Today in the Bible class I teach (8th graders), we listened to the following teaching of Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church, Seattle, exposing several of the Proverbs that relate to friendship. I thought the teaching was very sound and practical.

Many of my students drifted off to sleep, however. After it was over, one groggy boy said, “That guy put us all to sleep.” To which I respond, “The problem is not with the guy.” I encourage you to listen and choose your friends carefully.

Proverbs: Friendship at Mars Hill Church

At the Braves Spring Training game yesterday, catcher Brian McCann sent a line drive bullet into the face of Luis Salazar who was standing in the Brave’s dugout area. The impact was devastating, sending the coach into an immediate unconscious state, and nearly taking his life.

Salazar was airlifted to a local hospital in Orlando, where today he underwent surgery as a means of repairing some of the damage to his face.

Salazar played12 year Major League seasons, and has worked as a hitting coach since 1992 with various minor league teams. He was recently named the new manager of the Braves Class A (advanced) team the Lynchburg Hillcats.

I encourage readers to stop now and pray the Lord’s grace on Coach Salazar and his family during a terribly difficult time. Take a moment and pray for Brian as well, who is a gentle giant and, I’m sure, feels horrible that the line drive came off his bat.