PAGE 17-: ANNOUNCEMENTS
5.24.13…Please check with the Crockett page on this Navigator Column for the latest information at the current time. Technical problems prevent my duplication of pages at the current time. Thank you for your patience and just check with the Crockett page for the latest updates.
3.13.13…Congrats to our daughter and son in law, Greg and Beth Ledbetter at the event of their 3rd wedding anniversary today! They live and work at the Atlas church in Killen, AL just north of Florence in the Quad Cities area of Alabama. // Our condolences to another family at the passing of sister Mary Hensley of the Senatobia Convalescent Center about 5 am last Sunday. Memorial service in Thursday at 11 at Pate – Jones and burial is at the Crockett Cemetery. She was a kind soul and a winning smile who loved the songs of the devotionals. God bless her memory. She was 89. //Have made arrangements with the Durant church, 413 Cedar St, to hold a Personal Work Lessons/Discussion for a couple of nights, March 25 and 26, at 6:30 pm till 7:45 pm and working with Robert are Dwayne Williams, James Hill, and Walter Williams of Crockett, Durant, Eupora and Batesville. Everyone in the driving area is invited to attend and ‘bring your questions’.
3.10.13…After enjoying 66 we enjoyed 52 this morning as the time change ‘springing forward’ and illnesses reflected a smaller number.
3.5.13….Over the past month we have averaged 34 in Bible Class on Sunday morning
with no Sunday coming under 31 and a high of 38. Wonderful! Thanks and let’s keep this going as we know more of God’s Word , we can better serve. The same is true for morning assembly time for worship on Sundays. With 66 last Sunday, the regulars who were away due to trips and sicknesses would have pushed the number to 80. The contribution is growing over the budget of 1416 each week. The *TSFBS* is setting up plans for Personal Work Seminar at Durant in latter March, a lectureship and singing night at Ford’s Well in April and a Preaching Techniques Workshop at Alamo, TN in April or early May. I solicit your prayers always. God bless.
2.20.13….Enjoyed 61 at the Youth Day on the 16th Saturday with the program showing us some folks who ride motorcycles to help children in challenging situations, we really emphasized the theme: My Friends: How They are Chosen and Influence Me. Let’s look forward to a youth devotional by mid March. March has 5 Sundays in it and brethren Bates, Jerry and Paula, are to visit on the 2nd Sunday morning with us to report on the trips to India, etc. The good work of World Evangelism out of Winona is a state side program of missions we should support and we can know even more of what it taking place from local missionaries who visit us.
2.7.13….Wednesday was a morning mixed with sadness as mentioned already; but, by
the afternoon I decided to call our son in Alamo to get access to the 4,000 volume library room of the *Training School* to do some research re: Christian Evidences. Eating lunch at my favorite roast beef place, Arby’s in Jackson, I was in the books by 2 pm and ‘in my element’ as they say. What a reward; I will write many articles out of the study and do several illustrations in class and sermons from this research. Went to class with the brethren and family at Alamo, TN last night; Brad Laman was teaching a very fine lesson from the new book by old friend, Phil Sanders who formerly preached in town at Senatobia back in the ’80s. Enjoyed supper with most of the family and headed back to Henderson in time for most of the Country Music Show held by various gifted musicians of the church and led by Sam Hester in this each Wednesday night of the lectures after all is done for the day. It’s a fun-filled and corn-fed time each year. Tom Holland, who is cautiously getting around these day on the help of a cane, led the closing song with everyone singing ‘Home, Home On the Range’. Before him a grouo of students played Cripple Creek, etc. via banjo and fiddle and guitar. ‘Arkansas Traveler’ was played and sung by another preacher, too. After getting back to Farrow Hall and Lonnie Woodruff, my room mate from Benton, KY, we talked about spiritual subjects and economics and politics whch carried us off to sleep and we awoke before 6 this morning to finish the discussions around 7:30. We have a good time in such discussions and we have stayed together somewhere in an empty room on this campus, paying the University, each year for the past ten or so years. Bro. Holland told me his walking troubles were from a nerve in his back which is not cooperating and his doctors haven’t found an answer yet. This has befallen him since the Dianna Singing back in September last yeard when he was walking about ‘full steam ahead’. But, since then, he’s been slowed considerably by the nerve’s hurt. //This morning I enjoyed Allen Webster’s information Re: Women in our Culture and Other’s. Then, I was on to enjoyed the 3rd day of Cecil May, Jr.’s practical Scriptural teaching in ministry. Eugene Springer and I ate lunch together..today is soup and chili and sanwiches–with a cold drink my cheese sanwich hit the spot. Here’s the update; cds and dvds are ordered and will be picked up later this afternoon for the week, some lectures heard and some anticipated. Hope you have enjoyed the updates; I hope to spend the night and leave on Friday stopping by the VA hospital to visit Sunny Carr on my way home this year. This is the first time the lectureship has closed on Thursday night. The book vendors are loading up now to exit, while I update via the library’s computer.
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Before I update you, join me in a prayer for the folks up in the northeast of this country on behalf of ‘no harm due to the excessive snow coming today up there’. Predictions of 20 inches of snow are shocking! We pray that this does not happen or the people will have the strength to withstand it. Helpers are mobililzing from Washington from the government and from Nashville from members of the church. They are already heading northeast I’ve heard here at Henderson’s campus. Let’s pray. s/rdr
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2.6.13…Excellent singing last night and sermon by John DeBerry; many of you remember John who spoke at the Area Wide Meeting back last fall at the Jr High Auditoriium at South Panola. He preached his usually good sermon and called for repentance from a sinful and compromising world. The University Singers, the old SonShine Singers group, did a good performance after the lectures last night. One of the songs was the worded rendition of the Wm Tell Overture ‘the Lone Ranger’ theme song. //I got up early again today to catch the 7:30 am lecture of bro. E Claude Gardner, former president of F HU; he asked me to lead the prayer before he spoke and after Frank Bradford led brother Marshall Keeble’s favorite song “Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand”. Bro. Gardner had once encouraged me to come back a teach at Freed-Hardeman and he’s a close friend though I went back to Mississippi to serve and preach and train preachers via this *school with my father in law, Wm Hull. But, it occurred to me that this could very well be the last time bro. Gardner was able to speak on this lectureship. He’s getting very feeble and had help walking up the steps to the Loyd Auditorium speaker’s pulpit. Of course, I don’t know what another yeard will bring healthwise for him, or me; but, I was saddened to think of this being the last time for him…course, I don’t know this to be true at all. He asked from Frank to lead brother N B Hardeman’s favorite song at the close of his excellent sermon on ‘The Command to Love God in Joshua 24:11″. The song is ‘Tarry With Me Oh My Saviour’. I could hardly sing the song then and I have tears coming to my eyes even now as I type this update…but, I really think these are tears coming from the joy I’ve had with this man; he knew and enjoyed my in-laws so well, even speaking today of the years when Ms Irene Haddock Hull was the secretary for Coach Stewart in the ’40s.//On to the 9:30 am lecture from Cecil May, Jr on his second day of ‘Preacher Talk’….excellent ideas today, not so much encouragement as dealing with cultural changes in our generation in the world and in the church. Good ideas. //I’ve taken a break from chapel today to come to the Loden-Daniels Library computer to Update you. I needed this time. God bless you and I hope you catch the flavor of this lectureship. Have a good song and class and prayer service tonight.
