cath revealed no problems with her heart.  It is very possible that her problem is in the one to whom she is married!  Just saying!

The team that traveled to the L.G. Camp, Jr. mission house in Guatemala yesterday arrived safe and sound.  All is well.  To God be the glory!

Learned yesterday that Bernard Suthoff > Phil Sims when it comes to fishing.  Can that be possible?  Bernard > Larry Whitehurst when it comes to deer hunting and now he is > than Phil in fishing.  I am impressed!

Learned Wednesday night that Phillip & Claire Turner are expecting their first child?  I was not told that in so many words but, when I asked Phillip where Claire was, he replied that she was at a shower.  So, I am assuming she is with child.  (I am basically never wrong whenever I make assumptions!)

We need some work day leaders.  Do not shout me down!

It is almost 1:30AM.  I can only hope this entry is early enough for Dr. Rex’s liking!  Waiting on daybreak so I can spend the day mowing and working in the yard.  I am not going to mention that it did not get cut while I was gone last week!  Translated – I will get to rake hay today!

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

This afternoon, 9/24, around 2:30PM, Bro. J.B. Kelley passed from this life and entered Heaven.  He is now with Jesus and has been reunited with his wife, Miss Edith, who passed in May of 2013.

Our plans are to have a memorial service for Bro. J.B. this Sunday night beginning at 6:00PM in our church auditorium.  Out of respect for Bro. J.B. and his family, we will not have Discipleship Training, any meetings, rehearsals, et cetera this Sunday, 9/27.  This will allow the folks from our church family, friends, and others to attend a celebration of life service for this dear brother in the Lord.

Plans call for a celebration of life service to take place on Tuesday, 9/29, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  Times and location to be announced when they have been completed.

Pray for Bro. Kerry, his brother, Danny, and the entire Kelley family as they walk through this valley.

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 43:14-45:10 Ephesians 3:1-21 Psalm 68:1-18 Proverbs 24:1-2

Holly Lybarger did not start her chemo treatments this past Monday but is scheduled to begin them today.  She received her port yesterday.  Reb asked us to pray that the chemo will not make her sick.

Becky Sellers is receiving chemo through a pump five days per week and is also getting a radiation treatment each day.

Eddie Whitmore was in the service yesterday morning.  His white cell blood count was out of whack so he did not receive a treatment this week which means he is feeling pretty good.

Really no significant change in Greg Boutwell, Louis Reyer or Cynthia Cumbie.  Cynthia was told they are not going to do a heart cath.

Peggy Benefield had a heart cath yesterday afternoon but I have not heard the results.

J.B. Kelley remains at home.  Bro. Kerry has decided to not join the senior adults on their trip next week in order to be with his father.  Pray for J.B. and those who are giving care to him.

As I was entering the hospital yesterday, I saw Donald Sewer’s son who shared with me that his dad had just passed away.  Pastor Donal Sewer has battled heart problems and a malignancy for years.  Pray for Pastor Donald’s family and his church family as they walk through this valley.  I was really sad yesterday afternoon and thought about Pastor Donald throughout the night.

Good day in all of our services yesterday/last night.  Lisa did a great job of hosting the folks in the 7:30PM Bible study.

Dr. Rex, please send some Fall weather down this way!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 41:17-43:13 Ephesians 2:1-22 Psalm 67;1-7 Proverbs 23:29-35

Louis Reyer was to have a procedure done yesterday afternoon to drain some fluid from one of his lungs.  That lung was partially collapsed.  The procedure was to be done in his hospital room.

Jason Creal’s aunt, Miss Ruth Howell, is in the hospital but was doing better yesterday.

Cynthia Cumbie is most likely going to have a heart cath within the next day or two.  She is having a lot of pain and the doctors think that somehow it involves her heart.

Greg Boutwell continues to receive an antibiotic via iv.  The doctors are not one hundred percent confident this is going to be the answer.

