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)

Good morning from GRACE Mountain.  Why no entry yesterday?  Fair question.  I did not have internet service until up in the morning.  Al has been notified.

Dorothy St. Amant’s husband took a fall from a ladder and suffered broken bones and torn ligaments.  He has had one surgery and will be having more in the coming weeks.  Pray for him.

Rita Boutwell, Clinton Stringfellow & Diane Trotti have a sibling who has been in the hospital.  Pray for that situation too.

Because of FB then most of you already know about the first day of Colegio JET.  It was a great day!  To God be the glory!  How did day two go?  It went well.  There are some challenges with the construction workers still on site but Deidra & I met with the contractor yesterday to work out some of those issues and to get a finishing date.  It is all good.

I spent the better part of day one in meetings with the local (El Tejar) department of education and then the state (Chimaltenango) department of education.  You have to do this in order to get a code that allows the school access to the student’s files.  Deidra graciously allowed me to be the one playing the waiting game!  So nice of her!  She also let me buy a coffee maker and a microwave for the school.

On day two Deidra said, “dad, you are going to be in charge of setting up the tables in the cafeteria” which was her kind way of saying “just stay out of the way!”

Today, Deidra has a “list” that she needs done before I leave for home.  Killing me!

There is a potential for some rough weather in South Mobile County today, tonight and tomorrow.  Please take caution if you are out and about.

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 Wednesday morning from GRACE Mountain.  The only news I am hearing from home is that Ethan & Brittney Nelson’s son, Ian, had a procedure done on his ear drum yesterday and that went well.  Praise the Lord!

I have known Linda Green for forty one years.  She has been one of the most faithful church members I have ever known.  If we are having a service then Linda is there almost without fail.  She has been experiencing some physical issues that have kept her out of our services the past couple of weeks.  Would you take a moment and pray for Linda?  Very special lady!

Riley & Donna Glass have a granddaughter, Riley, who is eighteen years old.  She had a procedure done on her heart when she was very young and now they need to do another one next week.  This will take place in Birmingham.  Pray for young Riley, the doctors and the family.

Jerry & Gloria Whitmore have a couple of important things happening today and Friday with the selling of their house.  Pray that all goes well.  If it does, they should be able to finalize everything next week.

We are on a regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.  Bro. Jerry will be teaching in my absence.  I pray that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend.

Let me go back to a couple of items real quickly.  First, I want to say “thank you” to each person who helped minister to the Jack Davie family by providing a meal this past Sunday.  Special thanks to Tina Wilkinson for coordinating this ministry.

Second, thanks to Eddie Albritton for allowing us to use his truck to travel to the Gulfport airport on Monday.  This allowed us to all travel together in one vehicle which was nice.  Obviously, Lisa had to drive it back and she was kind enough to stop in Escatawpa and fill it up with diesel.  Eddie is a great friend.

Our CAB will be closed this Friday morning as the floor will be cleaned by a professional cleaning company.  Just FYI.

I had the privilege of meeting with the Colegio JET staff yesterday afternoon and sharing some thoughts from the Word of God with them.  I asked if they had a Bible verse for the year?  They did not but they do have a motto.  They then share with me that their word for this first school year is “EXCELLENCE!”  Are you serious?  I honestly did not know that!  We ended the meeting on a “sweet” note as each person was given North American candy.  They were happy campers!

I left that meeting and thought, “I will go walk the mountain in order to get some exercise!”  Not so fast my friend!  Enter Deidra!  I spent the rest of the day and into the night working on helping get the classrooms in order.  There were workers everywhere!  There is a team (Hearts & Hand Guatemala Outreach) from the Holland, Michigan area here right now and they have been a huge help in getting the school ready for opening day.  Thank you men & women for your help!

Today is the day – opening day for Colegio JET!  Deidra is nervous.  The teachers are nervous!  (They got real nervous yesterday when I shared with them that today’s events will be on FB live)  However, this is a day that is all about God first and the students second! Folks, this school is an absolute miracle from God!  One year ago today there were young boys playing soccer on the very spot where an impressive building now sets.  One year ago today we had probably twenty five percent of the funds needed to build this building.  One year ago today we were told it could not be built in eleven months.  “But God!”  Hallelujah!

Is the building one hundred percent ready?  It is not.  However, the classrooms are ready, the teachers are ready and the students will be on the mountain at 7:30AM.  So, “ready or not, here we go!”  I am so very thankful to have the opportunity to be here for this most special day in the life of Guatemala Relief And Compassion Effort along with Shining Light Abroad Ministries.  The dream becomes reality today!  I am blessed!

Two more things and I am done for this entry – the question has been asked if all of the teachers have been sponsored.  No, they have not.  We still need sponsors for five teachers.

Soy & Deidra have worked extremely hard to see this day happen.  The past two weeks have seen them going almost non stop.  I am grateful!  Would you pray for God to strengthen them today?

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

P.S. – You can follow Soy on FB.  Shininglightabroad.com.

“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)

A very late “good morning” from GRACE Mountain.  I know, I know.  There was no entry yesterday and then today’s entry is way late.  My apologies.

