For eighty-three years the Ministry of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has set on a table of love, supported by three legs of service, honor, and representation. We are commanded of the Lord to have both horizontal and vertical love. Hear the words of Jesus: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matt. 22:37-39) Love has been the fuel for our journey, and the glue that has kept us together. We are, and have always been, proud to be servants of the most High God. The Apostle Paul states it so well in Col. 3-22, 23: “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservices, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Again, Paul says: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11) To honor, is to esteem, or regard highly. Our God is worthy of honor, glory and majesty, dominion and power are His. The doxology given by Paul in1 Timothy 1:17, so speaks of God’s love for Friendship for these eighty-three years, therefore we must join him: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Amen, so let it be.

Since 1940, when Friendship was organized and had worship services in a Brush-Arbor on Boss Gaston Road, God has been faithful! He has brought us “all the way.” Truly, if it had not been for the Lord who was on our side, the enemy would have destroyed us.  We recognize that we represent the Triune God in a sinful world, we are ambassadors for Christ. We praise God for our eighty-three years of service, and that that service honors God, for we are His workmanship.

Be blessed.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Dear One,

It is good to know that as a child of the Most High, we are entitled to the “isness” of God.  What, you say, is the “isness” of God? Glad you asked.  Let me share with you from the word of God, the “isness” of God.  During fearful times, whatever is the cause. sickness, uncertainty, fear of rejection, intimidation, whatever.  We can conquer fear by using the bright liberating light of the Lord who brings salvation.  If you want to dispel the darkness of fear and the doom and gloom of this sin sick society, remember this: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1) During these chaotic times where crime is unabated and there is danger everywhere; a lack of integrity is common place.  Even the weather contributes to our sense of despair.  Fear not, dear ones: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1)  As a child of God, we should always have an attitude of gratitude.  In everything, thankfulness to God should constantly be on the lips of those whom He has saved. “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 107:1) The ultimate “isness.”  For God is Good His faithful love endures forever. (NLT)  God is good: receive it, believe it and live a blessed life.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

 P.S. Happy Birthday Sister Jones!

What is it about Friendship that seems so “friendly”? We have had countless visitors who say after having visited our church “You people really live up to your name.” While this pastor is always gratified to receive such reports, we are not at all surprised, to the contrary, that is our expectation. Proverbs 18:24 tells us “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Let’s unpack that statement. Lonely people need friends who will stick close, listen, care, and offer help when it is needed, in good times and bad. What is not helpful are superficial acquaintances. This pastor believes that the source of our friendliness is people with the “Joy of Jesus.” Let me explain, St. Paul tells us in Romans 5:11: “…but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” All people are sinful, and sin deserves punishment. Instead of punishing us with the death we deserve, however, Christ took our sins upon Himself and paid the price for us with His own death. Now we can “Joy in God.” Through faith in His work, we become His friends rather than being enemies. And you know that any friend of God is a friend of ours. The essence of “Joy in Jesus” is manifested in caring, concern and loving. Thank you, Friendship for being who you are, children of the most high God.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Dear Ones,

Please allow me to make one more observation concerning the Jubilee Gala. I think you will agree with me that the planning and the execution of the event was impeccable, Having said that, there was part of that plan that I will liken to Jesus making provisions for the care of His mother (John 19:26, 27) or Mordecai with Hadassah, that is Esther. (Esther: 2:7 ) In each of these instances, something very personal was done to accommodate a need. As most of you know, Sister Jones has some mobility issues. With that in mind, this wonderful committee included in their plans provisions to address her lack of mobility. How caring, how loving, and how thoughtful.  From this pastor’s heart to each of the committee members, thank you for caring enough to do your very best. (What you do for the pastor’s wife, you have done it for the pastor.)

 Just a footnote: “The opportunities we have are more important than the ones we wish we had.”  The wise man tells us to “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” (Eccl. 11:1) To God be the glory! Again, thank you for loving and caring.

Let us continue.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Question: How do you describe the indescribable?  What words can you use that will adequately describe the Jubilee Gala that was held at the Quail Valley City Centre on Saturday, August 12, 2023? For this pastor to response to the enormity of the Gala does indeed place him on the horns of a dilemma.  Having said that, let’s try.  First of all, the Gala reflected a love of pastor and his family. Colossians 3:14: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”  Christians should live in perfect harmony (“perfectness”).  Such love is not a feeling, but a decision to be a blessing. (Know this, dear ones, that love is reciprocated.)  It was obvious that  great thought  and a lot of hard work went into bringing this Gala to fruition.  This effort had to be Holy Spirit inspired.  To God be the glory.  Secondly, the Gala reflected “Christian Class” i.e. The ability to be Godly in a  social setting.  There were over two hundred people in attendance and not a hint of trouble. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) The Gala made the church a positive example to the world.  “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)  The venue was a great choice, and the ambiance was perfect.  Again, we want to thank the loving, caring members of the Pastor’s Aide Committee for your outpouring of love as you put together an outstanding anniversary program and culminating in the marvelous Jubilee Gala.  In a summary statement. “Friendship you really blessed your pastor.

The Lord bless all of you.

Pastor J. Amos Jones