Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 22:1-23:20 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Psalm 83:1-18 Proverbs 25:11-14

This entry is coming from the mountain in El Tejar (pronounced L tee jar per Michael Mason).  All of our team from North American has now arrived safe and sound with the exception of Pastor Terry Nappier who is scheduled to arrive tomorrow around noon.  We thank God for His traveling mercies upon us.  The conference begins tomorrow afternoon with Pastor BJ Parson and I being the ones preaching in the two sessions.  Pray for us and those teaching the workshops too.

Reb Nevin commented on yesterday’s entry that their daughter, Holly, will receive her second chemotherapy treatment tomorrow.  The request is for this one to not make her sick.

Rex Looney’s father-in-law is not doing well at all and, per the medical folks, is seemingly in the last days of his earthly life.  Would you join me in praying for him and the family during this difficult time?  Thank you.

I do not have any other updates on those for whom we have been praying.

I know Tim & Peggy went to the service at 1st Gautier last night as Dr. Michael sent me a message saying so.  Tonight’s service begins at 6:30PM.

We are seeking to have two “sweet Sundays” over the next two weeks as members of the Friendship family are asked to bring bags of candy for the Hallelujah Festival.  Will you help?  Receptacles are in the various buildings.  Thank you!

The new playground has taken shape very nicely.  Everything is to code thanks to Chris Cavin.  The only thing missing at this point is a  fence.  The fence is needed not only to keep folks (translated those too old to be on the equipment) out but also to keep the youngest children in.  We will be receiving a special offering over the next two Sundays to hopefully cover the needed cost of four thousand dollars.  Will you pray about this and give as the Lord leads?  Thank you!

I am looking forward to our “Hope” Sunday this Sunday morning.  Pray!  Attend!  Come expecting.  It will be an honor to lovingly remember Caryn Hyatt Suthoff as a part of this service.

I am not looking forward to our Sunday evening service which will begin at 5:00PM (note the earlier starting time).  However, it is what it is and I am grateful.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 19:1-21:14 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28 Psalm 82:1-8 Proverbs 25:9-10

Tuesday, 10/13 – Jeremiah 22:1-23:20 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Psalm 83:1-18 Proverbs 25:11-14

Wednesday, 10/14 – Jeremiah 23:21-25:38 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Psalm 84:1-12 Proverbs 25:15

Thursday, 10/15 – Jeremiah 26:1-27 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 Psalm 85:1-13 Proverbs 25:16

Friday, 10/16 – Jeremiah 28:1-29:32 1 Timothy 1:1-20 Psalm 86:1-17 Proverbs 25;17

Saturday, 10/17 – Jeremiah 30:1-31:26 1 Timothy 2:1-15 Psalm 87:1-7 Proverbs 25:18-19

Sunday, 10/18 – Jeremiah 31:27-32:44 1 Timothy 3:1-16 Psalm 88:1-18 Proverbs 25:20-22

We enjoyed a good day in our services yesterday – morning and evening.  The Friendship family took a major step last night when they voted to basically place our first GRACE Ministries missionaries in Guatemala.  Michael (Soy), Deidra and the girls will be officially moving to Guatemala in 2017.  They will be traveling to Guatemala before that time but that will be their official start date.  I am excited for a number of reasons but the biggest is because God continues to do amazing things through GRACE Ministries.  We are, by faith, taking one step at a time and God is blessing!  Amen!

As far as I know, Cynthia Cumbie remains in the hospital.

Kelli Stork was admitted to the hospital again.  Having tremendous headaches.

Teddy Ray’s mother will possibly have a procedure done this week.  They should know more today.

Carla Kyser will receive a radiation treatment on her back today.

Lisa Thompson will receive a chemotherapy treatment today.

Becky Sellers continues to receive radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Eddie Whitmore is continuing his chemotherapy treatments too.

The service for Ben Vickers’ sister takes place today in Amite, Louisiana.  Pray for the family.

The visitation with the Ruth Howell family takes place tonight from 6:00 – 8:00PM at Serenity Funeral Home.  The service takes place tomorrow at 10:00AM.

