Pastor's Blog

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

As far as I know, all is quiet on the home front in regards to folks from the Friendship family being in the hospital with the exception of Courtney & infant Mark.  (I tried to call Chris & Courtney yesterday but they obviously have caller id!)  Keep praying for Courtney and Mark.

I do ask that you keep praying as the panel of doctors will be discussing Sonny Bates’ situation this coming Friday, 9/6.  Keep praying for Carol Lucky.

I also ask the members of the Friendship family to remember our “different” schedule for tomorrow.  No early worship service.  No Discipleship Training or choir practice.  AWANA sign up from 4:30 – 5:00PM.  AWANA workers meeting at 4:30PM.  All AWANA related happenings will take place in the Preschool Building.  Bowling fellowship for the entire church family from 7:00PM until 10:00PM at the Spanish Trail Bowling Center in Gautier, MS.  Evening service attendance is a requirement.  Five dollars per bowler with a twenty dollars maximum per family.  Come join us!

I left Grand Bay a little before 6:00AM yesterday and arrived in Moulton just after 11:00AM.  Basically spent from then until 7:30PM with dad in the rehab facility.  He is doing well and is set to go home this Thursday, 9/5.  He has been a pretty good patient but that could change drastically whenever he gets home.

I went and got mama just before supper and took her to the rehab center.  After we left there, we went to a local restaurant for a meal.  It was good to spend some time with her.

Lord willing, I will spend a couple of hours with dad this morning and then head South.  I will just start the engine and the car knows the route.  Once I get home then my plan is to watch college football.  Looking forward to the Auburn versus Oregon game.

Coach Collier and the Bobcats won last night as did the Faith Academy Rams.  The Bryant Hurricanes took it on the proverbial chin as did the Danville Hawks.  As a matter of fact, al.com is reporting that Coach Collier and the Bobcats beat Baker last night and also lost to Hoover.  How does that even work?  LOL!

Edd Gillespie graciously offered me the opportunity to go snapper fishing today.  I had to decline the invitation because of the need to be with dad.  Tony Hacker also extended an invitation earlier this snapper season.  “Deacon” Grant Tillman?  No invitation.  Johnny Five?  No invitation.  Joey Guidry?  No invitation.  Just saying!

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Congratulations to Chris & Courtney Cavin who are the proud new parents of Mark Christopher Cavin.  He checked into this world yesterday afternoon weighing eight pounds and is twenty one inches long.  Mother and son are doing well.  Chris & Courtney have already been blessed with two daughters and now have added a son.  Praise the Lord for a safe delivery and for a healthy child.

Lisa’s mother, Ann, was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  She still does not feel well so continued prayers are appreciated.

Keep praying for Sanna Collier as she awaits her test results.

Thank you for praying for Soy, Deidra, and the girls regarding their residency.  Some things happened yesterday that appear to be helping them make the necessary steps to getting this process completed.  Keep praying.

The schedule on our campus this Sunday, September 1, is as follows:  Sunday School at 9:15AM, worship at 10:30AM and worship at 5:00PM.  Please note this “special” schedule that is in place just for this Sunday.  Bro. Alex will be sharing in our 10:30AM service and Bro. Abel will be so in our 5:00PM service.  Guess you can say that we are going with the “A” team (Alex & Abel) this Sunday.

Church wide bowling fellowship from 7:00PM until 10:00PM this Sunday, 9/1, at the Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier, MS.  Cost is five dollars per bowler with a twenty dollars maximum per immediate family.

The Sam’s Super Burger located next to Greer’s will close the doors for business at the end of the day tomorrow, 8/31.  A new location will be built basically across the road.  The existing location will be converted to a carry out only seafood restaurant.  That should be in place within a couple of months.  The Sam’s location North of the interstate will remain open through all of these changes.  Folks, tell me what other blog gives you this type of timely information?  Just saying!

My vehicle knows the routine.  I will start the engine today and it will head to Moulton, Alabama to visit dad with a return scheduled for tomorrow afternoon/evening.

