Pastor's Blog

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Obviously, today marks the anniversary of a very sad day in the history of the United States of America.  I vividly remember Lisa calling me to tell me to go find a television because something “bad” was happening in New York.  I then watched in disbelief  as did millions of other folks as the events of that morning continued to unfold.  Two thousand nine hundred and seventy seven innocent people lost their lives as a result of those attacks that day.  That figure includes 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers who were struggling to complete an evacuation of the trade towers and save the office workers trapped on higher floors.

So today I plan to stop at 7:45AM (North Tower), 8:03AM (South Tower), 8:45AM (Pentagon) & 9:10AM (field in PA) to prayerfully remember those who died in the attacks and the family members they left behind.

Larry Whitehurst is now down to eleven radiation treatments.  If all goes as scheduled, he will finish on Friday, 9/21.  He is doing well.  Keep praying for Larry.

Phil Sims has yet to gain his correct eyesight following his surgeries.  Things at a distance are simply not clear to him.  Pray that the doctors can find the reason and correct the problem.

We have had several of our young ladies who have been very kind to help in a needy situation.  They know who they are and what they have done and are doing.  I just want them to know that I appreciate each of them and their kindnesses.  Folks, it is never wrong to be kind.  John Wesley is credited with saying, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”  I say “amen” and add that doing good involves being kind!  (Please note that doing good will not get one to Heaven!  Only a personal relationship with Jesus can do that!  Jesus is the only way to the Father!)

Speaking of kindness, I want to say a belated “thank you” to Drew Timberlake for his recent kindness to me.  He knows what that means and I am grateful.  Drew is a fine young man.

I have enjoyed the first two weekends of the college football season.  Auburn (LSU) and Alabama (Mississippi) both have big conference openers this Saturday.  LSU is probably playing better than expected and Mississippi is lighting the scoreboard up in a big way.  So, I hope to settle in at 2:30PM this Saturday and remain settled until around 9:30PM watching those two games on television.

I am of the opinion that Bobby & the boys are not going to get it done this season.  I am pretty much convinced of the same for the Dodgers.  Pastor Wes Bates’ beloved Cubbies are going to make the playoffs but the Brewers are really charging in the NL Central.

Coach Eric Collier and his Bobcats put on a show this past Friday night – wow!  Fifty one to zero!  That is a combined score of seventy five to zero over the past two games.  The Bobcats travel to Fairhope this Friday night to take on the 2 – 1 Pirates.  Go Bobcats!  (I am of the opinion that Elizabeth Martin is the real reason they are winning!  She is cheering with a broken hand!)

So, no blog entry since last Thursday, 9/6 – what is up with that?  Well, first I do not always post an entry on the weekends so not having one Saturday & Sunday was not so out of the ordinary.  Yesterday I had some issues that caused me to not get an entry posted.  Ok, what about Friday, 9/7?  Well, I had a wonderful few days with Deidra and the girls.  Great memories and got a lot of ministry stuff done with Deidra.  However, I evidently left Soy out and he got his feelings hurt (I hate it when men act like women!)  He came to me on Thursday night and asked if I would spend Friday morning with him?  I was like, “are you serious?”  I had a driver lined up to take me to the airport Friday morning but cancelled that when Soy said he wanted to drive me to the airport.  He asked me to give him my undivided attention which included not taking time to blog.  So, I honored Soy’s request.  We stopped at Pollo Campero on the way to the airport.   That was weird but if it makes Soy happy then I am good (I guess)!  I did draw the line when he tried to give me a hug as I headed into the airport terminal!  So, now you know!

The pastor gave us homework this past Sunday night so I cannot speak negative.  I will simply say this – if you ever need someone to pick you up from the airport in a timely manner you may not want to have Eddie Albritton be that person unless you are good with standing on the sidewalk for over an hour.  Not being negative.  Just saying!

