East Texas Baptist University hosted its annual Women’s Summit, March 3-4. The summit featured Bible Study curriculum specialist and Bible teacher Leah Holder Green. Green delivered a powerful message on the foundational aspects of where women should find their identity as followers of Christ. “A lot of the identity traps we come into are because we are searching for something we already have in God,” Green said. “Our desire is to be seen, accepted, valued, and worthy. When we do not understand that we already have these things in God, we go searching for them outside of Him.” ETBU women’s ministry director Katee McKnight said the Women’s Summit is “always such a special time filled with sacred moments where women on our campus are reminded of and embrace their identity in Christ, strengthen their spiritual foundations, and learn and grow from one another through fellowship.”
Howard Payne University alumna Mary Helen Ceniceros (deceased) and current student Angela Romero-Puente were honored at the Shine Conference, an event presented by the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas (Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas) for women of all ages and held in San Antonio February 23-24. Jordan Villanueva, HPU’s assistant to the president for Hispanic relations and instructor of Christian studies, attended on behalf of HPU. “These two ladies have demonstrated leadership among our Hispanic Baptist churches,” Villanueva said. “It is an honor to celebrate legacies and leadership among our Latinas in Texas.”
Hardin-Simmons University received a $2,000,000 endowment from an anonymous donor, Feb. 6, dedicated to supporting and empowering future generations of physician assistant students. Vicki House, associate vice president for advancement, expressed deep appreciation, stating, “Thanks to the generosity of this foundation, our PA students can pursue their dreams with less financial challenges.” The ongoing commitment of this generous donor to Christian higher education serves as a powerful testament to their legacy of enriching the lives of countless individuals and embodying the spirit of giving.
Houston Christian University and Grand Valley State University signed an agreement March 7 that opens pathways for HCU students to earn master’s degrees at GVSU in engineering and the sciences. HCU president Robert Sloan said this is a remarkable opportunity for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees. B. Donta Truss, vice president for enrollment development and educational outreach at GVSU said, “We are proud to recognize HCU as the first Hispanic-Serving Institution in the consortium.”
Howard Payne University will host its annual Spring Family Reunion on Saturday, March 23. The public is invited to join alumni and students for a day of fun on the campus, including music, games and food. Admission to the event is free of charge, and no registration is necessary. Individuals are invited to stop by the campus anytime during the events to join the festivities. The HPU Alumni Association Virtual 5K run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the Mabee University Center on the HPU campus. Registration is $40 per person and a portion will go to support student-focused events and scholarships. Register at www.hputx.edu/alumni/hpu-spring-family-reunion.
Nonprofit senior living provider Buckner Retirement Services was declared the prevailing party to acquire The Stayton at Museum Way, a Fort Worth senior living community. The Stayton will be the seventh senior living community owned and operated by Buckner in Texas. The anticipated closing date for the purchase is June 2024, but may occur as soon as late April. The Stayton at Museum Way is an 11-story life care senior living community west of downtown Fort Worth. Previously managed by Lifespace Communities Inc., The Stayton consists of 188 independent living units, 42 assisted living units, 20 memory care units and 46 nursing units.
Dallas Baptist University President Adam Wright recently met with Valentin Siniy, president of the Tavriski Christian Institute, founded in Kherson, Ukraine, in 1997. TCI was the first Christian institution to receive state accreditation. During their 25th year, a student was killed, all five buildings of their campus and their library were destroyed in the Russian invasion destroyed. The Russians occupied their campus and used it as a crematorium. Despite Russian persecution of Baptist Christians in Ukraine, Siniy has seen churches with 20 members before the war grow to more than 100 members who cannot fit in their church buildings anymore, and nonbelievers are coming to Jesus in Ukraine. “We as Christians need to remember that there is hope amidst the war,” Siniy said. Through it all, TCI has survived and continues living out its mission. They relocated their campus 600 miles to the west and established dorms, a cafeteria and bomb shelter, and more. They also continue to assist their country with humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Siniy’s No. 1 need is prayer, specifically for a new campus in the Kyiv area, air heaters and firewood for their dorms, and books to rebuild their destroyed library.
Anniversary
Elmo Johnson celebrated 40 years as pastor of Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church in the Fourth Ward of Houston and as a community leader in Houston’s Fourth Ward.
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Retirement
John F. Thomas retired as senior pastor of Forreston Baptist Church in Forreston, effective Feb. 18, 2024, after five years of service there.
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