First, let me say that I am hearing that things are well back in South Mobile County especially within the Friendship family.  As always, that is good news.  I did think about the Donald Butler family yesterday as they had his celebration of life service.  Keep praying for Pat, the boys, the family.

I usually go into Sundays somewhat physically tired as my Saturday nights are short.  So, I try to catch a nap on Sunday afternoon.  However, this past Sunday’s schedule did not allow that but I was very grateful to be involved in ministry.  I almost pulled an all nighter on Sunday night trying to get ready to leave.  I was basically packed but still had much to do.

So, I was determined to prove Deidra, Lisa, Daphne, Jamie G, Dana, Gina and the host of others wrong regarding my ability to get the girls from Grand Bay to Guatemala.  I put my game face on and got focused.  We took a flight out of Gulfport and then connected in Atlanta.  We got through security in Gulfport and the TSA folks could not have been any nicer or helpful.  Lizzi shed a few tears once we settled down but she cheered up pretty quickly.  Once in Atlanta things went well other than losing one girl for like an hour but that was not a problem as we had a three hour layover.  The flight into Guatemala was seamless, the experience in customs was quick and then it was out the door to hand the girls over to Soy & Deidra.  I took the handcuffs and leg irons off and I was off the hook!

Let me say this about customs in Guatemala – only one of my bags got checked.  Which one?  The one containing all of the stuff Tina Wilkinson sent down.  Go figure!

I am now waiting on Deidra, Lisa, Daphne, Jamie G, Dana & Gina to send me their personal apology for ever doubting me!  Just saying!  A number of you sent me messages of encouragement and I am grateful.

Once on the mountain last night, Soy took me down to the school building.  I was in awe!  One word came to mind – excellence!  Folks, it is an absolutely beautiful structure.  I cannot adequately describe it!  To God be the glory!

I will be meeting with the school staff today and then Deidra has already given me a list of things I will be doing other than that.  (I feel like Cristy Leytham has been resurrected!).

Ok, Tua is gone to the NFL.  I am a Tua fan.  I am a Bama fan.  However, let’s move on as I am tired of reading about it.  I have told you for months that he was either staying or going.  I was right!

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)

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.  Our AWANA ministry resumes at 5:00PM.  Both Bro. Jerry & Bro. Abel will be teaching classes for our adults during the 5:00PM hour.  Adult choir rehearsal at 5:00PM.

The Finance Committee will be meeting today at 5:00PM.  Members, contact Heidi for the exact location.

We will be receiving an appreciation love offering for Bro. Benny McGath today in all three services.  Pray and give as the Lord leads.

The visitation and celebration of life service for Jack Davie takes place today at Serenity Funeral Home.  Visitation begins at 12:30PM and lasts until the service time at 2:00PM.  Pray for the family.

It is the proverbial eleventh hour but if you would like to help with the meal for the Davie family today then contact Tina Wilkinson.  It will need to be at the church no later than 1:00PM.

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

Donald William Butler, 55 of Grand Bay, Alabama, passed from this life on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He was born January 3, 1964 in Lucedale, Mississippi. Donald loved working in his yard, working with flowers and especially at their flower shop in Grand Bay. He loved the mountains, camping and spending time with his family. Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Mae Helen Butler. Survivors include his loving wife, Patricia Inabinett Butler; son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Sara Butler and Jacob and Victoria Butler; father, Curney “KC” Butler; sister and brother-in-law, Paula and Mark Herrington; a niece, Hannah Herrington and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, 2020 from 10:00am until 12:00pm at Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point. Funeral services will follow at 12:00pm from the funeral home chapel with Rev. Tim Cauley and Rev. Shad McDonald officiating. Interment will follow at Grand Bay Cemetery in Grand Bay, Alabama.

“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)

Basketball leagues in the CAB beginning at 8:00AM today.

Bus workers meeting begins at 8:30AM in the bus office.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.

The visitation and celebration of life service for Jack Davie, Brenda Timberlake’s father, takes place from Serenity Funeral Home tomorrow.  Visitation begins at 12:30PM followed by the service at 2:00PM.  Keep praying for the family.

The visitation and celebration for Donald Butler takes place this Monday, 1/6.  I will post that obit on this site.  Pray for Pat and the family.

The forecasters are calling for a low of thirty six degrees tonight – hallelujah!

Do not count the Tigers out of the national championship game on 1/13!  Yes, Tua is staying or going!

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

Jack Davie, age 84, a resident of Grand Bay, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2020. He retired from Chevron Refinery after 40 years. Jack was a man of great faith and a true Christian example to his family. He met the love of his life at age 14 and was married to her for 59 years and 11 months. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Joyce Grogan Davie; daughter, Lisa Davie Thompson; grandson, Shane Timberlake and parents, Velma Hardy Davie and Forrest Davie. He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Davie (Mark) Timberlake; grandchildren, Shannon (David) Peters, Britnie Young and Drew (Andrea) Timberlake; great grandchildren, Tyler and Dylan Peters, Kate and Andrew Timberlake and Harper Young; brother, Joe (Kay) Davie, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral service will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at 2 pm with visitation from 12:30 pm until service time. Interment in Serenity Memorial Gardens.