Thank God for Steve Morris & Charles Clark.  They are keeping the place up which allows me to travel to North Alabama each weekend.  Bobby Gene is caring for my birds.  I am blessed.

Bryant plays Davidson at home tonight.  Coach Collier and the Bobcats will host Baker.  Faith Academy travels to Bayside.  Resurrection (Zach Switzer) plays in Hattiesburg, MS.

The college football season begins full blast tomorrow.  Just in hopes Alabama can field a team as injuries have hit them hard.  Not happy with the coach’s choice of words in his statements last night.  The Oregon versus Auburn game tomorrow night should be a good one.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

My mother-in-law, Ann Clark, was admitted to the hospital late yesterday afternoon.  She has an infection.  Not sure how long she will have to be hospitalized.  Pray for her, please.

Coach Collier called last night to tell me that Sanna has been having some physical problems with one of her hands.  A biopsy was done yesterday and they are awaiting the results.  Pray for Sanna, Eric and the boys.

We need to be praying now for the folks who have been/will be impacted by Hurricane Dorian.  Since we live on the Gulf Coast then we know the feeling.  It is within the realm of possibility that Dorian could make landfall twice.  That second time could affect us.

Soy, Deidra and the girls hit another stumbling block in their bid to be granted residency in Guatemala.  Each time they go to the lawyer something has changed and they need more stuff.  Yes, it is frustrating but God has this.  I have given them some advice.  Would you pray that advice will work?

Friendship family, remember the different schedule in place for this Sunday, 9/1.  No early service.  Evening service at 5:00PM.  Bowling fellowship from 7:00 – 10:00PM.  Pass the word, please.

Brad, Titus and I will be traveling home today, Lord willing.  We have had a really good time in DC.  What can I say about the hospitality shown to us by Bobby Henley?  He has been awesome!  My main purpose in coming was to see Bobby.  Everything else was the proverbial gravy.  Last night, I got to attend the game with Bobby’s wife, Catina, and his brother, Billy.  That was a real treat.  As a matter of fact, Billy is staying in the same hotel as we are and we sat in the lobby for around two hours Tuesday night talking.  The Henley boys are fine men.  Both of them remind me so much of their dad.

Brad & Titus have done much more of the tourist stuff than I have on this trip.  The highlight for me on that side would be visiting Arlington.  I hope to come back at a later date and bring Lisa with me to do the tourist stuff.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

A late “good morning” from Washington, D.C.  Sorry for the lateness of this entry.  No excuses.

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.

Someone related (distantly I think) to Larry McConnell and family was injured in an automobile accident.  They ask for prayers.  God knows the need.

Keep praying for Carol Lucky.

Pray for the doctors who will meet regarding Sonny Bates’ situation.

Bobby Gene Evans will be moving to the bayou next week!  I hope that either Dana or Billie Jean can get him a pair of BLB Reeboks?  It is a perfect scenario as Bob will be living in the same complex as Leslie Hacker which means they can ride to church together which will be a cost saver to both of them.  Since Eddie Albritton’s house is on the way home then Bob can stop by for Sunday lunch with Eddie on the days Leslie is not able to attend church with Bob.

Bobby and the boys took it on the chin last night.  I will write more about all of that later along with what we have been doing in DC during these days.  It is all good.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Good morning from our nation’s capital.  Brad, Titus and I arrived here safe and sound around midnight last night.  All is well.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.  Bro. Jerry Hovel will be preaching in my absence.  All students, 6th – 12th, will meet at 6:30PM in the CAB.

We will not have the early service this Sunday, 9/1.  Our Sunday will begin with Sunday School at 9:15AM followed by our 10:30AM worship service featuring the ministry of P.C. Alexander.  We will then meet at 5:00PM for our evening service before going to the Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier, MS for a church family bowling fellowship which begins at 7:00PM.

AWANA sign up this Sunday, 9/1, from 4:30PM until 5:00PM in the Preschool Building.  All AWANA workers are asked to meet with Elizabeth Westbrook this Sunday at 4:30PM.  This meeting will take place in the Preschool Building too.

