Pastor's Blog

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

All of the tests performed on Carol Lucky have come back good.  She still has some fluid issues but she is breathing better.  So, just keep praying.

Linda Green continues to be in pain.  Obviously, she remains in the hospital so keep praying.

Tina & Rhea Rhea made it to Texas and Ty has made some improvement.  He too remains in the hospital and needs our continued prayer support.

I do not have any updates on Frank Glass or his daughter, Rileigh Glass.  However, I do know we need to keep praying.

My Uncle Herschel Martin passed from this life early this morning.  He has now been reunited with his wife, my maternal aunt, after over forty years as she passed from this life in 1979.  Folks, this is a tough day for me being here and this happening there.  God knew and He knows.  Pray for Robin, Jimmy and the family as they walk through this valley.

My dad was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Again, my older brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue, deserve medals for their excellent care of dad.  Thank you for praying.

The sixtieth wedding anniversary for Terrell & Marie Brooks takes place on our campus tomorrow afternoon, February 1, from 2:00 – 4:00PM in our Preschool Building.  Everyone is invited.

Thirty two team members arrived safe and sound to GRACE Mountain last night around 11:00PM.  Two more members are scheduled to arrive tonight.  Thank you for praying for this team.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Good morning from GRACE Mountain.  Lots going on so let’s get right to it.  First, Carol Lucky’s heart cath came back good so they will do another test today checking her lungs.  Keep praying for Carol.

Linda Green was in our morning service yesterday and said she was in pain.  Yesterday afternoon she was taken by ambulance to the hospital due largely in part to that pain.  Pray for Linda.

One of Linda’s sons, Ty, lives in Texas.  He has at least two blood clots.  I “think” Tina & Rhea Rhea may be heading that way to check on him.  Pray for Ty.

Riley & Dona Glass’ granddaughter, Rileigh, was flown to Birmingham yesterday because of a bubble on one of her arteries.  Pray for the doctors to be able to correct this issue.

Frank Glass, Rileigh’s father, has been admitted to the hospital due to a low oxygen level.  Pray for Frank.

Sonny Bates got a good report from the doctor in New Orleans this past Tuesday.  Praise the Lord!

Sammy said Myrtle is doing good this week.  Keep praying for Myrtle.

As far as I know at the time of this writing, my Uncle Herschel is still living.  Thank you for praying.

My dad came through his surgery ok.  The doctor found some things he did not like but only time will tell on those matters.  Dad remains in the hospital this morning.

A team of thirty four folks from Michigan, Auburn, Huntsville, & Florida are scheduled to arrive on the mountain tonight.  I will have to get mentally prepared to handle all of these Yankees for the next two weeks – just saying!  Pray for traveling mercies today.

The weather in South Mobile County should be nice today and then the rain moves in tonight and Friday.  The weekend looks nice.  I see some highs of 71 degrees in the ten day forecast and that does not make me smile!  We need some 31 degrees days!  Just saying!

Dusty Baker was named the manager of the Houston Astros yesterday.  I would love to see Dusty do very well and be able to coach for at least two seasons.  Why?  He is seventy years old and has 1,863 victories as a manager.  There is basically an unspoken rule that says one must have at least 2,000 victories as a manager to get into the MLB Hall of Fame.  I would like to see Dusty get in.

The Lord blessed me with a good day of traveling yesterday.  I got off of the flight from Mobile to Atlanta and went straight to the flight bound for Guatemala City.  I was through customs, got my luggage, had my luggage hand searched, and then went to sign papers for the rental vehicles these next two weeks all in a matter of about thirty five minutes – amazing!  My flight landed at 8:35PM and I was on the road at 9:10PM and on the mountain around 10:20PM.  Thank you Jesus!

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

After waiting for almost four and one half hours yesterday morning, it was determined that Miss Dollie’s potassium level was not where it needed to be so they postponed her heart cath until Tuesday, February 11.  Pray for Miss Dollie in the meanwhile.

