Texas Baptist Men involved in ‘God’s activity’

Posted: 11/18/05

Texas Baptist Men involved in 'God's activity'

By Emily Row

AUSTIN–God has placed Texas Baptist Men squarely in the middle of his activity in the world, TBM Executive Director Leo Smith told a rally prior to the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting.

Volunteers at the Nov. 13 event shared stories of ministering around the globe through TBM, focusing particularly on encounters with the victims of hurricanes Emily, Katrina, Rita and Stan. The vast needs spread disaster relief teams thin, leaders said.

When the need for more help became apparent, Tommy Dulin of First Baptist Church in Harlingen built a new unit to serve the influx of people coming to San Antonio. In less than 72 hours, a kitchen was serving 22,000 meals a day.

TBM volunteers also served members of the Mexican Army who came to assist in San Antonio. About 60 members of the army accepted Christ while serving in San Antonio, missions leaders reported.

Texas Baptists provided disaster relief in Mexico, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. In all, TBM volunteers served more than 2 million meals in 2005 through their disaster relief ministry.

Rally testimonies went beyond hurricane victims and disaster relief. Bill Pigott of Livingston reported TBM Retiree Builders completed 68 building projects this year.

Retiree Builders consider their projects a beginning place for God's work to continue after they leave a construction site, he said, adding that certainly is the case at My Father's House in Lubbock.

One resident of My Father's House–a residential job-training program for low-income women–said in a video testimony. “I didn't know that there was a God who cared about me. I didn't know that there are people who could love me unconditionally. … My goal is to show other women that God has a plan for them.”