We will hook up with Bobby later today.  Going to get to see those Nationals in person tonight, Lord willing.  Really looking forward to seeing Bobby.  Catina is in DC right now so that is a bonus!

Yesterday was definitely highlight day in my life.  Something happened that will most likely go down as one of the greatest things ever!  What?  I am too emotional to share it!

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

We were blessed with a really good day in our services yesterday.  We give God the glory.  The ordination service for Grant Tillman was special.  Grant has proven to be a fine young man and will do well as a servant leader.   Pray for Grant & Katie.

No new updates on those for whom we have been praying.  The doctors will meet about Sonny’s situation on 9/6.  Just keep praying.

The Labor Day weekend will see some changes for the Friendship family for that weekend only.  First, we will not have our early morning worship service.  Our Sunday will begin with Sunday School at 9:15AM followed by worship at 10:30AM.  P.C. Alexander will be our guest messenger in that service.  Bro. Alex is a wonderful friend and always does a great job of sharing the Word with us.  His wife, Alice, will be with him.  That is going to be a good service.

Our AWANA sign up takes place on Sunday afternoon, 9/1, from 4:30PM until 5:00PM.  There will also be a meeting for those who will be serving in our AWANA ministry.  The meeting begins at 4:30PM.  All of this will be in our Preschool Building.

Our evening service will begin at 5:00PM.  Please note the earlier starting time.

We will then have a church wide bowling fellowship at the Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier, Mississippi beginning at 7:00PM.  It will be come and go until 10:00PM.  The cost is five dollars per bowler (no charge for those not bowling) with a maximum of twenty dollars per immediate family.  Bring an unchurched person to the service and both of you can bowl at no cost.  Pass the word and let’s fill the auditorium and bowling center.

Bobby and the boys are hot having won five in a row!  They are now four games up in the wild card race.  Those Yankees took two of three from the Dodgers.  The Cubbies are struggling a bit.

It was nice of the NCAA to go ahead and let the JV teams play this past weekend!  (That was for Rick Bradley!)  Ready for this Saturday and college football.

Lord willing, Brad, Titus and I will board a plane tonight heading to DC to see Bobby and the boys play tomorrow night.  I am looking forward to seeing Bobby.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Mac McGriff’s procedure on his heart went well on Friday.  Praise the Lord!  He was to spend one night in the hospital so I am assuming he was discharged yesterday.

Jeanette Bates messaged me yesterday to share that Sonny’s case is now going to be considered by a team of specialists who will then chart a plan of action.  So, it is not known at the present which direction they will recommend.  Pray for wisdom on their behalf.  Pray for Sonny.

Larry Whitehurst messaged me Friday to let me know that he had gotten good news while in Florida.  There was space between the left optic nerve and the tumor which indicates the tumor has decreased in size – hallelujah!  Larry’s words were “this has given us much hope!”  Praise the Lord and keep praying!

Lisa and I were able to spend time with dad Friday afternoon and yesterday morning.  He has made progress.  Lord willing, I will see him again this Friday, 8/30, and Saturday, 8/31.  Thank you for your prayers.

Regular schedule today – morning and evening.

Tonight’s service will feature the ordination of Grant Tillman as a deacon.  The ordained men will meet at 4:00PM in the auditorium.

Bro. Abel will hold at meeting in the auditorium today beginning at 5:00PM for all persons interested in helping with our student ministry.

Coach Collier and the Bobcats won their game on Friday night.  Congratulations!

Bobby & the boys remain hot.  Problem is that Les Hacker’s Braves are even hotter!  The good news is that the Nationals have a three game lead in the wild card race.  Pastor Wes Bates’ Cubbies are one and a half game behind the Cards in the NL Central but lead the race for the second wild card spot.  The Yankees and Dodgers have split the first two games of their series.  Jansen actually saved a game yesterday – imagine that!

Brad & Daphne replaced the modem in our house yesterday while we were away.  They also connected us to You Tube television.  There is a definite difference in the quality of the streaming picture versus Direct TV.  However, when all things are considered I am good with it.  I appreciate Brad & Daphne handling this for us and it is good to have access to the internet again.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Good morning from my office as we have been without internet at the house for the past two days.  That is why there was no entry yesterday.  Bad modem.  Hopefully it will be replaced soon.

