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)

The visitation with the Martha Pierre family takes place today at Serenity Funeral Home from 11:00AM until around 12:30PM.  A service at the grave in Serenity Memorial Gardens will begin at 1:00PM.  Pray for the Pierre family today.

Serenity Funeral Home has posted Miss Sarah’s information but the obituary has not been posted yet as the arrangements are pending.  Keep praying for Sarah’s family.

I did not see Eddie’s father yesterday and not sure if I will get to see him today.  I do ask that you pray for him as he is in rehab.

Lisa and I drove to New Orleans Thursday afternoon as Deidra arrived from Guatemala.  She had some things to take care of stateside and the plan was for her to fly home this Monday afternoon.  Not so fast my friend!  First, she asked me to handle the ticket purchase for her and I used her maiden name instead of her married name which is not a good thing when it does not match your passport name.  Folks, you cannot fix stupid!  I am living proof!  Thankfully, a very kind gate agent in Guatemala made the name change at the very last minute on Thursday morning.  All is good, right?  Well, not so much.  Beginning Monday, Guatemala will no longer be allowing anyone from the US or Canada to enter their country because of the virus.  So, we had to change Deidra’s ticket to tomorrow morning.  She may have to be in quarantine for seven days upon her arrival.  What will that look like?  No idea.  Maybe home quarantine – we have no idea.

A team from Florida was scheduled to arrive at the mission house today – no longer!  Ditto for next Saturday’s team.  Ditto for who knows how long.

YES, unless something changes today then we will have a regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.  I have zero problems with any other body of believers who are choosing not to meet.  I have zero problems with those other body of believers who are choosing to gather for worship.  This is a fluid situation and we are taking it one day at a time.

I am not a doctor, healthcare provider, or medical expert.  Therefore, I cannot offer medical expert advice.  However, as a pastor, I am simply of the opinion that anyone who is elderly, has health issues, or simply does not feel comfortable attending a church meeting needs to stay home.  (We have some on our church roll who have obviously not felt “comfortable” in attending the services in years – just saying!)

I pray that you will have a great Saturday 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 have intentionally waited before posting this morning out of respect for the Sarah Thornton family.  Just before 3:00AM today Sarah departed this life and entered Heaven.  Her husband,Tom, two daughters, Ginger & Joy, and one son-in-law, Gary, were present with her.  The other son-in-law, Neil, works out of the country and is scheduling his trip home.  Also, Allen & Edna Glover, along with Edna’s daughter, Stacey, were with Miss Sarah through the night.  Edna & Sarah were very best of friends.  Pastor Jeff Gardner, 1st Baptist St. Elmo, was there past midnight as well.  I wanted to give the family time to share the news with those in their family, circle of friends, et cetera before doing a public post.  Obviously, the arrangements are pending.  Pray for Sarah’s family.

Eddie’s dad remains in rehab.  Keep praying.

The visitation with the Martha Pierre family takes place tomorrow, 3/14, from 11:00AM until 12:30PM at Serenity Funeral Home.  The graveside service will begin at 1:00PM in Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Pray for the Pierre family.

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)

I posted wrong information yesterday on the visitation with Martha Pierre’s family and her celebration of life service.  The correct information is visitation from 11:00AM Saturday, 3/14, until the graveside service which begins at 1:00PM.  I would imagine the family will leave the parlor at Serenity around 12:45PM and to the adjoining cemetery for the service.  Pray for the Pierre family.

As far as I know, Eddie Albritton’s father was moved to the rehab floor yesterday.  He was experiencing some pain in one of his legs yesterday so hopefully that is a good sign.  Keep praying.

Keep praying for Larry Whitehurst as he is at home and will travel back to Jacksonville, FL next week.

Sammy told us in the service yesterday morning that Myrtle has three more treatments which will span six weeks.  Keep praying for Myrtle.

Terry Lucky told us in the service yesterday morning that Carol is doing better daily.  Keep praying for Carol.

Norman Richerson recently had some skin cancers surgically removed and is still in the recovery process.  Pray for Norman.

Wow, drastic measures are being taken worldwide concerning the covid 19 disease.  I am not sure what to make of the situation. It is definitely the most bizarre thing health wise that I have seen in my life.

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)

As you have already seen, Miss Martha Pierre passed from this life yesterday.  The visitation with the family and the service will take place this Saturday, 3/14, from Serenity Funeral Home.  Visitation begins at 8:30AM and goes until the 10:00AM service time.  I “think” the service will be graveside but I am not one hundred percent sure.  Pray for the Pierre family.

Larry & Judy are on their way today.  They will travel back to Jacksonville next week.  Keep praying for Larry.

Eddie’s dad will be moved to rehab this morning.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.

The yard sale takes place tomorrow, Friday and Saturday morning.  The auction takes place Saturday evening.

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

Martha, age 80, a resident of Mobile, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Pierre; mother, Doris Fincher Waltman; father, Bernard B. Waltman and sister, Linda Fornander. She is survived by her children, William Anthony (Wanda) Pierre and Judith P. (Tony) Brooks; grandchildren, Cheryl (Travis) Davison, Stephen Pierre, Joey Pierre and Brandon Brooks; step grandchildren, Brian, Robbie and Ronnie; 4 great grandchildren; siblings, Herman Todd Waltman, Terry (Joann) Mastin, Diane McKinnon (Jim) Johnston; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 11 am until 1 pm. Graveside service will be held in Serenity Memorial Gardens on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 1 pm.

