Around the State: DBU students travel for spring break missions

Three teams of Dallas Baptist University students served during spring break. One group traveled to South Padre Island to participate in the Baptist General Convention of Texas sponsored Beach Reach, while another flew to Chile to minister to students at Temuco Baptist College. At third team went to Florida to help with Habitat for Humanity—some at a construction site and others at Habitat ReStore location where they sorted clothes and rearranged furniture. The Habitat construction crew is pictured above. 

A team of eight from East Texas Baptist University traveled to Children at a small village school put into practice a lesson taught by ETBU students on hand washing techniques. (Photo by Kayla Cradit/ETBU)Belize where they partnered with Hope Springs Water and the Belize Training Center where they refurbished a well, taught personal hygiene to children and told Bible stories. 

Buckner Children and Family Services is partnering with other local agencies to present a free foster care and adoption information expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25 at Buckner’s office at 5200 Buckner Boulevard. For more information, click here.

Glenn Bickerdike received East Texas Baptist University’s 2015 Sam B. Hall Jr. Civic Service Award during the lecture series’ banquet. Bickerdike, a former ETBU trustee, received a blown-crystal cup in commemoration. He is a deacon at Immanuel Baptist Church in Marshall. 

Howard Payne University’s music department will present a concert April 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre in New Braunfels. Titled “A Joyful Heart,” tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. To purchase tickets, click here.

Howard Payne University held a “Spring into Howard Payne University rock climbing instructor Leslie King assists Dominic Packer, an HPU freshman from Austin, with a hanging challenge at the HPU “Spring into Health Fair.”Health Fair” for faculty, staff and students. The second annual health fair featured health screenings, demonstrations, exhibits, games and a variety of giveaways. Pictured, HPU rock climbing instructor Leslie King assists Dominic Packer, an HPU freshman from Austin, with a hanging challenge.

Wayland Baptist University students Olivia Bybee of Amarillo and Lauren Chase of Claude visited the state capitol to lobby for continuation of the Tuition Equalization Grant, a program that helps private school students attend the university of their choice. The grant helps low- and middle-income Texas residents offset the cost of private school tuition, with an average grant of $3,380.

Anniversaries

Jeremy Shepherd, fifth, as pastor of First Baptist Church in Thorndale.

Phil Christopher, 20th, as pastor of First Baptist Church in Abilene.

First Baptist Church in Lott, 125th, May 16-17. Saturday’s activities begin at 4 p.m. with registration, a slideshow presentation and a memorabilia display. At 6 p.m., the will be a musical presentation by past and current members. Sunday will include a meal after the morning service followed by a service conducted by former pastor Randy Osborn. Stephen James is pastor. 

Retiring

Reby Lawler, as minister of childhood education and women’s ministries at Shearer Hills Baptist Church in San Antonio.

Elaine Walbrick, as pianist of South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena after 32 years of service.

Ordained

Darin Davis to the ministry at First Baptist Church in Amarillo. He is pastor of Blue Ridge Baptist Church in Marlin.

Dave Anfenson to the ministry at Calder Baptist Church in Beaumont. He is a chaplain for Texas Home Health Hospice in Beaumont.