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2.5.13….Good lectureship underway; yesterday’s Open Forum fielded a question regarding Gun Control in our country–a hot topic of discussion these days. As usual, there were multiple ideas, but all agreed on one point made by a former policeman and Christian servant “we need to teach the Gospel to others and encourage them to know the benefits of love versus hate and serlf will’. //Cecil May’s presentation brought many Amens! from the crowd in Aud B of the Loyd Auditorium as he encouraged ‘preacher talk’ to all re: Encouragement to improve sermons and lives. Good stuff; our son in law, Greg, has arrived and we plan to take in a 2:30 lecture by Dan Winkler Re: Interpretation Skills. //The weater here is unbelievable this week; highs today in the upper 50s and tomorrow upper 60s; the nights are above freezing and it is wonderful to see the sunshine out all day today. //Heard that Patsy is doing well after surgery in Nashville. The Loden family is special to Freed-Hardeman and to all who know them. //Got to visit with Michael Whitworth, son of the late gospel preacher, Daniel Whitworth. He now preaches in the Ft. Worth area and told me his mother had remarried about five years ago and now lives in Oklahoma City and his sister is a nurse now serving in Las Vegas. He has a new book which I am sure to get at the bookstore. He was a young man filled with talent when I first knew him at the Clinton church in MS. Till tomorrow….
2.4.13….Got to attend the Friends of the Restoration lectures and discussions all the morning; about 2,500 people are here and 50 of us were in the special auditorium of the new Brown Kopel Business building to hear: Arthur Shearin about M S Mason, a respected teacher at Freed-Hardeman who filled in for bro. Hardeman’s classes while he was gone, so respected was he. He lost his life at the hands of a deranged man in the Judsonia, Arkansas area who shot him while he was studying and resting in one of his relative’s home. This was back in the ’30s. Bro. Mason is still highly respected. //Brandon Renfroe gave us the background of the finding of J W McGarvey’s lost sermons as well as insight into the grand work of bro. McGarvey in the Lexington, KY area.//A panel filled with historians fielded questions about the ongoing work. The six included Renfroe and Shearin as well as Ancil Jenkins, Wayne Kilpatrick, Terry Gardner, too. //The Open Forum feature is yet to come this afternoon in which questions of the day are discussed. The Lectureship’s theme this year is: We Will Serve The Lord from Joshua to Ruth. The singing is so full and rewarding. This is Monday, Feb. 4 at the FHU Bible Lectureship; a feature this year are the extra Shuttle bus locations. Walking up and down hills does tend to take it toll; I haven’t ridden yet; but time will tell.
1.29.13….Will be updating the Bible lectureship next week; come back to this site each day for an update.
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12.27.12…Enjoyed hearing good words of the improvement and extra care for our friend, John True, as of today. It’s good to know the procedures have been done which will help him in the future. May the Lord bless him and family. He’s our friend; loves the *school and all it represents.
12.20.12…Please add Bonnie Rushmore of Winona in your prayers as she goes through exams and pains related to some kind of an obstruction following gall bladder surgery last week; she’s hospitalized in Oxford at Baptist Memorial and Louis is with her day and night as well as daughter, Rebecca. //Our youth devotional night is Friday , 7 pm, at the Crockett church bldg. An holiday theme will prevail along with a look at truth restoration of Jesus’s birth and the reason for his coming at all.// Next Wednesday night, Dec. 26th, we will host a Devo at the 7 pm meeting instead of classes due to travel of many teachers; the theme is: Jesus, Help Us; songs and text will reflect this plea and assurance.//Have a grand holiday visit and look forward to 2013 with hope….
12.16.12…Enjoyed 68 present last Sunday morning, but the travel bug hit us this week and only 48 were present with 30 in the Bible school portion of the meeting at 9:30 am; the night service of singing was grand with 28 present and voices that could be heard far and wide…good singing and several new songs tonight as well. // Regular classes will come this week on the 19th Wed. nite; but, on the 26th, a special devotional will be held in lieu of classtime as possibly several teachers will be visiting family in distant places. The devo’s theme is: Jesus Help Us…..songs and verses will reflect this theme; young men , please bring your songs to lead and all join in with this good study and worship devo. // Now, on the Friday night , Dec. 21st at 7:00 pm we will help our youth with a Youth Devotional with songs, lesson and special events. The signature list is filled in by the adults of the congregation so well; thank you….look forward to Friday night’s Youth Devo.
12.04….Wonderful lectures and discussion with Josh James Re: Family and Steve Hentz Re: Relationships in the Church yesterday; what a treat for us all; the close of the year lect/disc of the *school will go a long way into the future as others need such lessons; we plan to use in the future those whose illnesses and appointments caused them to not be able to be with us yesterday: Michael Bates, Hal Johnson, Tommy Mahan and Ming Hu Lord willing, in 2013, these will be with us to share their studies on vital themes.
This is the first time I’ve been the backup for more than one person in the history of our lecture program; but, thanks be to the Lord for the prep and opportunities. I hope my studies end up blessing some future request of the theme: Relationships…..rdr/
12.02….We enjoyed 41 in Bible classes this morning; thank the Lord. I am looking forward to the Bible Lectureship/Discussion on tomorrow (Monday) at 10 and 2 and 7. Michael Bates and Josh James are to speak in the morning ‘Relationship..to Christ, to Family at 10; Hal called to tell me of unexpected conflict of schedule, so I will fill in for him at 2 and 2:30 for Tommy re: Relationship and Forgiveness and Don’t Ever Quit Serving God and One Another; in the evening at 7 I will speak about Relationship in Christ and Ming Hu ‘In the Church’. This is the End of the Year Lectureship/Discussion conducted each year around the first of December. Come if you can ….
11.16…Made it back to Crockett in th early afternoon Thursday; stopped to visit with Richard Kopf at the VA for a few minutes. They were studying the tests administered to determine what to do with him while I was there. Bobby Frazier was there as well; the VA is still studying him to see when the daily sessions can begin. Afterward, I went to Baptist DeSoto to visit with Rose Mary Davis, our wonderful friend from B who had a special filter installed to help protect here the other day. She hopes to be coming home sooner than later this week, too. Sandra was with her and was an encouragement for her Mom’s progress. // I look forward to this Sunday at 9:30 and 10:30 with you.
