Pastor's Blog

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

Miss Maxine Dupont was moved into a rehab facility yesterday.  Visitation times are limited so I would perhaps suggest sending cards instead of visiting?  Just a thought.

Michael Liles serves as the pastor of Cloverdale Baptist in Grand Bay.  He told me yesterday that his mother suffered a stroke a few days ago and is in the hospital.  Pray for Pastor Michael’s mother, the family, and the medical folks making decisions regarding her case.

So many folks have been so very kind to ask about my dad’s condition/situation.  I am humbled by these many acts of concern.  We were in hopes that we would receive a plan of action from the oncologist yesterday.  However, that did not happen.  He is still trying to decide the proper course of action.  He told my brother to have dad come to his office on December 2 and he will either have a another consultation or a treatment.  In the initial consultation, the oncologist described this as a “super aggressive” cancer and said time was of the essence in battling it.  It will be a little over three weeks from that initial meeting before any treatment is done and that is not a given.  I am concerned about it all but really do not have any other course of action except to wait on the oncologist to make a decision.  Thank you for your prayers.

Our annual senior adults Thanksgiving meal was a huge success yesterday.  We had around two hundred and ten senior adults present.  I am being conservative in reporting that number.  We had two hundred and sixty plus in the building.  Our folks and others did an outstanding job of serving and ministering.  Again, Katelyn Johnson & Sherry Howell receive a huge “A+” for the job they did leading this ministry opportunity.  Pastor Terry Ragsdale and his wife, Tammy, did a superb job of leading the group in worship.  The weather was perfect!  Katelyn, Sherry & I met briefly yesterday afternoon to discuss the good and the not so good as to be better prepared next year.  I can tell you that the good far outweighed any not so good.  There is always room for improvement.

Franklin Graham has come out in support of Chick-fil-a and says folks have jumped to wrong conclusions.  As much as I appreciate Franklin, I think he is wrong on this one.  (I would love for him to be right and for me to be wrong)  In my opinion, Dan Cathy needs to make a very public statement expressing Chick-fil-a’s position.  I called the Chick-fil-a cares toll free number yesterday only to receive a recording.  I wanted to speak to someone live.  So, I signed the online petition at afa.net.  I am now one of 90,877 who have signed that petition.  If you agree with me, I encourage you to go online and sign it too.  Plus, pass the word as we need many, many folks to let their voice be heard through this petition.  In the meanwhile, I plan to personally boycott Chick-fil-a.  I will be going to the store on Dauphin Street to explain to one of their employees who has become a good friend why I will not be coming in the store for the time being.  Pray for the Lord to turn this thing to bring Him glory!

I am asking all thirteen of our readers to attend the community Thanksgiving service at the Grand Bay Church of God this Sunday night, 11/24, beginning at 6:00PM.  We had less than a handful of our choir members attend the community choir rehearsal last night.  I hope that changes this Sunday afternoon at 4:30PM.  I would be blessed to see the Friendship family have two hundred or more in attendance for this Sunday evening’s service.  That is very possible!

FYI, Dr. Mack Morris will be our guest preacher on Sunday morning, December 8, for both services i.e. 8:00AM & 10:30AM.  Please mark this on your calendar and make plans to attend.  Bring a friend or two with you as well!

It has been delightful having Lizzi, Sydney & Audrey in our house.  However, last night we had those three, the four Hutto grandchildren, Jayden, three Edwards children and one Hatcher child.  I about had all of the “delight” I could stand in a very short period of time.  I used a Miss June Bailey saying, “let’s play mouse and everyone go to their own house!”  It did not work!  LOL!

UMS, Mobile Christian & Resurrection all host playoff games tonight.  UMS & Mobile Christian are facing undefeated teams.  I think UMS will win it all again this year.  Mobile Christian is primed to pull the upset tonight.  Resurrection will win tonight.

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

By Michael Brown, Christian Post Op-Ed Contributor:

As a leader in the Church, and speaking on behalf of many followers of Jesus, I am submitting this appeal to the ownership and management of Chick-fil-A.

Please do not cave in to LGBT activists and their allies. Please do not capitulate to the pressure of the radical left. Please do not throw the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the Salvation Army under the bus. Please reverse your decision to no longer fund these important Christian organizations.

Do you remember when millions of Christians stood with you when the radical left called for a boycott of your fine company? Do you remember when they turned the boycott into a “buycott”?