“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)

Jack Davie, Brenda’s dad, passed from this life very peacefully just after 9:30AM yesterday morning.  Brenda, Timber and others were there with him as he was promoted from this life into the presence of Jesus.  Pray for the family as they walk through this time of sorrow.  Arrangements pending.

Those who do social media i.e. everyone except me are probably already aware of the arrangements for the ones mentioned yesterday but I am not as nothing has been posted on the respective funeral homes websites.  I am praying for the families.

Obviously, the situation with Iran is a concern.  We certainly need to pray for our leaders and for our military personnel.

Our basketball leagues resume play in the morning at 8:00AM in the CAB.

Our bus workers will meet in the morning at 8:30AM.  Bro. Abel will be directing this ministry on an interim basis.  There is always a need for additional bus workers.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday, 1/5.  Our AWANA ministry begins again at 5:00PM.  Bro. Jerry & Bro. Abel will both be teaching classes during our Discipleship Training.  Lord willing, I will be preaching in all three of our worship services.

In an unusual move, our deacons met last night.  Rick Bradley brought a good word from the Word.  We have some really quality men serving as deacons and I appreciate them.  (Now we have a couple of deacons who. . .   LOL!)

The first of forty different groups who will use the L.G. Camp, Jr. Mission House in Guatemala in 2020 arrived yesterday.  They are from Michigan.  Ross Genzink is flying down today to try and solve a few plumbing issues.  I really appreciate Ross doing this as he is going on his own dime and taking time away from his family and business in order to help us.  Ross is a great friend!

I was awakened by the rain a little before 3:00AM today.  That basically means we are getting a pretty good down pour right now. Supposed to rain all day up until the early evening hours.  I do enjoy the rain.  Would enjoy it even more if the temperatures would be in the forties today.  Pastor, you are weird!  Thank you!

Jayden came over to the house last night and wanted to watch football (true story).  So, we watched the UT vs IU game.  I am not a UT fan but I am a SEC “conference” homer so I was happy that UT rallied for the win.  I think the SEC is now 7 – 2 in this year’s bowl games which is the best mark of the conferences.  SEC, SEC, SEC!

Dylan Moses may not come back to Alabama because of something to do with an insurance policy with Lords of London?  I wonder if that office is anywhere close to the Lloyds of London insurance office?  Just curious!

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)

Brenda Timberlake’s father, Jack Davie, is seemingly in the last days of his earthly life.  The medical professionals did not think he would live through last night but he did as I have communicated with Drew this morning.  Pray for Mr. Jack, Brenda, Timber, and the entire family.

Word came to me yesterday morning from Cecil Guidry and Deanna Wetterer that Donald Butler had passed from this life.  I visited with Donald’s wife, Pat, last night.  She and I had a good visit and desires the prayer support of the church.  Arrangements pending.  (I appreciate Cecil & Deanna making sure that I knew about Donald’s passing)

By the way, we are now down to twelve readers of this blog.  Donald was a very faithful reader.  Pat said to me last night, “Donald loved reading your blog!”  That statement leaves Deidra & Daphne simply shaking their head.

I met William Lott many years ago when his son, Buddy, began playing basketball with one of our Royal Ambassador teams.  William had played college basketball and would play on our men’s team for a number of years.  He has been battling cancer for a couple of years now and he passed from this life early yesterday morning.  Pray for Deborah, Buddy, Sissy and the family as they walk through this valley.

My dad was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  His oncologist said again that this cancer is “curable” and he believes that can take place by the end of 2020.  Dad has been very confused for the past few days.  Let me say again that my brother, Eddie, has really stepped up to the plate in giving care to our parents.  His wife, Sue, has done likewise.  I am very grateful.

We are apparently going to have rain today and tomorrow.  However, Sunday is forecast to be a great day!  They are even calling for a low of thirty eight Saturday night.  I love the cooler temperatures.

Friendship family, the Finance Committee will present the proposed budget on Sunday, 1/12, instead of this Sunday.  They are doing this at my request.  Just FYI.

Yes, I did watch the Alabama game yesterday.  I was busy doing some other things but actually listened to Eli Gold and then turned to the television if something happened that I wanted to see.  (The radio broadcast was like ten seconds ahead of the television feed)  Tua staying or going?  He will announce his decision this coming Monday, 1/6.  The answer is “yes!”  Write it down!

I did not like the fact that Auburn lost their game yesterday as I am a SEC “conference” homer.  Was glad to see that UGA won their game last night.  I am telling you to not count the Tigers out of the championship game on 1/13!  Just saying!

We have some really sharp readers of this blog.  One of the sharpest of the group messaged me yesterday afternoon to let me know that yesterday’s entry only had a title and no body.  Brilliant observation!  I was simply saying, “Happy New Year!”   (I am not going to call that person out as she blogs like once a quarter and lives in another country so I will let her remain anonymous)  You just cannot get anything pass this group of readers!

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