11.14c…Would you believe it! 26 were present tonight!! Wonderful; eight came from Pinevale to be with us; the questions were good and the ideas set forth enthused the crowd present. Thanks to all of them and thanks for the grand reception enjoyed by each of us as speakers. In fact, our meal on Monday night was financed by one of the ‘unknown’ members at Danville who did not wish us to know anything but that the supper was ‘taken care of ‘ and the ‘tip also’ . To that family , we say ‘thank you’ very much”.// Be sleeping shortly, but will go to Memphis in the morning and stop by to visit s/Rosemary on my way home to Crockett….again, please remember me in prayer and the others as well…….
11.14b…Enjoyed a wonderful set of visits with Fred Burns of Selmer, TN and is in a Convalescent Center there at the age of 98 whose mind is just as sharp as it can be; additionally, the visit with the Leonards for a wonderful country dinner and discussion of Godly ideals is a visit with a prince and princess of the cause of Christ in this area. God bless them; please pray for them as well as the success of tonight’s event at Danville.
Thank you…..
11.14….Enjoyed about 26 in attendance Tuesday night with many good questions in the closing. Thanks for each one in the study of good and better methods in teaching the old story. We will close tonight; have lunch today with the good, faithful preacher, 81 years of age, Charles Leonard.
11.13b….Also, enjoyed visiting with Phil Leonard during the mid-day time; was able to visit with various ones in the county and view meeting houses of brethren long since heard about, but never visited till today. //Brethren , the love of the brotherhood must be in each of our heart (I John 3:16). I have been taught all my life by the Bible and by my family to love others and work with others to help everyone serve God *better and better in life. Thus, this Lect/Disc at Danville this week. Others from vast areas of the county are planning to attend. I look forward to helping. Please pray for us in this.
11.13…Enjoyed about 25 in attendance last night at Danville; this matches the overall average attendance throughout the years of the Lectt/Discussions which have been worked. I am so grateful to be in this area wherein my sons, Bobby and Brooks, who are former students in the *school live. They could come and work with me this time; whereas other students are with me in other areas of the region. We stopped the ‘Signature Question/Answer Section’ about 8:05 pm ; yet, the guys had discussions going on with some who stayed till after 8:30 pm. It was grand. //Phil is coming to pick me up for visitation in the area today; I’ll speak, Lord willing, twice tonight and Phil will speak once. The ‘Signature Q & A’ is sure to be a hit again tonight as we practice ‘Questions’ to lead discussions. //It was cold here last night with 30 degrees and little wind.
11.12….The Lectureship/Discussion Re: Church Development is to be held tonight , the 12th through the 14th at 6:30 pm till 8:00 pm each night at the “Danville Church of Christ, 471 CR 513, Rienzi , MS. Bobby Rawson ‘Youth Outreach Efforts’ at 6:30 tonight; Brad Laman , “Harmony In the Church” 6:50 and Brooks Rawson Re: Adult Classes Influence” at 7:10 pm// Tuesday: Robert Rawson, “Use of Questions in Teaching” 6:30; Phil Leonard, “School Students and Heroes” 6:50 and RDR at 7:10 “some oppose themselves”; //Wednesday: Phil ‘Desirng Others Be Saved” 6:30; Charles Leonard, “All Spiritual Blessings In Christ” 6:50 and RDR at 7:10 “Conviction, Kindness and Converts” Bobby, Brooks and Brad are coming from Alamo, TN and the Leonards are of the Corinth, Danville church, area. This is the first time our sons have been on this type program with me; we tend to use former students who live in the immediate area of a Lect/Discussion program.
Be in prayer for us, please. It’s very cold and windy as we start out the night’s activities.
11.2….The first Trunk or Treat Family Nite brought out more than 40 families and over 90 children; all were treated and invited to be a part of Kay’s Little Kids Class as well as our other services on Sundays, 9:30 and 10:30 am and 6:00 pm; Wednesdays at 7:00 pm//I’ve been invited to speak at the Sardis Women’s Club today at Noon Re: Thanksgiving for Memories; I spoke there some six years ago Re: Thanksgiving and Liberty. How quickly the time has passed.//Sunday morning will come an hour later this week….Fall Back One Hour On The Clock Saturday night, please. DST is ended for the year. Sunday’s class at 9:30 1st John 3 and 4 and the sermon at 10:30 is “Me, Myself and I” (Psalms 137 and Acts 17)…..Hope to see you all……
10/13…I am brought to tears as I remember the parting of our beloved sister Belle Lipe. The little Newman girl has lived 91, almost 92 years and has left our earthly clime for higher ground as of 5:30 last Thursday evening, Oct. 11. Her talents, God-given, were many and varied from politics to majestic poetry, from a remembrance of history to an uncanny ability to see into future challenges. I’ve enjoyed getting to know her and family for the past 35 years of my life. She has been missed as her decline of health became more and more apparent, but now the memories of her life must abide with us of how she served the Lord and we await the ascent to higher ground ourselves. Memorial service is planned for Sunday, Oct. 14, at Batesville church of Christ, 2 pm with Michael Bates and Robert Rawson attempting to carry out her plans in this memorial event. God bless her family and all of us as we knew her.
10/1…The move is almost completed; only a few more items from closet space remains to be sorted into useable/nonuseable plans. Thanks for your patience. My good sister, Nurse Kay, advised she was ready for me to once again begin updating the information on the announcements pages, including the Batesville page. Will seek to do. //The Looxahoma church has Wade Webster as guest preacher this week through Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 each night. //Crockett’s Youth Day for the ?Fall is Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 am till 1 pm with James Horton, guest preacher plus others of the *school to teach a class/craft of reinforcement…..
8/26….Have started making the move to the Crockett community, 7 miles west of Senatobia on Hwy. 4. Keep us in your prayers, please. Doing our best to be of service to the Lord’s work.
8/6….Dan Beardain is preaching each night at Coffeeville, on Bailey Avenue, 4 blocks east of the High School through Wednesday night at 7:30 each night.
7/26….Wonderful meeting with Dan and Linnie was able to drive with him each service. Attendance averaged over 50 per service with the high of 76 tonight (Thursday). No public responses, but many expressed personally be uplifted in the meeting sermons. Some biblical studies in the area are continuing. We had special prayers each night for the efforts put forth in personal work by personal workers Jimmy Dickerson, Stefan Dickerson, Robert Rawson and Tim West to open each night’s service. By our thinking more of the spiritual side of life, we have had a very successful meeting. The future, Lord willing, will be productive.
7/23/12…The meeting is underway at Crockett each night at 7:30 through Thursday. Dan Beardain is guest preacher. Too, the ice cream social is after the Thursday night service. //We enjoyed several teams of personal workers passing out invitations door to door on last Saturday with almost 100 homes personally visited.
