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)

Cecil Guidry told me yesterday morning that Elaine Brown has been admitted to the hospital.  Her problems are related to her heart and she is in ICU.  Pray for Elaine.  Pray for the doctors to find some answers.

Tim Knighten’s dad remains in tough shape physically.  Pray for Mr. Les Knighten.  Pray for Tim and his brother as they travel back and forth to Pensacola and as they make decisions relating to their dad’s situation.

Received word from Kirk Lightfield that Miss Shirley Johnson was discharged from the hospital in Guatemala City yesterday afternoon.  She is sore but is recovering from her hip replacement surgery.  Pray for Shirley.

Jeanette Bates was in our service yesterday after having a surgical procedure on Friday.  It went well per the doctor.  She will have a follow up visit this week.  Pray for Jeanette.

Kayla Hatcher was also in our service yesterday after having a surgical procedure on Thursday.  Pray for Kayla.

My last remaining paternal uncle, James Thomas “Will” Turrentine, passed from this life Saturday afternoon.  He was eighty eight years old.  His body will be moved to Columbus, GA at some point today and there will be a visitation and service later this week.  So, my dad is now the last one living of the eight siblings.  Lord willing, I will be traveling to Columbus at some point this week.

We had a good day in our service yesterday morning.  Good attendance.  Good Spirit.  Levi & Sofie did a nice job of leading us in our musical worship.  I appreciate Jeanette & Tena for being so flexible.

This is our last week with Soy, Deidra and the girls as they will leave Grand Bay this Saturday.  The time with them has been treasured and has gone by really quickly.  They will spend a week with Soy’s parents before returning to Guatemala.  Thank you to each person who has loved on this family and to those who support them with your prayers, thoughts and finances.  They are a blessed family.

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

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

Visited Elaine Brown yesterday morning and she was thinking that she might be discharged later in the day.  I do not know if that happened.  I do know she is ready to get out of the hospital.  Pray for Elaine.

Visited Danny Lafferty too.  He has improved but still has a ways to go with his speech.  He did talk to me some which is a positive.  Keep praying for Danny.

Tim Knighten’s dad, Les Knighten, is fighting for his life over in Pensacola.  Pray for Tim and his brother as they have some tough decisions in front of them.  Pray for Mr. Knighten.

Shirley Johnson did have surgery yesterday but I do not know the outcome.  Pray for Shirley.

The visitation with the Leasa Salter family takes place tomorrow morning from 9:00AM until the 11:00AM memorial service.  The Friendship family has been asked to provide the desserts for the family following the service. Contact Tina Wilkinson if you will help.  I am going to say have your desserts in the fellowship hall no later than 9:30AM.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Haven of Hope P.O. Box 8504. Mobile, AL 36689.  Keep praying for the family.

Lynn Brewer is Vinnie Brewer’s daughter-in-law.  Lynn’s father, Pastor J.L. Gore, passed away on Wednesday.  The visitation with the family takes place today from 2:00PM until 4:00PM at Heritage Funeral Home on Highway 63 in Escatawpa, MS.  The celebration of life service will take place in Wayne County, MS on Saturday, 12/29, at 1:00PM.  Pray for the Gore family during this difficult time.

We had a nice attendance at the meeting last night.  Momentum is building for the school construction.  As a matter of fact, we have someone willing to match dollar for dollar up to one hundred thousand dollars given/pledged in January 2019.  Will you prayerfully consider giving/pledging during January?  All pledges need to be paid no later than September 30, 2019.  What a kind offer this person has made.  God has opened a door.  Will we be obedient?  Spread the word, please.

Rhett Butler and Carl Ray Moulds worked on the CAB doors again yesterday.  I finally figured this thing out – those two are doing the work but Bob Evans is the one who came up with the plan.  So, Bob is the brains behind this job.  Now you know the rest of the story.

I had four tickets to the Orange Bowl which will be played tomorrow night in Miami.  I gave two to my sister and her husband (big Bama fans) and then one to Brad and one to Soy.  Morris Bryant provided two for Deidra and Daphne.  So, while those four are enjoying the game, Lisa and  I will be monitoring eight tornadoes!  Something is wrong with this picture!  If Alabama wins will I travel to California?  No.  Taking a week of vacation to visit an Uncle & Aunt in Peru the following week.  (I have to get a new travel agent!)

I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus.  I may not post tomorrow because of tornado activity on Potter Tract Road!  Remember, one worship service this Sunday, 12/30.  It will begin at 10:30AM.

