Pastor's Blog

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62

Pattie Suthoff has done an excellent job of keeping me updated on Charles’ status.  There is a possibility that he could be discharged from the hospital today.  If not, almost assuredly on Monday.  Keep praying for Charles.

Bro. Jerry has also done well in keeping me updated on all situations.  Last night he said we need to keep praying for Nancy West and her mother’s situation.  So, join me in doing that.

As I am writing this entry, I received an unspoken prayer request.  In time it will become known as a prayer request or a praise report.  Let’s pray for the latter!  God knows.

Regular schedule this Sunday, 10/23.  A “sweet send off” will take place on Sunday night as we host the men from the Mission of Hope.  Praying for great services!

The 2016 pastors’ conference is now history.  Missionary Mark Mast brought a strong message on Wednesday night and then Pastor Abel Garcia, Evangelist Michael Mason and Dr. Tico Vargas all did great jobs of preaching yesterday.  There were also three break out sessions yesterday.  Again, special thanks to each person who helped in any way!

Three of the guys have already left for the airport as they have early morning flights.  The rest of us will leave GRACE Mountain around 8:00AM as we have an early afternoon flight.  Pray for all of us to have safety in travel.

Not sure if I will blog in the morning or not.  Lisa and I will be in Birmingham before driving to Tuscaloosa.

Those Cubs are so close to advancing to the World Series.  That “noise” you heard last night was Pastor Wes Bates shouting when they won game five!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 16; Mark 8; Luke 9:18-27

This entry is late and for that I apologize.  Guatemala is an hour behind Central Time which throws me off a bit.  Again, my apologies.

Charles Suthoff has been moved out of ICU.  They are still “experimenting” with his meds and such.  He remains confused.  Keep praying.

I want to say “thank you” to the folks who are always willing to help around the church plant.  Larry Crawley repaired a gas leak and a toilet yesterday.  We have others who are constantly doing things that basically go unnoticed unless they do not get done.  So, “thank you” to each of you!

The men from the Mission of Hope will lead our worship service this Sunday evening, 10/23, beginning at 6:00PM.  Remember, we want to give them a “sweet send off” which means the members of the Friendship family are asked to bring some type of dessert i.e. cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, et cetera.  Please have them in the fellowship hall no later than 6:00PM.  Kenny Lingle and Carl Ray Moulds are the point men for this service.

Hallelujah Festival on Sunday, 10/30, from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the CAB.  Candy donations appreciated.  Workers needed.  Contact TJ or Lindsey Vice for more information.

The color run in honor of Carla Kyser takes place on 11/12.  Runners and sponsors needed.  Contact her or Jodie Crawley if you need more information.

Things are well at the pastors’ conference.  The registration stands at three hundred and seven.  Evangelist Johnny Tucker, Pastor Terry Rainey and Missionary Mark Mast all did a wonderful job of preaching the Word yesterday.  The three ladies from Motlow Creek Baptist Church are doing a good job of cooking/serving/cleaning for the team.  I appreciate each member of this team.  Pray that we will have a strong finish to this conference today/tonight.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 15; Mark 7

Jimmy Moates will have a scan next Monday, 10/24, and then get the results on Friday, 10/28.  Pray for Jimmy!

Charles Suthoff was better yesterday per Pattie.  Still in ICU.  Still needs our prayer support.

Regular schedule today/tonight.  Bro. Jerry Hovel will be preaching in the 10:00AM and 6:30PM services.  The fare for the 7:30PM Bible study is lasagna with all of the trimmings.

All is well in Guatemala.  Pastor Bob Harvey preached yesterday afternoon and Evangelist Michael Mason preached last night.  At this point, I am undecided which of them preaches Adrian Rogers’ sermons the best?  All of us from the States taught a break out session yesterday afternoon.

We will have a morning session and an evening session involving us today.  Four preaching messages and one break out session.  Pray that all will go well and that God will be glorified.

My family enjoyed a good time at the Jackson County Fair last night as did a number of the Friendship family.  Wish I could have joined them.  Glad they were able to go and enjoy.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – John 6

Charles Suthoff was admitted to the ICU yesterday afternoon.  At this point in time the doctors are not sure what is causing the problems Charles is experiencing.  Pray for Charles and for Bernard & Pattie as they stand beside him.

Nancy West’s mother has been moved to a rehab facility.

I visited the convalescent home yesterday but was actually only able to visit with three of the residents.  All of the others I normally see were either playing bingo, asleep or being seen by the staff.