7/12/12….Enjoyed a wonderful week of youth Christian camp at Sardis Lake last week; had wonderful staff and campers. Thanks for all the help in the ice cream and fireworks show….//We at Crockett sorrow at the passing of Thelma Kirkland early this morning about 3 a.m. at the Senatobia Convalescent Center. Memorial is planned for 11 am at C O Pate Funeral Home on Saturday, the 14th. Then, at 7:30, sister Louise Moore, 91, passed away at the same Center. Her Memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, 2:30pm with burial at the Crockett Cemetery as well. We will miss sisters Kirkland and Moore; they have lived a long time and left a great legacy for us to follow. //Lord willing, I will start a meeting with the Pine Bluff church, east of Oxford, Sunday, the 15th at 11 and 6 ; Mon – Wed is at 7 each night. //
6/30/12….I am not keeping you up to date very well, am I ! My apologies in the past are no good; I guess I am getting too busy once again for my own good….God bless you all for checking in from day to day; summer youth camp is coming up and I will, Lord willing, be out there for the next 7 days having a hot but safe time with 140 campers and about 35 staffers. The excess heat is with us here in the south. // The Crockett work is being served so well by the brethren there; my choice of sermons and applications are limited to six months of Sundays and Wednesdays. But, in time, perhaps more help to special souls will occur. //Batesville is enjoying its summer series with a variety of speakers on Wed. nites now. Check in with their website for audio studies: batesvillechurchofchrist . com //Have a good summer; surely, I will post more often.
5/12/12….Mother’s Day celebration day now numbers 88 years; it’s fitting and hopefully way before 88 years ago, individual families honored mother at certain times of the year. How grateful we should be for God’s Overall Plan. I’ll be speaking on this topic Sunday, morning, at Crockett, 10:30 am service. God’s O.P. Involving Motherhood. Key Verse is : 1 Timothy 2….please, pray for us; look forward to the attendance continuing on the upward trend….
5.6.12…Thanks for all the prayers for the Sparks family and me; With only a couple of silent sentences, I was able to present the eulogy planned and the very large crowd really got into the two hymns , Sweet Hour of Prayer and When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, really well and the singing was so full and melodious…just as Paul would have loved it. God bless his memory; he will always be with me.
5/4/12…News of the passing of my friend and mentor, Paul Sparks of Spring Hill, TN caused me to think and write “For all who knew him, the passing of Paul repesents one of the finest local gospel preachers in our generation”. His instructions of methods to use to ‘do better’ the service of the Lord’s cause and his teaching of ‘better explanations’ of ‘God’s Word’ have fully entered my memory stage of life over the past 6 or 7 years; however, the sadness which comes now is a different feeling as I know there is not another time we can talk things over. I am so grateful for those discussions I can remember from him. He will be missed, of course. Memorial service is Saturday, May 6, at Jordan Funeral Home, Kosciusko, MS at 2 pm and visitation time begins at Noon till 2. Joan passed away about 1 and 1/2 years ago in November, 2010. He will laid to rest beside her.
4/27…My grandfather Rawson’s birthdate was yesterday,the 26th; He would have been 118 as he was born in 1894. I really enjoyed him;he was a mentor to me in swimming, fishing, hunting skills and life lessons about working with others. I still miss his guidance. He even showed me how to ‘mark my trail of travel’ through the woods to have checkpoints when I returned home. There is a good spiritual lesson in this: have you checked points on your way home ??
4/11…Increased to 35 last night at Durant Workshop; enjoyed visitors from Greenwood and Kosciusko as well in the crowd. Great singing each night and the speakers have done so well in their deliveries: Philip Evans, Ben Jackson, Walter Williams and Greg Ledbetter. Outstanding. The brethen have been ‘on target’ with informative questions during the discussion phase of the evening’s program. Thanks for the good team and cooperation of all. Tonight comes the close with Evans and my presentation.
4/10…Enjoyed 29 last night of the congregation of 35 in Durant right now; discussions were filled with good questions: Evangelism and the Family. No one yet from local congregations yet. Look forward to some tonight.
4/8….They came today; 88 strong this morning and a 2800 contribution to match. Enjoyed the tone of the morning songs, prayers, scripture readings as well. Thanks and hope well for all.
3/31….Grand weekend with the benefit dinner for Sardis Lake Christian Camp; Saturday, 5 pm (today). God bless the effort of bro. Danny and all caregivers with him for the youth camp event. //Sermon plans for April at Crockett zero into the topics of The Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost. Let’s respect the Father’s plan more in our lives.
3.27….Sorry for failing to post the plans to conduct the weekend meeting at Cleveland; now that it is in the books, I can report excellent attendance at all the services (103 on Sunday a.m.); glad to see the peaceful ways of acceptance of lessons I had prepared.
3.10…Please begin prayer for the recovery of my wonderful friend, Jimmy Barbee who suffered an accident about Noon today and was sent to The Med for treatment. It appears a limb or a tree struck him as it fell.
//A house full of folks was raising funds for the Cancer Relief Fund of Panola County tonight at the Lion’s Club Bldg. in memory of Mrs. Annie Swindle whose service was held last Sunday afternoon. //The Oxford lectureship and discussion last Thursday was one of the finest on the subject of Evangelism by Raymond Jones, Buddy Burns and Ed Casteel. Grand deliveries of lessons were done.
3.5…We are saddened today at the news of the passing of a wonderful Christian lady Connie Sparks, age 78, of Lake Cormorant and wife of Clarence Sparks. Memorial service will be Tuesday, 2 pm at Southaven church building. //
2.27…Again, 68 in attendance and with the regulars missing, the number could easily hae been in the 80s; stil don’t know justhow many should be in the house at Crockett; glad to hear ofthe progress of sister Luann Red ……
.Encouraged by 76 at the Youth Day at Crockett and the follow up of 74 and 39 at the Sunday services. The sad loss of this earthly life of a fine sister in the Central Academy congregation is Laverne Darby at age 85; memorial service conducted by Hal Johnson and Steve Hentz with an overflow crowd on Thursday; Ed Casteel, local preacher at Central, led the songs and she was laid to rest in the Forest Memorial Cemetery across the road.
2.13…Arrived home safely; enjoyed the attendance of 56 at Crockett yesterday. Sister Page was able to be with us as well as sisters Walden and McMaster. The sermon Re: Hope was well received. //Next Saturday at 10 am the Youth Day will get underway. Please pray for us and attend if you can; Don Reel, Mike Peters, E J and Sherry Bratcher will teach; Zane will lead singing for us and Dr. Chris Walls will do a program Re: The Eyes. Lunch is at 11:30 and dismissal is at 1:00pm.