These same Christians are scratching their heads today. They are wondering why the company they love so much now feels the need to satisfy the demands of people who despise many of the common values we hold dear.

Why cater to the haters? Do you think they will hate you less? Do you think they will now welcome you into their cities and onto their campuses? And even if they do, is that the price you’re willing to pay for more profits?

Hasn’t God blessed your decision to close on Sundays in honor of your historic convictions? Isn’t your company growing by the year? This is despite the efforts of the activists and the haters. And with the help of your loyal customers and the outstanding efforts of your workforce, you continue to grow and thrive.

Why, then, alienate the very people who helped make you great? Kanye West even wrote a song about you in his new, off-the-charts, “Jesus Is King” album. You should be leaning into your Christian customer base, not turning it away.

Even former Governor Mike Huckabee, the very man who organized the nationwide “buycott” in 2012, is expressing his public dismay. He tweeted, “In Aug 2012, I coordinated a national @ChickfilA Appreciation Day after they were being bullied by militant hate groups. Millions showed up. Today, @ChickfilA betrayed loyal customers for $$. I regret believing they would stay true to convictions of founder Truett Cathey. Sad.”

Do you see the radical left caring about the opinions of tens of millions of conservative Christians? Do you see them stepping back from their support of abortion or transgender activism? Not a chance. Yet Chick-fil-A feels the need to step back from supporting fine Christian organizations because you are falsely branded as “anti-gay”?

These Christian organizations simply hold to biblical teaching on marriage and family – the same teaching the Church has held sacred for almost 2,000 years. And neither one of them even emphasizes LGBT issues, let alone focuses on turning homosexuals into heterosexuals.

The Salvation Army devotes its efforts to meeting humanitarian needs and simply holds to biblical standards. And the FCA focuses on bringing Christian athletes together for fellowship, discipleship, and evangelism.

Yet you now cut off support from them because of the protests of Bible-mocking activists? You throw them under the bus because it’s too politically incorrect?

You choose to stand with those who celebrate two-women “marrying” and against those who say that kids deserve a mom and a dad?

You stand with those who advocate for males who identify as females competing in women’s sports and against those who care about women’s rights?

You stand with those who block you from opening new restaurants on college campuses and stand against those who have enjoyed your food and services for decades?

I read the words of Rodney Bullard, the head of the Chick-fil-A Foundation, who “told Business Insider earlier this year that the company worked with the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes because the programs were ‘relevant and impactful in the community.’”

He continued, “For us, that’s a much higher calling than any political or cultural war that’s being waged.”

But the Salvation Army and the FCA continue to be “relevant and impactful in the community,” and by supporting these fine Christian organizations, you are simply doing what is right and being true to your Christian roots.

As for the political and cultural wars being raised, the fact that you’re closed on Sundays already sends a message.

As for the “anti-LGBT charges,” they are completely manufactured and unrelated to reality. They are tools used to bludgeon faithful followers of Jesus, either as individuals or as companies. And by caving in to the culture wars, you have now made a louder statement than ever before.

I urge, you, then to listen to your constituents and to reverse your decision.

We will all honor you for doing what is right and will forgive your wrong decision.

Reverse yourself today, and you’ll be blessed tomorrow.

Reverse yourself today, and the good feelings will remain. (As for haters, they will continue to hate.)

Stay with your wrong decision, and you’ll leave a bad taste in your constituents’ mouths.

Is that what you really desire?

Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Jezebel’s War With America: The Plot to Destroy Our Country and What We Can Do to Turn the Tide. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

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

Miss Maxine Dupont will be moved to a rehab facility although I do not know when that will take place.  Keep praying for Maxine.

Today is a big day for the Friendship family and for the senior adults of Grand Bay.  Our annual Thanksgiving meal for the senior adults of our community begins at 10:00AM and will conclude by noon.  Katelyn Johnson & Sherry Howell have been the ladies on the point for this year’s meal and they have done an excellent job.  Many others have helped and will help today.  I am very grateful to each person who has helped in any way.  The weather is supposed to be good and we are looking for a really nice day.  Pastor Terry Ragsdale will be the featured speaker.  I am in hopes that other pastors will join us for this wonderful event.  If you know a senior adult who is not planning on attending today, please contact them and encourage them to attend.

We will have our children and their parents Thanksgiving meal this Sunday, 11/24, immediately following our second morning worship service.  That is always a nice time too.