Bernard & Pattie Suthoff contacted me to share the the visitation with the Leasa Salter family will take place this Saturday, December 29, from 9:00AM until the 11:00AM memorial service.  The visitation and service will be held from the Community of Christ Church 4220 Sherman Road in Escatawpa, MS.  (The address is Moss Point)  Keep praying for Bernard, Pattie, Zachary and family.

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

Kirk Lightfield messaged me last night to say that Shirley Johnson will be having hip replacement surgery today.  She took a fall back in November but did not know her hip was broken until yesterday.  Her leg had swollen so they took her to a hospital in Guatemala City where the break was discovered.  Pray for Shirley, Wilfred and family.  Wilfred & Shirley are our neighbors on GRACE Mountain in Guatemala.

Visited with Elaine Brown yesterday morning.  She was thinking she might be moved out of ICU yesterday.  Edna Pearl contacted me this morning to say that Elaine was moved to a regular room.  One step closer to going home.

Danny Lafferty was moved to a rehab facility in Jackson County yesterday.  He will be in speech therapy.  Keep praying for Danny.

I spoke to Bernard yesterday.  They will be meeting with the funeral director today.  They are looking at the possibility of having a memorial service at some point this Saturday, 12/29.  Nothing has been finalized at this point.  Keep praying.

The meeting being hosted by Deidra begins at 6:30PM tonight in the fellowship hall.  Thank you to those who have responded to the invitation.

I now know how the Maytag repairman feels!  The office was dead yesterday as far as receiving phone calls.  I told Bro. Jerry to not come back in the afternoon.  From 12:45PM until 4:40PM there were zero phone calls.  That is a good thing.  I did get a lot done on my computer.  The office will be open today from 8:00AM until noon and then from 1:00PM until 4:30PM.

Rhett Butler and Carl Ray Moulds secured the CAB door yesterday.  That door will not be broken into now unless dynamite is involved.  I appreciate these guys handling that situation.

Lisa and Deidra have headed to Walmart this morning.  Deidra is buying food for tonight’s meeting.  Lisa will save me hundreds of dollars toward Christmas 2019!

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)

There are no services, classes or other activities on our campus today – morning or evening.  However, the church office is open from 8:00AM until noon and then from 1:00PM until 4:30PM.

I spoke to Bernard & Pattie Suthoff several times yesterday.  They will most likely be meeting with the funeral directors at some point tomorrow to make the arrangements for Leasa’s service.  Continue to pray for them, Zachary, and the rest of the family as they walk through this valley.

Edna Pearl messaged me last night to let me know that Elaine Brown remains in ICU.  She had an issue with her heart on Monday night so they would not move her out of the unit.  Keep praying for Elaine.

Christmas on the hill was nice.  We all had breakfast together.  That featured Devon’s famous pancakes.  The family was together most of the day – nothing like getting to spend the day with Charles!  Obviously, the greatest gift for Lisa and me was to have all five of our girls and all eight of our grandchildren here – a blessing.  God is good!

Deidra will be hosting a meeting tomorrow night, 12/27, beginning at 6:30PM in the fellowship hall for those who are sponsors in the feeding center, those who support the general feeding center program, those interested in becoming a sponsor or those interested in the school.  A light meal will be served.  It would be very helpful if you could send Deidra an e-mail (dtaylor0811@gmail.com) by the end of today to let her know if you will attend.  No childcare provided.

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

Pattie Suthoff called me around 1:30AM today to share some very sad news.  Bernard’s daughter, Leasa, was pronounced dead at 12:08AM today.  Very sad situation as she leaves behind her son, Zach.  Leasa has attended Friendship with Bernard over the year but most of us are likely more familiar with Zach.  Pray for Bernard, Pattie, Zach, Rusty and the rest of the family.  Tough day!

This is the situation I mentioned in my earlier entry today but was waiting for all of the family to be told before making in public.

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

Merry Christmas!

I was awakened around 1:30AM with some devastating news that I am not at liberty to share yet.  Once I am given permission then I will post another entry.  That could be later today or it might even be tomorrow.  I simply ask that you pray.  God knows.

I had a nice visit with Elaine and her husband, Larry, yesterday morning.  She remained in ICU but was thinking she “might” get put in a regular room in a day or two.  Elaine’s attitude was excellent.  Keep praying!

Our Christmas Eve service went very well.  Each of the singers did an outstanding job.  Pastor Clint Landry did a great job of preaching the Word.  The attendance was very good.  It was not an all time high for us but we did have a full house.  I am very grateful for the attendance.  I believe God was glorified.