2.10….I have enjoyed being reunited with Ken Willliams, a young man who grew up in Batesville. He now preaches the gospel in southwestern Missouri. He is doing so well; a former Air Force military person who was at one time ‘cleared for nuclear sites’ in Europe and came back to the states to ‘get his education’ and ran into Owen O. in Maryland where his Christian service was reinforced and now his studies at FHU helped his preaching career from which he delights along with wife, Tracy. May God continue to bless him. //The late night Chorus of John Robert Hall with the Reunion Chorale was absolutely marvelous. They reheared for the songs all week long and had about 70 on stage for the singing. //David Powell preached his heart out last night Re: 2 Peter 3 and the Lord is Coming. He is such a good teacher,preacher and family man. His son, Nathan is now a freshman on campus and led the singing before his Dad’s sermon. Great! //Haven’t heard anymore about sister Cluts’s mother in Crockett area; just assume the hospice team is on the scene in a timely way.//The Youth Day on the 18th is a week away; Don Reel and Carol are here and we’ve talked and talked about the good lessons for that day on his part. He is planning to stay the night and visit in our classes on the Sunday following (19th) just to further encourage our young people. You will see why I advanced him as a great help for this Youth Day, 10 till 1 on the 18th. Am heading to chapel after the studies this morning, then later travel to Batesville about Noon. God bless you all; hope you enjoyed the dialy updates. rdr
2.9…The Jeep’s windshield was clear this morning; Kelby Smith, longtime preacher in northwestern Alabam spoke at the 7:30 morning lecture; Staffford North brought a comphrehensive study filled with so many basic ideals at the 8:30 session. //Enjoyed visiting with our sons in Alamo, TN last night and offered the invitation at the close of service. They are doing very well; refueled at Brad Laman’s station as I arrived there last night. The HIMS are singing at various banquets these days. The HIMS quartet is made up of Bobby, Brooks, Brad and Todd Sanderson now and are doing so well. //Our son in law, Greg Ledbetter, just arrived for the day this morning. He along with preacher friend, Rodney, and others made the drive up this morning from Alabama. //The Open Forum was a study of some details of Genesis 1 and 2 yesterday among other topics. Afterward, Eugene Springer, preacher at Hartford, KY who recently suffered the passing of his wife, Doris, and I went for a sandwich before my trip to Alamo.//I returned from Alamo to enjoy part of the 33rd annual ‘pickin and grinnin’ night with country music, country corn too. There were some very talented musicians playing last night and the jokes were funny. FHU friend, Frank Bradford, is a hoot in his clown costume, especially. Can hardly believe we are in day 4 of the 5; I’ll order some CDs today of lectures to hear and use through the years.//In my e-mails, sister Cluts of Crockett informed me of the fading health of her mother for whom she and her sister are caring. Hospice care is also going on and has alerted them of the decline today. May God bless them with strength and precious memories. Hope you all have enjoyed the updates and feel like you ‘were here’. The walking to various sites and the on the go mode of the event calls upon each to pace the day.
2.8…Yesterday morning at 6:00 am, I was greeted with heavy frost on the windshield and side glasses of the Jeep; today, is a warmup again of only condensation of fog. The lecture last night after the outstanding singing (voices of 3,000+ are really melodious) was spoken by Bro Sproul of West Palm Beach, FLA. A grand lesson stressing for us to add to faith, virtue, knowledge, etc. //My condolences for the Bill McKenzie family in Batesville at the passing of his mother; funeral service is later today at Wells with burial in the former hometown of Durant. Well, this morning, Bill Lambert’s lecture placed the cherry on top…an outstanding, personable lesson applying the love of Jesus for us all from the epistle of First John. Bill was often the guest speaker in gospel meetings at my home congregation of Nile in Attala County when I was a boy. My parents really loved him; he was preacher at Skyway Hills in Jackson in the 50s and early 60s; in fact, he and my late father in law, William H Hull swapped meetings in those days when bro Hull was in Bolivar, TN. John Pigg obeyed the gospel in that meeting at Skyway Hills. We were all there in the early morning lecture (7:30) along with the Franks (Al and June) and the Mays (Cecil and Winnie). It was the most personable lesson I’ve heard here in many a year; tears flowed as he preached the awesome love of God for fallen mankind. Afterward I went upstairs to Aud. A for Ray Paseur’s sermon Re: Echoes of the Old Testament found in First Peter. Another outstanding study! Did you know there are 12 direct quotes of passages from the Old Testament in 1st Peter? and over 40 other references from the O.T. in only 5 chapters?
Robert Shelton, my partner in the television program back in the ’80s and ’90s in Jackson, MS. We worked a Question and Answer program which was seen by masses; often he is still stopped in Jackson while shopping by a person mentioning ‘The Bible Speaks’ and I meet people also when I’m in the central Mississippi area who still remember that telecast. Brethen at Batesville and Crockett, etc. who did not receive the program this far north in Mississippi, nevertheless, did missionary work via the t.v. in those days; many converts happened, too. I’m headed to the lunch with Mack Lyon and Phil Sanders group ‘In Search of the Lord’s Way’ t.v. program out of Edmond, OK. They are holding a reception which is sure to be informative. Phil noted they have just gotten a space on t.v. in the Jackson, MS area once again. I know there will be a good response to those ole’ friends. Again, God bless you all. I plan to visit with family in Alamo, TN for tonight’s service at 7:00 .
2.7….Regret having an e-mail to the effect that sister Avis Porter’s grandson has passed away; he was only 30 years of age. I know the family is grieving and I am sad along with them, though far away as I enjoy the lectureship here in Henderson this week. //Mack Lyon of the famed ‘Search’ t.v. program was early morning speaker today followed by Cecil May, Jr. , former President of Magnolia Bible College. Grand studies; so glad they are also in the book of the lectures. //I brought some extra copies of the Annual Lesson Commentary of the Gospel Advocate for other collectors to possibly need and buy this week (as I sought years gone bye for certain years! and found them! by the help of others who had extra copies often found in attics and among old library books, etc. )//The President’s Advisory Board will meet this afternoon at 2 pm. I am grateful to be among the number of this group. //The banquet in honor of brother Clarence DeLoach will be this evening after Open Forum (by the way, open forum dealt with many negatives and some positives associated with elderships these days on Monday’s Open Forum; lively comments and biblical study was engaged.) Bro. DeLoach fixed an overall Index of the Elam’s Notes and Annual Lesson Commentary and has conducted over 600 gospel meetings. He spoke last night in the evening lecture and was a hit with a vast audience. //Saw and talked with sister Betty Choate last night as well. She noted that in previous years she had always been overseas at this week and this is the ‘first’ of the lectureships she had attended in person. She really enjoyed the singing and lessons, too. //Am heading to chapel this morning, so long for a little while, Lord willing. rdrawson
2.6…Had nice trip to Henderson, TN for the 76th Annual Bible Lectureship; have seen many friends already. Am rooming with friend, Lonnie Woodruff of Benton, KY. We’ve shared expenses for 8 years now on the campus housing. Jesse Robertson spoke at the Estes church last night and I enjoyed speaking with Trent Scott who married Suzanne Wilson of Batesville and saw their darling little girl, too. Also, reunited with senior preacher, Omer Dewberry and wife who moved up this way to preach at Refuge congregation (I believe) for many years before poor health has overcome him. He now sleeps under oxygen each night and had to be hospitalized to find the ration of oxygen in his blood earlier this year. He formerly preached in Belzoni, MS. I deeply appreciate him, now age 80. Really enjoyed an update on the Friends of the Restoration meetings this morning with Wayne Kilpatrick’s history of the role of baptism in the life of Tolbert Fanning in 1826. Also, enjoyed the update of information by bro. Clark on his Dad, Winford Clark, as well as ‘Uncle Franklin’ Camp! What good Bible students and gospel preachers they were; their influece is still ongoing. Our preacher buddy from Gloster St in Tupelo spoke at the chapel program today. Ate lunch with Ryan Wilson at the famous Bells Drive In (outstanding as always); had to wait half an hour for the two spaces at the table with Jerry Carmichael of KY. Exhibits in the Bader Gym seem to me to be at an all time high! Bibles, books and people are crammed together today, making it hard to walk. I actually came over to the Loden-Daniel Library to write these lines in quiet. Thanks, again, to J H for covering at Crockett for me last night. Talked with Louis and Bonnie Rushmore and received their latest two books just before walking over to the library. They’re from Winona and have the work with the J C Choate family in World Evangelism now, along with Jerry and Paula Bates (whom are here, but I have not seen him yet). Michael Bates is on his way up and Josh James and David McNease are already on campus, according to David’s mom. I’ll seek to update you all again, tomorrow, Lord willing. Robert
2.3…Ted Perry’s wife….