Miss Luthene Herston was still in the hospital shorty after noon yesterday.  They were fairly confident that she would be moving to a rehabilitation facility possibly as early as yesterday afternoon.

John Ladnier is a relative of Miss Kittie Camp.  He is in the the hospital but there was talk of allowing him to go home either yesterday or today.

Debbie Kendrick sent me an update on Brian Amonett.  He is doing remarkably well.  He is now making many more steps forward than he is backwards.  Really a miracle!

Rob & Reb’s daughter, Holly, has begun her chemo treatments.

Becky Sellers has begun her radiation treatments.

Eddie Whitmore continues his treatments.

I have not talked to Carla Kyser this week but will get an update today.

We had a good number show up for prayer meeting last night.  I did not get a count but do know it was good.  Thank you to each person who came to pray.

Regular schedule today and tonight.  I think the fare is lasagna for tonight’s 7:30PM Bible study.

TNBA tomorrow night at 7:00PM.

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

Our youngest grandchild, Audrey, turned one year old today, 9/22.  Happy birthday Audrey!  Lisa and I are truly blessed!

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 39:1-41:16 Ephesians 1:1-23 Psalm 66:1-20 Proverbs 23:25-28

Wednesday, 9/23 – Isaiah 41:17-43:13 Ephesians 2:1-22 Psalm 67;1-7 Proverbs 23:29-35

Thursday, 9/24 – Isaiah 43:14-45:10 Ephesians 3:1-21 Psalm 68:1-18 Proverbs 24:1-2

Friday, 9/25 – Isaiah 45;11-48:11 Ephesians 4:1-16 Psalm 68:19-35 Proverbs 24:3-4

Saturday, 9/26 – Isaiah 48:12-50:11 Ephesians 4:17-32 Psalm 69:1-18 Proverbs 24:5-6

Sunday, 9/27 – Isaiah 51:1-53:12 Ephesians 5:1-33 Psalm 69:19-36 Proverbs 24:7

J.B. Kelley is at home but is not doing well.  He had an episode this past Saturday and has been having difficulties ever since.  Pray for him.

The folks in the convalescent home all seemed to be doing ok when I visited yesterday morning.

Louis Reyer spent some time in the CCU but is now in a regular room.  His problems seem to be related to congestive heart failure.

Cynthia Cumbie has been in the hospital since last Thursday and they are now thinking her problems are heart related.  She had a nuclear test last night.

Greg Boutwell is in the hospital due to an infection.  He was told yesterday that he will be in the hospital for at least five to seven days.

Luthene Herston had surgery last Wednesday and remains in the hospital.  She told me yesterday that she anticipates being discharged today.

Thank you to each person who attended the service for Martha Patrick yesterday afternoon.  A big “thank you” to those who helped feed the family following the service.

Prayer meeting tonight, 9/22, from 5:00 – 7:00PM.  Please use the West side door to enter/exit.  Come and go.  Come and stay.  Just pray!

I had the privilege of preaching for Pastor Doug Chappelle and the fine folks at the Thelma Baptist Church in Wetumpka, AL this past Sunday morning and evening.  It was an honor and I was blessed to be with them.  It was really good to be able to visit with Pastor Doug  and his wife, Vicki.

Pastor Terry Rainey and I had a blessed time in Guatemala.  The lake was beautiful.  We took a boat across the lake on Thursday morning and the water was like glass.

We also enjoyed spending time with the children from the feeding center.  We were able to see them on Wednesday and Thursday.

Pastor Terry continues to struggle with the loss of his wife, Miss Cookie, but is making it day by day only by the grace of God.  Pray for him.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 22:1-24:23 Galatians 2:17-3:9 Psalm 60:1-12 Proverbs 23:15-16

Thursday, 9/17 – Isaiah 25:1-28:13 Galatians 3:10-22 Psalm 61:1-8 Proverbs 23:17-18

Friday, 9/18 – Isaiah 28:14-30:11 Galatians 3:23-4:31 Psalm 62:1-12 Proverbs 23;19-21

I failed to mention in Monday’s entry that Kevin Sprinkle was to have surgery that day.  He did and everything went well.

