Pastor's Blog

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

Stephanie Gaston gave birth last night just before 7:30PM.  The baby checked into this world weighing 2 pounds and 15 ounces.  I do not have any other details but you can find those on Jonny’s social media sites.  Pray for Stephanie and the baby.

Bobby and the boys are the 2019 World Series champions!  How about that!  Their backs have been against the proverbial wall many times this season but they have come back each and every time.  Congratulations to Bobby and the team!

John Milton Ladnier “could” be discharged today.  If not today then it will most likely be tomorrow.  He is doing well.  Keep praying for a complete recovery.

Sonny Bates is now down to two remaining radiation treatments – today and tomorrow.  Keep praying.

Sammy told us yesterday that Myrtle is doing better and getting ready for her chemo treatments which will begin on 11/11.  Continue to pray for Myrtle.

Max Peacock had a consultation with the doctor on Tuesday.  The proverbial ball is in Max’s court and he is just holding pat for the time being.  Pray for Max to have wisdom and peace.

Pastor Wes Bates, Pastor Keith Martin, Evangelist Michael Mason and his wife, Dawn, and Bro. Abel will join Lisa and me in traveling to El Salvador next week for the annual pastors’ conference.  The conference will take place Tuesday and Wednesday.  We will travel on Monday and Thursday.  Pray for this conference.

The rains should clear out of here by this afternoon and then the forecasters are calling for a low of thirty six degrees tonight – hallelujah!  Saturday’s forecast is basically picture perfect which will be a blessing to our Trail of Truth & Treats.

Speaking of that, we need all folks working the Trail of Truth & Treats to be in the auditorium at 2:15PM Saturday for an important meeting before manning the trail.

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

Jonny Gaston’s wife, Stephanie, will be giving birth via section sometime early tonight.  Complications with the pregnancy are making this birth a necessity.  Jonny has it all posted on social media if you want to get more details.  I am simply asking you to pray fervently.  Thank you.  Blessings!

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

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.  I pray that the members of the Friendship family will be found faithful in attending these services.

Time change this Sunday, 11/3, which means we “fall back” one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.  If you go to bed at 10:00PM then simply move your time pieces “back” to 9:00PM.  Real simple.  So simple that even ________ can do it!  (You supply the name)

The forecast calls for an absolutely beautiful day weather wise this Saturday for our Trail of Truth & Treats.  Rain chance is at zero, high temperature is forecast to be sixty three degrees and the humidity is forecast to be fifty five percent – is that awesome or what!  We are praying for the opportunity to minister to over one thousand folks during this ministry event.

Visited John Milton Ladnier yesterday morning.  He is in good spirits.  He has had an issue or two that the doctors are trying to figure out.  He was set to have a MRA last night but that did not happen.  Pray for clarity as the doctors continue their evaluation.

Keep praying for Myrtle Bowden too.

Sonny Bates is now down to his final three radiation treatments.  Pray that all goes well and the end result will be that these treatments have had the desired effect.

There is an outpatient surgery taking place this morning but I am not sure if it is bloggable so please just pray as God knows.

Bobby and the boys are one game away from winning it all!  It is crazy to me that the visiting team has won each of the first six games in this series.  This comes from MLB.com – “It’s the first World Series in which the road team has won each of the first six games, and it’s also the first time in 1,420 best-of-seven postseason series across MLB, NBA and NHL in which the road team has won each of the first six contests.”   Justin Verlander has never won a World Series game which is also a pretty amazing fact.

Game seven begins tonight shortly after 7:00PM our time.  Maybe we will cut our service short so everyone can get home to watch it from the first pitch?  Not happening!  I do like Bobby but not that much!

I am loving this weather as I love the rain and then it will be followed by some true Fall weather.  Thank you Jesus!

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)

This entry is late.  I apologize.  They had career day at Castlen Elementary yesterday and the Principal, Laura Dickens, has secretly always wanted to be a blog writer.  So, she asked if she could do today’s entry for me and I agreed.  Big mistake on my part!  Laura got “too busy” to write one this morning!  Oh well, you live and you learn!

John Milton Ladnier remains in SICU but is scheduled to be moved to a regular room later today.  I have planned my visit to be later so I can see him in a regular room.  John is doing well.  Keep praying.

Myrtle continues to be Myrtle!  There is only one Myrtle.  Wait, there is Dana!  LOL!  Myrtle is recovering from surgery and anticipating the beginning of her chemo treatments.  Pray for Myrtle!

Four more radiation treatments for Sonny Bates.  Pray for these last four to go well and for Sonny to not feel any side effects.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.

I sent Bobby a very simple answer to the situation the Nationals face – win the next two games!  Let’s go Nationals!

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)

John Milton remains in CCU but is doing good as far as I know.  I will be visiting him today.  Keep praying.

Sonny Bates begins his final week of radiation treatments today.  Pray for Sonny.

Myrtle continues to recover at home so remember to pray for her.

Max Peacock has a consultation with the doctor tomorrow to discuss his options relating to his heart issues.  Pray for wisdom.

Trail of Truth & Treats this Saturday, 11/2, from 3:00 – 6:00PM.  All hands on deck!

Our AWANA ministry will present a program this Sunday, 11/3, during our 6:00PM service time.