2.2…Closed out January in the 60s (63) at Crockett and almost 1500 contribution; J C Harrison asked us to place him in our prayes as he has been diagnosed with treatable cancer via shrinkage and surgery. He’s taken a trip to Chicago now to one of the finest treatment centers. Again, hope all are planning to be a part of the Feb. 18th Saturday Youth Day at Crockett, hwy 4 west of Senatobia. All ages invited.
1.16….Rejoice with us for the 68 in Sunday a.m. attendance and the 42 p.m. attendance yesterday; hope we are improving in areas of attendance as well as spiritual improvement at Crockett church.
1/9….The college football national championship game occurs tonight between Alabama and LSU; the world goes on and on with very moderate temperatures which feel very chilled with the wind blowing over the rainwater//God bless your year of study; don’t forget our friend Hugh Fulford’s page which is always very timely and very informative.
12/30….Happy New Year to you; thanks for checking with the Announcements page of this website which has now averaged over 5,000 viewings per month for the year for the first time!! The addition of the pages for Charleston, Crockett and Ford’s Well has brought more visitors than ever. God bless you as you faithfully ‘wait’ upon the Lord. Remember the word study for the word ‘wait’ means more than serving….it means to intertwine with the Lord and strengthen ourselves as we serve (Isa. 40:31). Again, happy new year for 2012.
12/27…Song service and devotional thought were highlights of the brief Sunday night service. The good, Spiritual thoughts of song as well as the Word were blessings.
12/18….We sorrow with Larry Harper’s family at the passing Sunday of his Dad, Wilburn Harper of Milan, TN. His decline in health is well noted and his family caregivers have done so well. Visitation is Tuesday evening 6 till 8 and the memorial service is at 2 pm on Wednesday at the Main Street Church in Milan. //Hope your holiday season is one that brings ‘good will and peace’ toward mankind. God bless.
12/12….PaDaddy Strahan, 96, who labored so long (till age 83) as the consumate fuel delivery man for Sayle Oil Company passed away Sunday morning. He was so appreciated in Charleston and surrounding area. Daughters Ann, Donna and Linda cared so well for him and he surpassed 95 years even after terrible war wounds suffered in WW II in Europe. He loved his Bible as well and learned to go beyond just being a ‘good person’ and obey the Lord as Cornelius had done of Acts 10 in the New Testament. God bless his memory for each of us. Memorial service is a Newsom Funeral Home, Tuesday, 1 pm (Dec. 13).
12/3….Condolences for the Lipe and Taylor families in the news of the passing of ‘Baby’ Taylor, age 85, sister of Belle Lipe and fellow citizen of Pope, MS. What an outstanding sister she has been and reminds me so much of the wonderful mother they all enjoyed in Mrs. Newman. Memorial service is being planned and will be announced by Wells Funeral Home who is in charge of the plans. We will miss her and her helpfulness in everyway. //Had a good group attend the Teacher’s Seminar this morning at Batesville church auditorium. 48 minutes of suggestions regarding class management is now recorded. May God bless the efforts of this annual Last Lectureship (format is Seminar: Presentation of Information followed by intense and direct questions) of the year. Next year, Lord willing, Techniques of Personal Work will be the topic of the Seminar. //Mickey Beam will be with us shortly after the first of the year to help “Officially Open the 43rd Year of the *School*. He and LeAnn moved today to Mooreville, MS to their new house; he now preaches at the Berea congregation in the Booneville area. Such a Biblilcal scholar as well as so practical a student is Mickey.
11/29….Word which came yesterday of the passing of Jake Matthews brought many memories of a faithful deacon and member at Charleston in years gone bye. Visitation time is Tuesday night (5 till 8) at Womble Funeral Home there and Memorial service is planned for Wednesday (30th) at 1 pm. Our condolences to any of his loved ones and the brethren who once knew him.
11/23…God’s blessings are abundant within our lives; thanksgiving is more than a day for all of us, really. The plans for the future seminar to be conducted in the auditorium of the Batesville church is December 3rd at 10 am. The seminar Better Bible Classes will begin at 10a.m.and I’ll stay with those who have questions till whenever. May God bless the effort: The Seminar begins with ‘How to Start A Class’ ‘Sectionizing the Class Presentations and Handwork’ and ‘Studying for the Bible Class So Truth Will Be Taught’.
11/20…Once again the passing of a friend has become news in my hometown of Kosciusko; a man 88 years of age who seemed ageless in his acts of service with the church there, Ray Gilbert, has passed at his home. Visitation time and memorial service is planned for Monday afternoon at 1 and 2 pm at the So Huntingdon Street church building. May God bless his good and memories for all.//Hope all continues well with Jim Carr in the adjustment to his new pacemaker so he can go about his service in the Batesville area. //I’ll be glad to preach, Lord willing, at Charleston today.
11/16…What a tribute for a grand Christian lady at Henderson, TN yesterday morning at 11. Rubye Morton passed away last Friday at 11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month in this 2011th year and lacked only 11 days being 99! How ’bout this! Brethen Charles Smith, Ben Flatt, Roy Sharp and Keith Danley spoke words of encouragement to us all about his grand life with words and the leading of congregational songs “Amazing Grace”, “When We All Get To Heaven” and “Victory In Jesus”. She and her husband were wed for 72 1/2 years! He passed away at the close of 2008. A blessed couple who served to be a blessing for others. //In addition, I became aware of the passing of Mrs. Bryan, Harry and Linda Pitcock’s mother. She was the greeter at Baptist Hospital in Oxford for years and gave us information of room locations. She was also the last member to pass away from the Orwood State Championship Girls Basketball team of the 1930s! Another member of that team was Hal Johnson’s mother, Lois Palmertree Johnson. Her husband worked on the railroad with our Floyd Barger back when Floyd and Mimi lived in Oxford. She was a hearty, strong and gifted woman and mother. We will miss her presence as she helped everyone around her for so many years. God bless you all of the Bryan family.