Griefshare tonight at 6:00PM.

GROW tonight at 6:30PM.

I am leaving early this morning for the pastors’ conference in Guatemala.  Lord willing, I will return home late Friday night.  Pray for this conference.  I will be joined by seven other pastors in leading this conference that will be attended by four hundred Christian workers.

Evangelist Michael Mason paid me a visit last night.  He was once again wanting to borrow money.  Said Rex Looney had loaned him enough to get down here but needed some spending money while here.  The services at 1st Gautier are at noon today – Wednesday and then at 6:30PM tonight and tomorrow night.  He would be blessed if any members of the Friendship family were to attend any of these services.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 16:16-18:23 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3 Psalm 81:1-16 Proverbs 25:6-8

No updates on any of the folks for whom we have been praying as I was out of town yesterday attending a football game.

Miss Ruth Howell passed from this life this past Thursday, 10/8.  A visitation with the family takes place tomorrow night, 10/12, from 6:00 – 8:00PM at Serenity Funeral Home.  The service will take place on Tuesday morning at 10:00AM from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home.  Miss Ruth is Jason Creal’s paternal Aunt.  Pray for the family during this time.

Regular schedule today – morning and evening.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 14:11-16:15 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13 Psalm 80:1-19 Proverbs 25:1-5

Deidra and I visited Cynthia Cumbie in the hospital last night.  I had spoken to Caroline via the phone earlier in the day.  She really is not any better but it appears they will send her home under medical care.  Cynthia seemed to think that could be as early as today but Caroline believes early next week.  Pray for Cynthia.

Teddy Ray’s mother remains hospitalized.  They may do a procedure on her heart next week.  Keep praying.

Carla K begins radiation treatments on her back on Monday.  This is for pain management/relief.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  We have the meeting at 4:30PM if anyone is interested.  Hopefully, the Q&A sheet answered most, if not all, questions.  The Finance Committee will meet at 5:00PM.

I still do not know what time the revival services with Evangelist Michael Mason begin at 1st Gautier Monday and Tuesday nights.  Dr. Rex, will let me know?

I am now the owner of a 1953-1955 Farmall Super A tractor.  I bought it from Charles and he bought it from Stan Stickler years ago.  He says he gave me a “good” deal on it as he only charged me $13,712.69.  (I am just trying to be like Tim Knighten!)

I know you are anxiously awaiting my college football picks so here it goes.  This week’s winners will be Marshall, UGA, Florida, LSWho and Bama.  (Probably should pick against Bama based on last week’s outcome)

BTW, I never hear from Louise Mason unless she needs money (which means she contacts me on the first of each month when her rent is due) or Arkansas beats Bama.  I am in hopes that I do not hear from her until 11/1!

Lord willing, I am heading to Tuscaloosa today.  Soy is going as my designated driver.  I plan on being in all three services tomorrow.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 12:1-14:10 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8 Psalm 79:1-13 Proverbs 24:30-34

As far as I know, Cynthia Cumbie remains hospitalized.

Katelyn sent me an e-mail yesterday saying that her paternal grandmother, Miss Jean Jackson, has been admitted to the hospital again.  She continues to have problems with afib.

How about some good news?  Eddie Whitmore got the results from his latest tests yesterday.  Sierra and Jerry both sent me messages saying that the tumor in Eddie’s lung is gone and the one in his stomach has decreased by two thirds in size.  Praise the Lord!  He resumes chemo treatments next week.  Eddie, Sierra, Jerry & Gloria are all very thankful to the Friendship family for your support in every sense of the word.

Think Hallelujah Festival!  Workers and candy are needed.  There will be receptacles for the candy in the various buildings so just leave it there any Sunday or Wednesday between now and 10/31.  (Please do not leave the workers in the receptacles but have them come to the church grounds on 10/31 instead)  Contact Lindsey Vice for more information.

I want to say a huge “thank you” to Pastor Keith Martin, Evangelist Michael Mason, Pastor Terry Nappier and Evangelist Johnny Tucker for the excellent job they did in leading the conference in El Salvador.  It was an “A team” effort!  I am grateful!