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Once again, “good morning from GRACE Mountain!”  It is very early in the morning as I am writing this entry and the rains have been coming off and on all night.  It is so very important for Guatemala to receive rain during this season and they have not been having as much rain as normal.  Guatemala basically has two seasons – rainy and dry.  Now is the rainy season and it should last until some point in November.  So, pray for rain!

I was unaware until yesterday afternoon that the church office had received damage during the storm.  Thank you to Bro. Benny McGath for getting word to me through Julie and Lisa.  A tree (limb?) fell on the power line and pulled the service box from the wall and also did some damage to the roof.  We had a group of guys work to replace/repair the box and repair the roof damage.  I am not going to mention names for fear of leaving someone off the list.  Just know that I am thankful to those men for their help.  Also, I am very thankful to the workers from Alabama Power for getting the electricity restored last night.

So, the church office is open today from 8:00AM until 12:00PM and from 1:00PM until 5:00PM.

I was also unaware yesterday morning that there were folks in Grand Bay who were without electricity in their homes.  I pray that everyone has had their power restored by now.  I sure do like electricity!

No updates on those for whom we have been praying.  Just pray for those God brings to your mind.

I was only involved in two meetings yesterday and they only totaled around three hours.  It took over a hour to drive to and from the first meeting so I had about four hours total in the process.  Easy day!

Today I will have the privilege of going to watch Lizzi in her rehearsal for some type of Independence Day (9/15) ceremony which will take place late tomorrow afternoon.  She is excited that I am here and wants me to see this production.  I am sure it will be awesome!

My day begins with an early morning meeting, Lizzi’s rehearsal and then another meeting.  After the second meeting I am going to get a haircut, Lord willing.  I will then be in full grandfather mode and will spend the afternoon with Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey – we have plans!

Perhaps the biggest blessing of being here this week has been the privilege of spending a good deal of personal time with Deidra.  Yes, it has been nice seeing the granddaughters but being with Deidra has been nice.  What has not been so nice has been riding in the vehicle with her being the driver!  I have literally seen my life flash in front of my eyes more than one time over the past three days – help me Jesus!  FYI, zero monster cookies have been baked this week!  Zero as in none!  The Queen has taught Deidra well! Where is Monster Miles when you need her?

I only have two or three garments with the name of “that” company on them.  Needless to say I will not be wearing any of those garments from this point forward.  I am a “stand for the national anthem” guy!  I sure wish Alabama athletics had a different sponsor!  I can only hope there is a clause in their contract that allows UA to opt out – that would be nice!  Folks, corporate America understands dollars.  If the products do not sell then the company will change their position!  I hope the television ratings for the professional league is lower this season than the last one.  Ok, enough soap box talk!

Speaking of the storm, there was damage in South Mobile County.  Financial help is needed!  I am calling on folks like Eddie Turrentine, Ross Genzink, Jason Bowling, David Wood, Tom Compagner, Pastor Joe Bailey, Anthony Shaneyfelt, Rex Looney, Dean Kapenga, Derek Draft, Pastor Bob Harvey, Pastor BJ Parson, Pastor Jordan Lollar, and others to send cash to me so I can help meet these needs!  Just saying!

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Good morning from GRACE Mountain.  I am hearing that Grand Bay fared well through the storm last night.  I am assuming as much for the rest of South Mobile County but am uncertain about the damage on the island.  Lisa told me that we never lost power which is a blessing.  Thank God for His watch care over us.

No morning service today but a regular schedule tonight beginning at 5:30PM with children’s choir.

As far as I know, we, as a church family, are hospital free.  Praise the Lord.

Larry received another radiation treatment yesterday afternoon.  Keep praying for Larry.

I was involved in four meetings yesterday which totaled seven hours.  Great vacation, huh?  LOL!  I have three more today and at least one tomorrow.  It is all good!

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

There will be no 10:00AM service tomorrow, 9/5.  I am asking our fourteen readers to please pass the word.  Use social media, phone calls, et cetera.

The church office will be closed in the morning but will open at noon.

As it stands right now, regular schedule tomorrow evening.