11/14….Our condolences are expressed to the Walker family in the passing of Danny’s mother; visitation is in Grenada (Garner-Harper Funeral Home) tonight with a 10 am eulogy service on Tuesday. What a lady of class! I know she will be missed; health had vastly declined since the large stroke a few weeks ago. //Again, thanks for everyone who made my visit to Nashville enjoyable. Here’s to you Tonya, Rita and Porceia who met in worship at 5:30 am and gave me nothing but encouraging words along with Bruce Pate, the Burketts, the Ellers, and Brethen Proctor, Campbell and Grimes. //The theatre play of Will and Ella Grace’s in Alamo was so well done in the musical form; the timing, words, diction and thrust of the actors were excellent. Congrats! to all. //My visit with Paul Sparks was met with tears, smiles, laughter and song. His caregiver, Debbie, greeted Bruce and me at the door. We talked awhile about events and people some 40 plus years ago; we sang hymns to the fullest of our voices and, yet, his illness of short memory is with him. He is my mentor in preaching the gospel. I never once heard him deliver a poor sermon; always timely, always with force, always interesting. But, just now, they are sermons of yesteryear recalled with gusto and a little hesitation. I needed this visit with him; I need to prepare for the possibility of that day he asked me to conduct quite some time ago. That, he has not forgotten. With his help, he wanted me to become the best I could be on the local congregational level. His drills are always with me; his techniques of deliver are still practiced by me; he is still my teacher. //I’m sure Michael Briscoe and Bates did well filling in at Charleston yesterday Thanks.//
11/7…Please keep Steve Hentz’s mother in your prayers as she is in the Oxford hospital dealing with some studies at this time. //And, prayers for Michael Bates should be conducted as he leads the Calvary Hill congregation in the Gospel meetings this week through Thursday at 7:00 each night.
The Grief Management study was recorded in the auditorium at Charleston this morning by rdrawson. The cd will be in readiness, Lord willing, by the week’s end. Several requested copies are already in hand. //The Veteran’s Memorial Day on Friday at 11 am is in the 2011 year this time. I have been asked to serve as emcee of the event at the downtown Exchange Club monument once again and am honored to do this part. The Women’s Club of Batesville continues to collect names for the Washington Monument for Female Veterans and will list some local names at the event. Also, old and ragged and faded flags should be brought for collection by the Scouts for the special Ceremonial Retirement of the Colors at a later time. A box for the worn out flags will be present for collection.
11/6….A special seminar lecture/discussion occurs tomorrow (the 7th) at 10 am in the Charleston church building on the subject ‘Grief Management’. This recording will be done at that time. God bless the effort.
10/31…..We sorrow with the Edlin family at the passing of Danny, age 54. Hal Johnson did an exellent eulogy this morning at Wells funeral home.//Life can be brief as illustrated by the sudden deaths of 3 Ole Miss students, ages 18 and 19 at Vaiden at 8:30 am Sunday morning. They were headed back to Oxford to go to church with their fraternity group when their vehicle veered into the median and overturned down to highway 35. I’ve passed by that bridge thousands of time in my life and know of the sudden appearance of deer on the Interstate. The driver may have in reaction lost control….just a possiblity. No drugs or alcohol were involved and each was wearing his seatbelt; they are described from Jackson as steller young men from sterling families who were boyhood friends in Madison Central and went to Ole Miss together; they are forever young together now.
10/24….I am sorrowed to hear of the passing of bro. J Marlin Ivey of Kosciusko; faithful member of the church there and servant of others, he has passed at age 75. Memorial service is Monday at 11 am at the J B Hayes Center on campus of Magnolia Bible College and South Huntingdon St church. His son, Joe, Jr. will preside along with Les Ferguson, Cecil May Danny May and John Pigg.
10/19….I regret that so many brethren in the area of Charleston could not attend and thereby encourage the brethren in the meeting with Ted Knight; but, I am sure we all did what we could and the few who came from other conregations were extremely blessed by the biblical preaching and the excellent songleading of J Pace.
The meetings closed tonight with the visitation of many from Enid and Jackson’s Grove which pushed our crowd toward 40 instead of the 20 local brethren in attendance. We enjoyed 23 on Sunday morning and 20 of these came back on Monday and Tuesday evenings. We really needed encouragement which a few provided but there are so many more needed.
10/15….Congrats to Liberty Heights church in the addition of 4 new members last Monday; Bro. Eddie did a fine sermon Monday night as well as bro. Walter did excellent songleading.//Don’t forget the Gospel Meeting at Charleston next week with Ted Knight..Sunday 10 and 11 with night service at Enid singing at 5; Monday through Wednesday is 7 each evening. //Outstanding camp board meeting today with new plans for the future development and year round camping possibilities to be announced next February, 2012. // Bro. Price Darby enjoyed a 90th birthday celebration luncheon today as well; was in good spirit and good health today and greeting everyone with a smile and kind word.
10/6…Excellent sermons on the book of Philippians by Tom in Sardis as well as Keith at Looxahoma this week; meeting at Looxahoma closes tonight at 7:00. They would love to welcome you there. Saw coach Woods last night and enjoyed speaking with him about football, church and family. He’s such a fine Christian man.
Northwest Community College knocked out of the playoffs this year, it seems, by about 6 plays. He really has a quality team.
10/2….Had a wonderful time with bunches and bunches of people at both the Exchange Club’s fall pancake breakfast and the Show Me Car Show downtown where each parking space was carried back in time with a shiny clonker parked on Saturday. //Let’s ‘love the brotherhood (I John 4) this month as much as we can and support the good events in the area (take your Bible)…….
9.30….Lots of oppportunities to grow in the knowledge of Grace and Truth via preaching services at:
Sardis…Oct. 2-5….7 pm each night including Sunday w/ Tommy Maham guest speaker
Berclair (No. Memphis)……2–5, 7 pm w/ Bill Pratt
Looxahoma (Tate County..Hwy, 4 East)….2–6, 7 pm M–Th w/ Keith Mosher, guest speaker
Nesbit church, (DeSota County)….9–12 M-W w/ Wayne Rodgers, guest speaker
Charleston (Tallahatchie County…Hwy. 32 East)….16–19, 7 pm M-Wed w/ Ted Knight
Getwell, Spiritual Sword Lectureship….(So Memphis, north of I-40 at Getwell and Dunn St)…16-20 Daily 9 am till 7 pm various speakers each hour with a break for lunch and supper; great singing at 6:30 each day)….
9/28…..On this birthday of Jerry Clower, it’s good to reflect on someone who brought humor to us all without vulgaries and profanities! Scores of humorous albums without a cuss word found on any of them. We can behave can’t we; thank the Lord for His help for us all. //Grand lectureship on Monday past. I was able to present A Better Marriage lecture as I had rehearsed and I thank the Lord for this. Ming Hu Chang and his good wife came to speak in the 1 pm service; he did an excellent delievery on the same topic with application to the ‘Essence of Marriage–Real Love (Committment). Thanks for all who came as we recorded this lectureship (we found out by accident many years ago that having someone or 30 someones in the audience gives a noticable difference in the recording rather than recording to bare walls….don’t know why, but tis true!) as well as enjoyed lunch with us….thanks for all helpers.