“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)

There will be a visitation with the Dollie Trout family this morning from 11:00AM until the celebration of life service begins at noon.  The burial will be private.  Pray for Bob, Laura and the entire family.

I spoke to Larry Whitehurst via the phone early yesterday afternoon.  At that point in time, it was unsure when he will be leaving to come home.  Keep praying for Larry.

Eddie Albritton’s father has some slight movement in his left leg yesterday.  The doctors now feel that he suffered a stroke in his spine which is causing his problems.  They will move him to a rehab floor for a time of physical therapy.  Pray for Eddie’s father.

Sarah Thornton was discharged from the hospital on Sunday.  Hopefully she is now on the road to recovery.  Keep praying for Sarah.

Steve Morris will be undergoing a bevy of tests today and tomorrow.  Pray that the medical folks can find the source of his problems.

I saw some really tired folks last night – those who worked on the yard sale yesterday.  If you can lend a hand today then just show up in the CAB at any time except during the hours of 11:00AM until 1:00PM when it will be closed for the COLS for Miss Dollie.

I saw folks showing up for soccer practice yesterday afternoon.  So good to see all of this taking place on our campus.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.

Looking at the ten day weather forecast for Grand Bay shows our lowest temperature coming in at fifty eight degrees and our highest reaching eighty degrees.  I miss Winter!  Just saying!

Bobby and the boys are not having a great Spring training but those games do not count in the regular season – obviously.  Pray for Bobby to continue to be a witness for Jesus.

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)

The visitation with the Dollie Trout family will take place in our church auditorium from 5:00PM until 8:00PM today.  Another visitation will take place tomorrow morning from 11:00AM until the celebration of life service begins at noon.  Keep praying for Bob, Laura and the family.

Larry Whitehurst remains in Jacksonville, FL.  He will know after tomorrow what his next step will be.  Keep praying for Larry & Judy.

Eddie Albritton’s father, remains hospitalized with basically no change in his condition.  The doctors are trying to determine the best plan of action.  Pray for this situation.

As far as I know, Miss Sarah Thornton remains in the hospital too.  I will find out this morning.  Pray for Sarah!

Bro. Jerry and others will be working in the CAB on the yard sale today and tomorrow.  However, all work will cease at 4:00PM and then from 11:00AM until 1:00PM tomorrow out of respect for Miss Dollie’s family.  Nothing changes as far the soccer practices are concerned.

Thank you to those who gave to the wedding gift in our 10:30AM service yesterday.  What?  You had to be there to understand.  The couple and their families were very grateful.

We enjoyed a really good day in our services yesterday.  The time change seemed to affect our early service the most.  Dale Bosarge did an excellent job of sharing the Word in our evening service.  I like Dale & Karla staying busy but it sure is good to have them at home from time to time.

Andy & Betty Hamil’s youngest grandson was a part of the team that just won the Montana high school state championship in hockey.  Congratulations!  Andy & Betty are proud grandparents!

Do you believe in miracles?  Courtney Cavin baked a homemade cake this past weekend and it was actually very good!  Folks, this is big!  Calvin would be amazed!

Our soccer league teams begin practice this afternoon.  We actually had a family in one of our services yesterday as their child will be playing in one of our leagues.  Good stuff.

The SEC conference men’s basketball tournament begins Wednesday.  Alabama will not win the tournament!  Just saying!  However, I can easily see Auburn winning it!

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)

Sarah Thornton was admitted to the hospital yesterday morning.  Yes, she had just gotten discharged on Thursday.  Folks, that is the Sarah way when it comes to medical stuff.  Pray for Sarah.

Eddie Albritton’s dad had another surgery yesterday.  The doctor said it could be today before they know if the surgery was a success.  Eddie’s dad really needs our prayer support.

Debbie Kendrick’s mother was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Pretty amazing!  Praise the Lord for answered prayers in the case of Mrs. Amonett.

Larry Whitehurst remains in Jacksonville, FL.  Keep praying for Larry as he plays the waiting game.

Visitation with the Dollie Trout family on Monday night and the service on Tuesday.

Remember to keep praying for Ethan, Brittney & the boys.

Spring forward one hour tonight before going to bed.  Spring forward, spring forward, spring forward!

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.

Special offering for the bus purchase in all services tomorrow.

Deacons meet at 4:00PM tomorrow.

The yard is calling my name.  Actually, Lisa is demanding that I get out and do something or else – yikes!

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

Sept. 3, 1935-Mar. 5, 2020

Dollie Anne Sanders Trout, age 84, a resident of Mobile, AL passed away March 5, 2020. She was retired from Mobile County Public Schools and was a long-term member of Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL. Dollie was preceded in death by her parents, Willie M. and Ruby R. Sanders; her daughter, Elizabeth; and her 16 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Kristie Trout, Jr, Mobile, AL; daughter and son-in-law, Laura Trout and John Williams, Huntsville, AL; grandchildren, Alicia Swanson, Michael Prondzinski, Andrew Seggebruch, Harrison Trout, and Slade, Emmie, and Chance Williams; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. A visitation is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and Tuesday, March 10, 2020 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at Friendship Baptist Church, 12581 Saeger Road, Grand Bay, AL. The funeral service, officiated by Brother Teddie Turrentine, will be held at the church Tuesday at 12:00 Noon.

The visitation with the Dollie Trout family will take place from the auditorium of Friendship Baptist Church on Monday, March 9, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM.  A second visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 10, from 11:00AM until the noon celebration of life service.  Obviously, this will also take place in the church auditorium.  Following the celebration of life service there will be a private committal service.  Please keep praying for the Trout family.