Be safe!

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Good morning from Guatemala.  This will be short and sweet.

First, I am praying for the folks along the Gulf Coast today as Gordon comes that direction.  The church office will be open today from 8:00AM until 1:00PM.  If you need assistance after 1:00PM then contact Bro. Jerry Hovel at home or on his cell.

I have a meeting today at 8:00AM, one at 11:00AM, one at noon, and one at 3:30PM.  I will go with the August perfect attendance children from the feeding center at 1:30PM.  They are going to the arcade and for ice cream.  Otherwise, I am on vacation today!

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Wow!  I am not sure if the Friendship family has ever had a better Labor Day weekend Sunday then what we had yesterday!  God was very good to us.  Yes, our attendance lacked some in the morning services as we had a ton of folks out of town.  The evening attendance was literally SRO.  The only thing that would have made it even better would have been public salvation decisions.  I am thankful for those who indicated they did pray to receive Jesus as their personal Savior.  To God be the glory.

Dale did a nice job preaching in the morning services and then he and Karla were lights out in the evening service.  What great illusions and what a clear presentation of the Gospel.

The Friendship family did an awesome job of giving to Dale & Karla’s ministry through the love offering.  I am not sure of the total but I do know it exceeded the amount I had set as a prayerful minimum.  Again, to God be the glory and thank you for giving!

Our deacons and their wives did a wonderful job with the meal.  You did well bringing the sides and desserts.  What about Jack Lastorka’s pulled pork!  The deacons did a great job with the dogs.  Many others helped make the evening a success and I simply say “thank you” to anyone who had a part in a fantastic service.

I am on vacation this week.  It is actually a working vacation.  I am presently sitting in the Mobile airport heading to Guatemala.  Going to see Deidra and the girls.  Will also be meeting with our folks there individually and collectively.  Meeting with Pastor Ben about the upcoming pastors’ conference.

I will be using several days of vacation over the next six weeks as my anniversary date is almost here.

Pray for Larry as he resumes his radiation treatments tomorrow.  It was good to see Tom Thornton in the service last night.  Lois Adkinson is in a rehab facility but she wants to go home.  Luke Brown’s father is also in a rehab facility.  Liz Whalen continues to recover at home.  Pray for all of these folks.

My blogging may very well be hit and miss this week.  We shall see.

Let me give a big shout out to Eddie Albritton for bringing me to the airport this morning.  Of course it cost me a breakfast (All Star special) at the Waffle House and then six doughnuts across the street.  Would have been cheaper to have called a cab!

I think everyone except the South fans were basically happy with the football games this past weekend.  On to the second week!

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

The Friendship family is hospital free at the moment.  We are grateful.

Thank you to Tina Wilkinson and each person who helped minister to the Tammy Womack family yesterday.

Excited to have Dale & Karla in our services tomorrow.  Remember, we need lots of food for our 5:00PM meal.  We want to begin eating right at 5:00PM so please arrive with your food by 4:45PM, if possible.  Also, remember to pray about giving to the love offering for Dale & Karla.  This love offering will be received in all three of our services.  Our online giving is available to those from the Friendship family who are out of town this weekend.

Coach Collier and his Cats won big last night.  I think it was due largely in part to the outstanding cheerleading job done by our own Elizabeth Martin!  Just saying!  (By the way, yesterday morning I mentioned what a great guy Coach Collier is and his wife sent me a message that simply said, “not so fast my friend!”  Not sure what that means – LOL!)

It is the official beginning of college football today!  Hip, hip hooray!  I hope to have everything i.e. chores assigned to me by Lisa done by 2:30PM so I can settle in and watch Auburn & Washington play.  Then tonight I plan on watching Alabama while also surfing to watch the Michigan/Notre Dame game.

I am waiting on daylight to come so I can hit the yard doing those chores!

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

P.S. – Did I mention needing lots of food for tomorrow afternoon’s meal in the CAB beginning at 5:00PM?