9/24….My home computer died and the motherboard being replaced has brought need for finding cds
to add on the programs and file reading again. What a need for patience!; Have finished the mailing project to the reunion folks of Hollandale as of last Monday, 19th,; Bruce as listened with interest and we have spoken via phone to him in Antioch, TN. ; the *tr school is still going well; many letters have come and are retrieved via the quarantine of my e-mail program because these so rarely come to me. Tomorrow, I’ll be speaking in Charleston, MS (Lord willing, of course) at the a.m. service (11) and I have arranged for missionary Louis Rushmore and wife Bonnie, to speak tomorrow evening (5 ) on the 25th; how ’bout the 52 degrees for the overnight low? Fall can not be far behind and I’ve prayered that Fall be moderate instead of a quick jump into Extreme Winter temps this year (please, Lord). How ’bout your prayers?
9/13…A full house of family and friends of the Floyd family assembled for the memorial on Monday afternoon. God bless his family. //John Grubb is preaching a meeting series at Coldwater till Wednesday
at 7:00 each night. He served as missionary in the China area for many years; haven’t seen him in a long time. //Am beginning work on cds of the Hollandale reunion sermons and singing today, Lord willing. A few projects of this type await the remainder of this month till we get to the last Monday, Sept. 26th when Ming-Hu (South Korean preacher) and I will do the special lectureship sermons Re: Better Marriage.
9/11…Bro. Floyd’s memorial service will be at National Funeral Home in Grenada, MS (Hwy. 51 So) on Monday, the 12th, at 1:00 pm following a visitation time from 11:30 till 1:00 that day. He was 88 and
his wife, Jewel, is under assisted care in Grenada. Our condolences for them all. //The Diana singing was outstanding with over 3,000 singers present on Friday night (the 9th).//Grandparents Day on the 9th was excellent as well; saw all four of our living grandchildren in school settings. The librarian had an idea of a Bookfare on the same day in the gym….resulted in an extra $11 per grandchild for a good book desired. We got off cheap I was told. God bless the effort. //Heard that bro. Brad did a fine job this morning at Charleston in lieu of the sickness of the guest preacher today. I’m so grateful he could and did serve.
9/9…We sorrow at the news of the passing of Naomi McWilliams on Monday; God bless her memory and her good family here in Batesville. //The Hollandale homecoming was well attended with almost 50 on Monday night and almost 20 on Tuesday night; the Wednesday night visit to the old building was met with 25 in attendance. Many compliments were enjoyed for Bruce and me; and, we believe some souls made things right with the Lord at the sermon times. The singing was outstanding with approximately 10 songs at each service. I led on Monday night and the new preacher at South Main Street in Greenville led on Tuesday night, Danny Holman.
The Leroy Percy State Park lodge building was very nice in which to hold the the first two nights of service.
//Word came of the passing of bro. Bob Floyd just Wednesday night; a memorial service is being planned to be held on Monday, most likely, at Grenada. Bob’s family has heard him speak of me often and have asked me to speak the eulogy address at that time. Sister Jewel, his wife, is in extra sorrow; she’s in a nursing facility in Grenada. Sons, David, who preaches at Water Valley, as well as Larry who lives in California are skilled young men and appreciated for whom they are and what they do in life. May God bless his memory. Bob served the Batesville church as preacher back in the mid-’70s.
.We are in prayer for the Carr family and the Holliman family at the news of Dianne’s sister, Mrs. Naomi
McWilliams, of Houston, TX now in grave conditioin in the IC unit of the hospital there. Word as of Friday afternoon is somewhat better as to her kidney function and an external heart pacemaker has helped as well. Let’s pray for her continued progress. As a by-line of history: Her own mother’s passing took place about this time of the year back in 2002 (Mrs. Pearl V Hollliman -90- graveside out from Crenshaw 9/19)
9/2…..Jim Fortune is recovering from surgery. Matsy Lauderdale is recovering from lung surgery.
Thank You notes posted in foyer recently are from Inez Miller & Carolyn Hazelip.
Mrs. Annie Swindle is doing great after her surgery at Oxford last week.
Our sympathy to the Rinehart family in the passing of Hank’s mother, Sarah ‘Joyce’ Rinehart, on Thursday night.
8/29….Please keep Jim Fortune in your prayers as he had some pains over the weekend and is undergoing special surgery today at the Oxford hospital. You may send card via: Baptist Hospital Memorial, 2301 So Lamar, Oxford, Ms 38655. Of course, this is sudden. He was enjoying Friday Fun Friday at lunch las week. We all pray for his recovery as quickly as the illness came upon him. God bless him. //Enjoyed being back at Charleston yesterday to continue 1 Timothy chaptes 4 and 5 in the sermons. Also, learned of the Gospel Meeting next week , Sept 4 thru 7 with Tommy Mahan at the Elliott church. 7 p.m. each night. I hate to miss it, but will be in the meetings at Hollandale each night starting with the 5th at 7 each night.
//Looking forward to bro Milton Sewell on Wednesday night here in Batesville at 7 pm. He’s such a fine Christian eductor and example.
8/24c…Well there she was tonight; a wonderful sight at the Summer Series featuring husband, Mark Lindley, speaking on the topic of ‘Controlling Anger’. She is Kim. But, more than this to me…..I saw her grandmother, Sister Coleman, standing there and asked about her mother who passed away a couple of years ago, Lettie. I was taken back to our Ruleville days and her grandmother’s conversion. Yes, I was there along with my mentor in preaching, Paul Sparks who was local preacher at Indianola during those days. Kim grew up to meet and marry Mark and they were here in Batesville tonight. There are a couple of aunts who remain in this unique and good family. Her grandfather, Leon Coleman, was one great friend of the delta. They are now passed to live beyond this veil, but, tonight Kim took me back and I, once again, am so grateful for every Bible study and everyone reached for the Lord in the delta. Kim and Mark serve well the Chapman congregation in northeast MS. He did a fine presentation mixed with questions and comments. It’s been a good series and continues again next week.
8/24b….Visitation time for Sandra Aikins of Holly Springs will be at the funeral home there at Noon and memorial service will begin at 2 pm today. Her helpfulness at Sardis Lake Christian Camp with the sessions was
so important in those formative years. May God bless her legacy she has left us from those days when the
campus was ‘green’–solar heated water tanks, amphitheatre bonfires, no a/c anywhere, but love for young people everywhere. That was Sandy! Never shall forget her spiritual ways at SLCC for me.
8/24….Jay Lockhart,now of Tyler, Texas, and formerly of Benton, KY is guest preacher at Sherman church just north of Hwy. 78 throug