True friends do not often come along. Forty five years ago, Nancy and I met a Young couple in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Ed and Sheila Snider. There was an immediate friendship forged between the four of us. Our friendship has been true and lasting. Our friendship has been centered in our lives as Christians. We have served together for many years. Bro. Ed and I served together at Glendale Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I became the pastor of Shawnee Baptist Church in 1972 and Bro. Ed joined me there as my Associate Pastor in 1976. I can hardly think of a task he did not perform at Shawnee during those years. When I left Shawnee after 37 years Bro. Ed remained and continues on staff to this day.

Bro. Ed has been battling cancer for a number of years. For the last year this battle has intensified. He has gone through surgery and numerous treatments including chemotherapy. This has been very difficult on his wife Sheila, his children and grandchildren. Please pray for them.

I know it has been very difficult for Bro. Ed as well. Although when he is able to communicate he has been upbeat, positive and praising the Lord. He has been in and out of treatment including hospitalization and surgeries. He is in the hospital as I write this post and in very urgent need of prayer. At this time he is scheduled to have surgery tomorrow, Thursday March 27, 2014 at 2:00 PM Eastern time. I know that you will be reading this from many areas of the country. Many of you know the Sniders and love them as we do.

Would you please take some time and pray for my dear friend. Pray that if it could be God’s will that he would give healing and strength to this faithful and loyal servant of Christ.

James 5:16c, “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”