Evangelist Michael Mason and I will meet in Atlanta later this morning and will bring up the proverbial rear of the ten men leading the 2016 pastors’ conference in Guatemala.  We will actually miss the opening of the conference but should be there in time to hear Pastor Bob Harvey bring the first message and then to participate in the first break out session.

A “sweet send off” is our plan for this Sunday night, 10/23, when the men from the Mission of Hope join us for the 6:00PM service.  Members of the Friendship family are asked to bring a dessert i.e. cake, pie, cookies, brownies, et cetera that will be sent back to the mission with the men.  Please have these items in the fellowship hall not later than 6:00PM.

Carla Kyser is about to drive me crazy!  First, she dumped the entire “HOPE Sunday” in my lap and now she wants me to promote the color run in her honor.  Does this blog look like an advertisement page?  Hello!  At any rate, the run will take place on Saturday, November 12, at Bryant High School.  Sponsors and runners are needed.  Contact Carla for more information.

Hallelujah Festival on Sunday, 10/30, from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the CAB.  Donations of candy are needed – boxes are in the auditorium foyer and the fellowship hall.  Need more information? Contact TJ or Lindsey Vice.

The Big 12 (with only ten teams) has pretty much assured that Coach Tom Herman will be leaving Houston.  It would appear either LSU or Texas (if they part ways with their present coach) will be the top pursuers.  The man is about to be making mega bucks!  By the way, the Big 10 has fourteen teams.  Big 12 = ten teams.  Big 10 = fourteen teams.  Must be that new math stuff!

I do plan on blogging daily if internet is available and I have anything to report.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9:1-17

Tuesday, October 18 – John 6
Wednesday, October 19 – Matthew 15; Mark 7
Thursday, October 20 – Matthew 16; Mark 8; Luke 9:18-27
Friday, October 21 – Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62
Saturday, October 22 – Matthew 18
Sunday, October 23 – John 7-8

Glory to God!  Wow!  What an awesome day we had in our services yesterday.  The verbal and written comments have been so encouraging.  Jim Chinners, Dr. Michael Finan, Aaron Chinners, Lisa Thompson, Blake Stokes, Carla Kyser, Pastor Roy Crouch, Randall Broome, Jennifer Brown and the praise band all hit it out of the ball park when it comes to ministering.  The Holy Spirit was present.  The attendance was great.  Just a day when I got home last night and simply prayed, “thank you Jesus!”

What a joy to have Luke & Jennifer Brown and Chris & Sabrina Byrd join the Friendship family on statement and by letter.  Folks, we we are blessed as these are two really great families!

GROW visitation tonight beginning at 6:00PM.

Prayer time in the auditorium tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM.  Lisa and I will be making a ministry visit tonight so I will be there early and then will come back to lock up.  I hope that we will have a strong showing for this important ministry.

We will host the men from the Mission of Hope next Sunday, 10/23, during our 6:00PM service.  They will be singing and sharing words of testimony.  We are going to have a “sweet send off” as members of the Friendship family are asked to bring a dessert i.e. cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, et cetera to give to the men to take back to the mission with them upon their departure from the service.  Please place those items in a designated area in the fellowship hall by 6:00PM.

Please note that the Friendship family will then host the men from the mission on Friday, 10/28, beginning at 7:00PM.  This is our regular monthly time of ministering to the men at the mission.  The two events are not related but just happened to fall that way on the calendar.  So, we will host the men twice in six days.

Pastors/evangelists Abel Garcia, Bob Harvey, Terry Rainey and Johnny Tucker are all traveling to Guatemala today to participate in the annual GRACE Ministries pastors’ conference that begins tomorrow, 10/18.  Evangelist Michael Mason will join me in traveling tomorrow.  Pastor Mark Mast and Tico Vargas are already there.  So, pray for these eight men plus Dr. Wilfred Johnson as they lead this conference Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Today will be a day of spending some time with Pastor Roy, Rachel and the children this morning, making some visits and packing/preparing to leave in the morning.  As I mentioned earlier, Lisa and I have the opportunity to be involved in a ministry visit tonight.

Bro. Jerry will be preaching in the services this Wednesday, 10/19, in my absence.  I appreciate his doing that.  Our deacons stand available and ready to minister in any way needed.  What a great group of men!

Lord willing, I will return to the States on Friday night as Lisa will pick me up in Montgomery.  We will then head to the game on Saturday.  I will then be in the pulpit for both services Sunday morning and will join you in worshipping with the men from the mission on Sunday night.  Remember, “sweet send off!”