Carol Lucky was admitted to the hospital Monday because of pneumonia.  Her oxygen level was low and she is now on oxygen.  Carol is a lady of very strong faith.  Pray for Carol & Terry as they walk through this valley.

The young student for whom we have been praying was discharged from the hospital.  Keep praying as God knows.

Bro. Abel covered a surgical procedure for me yesterday as I could not be in two hospitals at the same time.  Not at liberty to divulge the patient but do ask that you pray.  Again, God knows.

Bobby Broome continues to recover at home from his surgery of last Friday.  He has had a pretty tough go of it and needs our continued prayer support.

My dad will be having a surgical procedure this morning.  Prayers appreciated.

My Uncle Herschel is seemingly near death’s door per the hospice folks.  Pray for mercy.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and tonight.  I plan on being at the morning service with the key word being “plan” but we shall see.  Bro. Abel will be sharing this morning and Bro. Jerry will do likewise tonight.  Pray for our services.

Lord willing, I will board a plane in Mobile after lunch and head to Guatemala.  I will be joined by thirty four others tomorrow.  This team will do medical, house building, and food distribution.  Pray for this team, please.

In my absence, Bro. Jerry & Bro. Abel, along with our nine deacons, will be ready, willing and able to assist with any needs.  I am grateful to have men who can stand in the gap when I am gone and when I am home.

The forecasters call for rain all day today and then again on Friday.  I do love the rain!

The Theodore girls basketball team beat McGill last night in front of a big crowd at Theodore.  I love the quote by Theodore’s coach, “we’ve played in front of seven people before, and none of them paid!”   Of course he was joking but that is hilarious!

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Miss Dollie Trout is scheduled to have a heart cath this morning.  Pray that all goes well and the doctors get a clear view of her heart.

Keep praying for Myrtle Bowden as she continues to take her chemotherapy treatments.

Work is being done on the back forty of our campus to get ready for the Spring soccer season.  I am not a fan of soccer (let me pause so that can sink in as I know you were shocked by that statement) but I am genuinely excited for our leagues to be playing on our campus.  It is going to get bigger and better as Bro. Abel knows soccer and how to run a league.  However, the greatest thing is that Bro. Abel knows the real reason we are hosting these leagues – sharing Jesus!

Today should be a really nice day weather wise but then the rain moves back in tonight and tomorrow.  Thursday looks to be dry and then there is a fifty percent chance of rain on Friday.  The forecast calls for a beautiful day on Sunday.

NBA fans are calling for the league to replace the image of Jerry West to the image on Kobe Bryant on the league’s logo.  Jerry West is my basketball hero.  I loved to watch Kobe Bryant play as well.  I am a Lakers fan.  I am probably good with either way as both men were Lakers only in their professional careers.

There is a proverbial fly in the ointment in this case – the NBA will not acknowledge that the logo is Jerry West even though the guy who designed it said he traced a picture of West to come up with the logo.  Why?  The NBA does not have to pay royalties if it is just a general player.  So, if they switch to Kobe Bryant then they could have to pay royalties to his family or estate.  Interesting. (What other pastor gives you that type of information in his blog?  Just saying!)

I will be in high gear today trying to nail every thing down before flying out tomorrow.  Much to do.  Pray for me to use wisdom in managing my time.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

I know, I know, I know – no entries for the past two days and now this one is way late.  So, let me catch up real quick.

Bobby Broome’s surgery went well on Friday morning.  The surgeon made the decision to put Bobby’s leg in a cast for at least two weeks as he cannot bend his leg for six weeks.  Without a cast, that would be tough.  Pray for Bobby & Marlene as they go through this situation.

Larry Crawley remains somewhere either in Zambia or Uganda on the mission trip.  I am not sure of his return date but do ask that you pray for him.

Miss Dollie Trout will have a heart catheterization early tomorrow morning.  A test last week revealed “something” and the doctors wants to take a closer look.

The Friendship family is invited to a 60th wedding anniversary celebration for Terrel & Marie Brooks this Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 2:00 – 4:00PM in our Preschool Building.  I do hope many members of the Friendship family will be able to attend.