Yes, I am in a bit of shock after seeing the Astros take all three games in Nationals Park over the weekend.  Now, Bobby and the boys have a major task in front of them but that has been true all season and they have responded well.  Do I still believe the Nationals can win the World Series in 2019?  I do!  Let’s go Nationals!  (Mad Max is going to go all “Willis Reed” in game seven!)

How dare the AP voters move LSU ahead of Bama!  LOL!

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)

Good morning from the hospital waiting room.  John Milton’s surgery did not take place yesterday afternoon as planned.  He was taken from his hospital room this morning at 6:30AM and surgery should begin around 7:30AM.   John is completely trusting in the Lord.  Pray that all goes well.

Myrtle Bowden’s surgery went well yesterday morning.  She is at home and is dealing with some pain but all in all she is doing well.  Keep praying for Myrtle.

Tina Wilkinson spent some time in the hospital this week but is now at home.  She is obviously doing better.  Pray for Tina.

They tell me the service with the men from the Mission of Hope went very well last night.  Thank you to each person who helped in any way with that ministry.

Had the opportunity to spend some time with dad yesterday afternoon.  His surgery went as planned but he is having some other issues related to his mental capacity.  We are in hopes it is related to the medicines used in surgery and he will improve in short order.

The Astros got the Nationals last night.  I think tonight will be a different story.  Let’s go Nationals.

The Auburn vs LSU game is the highlight for this weekend when it comes to college football.  I definitely think Auburn can play with LSU.  Will they win?  I think they can.  Time will tell.

Lisa and I got home around midnight last night and have plans to head to Tuscaloosa later today.  Lord willing, I will be in our three services tomorrow.

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)

Late and short entry.  Traveling.

John Milton’s surgery is now scheduled for early this afternoon.  Pray!

Keep praying for Myrtle and her situation.

Sonny Bates will have a radiation treatment this afternoon and then get a two day break.  Pray for Sonny.

My dad’s surgery went well but I honestly do not have a definitive update.  Heading there today.

Mission of Hope service on our campus tonight at 7:00PM.  Meal for the men at 6:00PM.  Food needs to be in the Preschool Building no later than 5:30PM.

Bobby & the boys go for win number three tonight.  Let’s go Nationals!

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)

Good morning from Hamilton, Michigan where the temperature is nice and cool – hooray!  The pig roast takes place tonight and we are looking forward to seeing many friends and supporters of GRACE Ministries.

John Milton’s surgery is now scheduled to take place tomorrow morning around 10:00AM.  As would be expected, John is a bit nervous about the whole thing but trusting God.  John is a man of faith.  Pray for John, Teresa, Brooke, Johnny Five, the surgeon and all others involved.

Myrtle will soon begin her chemo treatments.  Keep praying.

Sonny Bates continues his daily radiation treatments so keep praying for him too.

My dad will have surgery today around 3:00PM.  Prayers appreciated!

How about Bobby and the boys last night!  The Nationals are hot!  Two more wins and it is over.  I anticipate those two wins coming at home this weekend.

Lisa, Deidra and I got to spend time with two of my Uncles, one Aunt, and three of my cousins yesterday at noon.  That was nice.  Tony picked up the ticket for lunch!  (Of course when he saw the total he laid it back down real quick – LOL!)  Thanks Tony!

A friend, Elise Zuber, and her husband provided us with two hotel rooms in Paw Paw, Michigan Tuesday night.  Very, very nice of them and very much appreciated.

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

Failed to mention in my earlier entry that Bro. Abel and Bro. Dale Bosarge will be hosting six school assemblies today.  Pray for them as they minister to the students.  We are grateful for the opportunity being given to these two men.

Nationals win!  Nationals win! Nationals win!  How sweet is that!  One down and three to go.  Come on Bobby and the boys!

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

Happy birthday to my great niece, Joslyn, and my great nephew, Jayden.  They are ten years old today, Wednesday, 10/23.

I had written Tuesday morning that I probably would not post an entry on Wednesday morning, 10/23.  However, I am actually posting this on Tuesday night, 10/22, as several things have happened today that need our immediate prayer support and I will not be available early tomorrow.

First, John Milton Ladnier was hospitalized on Monday night after having some discomfort in his chest.  Medical folks initial thought it was no big problem – wrong!  A heart cath on Tuesday afternoon revealed multiple blockages and the doctors are preparing to do open heart surgery consisting of five bypasses.  This could happen on Wednesday, 10/23, or possibly be delayed until Thursday, 10/24. Please join me in praying for John, Teresa, Brooke, Johnny Five and the family.

Second, John Milton’s sister, Myrtle Bowden, was told by the oncologist that she needs to begin chemotherapy treatments very soon.  Not sure of all of the details but do know that we need to support Myrtle with our prayers.

Third, Sonny Bates continues to receive a radiation treatment each week day.  Keep praying for him.

Fourth, my dad will be having surgery on Thursday afternoon, 10/24.  His bladder has simply stopped working and they are doing something called a TURP procedure.  You would have to ask Daphne or some other medical professional what all of that means.  I do know that they drained eight hundred and twenty ccs from his bladder late yesterday afternoon.

Regular schedule on our campus Wednesday.

As I write this entry, the Astros have an early 2 – 1 lead in the first game.  Come on Bobby & the boys!

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday night and Wednesday with Jesus.  Church, pray without ceasing!