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 9-10

Today is the day – “HOPE Sunday 2016!”  I am prayerfully expecting God to do some amazing things in our hearts today.  It will begin with a message from Jim Chinners and will end with one from Pastor Roy Crouch. There will be some good testimonies/thoughts in between those messages as well.   My prayer is that the members of the Friendship family and guests will come with expectant hearts.  Pray without ceasing!

Our plan is to begin the 10:30AM service a few minutes early.  If you cannot get into the auditorium until 10:30AM, come on in!  There will be some reserved seating for the families of our speakers and others battling cancer who asked for seating space.  We will have room for everyone even if that means having folks sit in the choir area during the service.

My prayer is also that the Friendship family will be faithful to attend the evening service which begins at 6:00PM.  It will be nice finale to a wonderful day.

Thank you to each person who has helped in any way to make this Sunday special.  Our hope is in Jesus and may He be honored today in all that we do and say.  To God be the glory!

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 13; Luke 8

Since I was off yesterday, I do not have any new updates on the folks in the hospital.  I do know that Carla Kyser will see her doctor today.  The assumption is that she will be given another type of chemo.  If my understanding is correct, this is a chemo used on Carla some years ago.  Will you join me in praying for a miracle?

The expectation for our Hope Sunday seems to be growing.  People are contacting me either in person or by other means to let me know of their anticipation of this Sunday.  Folks, pray and then attend the services with expectation.

I spoke to Pastor Roy Crouch late yesterday afternoon and he and his family are looking forward to being in our evening service this Sunday.  I have never heard Pastor Roy preach but I believe that is going to be a special service.  Jennifer Brown will sing the call to worship and Randall Broome will sing the special right before the message.

I am not a huge baseball fan.  However, I am a big Bobby Henley fan.  Bobby is the third base coach for the Washington Nationals.  I have always liked the Dodgers.  I was disappointed for Bobby last night when the Dodgers won the series.  It will be good to have Bobby back in our services but I would have just as soon waited until November once the Nationals had won it all!

In the meanwhile, Pastor Wes Bates is “praying” for the Cubs to make it to the World Series while Pastor Jack Bailey is “praying” likewise for the Indians to do the same.  Sorry Pastor Wes but I have to pull for the Dodgers now but I do believe the Cubs will win the National League pennant and the World Series this year.

Nanette Fontenot is pretty mad that I am not going on vacation with Scott and her.  She called last night and wanted to know if I would come over and pray for them before they left on their trip.  I asked, “is Scott home?” to which she replied, “no, but why does that matter?”  I declined.  As you can figure, she is even more mad now!  Says she should have never dated me or proposed to me!

We have a church in Missouri that is giving strong consideration to taking a week in 2017 to use the L.G. Camp, Jr mission house as a base for their ministry.  How about that?  If it happens, this will be the first team from Missouri to ever use the mission house.  Good stuff!

My vacation day was productive.  Lisa had a list of things for me to do which included buying groceries last night instead of this morning.  You talk about a crowded store!  Oh well, at least that chore is done.  We have company coming this weekend so I have to spend today getting the yard in tip top shape or Lisa will be screaming at me!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 12:22-50

Sharon Jardee was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  I know she is a happy camper!  She still has a long ways to go so keep praying.

Bro. Jerry visited with Nancy’s mother yesterday and he reported that she was not having a good day so keep praying for her too.

Courtney Cavin’s dad, Calvin Crist, is in the hospital.

We had a pretty nice turnout for our senior adults breakfast yesterday morning.  Ronnie Calvert, Grand Bay native and independent missionary to Ecuador, came and shared about the ministry God has given him there.  It was really good to see Ronnie and to hear what God is doing in his life.

Our services yesterday/last night went well.  I am told that Randall Broome did a nice job bringing the devotional in choir practice and that the number there was up.  I continue to be grateful to Jeanette, Randall, Brad, Tena, the praise band, the choir and any others who are helping lead our musical worship.  We give God the glory.

As I was got out of my car at church last night, Nanette Fontenot was standing there waiting on me.  Wow!  She asked me to walk her into the building as she needed to talk to me.  Said she and Scott are leaving for vacation tomorrow and will be gone for over a week.  Wanted to know if I would go with them?  I replied, “Lisa has to work” to which she replied, “did I say anything about Lisa going with us?”  Oh my!

I am using a vacation today as I have some personal matters to which I need to attend.  Bro. Jerry will be in the office and I will be local in the event of an emergency.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 11

Calling all of our senior adults to join us for the monthly meal this morning beginning at 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  The food will be great as it will be prepared by Sherry Schlehuber, the fellowship will be even greater and we will have a very special guest.  We will move from the fellowship hall into the auditorium for the morning service.  Senior adults, come and bring someone with you.