We have had Lynn Eldridge’s name on our prayer list for several months.  She passed from this life on Sunday night.  There will be no service as she donated her body to the University of South Alabama.  Pray for her family.

Learned last night that Martha Patrick passed away unexpectedly around 8:30 – 9:00PM.  Arrangements incomplete at this time.

Rob & Reb’s daughter, Holly, was told that her cancer is stage three.  She will begin treatments on Thursday, 9/25.  Pray for her.

Mariam says that Jimmy Moates is doing better and is scheduled for a pet scan this Monday, 9/21.  Keep praying.

Wanda Jordan is wearing her brace as she recovers from her fall and subsequent injury.

Stella Brinkman is having pain related to her dislocated shoulder.

Melinda Westbrook fell and broke her ankle.

Brian Amonett continues to improve.

Even though I am on vacation, Nanette has e-mailed me about seventeen times to tell me that Scott will be having eye surgery this Friday.  Since this is a “pastor’s blog” I cannot write what she wrote to me when I told her that I would not be there – wow!  She was furious!  Told her that I would send one of the other staff members and she quickly reminded me that she never dated (almost married) any of the other staff members.   (There is some truth and some not so much truth in this paragraph – just saying!)

What I have observed about the Independence Day in Guatemala.  As we drove from the airport on Monday, there were runners carrying torches all along the way – we saw maybe  seventy five plus?  Folks line up on the side of the road and throw water at/on them.  Pretty crazy!

The parade in Santo Domingo today was interesting.  The children from the feeding center were grinning from ear to ear and were happy to see Pastor Terry & me.  Can you say fireworks?

Traffic was horrible Monday.  We got stuck in El Tejar for a bit (not bad) but someone said it literally took them five hours to go from one side of Chimaltenango to the other side while driving.  Once we got to the mission house, we stayed put.  Yesterday, we went to San Lucas twice with no problems.

Today, I will get a $1.30 haircut, go to the feeding center to visit with the children and then head to the lake.  Am thinking that I will not have access to the internet.

Did I mention Scott Fontenot’s surgery?  (Calm down Nanette!)

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 15:1-18:7 Galatians 1:1-24 Psalm 58:1-11 Proverbs 23:12

Tuesday, 9/15 – Isaiah 19:1-21:17 Galatians 2:1-16 Psalm 59:1-17 Proverbs 23:13-14

Wednesday, 9/16 – Isaiah 22:1-24:23 Galatians 2:17-3:9 Psalm 60:1-12 Proverbs 23:15-16

Thursday, 9/17 – Isaiah 25:1-28:13 Galatians 3:10-22 Psalm 61:1-8 Proverbs 23:17-18

Friday, 9/18 – Isaiah 28:14-30:11 Galatians 3:23-4:31 Psalm 62:1-12 Proverbs 23;19-21

Saturday, 9/19 – Isaiah 30:12-33:9 Galatians 5:1-12 Psalm 63:1-11 Proverbs 23:22

Sunday, 9/20 – Isaiah 33:10-36:22 Galatians 5:13-26 Psalm 64:1-10 Proverbs 23:23

This entry is coming from the Mobile Airport as I am about to board a plane heading to Guatemala for the week.  I am taking vacation days to spend time at the feeding center watching some of our children march in the Independence Day parade tomorrow.  Pastor Terry Rainey will be joining me and we hope to just spend time in fellowship.  After today, all of the other ministerial staff members will be available as normal.  (Bro. Jerry is taking a vacation day today, 9/14)

We enjoyed really good services yesterday on an absolutely beautiful day.  To God be the glory!  I appreciate the members of the Friendship family who are faithful.

John Milton Ladnier has been elected to serve as the chairman of our Finance Committee for this fiscal year which began on August 1.