Mac McGriff is having a heart oblation today.  I am headed that way to pray with him and then Bro. Jerry will go sit with Karen during the procedure.  Pray for all to go well.

Larry Whitehurst is in Florida today and his meetings with doctors begins at 5:15AM our time and continues into the late afternoon.  Pray for Larry & Judy.

Mission of Hope service tonight at 7:00PM.  Miss Jeanette Bates singing and Bro. Jerry Hovel preaching.  Everyone is invited to attend.

Our 20-29 year olds will meet for Sunday School this Sunday, 8/25, at 9:15AM.  Everyone in that age group is invited to attend.

Bobby and the boys have won two in a row.  However, the Braves have won five in a row so the Nationals remain six games behind in the NL East.  They also remain up by one and a half game in the wild card race.  Pastor Wes Bates’ beloved Cubbies have a half game lead in the NL Central and guess who is coming to town for a weekend series?  Bobby and the boys!

Public high school football began the regular season last night.  Most teams play tonight.  Coach Collier and the Bobcats are at home.

Lisa and I will be traveling today and tomorrow in order to visit my dad.  He is antsy to go home which is not where he needs to be at the moment.  Lord willing, we will be back tomorrow night and I will be in the pulpit Sunday morning.

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

The Friendship family will host a service at the Mission of Hope this Friday, August 23, 2019, beginning at 7:00PM.  Jeanette Bates will be singing and Bro. Jerry Hovel will be preaching.  All are invited to attend this service.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Good morning from Grand Bay, Alabama – home sweet home!  Daphne and I arrived home a little after 10:00PM last night after having spent almost the entire day with my dad in the rehab center in Moulton, Alabama.  Daphne felt sorry for her old daddy and drove from Prattville to home which allowed me to sleep much of the way – that was nice!

Since I was out of pocket yesterday, I do not have any “new” updates on anyone but do ask that you remember to pray for those who have been listed in this blog recently.

Larry & Judy will be in Florida this week for appointments with doctors.  Mac McGriff will have a heart oblation on Friday morning.  Pray!

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.  All students, sixth grade through seniors, meet in the CAB at 6:30PM.

By the way, a huge “thank you” to our RA & GA leaders for being flexible and putting the overall good of the church first.  As pastor, I am very grateful.

Dad seemed to be doing pretty good.  He is a really good patient while in a medical facility and just does whatever they tell him to do.  (Not exactly true when he is at home – just saying!)  The “plan of care” meeting went well.  The staff of the rehab center were all extremely nice and seemed to be genuinely concerned about helping dad get better physically which will in turn help him in so many other ways.  I appreciate the many words of encouragement that have been spoken/sent to me and I definitely appreciate the many prayers.  Lord willing, Lisa and I will return to Moulton on Friday and stay through Saturday.

Well, Direct TV and I will soon be parting ways.  They do not know it yet but I suspect they will survive without me.  I have patiently waited for them to restore the local channels that have been removed but that has not happened.  I watch very little television but I do watch the SEC conference (Paul) which comes on CBS.  What am I going to do?  Well, since Dr. Jack Bailey is one of my heroes, I am most likely going to follow his lead and switch to You Tube television.  This will allow us to receive all of the local stations while saving us considerable money.

Speaking of the SEC conference (Paul) and football, the regular season actually gets under way this Saturday night when Florida and Miami play beginning at 6:00PM our time.  I am going to join Rick Bradley on the Florida bandwagon for this one – SEC, SEC, SEC!

Bobby and the boys took it on the chin last night.  They are now six games behind the Braves in the NL East while maintaining a one game lead in the wild card race.  Looks like Les Hacker’s Braves are going to win the NL East – I am going to go ahead and call that race in favor of the Braves.  Pastor Wes Bates’ beloved Cubbies are one half game behind the Cards in the NL Central.  They hold a two game lead for that second wild card spot.  Nationals versus Cubs in the NL wild card game?

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