Sharon Jardee was doing good when I visited her yesterday.  As a matter of fact, she was almost positive she will be discharged from the hospital today.

Pastor Royce Dubose, 1st Baptist Grand Bay, had knee replacement surgery on Monday.  I visited him yesterday and he was doing well.  He is in a room next door to Sharon.

Carla Kyser got the results from her latest scans yesterday.  They were not good.  She sees her doctor again this Friday, 10/14, to discuss/decide the next option.  Medically speaking, the options are getting fewer and fewer.  Carla certainly needs our prayer support in a huge way.  She is a sweetheart!  (Of course, I am chewing on her for leaving me to handle all of this Hope Sunday stuff!  Cutting her no slack!)

Two other prayer needs that I cannot publish at this time.  One is someone in the hospital and the other is someone dealing with a major health issue.  I visited the one in the hospital yesterday and talked to the other one about their situation.  God knows so just pray!

Had lunch with Ronnie Calvert yesterday.  Ronnie is a long time friend but I have not seen him in probably twenty five years (close friends).  He is a missionary in Ecuador.  It was really great seeing him and having fellowship.  Amazingly, Ronnie was a major mentor in Jonny Gaston’s life.  It is a small world after all (that tune just popped into your head and now you cannot get it out)!

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  The fare for the 7:30PM Bible study will be tube steaks and the trimmings.

Ben Mast, son of Mark & Tina Mast, ran in the Chicago marathon this past Sunday.  He finished in the top nineteen percent of the 38,000 participants and was thirty second in his age group.  This was his first marathon and his time was 3:43:55.  Congratulations Ben!

I want to say a huge “thank you” to our deacons for doing great ministry in my absence last week.  They were led by chairman Jeff Holifield and did a great job of ministering to those in need.  I am very grateful for such a good group of men!

Also thankful to our Buildings & Grounds team for handling the replacing of the air conditioner in the building used by our adults for Sunday School.  John Milton Ladnier led this effort and they did a nice job of getting this taken care of in a timely fashion.

Special thanks to Steve Morris who has been the ring leader in keeping the front section of the back forty mowed.  Looking good!

We are coming up on the third Saturday in October.  Need I say more!  Pee Wee and I discussed this matter yesterday!

I am writing this entry shortly before 2:00AM.  Just walked outside for a minute or two and it feels absolutely amazing!  Thank you Lord!

Does anyone really believe that a person running for the presidency of the United States would step aside at this point and allow their running mate to be the candidate?  Folks, check the party platforms before you vote in November.

HOPE Sunday this Sunday, 10/16.  I went last night and listened to the praise band rehearse “I Will Trust In You” and “In The Eye of the Storm” and they did extremely well!  Adrianna is Lauren Daigle the second!

BTW, the major concert is taking place this Friday night, 10/14, in the Bayou La Batre Community Center beginning at 7:00PM.  7eventh Time Down and Audio Adrenaline are the headliners.  Cost is fifteen dollars and tickets can be purchased at the door.

This entry is too long.  My apologies.  I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7

Nancy West’s mother was completely out when I visited with her yesterday so I simply left a card.  Of course, since I am not family the nurses cannot give any medical updates.

Had a really nice visit with Sharon Jardee.  She is much improved and is “thinking” she may go home in a few days (her thoughts not the doctor’s).

It seemed to me as a non-medical person that Charles Suthoff was not doing as good as he was when I visited him two weeks ago.  He was on oxygen and was a bit slow in his responses to my questions.

Had a nice visit with Mary Owens.  She was feeling better than she has in some time now.

I want to remind all of our senior adults of the breakfast fellowship in the morning beginning at 9:00AM.  This will take place in the fellowship hall.  It is really a neat deal – have great fellowship, get a really good breakfast and then go into the auditorium for your morning nap while I teach the Bible study!  You will walk out at 11:00AM full and refreshed!

We are on a regular schedule for tomorrow morning and evening.

HOPE Sunday takes place this Sunday, 10/16, in all three of our services.  It is going to be an awesome day!  Pray and attend!

Speaking of our HOPE Sunday – Carla K is the point person on this Sunday but she has dumped all of this responsibility on me – what is up with that?  I have not seen or heard from her since like May 4th!  Carla, hello!

I sure hope Nanette Fontenot had a great day yesterday!  She tells me that she has pictures of us when we were dating (1979) that she took with her iPhone!  Are you serious?

This weather is nice!  Yes, it seems we could use some rain but God knows what He is doing and we trust Him.  Personally, about twenty degrees lower each day/night would be perfect for me but I am very grateful for the hint of Fall that is in the air.

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