Speaking of Evangelist Michael Mason, he will preaching in revival services at First Baptist of Gautier, MS this Monday & Tuesday nights.  (He is also preaching this Sunday & Wednesday but members of the Friendship family are not allowed to attend those services) I do not know the starting time of the services but assume it is either 6:30 or 7:00PM.  I will post it once I know.  Dr. Michael would love for some of the members of the Friendship family to attend.

Just for Rusty Suthoff, I am going to go ahead and make one prediction for this week’s college football games as he is constantly asking me about my picks.  I will take Washington over USC.  That is all you get this morning.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 10:1-11:23 Colossians 3:18-4:18 Psalm 78:56-72 Proverbs 24:28-29

Doris Perryman had her gall bladder surgically removed.  Not sure which day that took place but do know that she is supposed to come home today.

Cynthia Cumbie has been admitted to the hospital – again.

Carla Kyser had x-rays because of her back pain.  They proved to be fine.  The doctor increased her pain medication to see if it can help manage the pain.  She will also meet with a radiation oncologist this morning to hopefully determine if they can do radiation on her back to help with the pain management.  Pray that they can help give her some relief.

I do not have an update on the others battling cancer except I know that Eddie Whitmore went to the hospital the other day but was not admitted.  Pray for all of these folks.

Pastor Jack Bailey’s last remaining paternal Uncle passed from this life and they will have his celebration of life service today in Rome, Georgia.  Pray for Pastor Jack and the family during this time.

Dr. Mike & Dottie Clark will travel back to Guatemala from the States today.  Pray for them.

The 2015 pastors’ conference in El Salvador is now history.  As we were eating supper last night, Pastor Terry Nappier commented that he felt this was the best one of the five that have taken place.  Pastor Terry is a very humble man and does not say things just to be saying them.  I am inclined to go along with Pastor Terry on this one.

We five North Americans stayed in a hotel very close to the airport last night.  Pastor Terry departs early this morning while the other four of us depart at 1:00PM (El Salvador time)  Pastor Terry will be home by mid-afternoon and the rest of us will get home pretty late tonight.  Thank you to those who prayed and thank you to those who gave to help make this conference a success.  To God be the glory.

Pastor Wes Bates is a happy camper this morning as his beloved Cubs won their wild card game against the Pirates last night.  The Cubs are young but they are playing really well at this point.  Could this be the year?

I know that many of you are anxiously waiting for my weekly college football picks.  You will have to wait until Saturday morning.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 8:8-9:26 Colossians 3:1-17 Psalm 78:32-55 Proverbs 24:27

I was wrong!  I thought we would be good as far as the internet connection was concerned but it has been spotty and slow at best.  It is shortly before 10:30PM (Grand Bay time) on Tuesday night, 10/6.  The internet service is barely working but it may be the best we have between now and morning.

Because of the weak internet signal, I cannot open my e-mail.  Therefore, I do not know if any updates were sent to me.  Obviously, I do not know about anyone’s condition but would just ask you to keep praying for those for whom we have been praying.

I did receive an iMessage from Elizabeth Westbrook sharing that there were ten salvation decisions last night at McKemie Place along with other decisions.  We give God the glory!

I failed to ask anyone to be responsible for opening the auditorium for prayer last night.  So, I do not know if it was open or not.  If not, my apologies.  If so, thank you to whoever was responsible for opening it.

The second day of the pastors’ conference went very well.  We taught two more breakout sessions and heard messages from Bro. Johnny Tucker and Pastor Keith Martin.  We also observed the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.

We had pupusas for supper and they were very good.  Pupusa?  Salvadoran dish.  Good stuff.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Burgers, dogs and the trimmings for the 7:30PM Bible study.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 6:16-8:7 Colossians 2:8-23 Psalm 78:1-31 Proverbs 24:26

Sorry for the delay in getting this entry posted.  Had no internet yesterday and just got it.  Bro. Johnny Tucker is preaching now so this will be short and sweet.  (Do not tell him I am typing as he preaches – he is just warming up!)

Teddy Ray Jackson’s mother had a test yesterday and all was good.