Bro. Jerry is asking folks to gather at the church this Saturday morning, 11/23, at 8:00AM to assemble the Thanksgiving boxes.  He is then hosting a Sunday School teachers/workers meeting at 9:00AM which he said will be brief.

We will have no activities on our campus this Sunday evening, 11/24, as we will gather at the Grand Bay Church of God for the annual community Thanksgiving service which will begin at 6:00PM.  In reality, it should be a standing room crowd only but it never is which is a shame.  The joint choir will rehearse tonight, 11/21, beginning at 6:30PM at the GBCOG and then again this Sunday at 4:30PM.  I am asking our choir members to join this community choir.  The Friendship family should have the strongest number present for this special service.

If you have a shoebox for Samaritan’s Purse then it needs to be brought back to the church no later than this Sunday morning, 11/24.  Please do not forget!

Does Chick-fil-A think the liberals who have been so opposed to them will now come alongside and support them?  Read the following that I cut and pasted from The Christian Post:

Other critics of Chick-fil-A maintained that nothing will ever satisfy the demands of LGBT ideologues.

Drew Anderson, director of campaigns for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, released a statement in response to Chick-fil-A’s redirecting of funding, saying that the chicken sandwich shop, despite the action, remained “anti-LGBTQ.”

“In addition to refraining from financially supporting anti-LGBTQ organizations, Chick-Fil-A still lacks policies to ensure safe workplaces for LGBTQ employees and should unequivocally speak out against the anti-LGBTQ reputation that their brand represents,” he said.

Personally, I am leaning toward personally boycotting Chick-fil-A.  If the church as a whole will stop supporting Chick-fil-A then they will change their position real quickly as I believe it is the Christians who have helped them, humanly speaking, get to where they are today.

This is what former Arkansas governor, Mike Huckabee, tweeted: “In Aug 2012, I coordinated a national @ChickfilA Appreciation Day after they were being bullied by militant hate groups. Millions showed up. Today, @ChickfilA betrayed loyal customers for $$. I regret believing they would stay true to convictions of founder Truett Cathey. Sad.”

Soy, Deidra and the girls arrived safe and sound at the Mobile airport just after 11:30PM last night.  I picked them up and we were home shortly before 12:30AM.  They had a long day of travel with a five hour layover in Atlanta.  We are glad that Deidra and the girls are home!

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)

Good morning from the Crescent City.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.  My prayer is that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend.

Special thanks to Bro. Abel for leading the charge in getting the tables and chairs in place for the community senior adults Thanksgiving meal tomorrow.  Senior adults, please attend.  Begins at 10:00AM and will be finished no later than noon.

My pastor friend, Jack Bailey, is now boycotting Chick-fil-A.  Several years ago I stood in a very hot sun waiting in line to make a purchase to show my support for Chick-fil-A’s stance on the family.  Now, I may end up going the way of Dr. Jack as Chick-fil-A has apparently dropped their financial support for The Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  It appears that the left has finally gotten to the right folks within the Chick-fil-A organization.  The left is relentless and now they seemed to have won in their attempt to way Chick-fil-A.

Big day for our family as Soy, Deidra and the girls are scheduled to arrive in Mobile just before midnight.  They will be in the States until after Christmas.  We are excited to see Deidra and the girls!

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)

Miss Maxine Dupont remains in the hospital.  I will visit her this morning.  Prayerfully, they are soon going to find out what is causing her pain and problems.  Pray for Miss Maxine.

I think I am correct in saying that Myrtle Bowden will receive her second round of chemotherapy today.  Keep praying for Myrtle.

Sibley Higgins did not have surgery on his hand yesterday but was discharged from the hospital.  They are going to keep doing wound care and hope that the hand will heal without the surgery.  Pray for this to happen as you pray for Sibley.

Got a very nice card from John Milton & Teresa yesterday.  Keep praying for John Milton as he continues to recover from his heart surgery.

It is always a good thing when the oncologist begins his talk with the words, “I have some good news!”  That was the case for dad yesterday.  The super aggressive cancer is contained to one area – praise the Lord.  The doctor has decided that chemo is not the best choice for dad at this point so he is going with a new treatment that is supposed to have less side effects.  He will combine this treatment with a pill.  He is still doing some studying while making sure the insurance will pay because this is something new.  So, my sister will call on Thursday to get the definitive word.