It was great seeing Carla Kyser in our early service yesterday.  She was not feeling “great” but was present nonetheless.  What a blessing!

Keep praying for Clara Broadus and family in the passing of her sister, Faye.

Tom Thornton’s mother had hip surgery yesterday.

Keep praying for Eddie Whitmore, Becky Sellers, Rob & Reb’s daughter, Holly, and Lisa Thompson in their respective battles with cancer.

Griefshare tonight at 6:00PM.

GROW visitation tonight at 6:30PM.

Do not be surprised if I do not blog again this week.  I will take is day by day.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 12:1-14:32 2 Corinthians 13:1-14 Psalm 57:1-11 Proverbs 23:9-11

Received word yesterday afternoon that Clara Broadus’ sister, Faye Owens, passed away.  This was not expected.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for Clara and her family.

Bill K told me at the breakfast yesterday morning that Brian Amonett had a good week.  Still in ICU but improving.  Good news.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  I am praying for a really good attendance in all three of our services, Sunday School and Discipleship Training.

The 2015-16 Finance Committee will have their initial meeting this afternoon at 4:00PM in the church office.

Our Hispanic men did an excellent job of cooking breakfast yesterday morning.  I am not a big breakfast eater but it was very good.  Alan & Levi did a good job of sharing musically and Alan brought us a good word from the Word.  Good morning.

After breakfast, TJ Vice and I traveled to Tuscaloosa where we met Brad, Daphne and the children for the football game.  We had a great time with the best September weather I have ever seen for a football game.  TJ did the lion’s share of the driving which allowed me to sleep a couple of hours on the way up and a little bit on the way home.   Here is what I know – if you will feed TJ, he will drive you anywhere you want to go!  We had a good day of fellowship!

Today is supposed to be an absolutely beautiful day weather wise.  We give God the glory for such a great day as it is a gentle reminder that Fall is coming.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Isaiah 10:1-11:16 2 Corinthians 12;11-21 Psalm 56:1-13 Proverbs 23:6-8

Two new prayer requests.  First, Rob & Reb Nevin’s daughter, Holly, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  They got that word from the doctor Thursday afternoon.  I do not have the details but do know that we need to pray.  Reb added a comment to yesterday’s entry.

Sarah Thornton left me a voice mail yesterday morning asking us to pray for Tom’s mother.  She took a fall and broke her left wrist, left hip and left shoulder (if I understood correctly) and may have an injury to her head as well.  A definite prayer need.

Talked to Marisa Felps yesterday morning.  Carla is still struggling.  Please keep praying for her.  Do the same for Eddie Whitmore, Becky Sellers and Lisa Thompson.

Men’s breakfast this morning from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  All men are invited to attend.

Jeff Holifield is going back to prison!  Not as a prisoner but as a preacher.  He will be preaching tonight.  Will you stop and pray for him?  Pray that God will use him in an anointed way tonight.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Hope to be joined by many members of the Friendship family!

I received several comments from folks regarding yesterday’s blog entry.  All were encouraging.  Thank you!

What have I heard this week?  Two things that come to mind – I was told that I preach better in the evening services than I do in the morning services.  I was asked when am I going to start working out?  (Do I look like I need to work out?)  Who said these things?  Will not throw those guys under the bus!  I am above that!

I spent about eight hours mowing and eating weeds yesterday.  The Lord was good as it rained a nice, soft rain basically the entire time. Got the weed eating done in four yards, the push mowing done in three and the riding done in two.  Last night at supper, Soy & Rusty were “complaining” about me working in the rain.  Basically said I am weird.  Folks, if I do not do it then it is not going to get done.  You know what I am saying?  Rusty said his knee is still “bothering” him and Soy said he was still tired from his WDW trip.  Please!

Lord willing, going to Tuscaloosa and back today.  Here are my picks to win this week – Western Kentucky, Auburn, Mississippi, Tennessee, Southern Mississippi, Nebraska, LSU and Alabama.  (Expanded this week)

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