The church office is closed today.  Will reopen tomorrow morning at 8:00AM.  Remember, no services or activities on our campus tomorrow – morning or evening.

I pray that you will enjoy your Christmas Day.  Praying for those who are spending their first Christmas without someone dear to them in their life.  I am at home and on call should an emergency arise.

Remember, in the event of an emergency at night, please call our house phone at 251 865 4912.  I do not have my cell phone on during the night.  Really do not have my cell phone on much at all.

Celebrate Jesus!

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

Our Christmas Eve service will begin at 5:00PM today and end by 6:00PM.  Music, the Lord’s Supper and a brief message from the Word.  Pastor Clint Landry will bring the message.  My hope is for us to have a full house.  Nursery provided for children two years of age and under.  Pray, attended and bring others with you.

Praise the Lord!  We enjoyed a wonderful Sunday in our three services and Sunday School yesterday.  The afternoon service was a success as Jeanette and the choir did a wonderful job of presenting the Gospel through song.  The attendance was really good as it was much better than in recent years.  Jeanette does a wonderful job of being a choir director.  Her heart is to lead us in worship through music and it shows.  Obviously, she had lots of help in various areas and I appreciate each person who helped in any way, those who prayed and those who attended.  All glory to God!  (By the way, my plans are for us to have the 2019 adult choir Christmas musical on December 22 at 3:00PM.  Just FYI.)

Praise the Lord!  Elaine Brown is no longer on the vent or the heart pump.  She is awake, alert and talking to her family.  As her sister Edna Pearl told me over the weekend, “this is our Christmas miracle!”  Lord willing, I will visit with Elaine this morning.

Thank you to Tina Wilkinson for coordinating the ministry of providing a meal for the Ruby Gulley family yesterday.  Thank you to each person who helped by providing food.  Thank you to the members of the Friendship family who attended the visitation with the family and/or the service.  The celebration of life service was good.  Keep praying for Winston and family as they walk through this valley.

I have the privilege of taking Bob Evans to the airport first thing this morning as he is going to spend Christmas with his daughter and family in Connecticut.  I will then be heading toward the hospital.

The church office is open today, will be closed tomorrow and then open at 8:00AM on Wednesday.  I am in town and on call in the event of an emergency.  Speaking of that, I am not a cell phone person.  We keep a landline in order to be reached at night in the event of an emergency.  That number is 865 4912.  (During the daytime the telemarketers keep that line busy!)  My cell phone is not on at night.  I basically do very, very little in the way of texts.  I do iMessages but only if I am online with my laptop.

I pray that you will have a great Christmas Eve with Jesus.  If you are local (nine of our thirteen readers are) then please join us at 5:00PM for our service.  O come let us adore Him!

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

The celebration of life service for Ruby Gulley takes place today at 1:30PM from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home.  It will be proceeded by ninety minutes of visitation with the family.  Pray for Winston and family during this time.

I spoke to Bobby Jack Felps on Friday afternoon.  Bobby Joe had seen the doctor and the next step will be to see an oncologist to determine the next step.  Bobby Joe does have a rare type cancer so they are unsure or what is next.  Pray for wisdom for the medical folks involved in Bobby Joe’s case.  Pray for peace for Bobby Joe and family.

Edna Pearl Morgan has been faithful to keep me updated on her sister’s (Elaine Brown) situation.  As of 11:00AM yesterday, Elaine was breathing on her own even though she was still on her own.  They are proceeding slowly and with caution.  Keep praying for Elaine.

Heard from Noah Lafferty saying that his dad has been some words together.  Pray for Danny and family.

Big day for the Friendship family today!  Regular schedule this morning followed by our adult choir’s musical beginning at 3:00PM.  I cannot adequately explain how hopeful I am that we will have a great attendance in all of our services today but especially the afternoon service.  Friendship family – let’s be found faithful in all areas today.

The Lord blessed and allowed us to have a good time with family yesterday.  I am grateful.

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

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

I spoke to Edna Pearl earlier this morning and she said that her sister, Elaine Brown, has taken a turn for the better – praise the Lord!  Keep praying.

We are traveling today in order to celebrate Christmas with Turrentine family tomorrow.  Lord willing, I will be back tomorrow night and in the pulpit both times Sunday morning.

Remember, our adult choir will present their Christmas musical at 3:00PM this Sunday!

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.

Enjoy this shortest day of the year.

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