Lisa and I had the privilege of attending the retirement service for Pastor Alton Stokes yesterday afternoon.  I congratulate Pastor Alton on his retirement after serving as pastor of the Grand Bay Church of God for thirty two years.  I pray that he and Miss Freda will have many more years to enjoy retirement and to do ministry as the Lord lead.  Lisa and I love Pastor & Sister Stokes!

Obviously, the tragedy involving Kobe Bryant, his oldest daughter, and seven others yesterday is dominating the headlines.  Tough stuff.

Ok, so the wife of one of our deacons gave Lisa and me a banana pudding after the service last night.  It was a Paula Deen recipe.  I ate some and it put me into a sugar induced coma which meant I did not get up early today to post an entry before leaving the house.  Who made this pudding?  I cannot say as her deacon husband is real tight with his finances and would probably have a stroke if he knew she had spent the money on the ingredients!  (You would think the dude was a CPA or something!)

Lord willing, I will leave Wednesday heading to Guatemala to lead two mission teams that will be heavy on the medical side.  Bro. Jerry, Bro. Abel and our nine deacons will be readily available in my absence.  I have tons to do the next two days in order to be ready to leave.  Pray for me to use my time wisely, please.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Happy second birthday to our grandson, Jayden!  He is too young to understand but I hope his day is wonderful!

Bobby Broome will be having knee surgery this morning.  This is the result of a recent fall.  Pray that all goes well.  We need Bobby at one hundred percent before grass cutting time!  He does an excellent job of keeping the church yard mowed.  One of the best I have ever seen.

Lisa and I visited Raymond’s mother shortly before noon yesterday and she did not know if she was going to be discharged from the hospital or not.

The great grandson of one of our church members remains hospitalized as the doctors search for some answers.  Keep praying.

I spoke to Donna Glass yesterday and she said Rileigh was home and doing ok although she is still experiencing some pain.  Keep praying for Rileigh.

The Friendship family will host a service at the Mission of Hope tonight beginning at 7:00PM.  Jeanette will be providing the piano music for the congregational singing and I have invited a guest to sing a couple of specials.  Everyone invited to attend.  Carl Ray Moulds heads up this ministry for the Friendship family and I appreciate his efforts.

I sure did enjoy the rain yesterday afternoon.  I was on the road so I did not get to enjoy it as much as I would have if I had been at home but it was still very good.  We are now settling into a routine where the daily highs will be in the sixties and the nightly lows in the forties with a chance of rain every day.

Basketball (8:00AM) and bus visitation (8:30AM) tomorrow.  Regular scheduled on our campus Sunday morning and evening.  Our deacons will meet at 4:00PM this Sunday.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Raymond’s mother did well through her procedure yesterday.  They kept her overnight in hopes of sending her home today.  However, that depends on being able to get the necessary medical equipment to her home.  If they cannot do that then she will be in the hospital for several days.  Pray for Mrs. Wilkinson.

One of our students was hospitalized yesterday but I am not at liberty to share the name and such at this point.

We also have a great grandchild of one of our members who is in the hospital but I am not sure about sharing that personal information either.  Pray for these two young people as God knows.

Cecil said Myrtle was not having the best of weeks.  Pray for her.  Want to help with a meal for Sammy & Myrtle?  Sign up online or contact Daphne (533 4595).

Miss Dollie Trout will have a heart cath next Tuesday.  They did a test this past Tuesday and saw something that requires further testing.  Pray for Miss Dollie.

Miss Maxine Dupont is doing much better but will soon be moving to Texas to be close to her son and family.  Pray for Miss Maxine.

Bobby Broome will be having knee surgery tomorrow.  This is a result of a recent fall.  Pray for Bobby.

Rita Broome’s dad, Manolo, has been in Mexico City where they have determined his cancer has returned.  Pray for Manolo & Mildred.

Talked to Dr. Mack Morris yesterday and he is doing much better.  He appreciates the prayers.

Good attendance in our morning service yesterday and fair attendance in our evening service in the auditorium.  I am grateful to those who are faithful to attend.