The doctor thinks he can get this cancer under control in three months and then possibly move to a radiation treatment.  Dad was somewhat confused by all of this as he only heard what he wanted to hear.  So, we are very grateful for the prayers offered thus far on dad’s behalf and ask that you keep praying.

Daphne & I had the chance to go visit my ninety four year old Uncle who is now under hospice care.  His first words to me were, “Teddy, I am not going to live much longer” but he is still doing good.  He is not as good as he was just a couple of months ago but has an excellent attitude.  Pray for my Uncle Herschel Martin.

Soy, Deidra and the girls got some excellent news yesterday.  I recently wrote that they had been approved for temporary residency in Guatemala and would be able to apply for permanent residency in three to five years.  Not so fast my friend!  Yesterday afternoon they were given permanent residency – hallelujah!

Jennifer Brinkman, who is over the angel tree at Friendship, sent me a message last week saying that “all of ‘my’ kids have been taken care of!”  What does that even mean?  She & Martin have liked fourteen kids.  Was the angel tree just a disguise to buy Christmas gifts for the Brinkman boys?  I have ordered an immediate investigation once Jason Husband returns to town!  He will be the lead investigator.  In the meanwhile, thank you very much to each person who helped by sponsoring a child.

Lisa has an out of town meeting with her company today and tomorrow.  I will be traveling with her because she does not want to stay in a hotel alone and I do not want her to do so.  Bro. Jerry will fill my place in the two services tomorrow.

Senior adults, please join us for the Thanksgiving meal this Thursday, 11/21, beginning at 10:00AM in our CAB.

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.  Grumble or grateful?

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

What a wonderful day we had in our services yesterday.  We had Bobby Henley, Dale Bosarge and me speaking/preaching.  Two of the three did an awesome job!  The attendance was really good and the spirit was even better.  We give God the glory!

Miss Maxine Dupont was doing better yesterday afternoon than she was on Saturday afternoon.  Prayerfully, the doctors are getting to the root of her problems.  Keep praying.

Sibley Higgins was involved in a work related accident last Wednesday where he received third degree burns to his hands and initially lost his sight.  All is good now with the exception of his right hand.  The plan is to do surgery on that hand today.  Pray that the doctors will find a hand that has already begun healing.  Sibley used to ride the bus to Friendship when he was a young boy.  Pray for Sibley.

Sherry Howell tells me that we now have all that we need food wise for the community senior adults Thanksgiving meal.  Thank you to each person who is helping.  Pastor Ragsdale and the folks at the Grand Bay Community Church are helping as are Pastor Williams and the folks at Bethlehem Baptist.  I am grateful.

Basketball practices begin this afternoon and will take place every day this week with the exception of Wednesday and Saturday.  Pray for this ministry.

There will be a community choir rehearsal this Thursday, 11/21, beginning at 6:30PM at the Grand Bay Church of God.  A second rehearsal will take place on Sunday afternoon, 11/24, beginning at 4:30PM.  This is for the community Thanksgiving service which will take place on Sunday, 11/24, beginning at 6:00PM at the Grand Bay Church of God.  I am asking the members of the Friendship family to show up in full force for this annual service.

Daphne & I will be driving to Decatur, Alabama and then back to Grand Bay today.  My dad will see the oncologist and is supposed to received the results of the PET scan done this past Friday.  Thank you to those who are praying for dad.

I am going to go ahead and say that I do not think Alabama beats Auburn on 11/30 now that Tua is out.  I think it would have been a tough task with Tua but now it is not happening.  I could be wrong and I would be ok with that.  I do hope Tua makes a complete recovery and has a great pro career.

Speaking of pro football.  I am now in my third season of not watching the games.  I can honestly say that, for the most part, I have not missed it.  Will I ever watch it again?  Maybe.  Maybe not.

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)

Maxine Dupont was admitted to the hospital yesterday.  Her blood pressure being too high is the problem this time.  Maxine really needs our prayers.

Do you believe in miracles?  Well, one happened yesterday in the life of Soy, Deidra and the girls.  They applied for their residency in Guatemala on October 7 and were approved yesterday, November 15.  You say, “so?”  That process normally takes at least six months and can extend out to even longer.  Their lawyer told them that he has ever seen anyone approved so quickly.  So, we say “to God be the glory!”  This is not dual citizenship but rather legal residency in Guatemala.  The beginning is temporary residency which will allow them to apply to become permanent residents in three to five years.  God is good!

