Texas Baptist Missions Foundation honors three laypersons_111504

Posted: 11/12/04

Texas Baptist Missions Foundation honors three laypersons

By Felicia Fuller

For Texas Baptist Communications

SAN ANTONIO–Three Texas Baptists whose ministries focus on the health and well-being of children and families were recognized by the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation.

The foundation honored Delores Kube with the Innovator Award for creativity in missions; Wayne Grant, the Pioneer Award for service in missions; and Babs Baugh, the Adventurer Award for leadership in missions.

The three were honored at a luncheon during the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual session in San Antonio.

“It's just a real honor that God even permits us to be part of his work,” said Kube. “I find it extremely rewarding just to know that I can be on mission for God, helping to be a facilitator of changing lives.”

Kube, who describes her work as “part missions, part social work,” serves as director of community ministries at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas. Her ministry in Texas began more than four decades ago when she served as a Home Mission Board summer missionary stationed in one of Dallas' most blighted neighborhoods.

Over the years, she has helped empower families in crisis by providing humanitarian aid, organizing health and dental clinics and teaching literacy classes. She also is noted for devising creative strategies to keep children off the streets and in the Scriptures.

“The work I do is for the glory of God … for Kingdom building,” she said.

The Innovator Award is given to a church or individual who has created a model for missions that others can adopt.

Previous recipients include First Baptist churches of Houston, Arlington, Midland and El Paso, Paul and Katy Piper, Pioneer Baptist Church of Rising Star, Otto Arrango, Donna Dee Floyd and Shirley Madden.

Grant, this year's Pioneer Award winner, is a pediatrician, child development specialist and author who has served children and families for more than 30 years.

He is a clinical faculty member of the University of Texas at San Antonio Medical School and formerly served as medical director of the South Texas Children's Habilitation Center.

Among his book credits are “Growing Parents Growing Children,” “The Caring Father” and “Strategies for Success–How To Help Your Child With Attention Deficit Disorder.”

The Pioneer Award goes to a long-time leader in missions or someone who has played a key role in beginning mission work that impacted Texas Baptist life. Previous recipients include A.B. White, Olen Miles, Charles McLaughlin, Elmin Howell, Bob Dixon, John LaNoue, Bill Pinson, Cotton Bridges, and Delbert and Mary Lou Serrat

Adventurer Award recipient Baugh has posted a service career as vice chairman of Baptist Child and Family Services and a board member of the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs and Texas Baptists Committed, as well as the Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio.

Previous responsibilities include the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Coordinating Council, Christian Education Coordinating Board and Baptist Child and Family Services Foundation. She directs the SonShine Singers, a group of vocalists who minister through song to nursing home residents throughout Texas.

She presides over the John and Eula Mae Baugh Foundation.

The Adventurer Award honors an individual who has advanced missions through direction of significant mission activities, outstanding financial support or leadership in ministry opportunities.

Previous recipients include Drayton McLane, Joe and Jayne Harper, Herbert Reynolds, John and Eula Mae Baugh, Noble and Jane Hurley, E. W. “Bud” Hudgens, Fred Roach, Harold Ellis and First Baptist Church in Plains.