The following comes from Lindsey Vice –

“Will you blog about the Chili Cook-Off/ Hallelujah Festival and announce it on Sunday’s/ Wednesdays? It’s October 31st from 5-7. If they want to participate in the chili cook-off they need to be at the church no later than 4:45 with a crock-pot full (or more) of their best chili on Saturday, October 31st. The winner will be announced at 6:45 and will receive a prize.   Anyone who wishes to participate in the chili cook-off needs to contact TJ or myself so we can prepare them a table and add them to the competition ballot. Also, we need candy, cakes and workers. There will be containers in the foyer, fellowship hall, and gym for candy.   Thanks so much!”   586-4687 or 586-3649

We safely arrived in El Salvador yesterday.  Grabbed a bite of lunch and then came straight to the conference.  We all taught a breakout session.  Pastor Terry Nappier and I preached as well.  Thank you for praying.

I will try to update later as I think we will have internet from this point forward.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 4:19-6:15 Colossians 1:18-2:7 Psalm 77:1-20 Proverbs 24:23-25

Tuesday, 10/6 – Jeremiah 6:16-8:7 Colossians 2:8-23 Psalm 78:1-31 Proverbs 24:26

Wednesday, 10/7 – Jeremiah 8:8-9:26 Colossians 3:1-17 Psalm 78:32-55 Proverbs 24:27

Thursday, 10/8 – Jeremiah 10:1-11:23 Colossians 3:18-4:18 Psalm 78:56-72 Proverbs 24:28-29

Friday, 10/9 – Jeremiah 12:1-14:10 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8 Psalm 79:1-13 Proverbs 24:30-34

Saturday, 10/10 – Jeremiah 14:11-16:15 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13 Psalm 80:1-19 Proverbs 25:1-5

Sunday, 10/11 – Jeremiah 16:16-18:23 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3 Psalm 81:1-16 Proverbs 25:6-8

Wow, what a Sunday!  The Lord blessed and we saw five public salvation decisions in our two morning services – one in the first and four in the second.  God gives the increase and we give Him all of the glory!

Kelli Stork was discharged from the hospital yesterday morning.

Brian Amonett remains hospitalized but is doing well.

Debbie Hyatt became a grandmother again early yesterday morning.  Caryn Layne (Laney) Hyatt arrived weighing seven pounds and seven ounces.  Congratulations to Cody & Alia and the family.

GriefShare is tonight from 6:00 – 8:00PM.

GROW visitation begins tonight at 6:30PM.

I am writing this entry shortly before 3:30AM.  I will be leaving in a few minutes heading to the Mobile airport in order to fly to El Salvador.  Today, tomorrow and Wednesday are the days for our annual pastors’ conference there.  We will be in a secluded camp setting with one hundred pastors.  Please pray for Evangelist Johnny Tucker, Pastor Terry Nappier, Evangelist Michael Mason, Pastor Keith Martin and me as we minister to these folks.  Lord willing, I will arrive home on Thursday night late.

The internet service at the camp is not great.  I will do what I can to post an entry each day.  I realize that many of you cannot wait for my weekly college football picks on either Friday or Saturday.  I am not sure what my percentage is but I do know it is pretty high!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Jeremiah 2:31-4:18 Colossians 1:1-17 Psalm 76:1-12 Proverbs 24:21-22

We had perhaps the best work day ever yesterday!  I am not going to get into specifics in this post but suffice it to say that you will definitely see the evidence of it today and beyond.  Thank you to each person who helped and that number included young adults to senior adults!

A “thank you” is also in order to the folks who helped with the food for the Pastor Donald Sewer family yesterday.  I have no idea how much you provided but I know it was needed and appreciated.  The celebration of life service was a blessing and I was honored to be a small part of it along with about eight others.  Pastor Donald will be greatly missed.

Regular schedule today.

Believe it or not, we do not have anyone from the Friendship family in the hospital at the moment – praise the Lord.  We have many to pray for as they recover, battle cancer, et cetera but no one in the hospital for the time being.

I have caught grief over my football picks this weekend.  I was one for one on Friday morning and four for seven yesterday morning.  I am thinking that is pretty good!

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