My heart literally sank late yesterday afternoon as I learned of something I did that was just plain stupid.  Folks, you cannot fix stupid!  However, in no small miracle, God blessed and my stupidity was corrected last night.

The forecasters call for rain in South Mobile County this afternoon.  It is presently a balmy forty five degrees in Grand Bay.

Auburn & Alabama both won their respective basketball games last night – hooray!  I hope Alabama can join Auburn in the Big Dance come March.

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Sorry this is so late but I literally could not get into the church’s website during the night.  Not sure why but I have contacted Al’s people.  I called Soy but he would not answer as he has caller id.

Raymond Wilkinson’s mother will have a surgical procedure this morning.  Pray that all goes well as they are doing a skin graft.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.

Mission of Hope service this Friday night, 1/24, beginning at 7:00PM in the chapel on the mission’s campus.  Everyone invited.  The music will be good.  The preaching not so much.

I am asking our deacons to plan on meeting this Sunday, 1/26, at 5:00PM.  Brothers, please note this as this will be the February meeting.

Ok, we had our heat on during the time that Soy, Deidra and the girls were with us.  I know this for a certainty as our power bill told me since we have electric heat (somebody has to pay Sam Schjott’s salary).  However, since they have left the heater has remained in the off position.  This morning Lisa was sure to tell me how cold it is in this house.  Define cold.  I checked and it is a nice, toasty sixty degrees which is exactly double what it is outside and there is no wind inside.  Some folks just cannot be satisfied!

For all of you like Lisa, you are going to get your wishes as it will rain all day tomorrow and then we will have temperatures above normal for this time of the year.  That means highs in the sixties and lows in the fifties/forties.  Are you happy?  Do not even complain to me about the bugs this Summer!  Just saying!  LOL!

I would not be good on Jeopardy.  When I read that President Trump was in Davos I had no idea where that city was located.  Do you?  (Aninha Barrett will know but she knows everything so she does not count)  Eddie Albritton and Bob Evans are like me in not having a clue.

Did you watch the proceedings in DC yesterday/last night?  Neither did I.  I will not share my thoughts on the whole situation.

I did see a replay of the brawl at the end of the Kansas State versus Kansas basketball game.  Blow out city and it ends in a brawl.  Really?  Our society is going crazy!

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

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

The Friendship family is now in possession of a forty five passenger charter bus.  Thanks to Eddie Albritton, Bob Evans, Danny Lewis, Terry Lucky & Clinton Stringfellow for taking time out of their schedules yesterday morning to go inspect the bus, take it on a test drive, et cetera.  Presently, it remains in Pascagoula but plans are to have it on our campus this Sunday.  I am not a vehicle dealer or a mechanic but it appears to be a very, very good bus with very little wear and tear.  Thank you to Marie Brooks for making us aware of this bus.

Raymond Wilkinson’s mother is scheduled to have a surgical procedure tomorrow.  Pray that all goes well.

Bro. Jerry will lead the art class this morning in the Preschool Building.

Bro. Abel and crew returned home around 1:00PM yesterday and seemed to have a really good time at the retreat – even Uncle Jim!

The weather folks say we hit twenty nine degrees in Grand Bay last night and our forecast high for today is forty six degrees – nice!  They are now only forecasting a ninety percent rain chance for Thursday which is down from the one hundred percent forecast earlier.  Translated – either way we are getting wet Thursday!

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.  After basically two years and three months, we will be moving on from our study in Colossians.  Lord willing, we now move to Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica.

Well, the state of Alabama has been tabbed as one of the “laziest” states in the United States.  The measuring stick was adults engaged in physical activity. “Physical inactivity was defined as adults who said they engaged in no leisure-time physical activities during the past month. The data covers a period from 2015 to 2018.”  Alabama came in at thirty one percent.  Guess which state finished last?  What does all of this mean?  It “may” mean that Alabama has more pastors than any other state – just saying!

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

There is a new round of meals being scheduled for Sammy & Myrtle Bowden.  You can sign up online or text Daphne Hutto and she will set you up.  Daphne’s cell number is 533 4595.  Thank you!