Do you believe in miracles?  Bobby Henley’s video is four minutes in duration.  He tells me that he will then speak for five to six minutes.  That will take a miracle in, and of, itself!  LOL!  I am looking forward to hearing Bobby speak in our two morning services tomorrow.

Younger ladies of the Friendship family – we need five homemade cakes, five fruit salads and four sweet potato casseroles for the community senior adult Thanksgiving meal this Thursday, 11/21.  Thank you to those who have responded over the past couple of days – awesome!  Can we finish this thing out today?  Contact Sherry at s.howell0530@gmail.com.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.

Congratulations to UMS, Mobile Christian and Resurrection for their play off victories last night.  Faith Academy saw their season end last night but they had a great season.  I can see UMS, Mobile Christian and Resurrection all winning their respective state championships.

Ok, I am going to say that Auburn beats Georgia today.  I think playing at home puts them over the top as the Tigers are a tough out when playing at home.

I was able to spend some time with Decker Terry yesterday.  You talk about a good and godly man – that is Decker.  He is so committed to spreading the Gospel through mission opportunities.  I am always encouraged after spending time with him.

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.  I hope all of those not traveling with girls softball will join us in church tomorrow!  Just saying!  LOL!

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

Do you remember that the Washington Nationals are the World Series champions?  Do you remember that our own Bobby Henley is their third base coach?  (Did you realize that Bobby is the main reason the Nationals won the WS?)  Well, Bobby will be speaking at Friendship this Sunday morning, 11/17, during both of our services.  Now, do not get too excited as I will still be preaching too.  Please pass the word to others about Bobby being with us.  He will show a four minute video and then share from his heart.  I have seen the video.  I have heard Bobby speak.  You do not want to miss this!

Lisa is busily cooking this morning.  This meal is for Sammy & Myrtle’s supper tonight.  I write that to simply remind you that there is a rotation for cooking meals for Sammy & Myrtle.  You can contact Daphne Hutto for the details on how to sign up.

Speaking of cooking, we are “close” to having all of the sweet potato casseroles, fruit salads, and cakes that we need for the community senior adult Thanksgiving meal.  Remember, this is for folks under the age of sixty five.  I do not want our older ladies (think Wendy Johnston) to do anything except be our guests that day.  Can you help?  Please contact Sherry at s.howell0530@gmail.com today.  Hey folks, I signed up for two sweet potato casseroles and if I can do it then. . . .   Here is looking at you Eddie Albritton!

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.  Did I mention Bobby will be with us Sunday morning?

My dad will have a PET scan today.  We will meet with his oncologist on Monday for the results.  Prayers appreciated.

John Whalen flew to Michigan yesterday in order to be with his mom who has begun a series of forty two treatments for cancer.  Pray for John to have a great visit with his mom and family.

I am asking our choir members to join the community choir for the annual Thanksgiving service on Sunday, 11/24, at 6:00PM at the Grand Bay Church of God.  This choir will rehearse on Thursday, 11/21, at 6:30PM and then again on 11/24 at 4:30PM.  Both rehearsals will take place at the GBCOG.

I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus.  If you have not done so already, contact Sherry today!  Thank you!

I am in hopes that maybe one of our thirteen readers will know of a house for rent in Grand Bay.  If you do, please contact me via e-mail at pastor@friendshipfamily.net.  (Why are you assuming that Lisa is showing me the door?  LOL!)

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

Keep praying for Maxine Dupont, Myrtle Bowden & John Milton Ladnier.

Jonny & Stephanie Gaston’s infant son, Gavin, remains in the hospital but is making progress.  Keep praying!

Gloria Whitmore shared in our morning service yesterday that Sierra Edwards is having several health issues.  She is presently staying with Jerry & Gloria while she deals with these matters so pray for Sierra.

Good day in our services yesterday.  We had a really good attendance in our evening service.

Still need folks to cook for the community senior adults Thanksgiving meal.  Contact Sherry at s.howell0530@gmail.com.

Sweet Tea will close their doors this week as they are going out of business.  Am I surprised?  Nope!  If you are going to have a business called “Sweet Tea” and do not even have any tea for sale then what do you expect?  It is a bit like having a store called Kentucky Fried Chicken and not having any chicken for sale.  If Bibbi would have only consulted with me beforehand.

Personally, I am enjoying these cooler temperatures.  The forecast calls for it to stay on the cooler side for the immediate future.  I like it!

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