Around the State: ETBU hockey travels to Sweden

The East Texas Baptist University hockey team departed Texas for Sweden in December as part of ETBU’s Tiger Athletic Mission Experience. The trip was the 22nd for ETBU athletics under the TAME initiative and the second international mission for the Tiger hockey team, following their 2019 trip to Slovakia. In partnership with the International Sports Federation, Salt Factory Sports and Sport for Life, the team engaged in ministry, service and cultural exchange during the week. Senior Dominic Desjardins reflected on their mission work: “It was exciting to play hockey in Sweden and have the opportunity to share with the players on the opposing team after the game. It’s incredible to see how hockey can be a bridge to sharing the love of Christ and connecting with others.” Team members immersed themselves in Swedish culture—participating in prayerwalks, sharing meals and engaging in youth outreach activities. Junior Tim Ruf emphasized the spiritual impact of the trip, stating: “God works through even the smallest connections. During this trip, I learned how the little things, like offering a listening ear or a simple invitation to church, can have a profound impact on someone’s life.” In addition to their ministry efforts, the team played hockey games against local teams, creating camaraderie and giving the Tigers an opportunity to share the gospel. After one game, opponents joined the ETBU players for pizza and conversations. The ETBU hockey team concluded their time in Sweden with outreach events and a floorball tournament with youth after church before returning to Texas.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor announced registration now is open for the spring 2025 semester at the UMHB Arts Academy. Participants of all ages and skill levels in music, theatre, visual arts and dance can discover the joy of the arts at the UMHB Arts Academy. The UMHB Arts Academy exists to provide quality, innovative arts instruction and experiences for all ages within a Christian environment, teaching skills and techniques that will enhance not only the lives of the students, but also the quality of life within the community. Classes include instrumental and vocal lessons, visual art workshops, musical theatre, dance and early childhood groups. With expert instructors, supportive programs and a welcoming environment, the UMHB Arts Academy is a place to build confidence and learn new skills. Enrollment is limited, and classes fill up quickly. Register at Registration-Arts Academy or call 254-295-4686 for more information.

Howard Payne University recently named Emily Attaway, certified public accountant, as chief financial officer and vice president for financial affairs. In her new role, Attaway will oversee the business office, financial affairs, financial aid, human resources, university events and facilities. Attaway graduated from HPU with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree as an accounting major with summa cum laude honors. She went on to earn her Master of Science degree in accounting and information management from the University of Texas at Dallas. She currently is enrolled in the Doctor of Business Administration program at Indiana Wesleyan University. At Howard Payne, she has been director of external reporting and special projects and assistant vice president for finance and administration. She was a member of the strategic planning committee for 2023-2028 and served as the co-chair of the strategic plan implementation committee. Attaway also serves as a volunteer with Hope Home Ministries and is an active member of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. Her husband Daniel is a 2008 graduate of HPU. They have four children.

The Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities at Baylor University requests help with a study launched last fall—the Family, Faith and Disability Project. The study is designed to help churches better understand and respond to the experiences and needs of parents of children with disabilities. The center needs to hear from 1,000 families across Texas and currently is about one quarter of the way to this goal. Parents of a child (under 18 years old) with disabilities, who currently attend a church—or have attended church within the last five years—are invited to sign-up for the survey at http://bcdd.soe.baylor.edu/faithfamilies. Spouses are encouraged to participate individually. Baylor University wants to learn from parents: “What has gone well? What could be better? What could churches do to welcome and support families like yours?” Para ver esta página en español, haz clic aquí. Additionally, Waco-area parents of a child with disabilities are invited to join an upcoming panel discussion on disability and the virtue of patience. The event will be held on the Baylor campus in Waco on Jan. 16, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Beckham Room of the Bill Daniel Student Center.

Wayland Baptist University’s Alpha Chi chapter has been recognized as a Notable Chapter for the 2023-2024 academic year, marking the fifth time the chapter has received this designation since 2015. The chapter previously earned this recognition in 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023. In addition, the Wayland chapter achieved the Star Chapter designation—a higher honor—three times, in 2016, 2017 and 2019. These honors reflect the chapter’s success in promoting scholarship and leadership under the guidance of Rebekah Crowe, dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences and professor of history. In her 10 years as the chapter’s sponsor, Wayland’s Alpha Chi chapter has been recognized eight times. Alpha Chi’s Notable Chapter Award recognizes chapters that demonstrate outstanding service, leadership and commitment to the society’s mission of promoting academic excellence and exemplary character.

Nancy Pearcey, professor of apologetics and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University, saw global recognition for her work grow in 2024. Pearcey delivered a keynote address at the Advance Global Gathering, attended by 500 pastors and other church leaders from 80 churches in 15 countries worldwide. After her presentation, Pearcey spoke with attendees who had read her books, from countries as diverse as the United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya and Madagascar. Pearcey also delivered keynote addresses at the Culture Shift Conference in Thun, Switzerland. The event was hosted by a consortium of Christian education organizations in Europe, and attended by 300 pastors, church leaders and students, primarily from Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Pearcey gave five presentations based on her books Love Thy Body, Total Truth and Finding Truth, and her latest book, The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Pearcey then spoke for an invitation-only event for the international office of Alliance Defending Freedom in Vienna, Austria, attended by European political and ministry leaders. She was asked to present on her book, Love Thy Body. In recent months, Pearcey’s books have continued to be translated into additional languages, most recently German, Hungarian, Latvian and Vietnamese. Her books have now been translated into 20 languages.

Anniversaries

Jan. 15 will be the 75th anniversary of Maurice Smith’s ordination to the ministry. Smith was ordained by the former Whon Baptist Church in Coleman County while a freshman at Howard Payne College (now University). Smith received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard Payne, and a Master of Divinity degree and Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served nearly 20 years as pastor of churches in Texas, including the Salem-Sayers Baptist Church in San Antonio, First Baptist Church in Santa Anna, First Baptist Church in Freer and Park Forest Baptist Church in Dallas. Smith and his late wife Evelyn served 10 years as Southern Baptist missionaries in Ghana and five years as home missionaries. Maurice also served an additional 10 years on the staff of the former Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He has been an adjunct professor for four seminaries and an adjunct instructor in three Baptist universities. He now lives in New Braunfels and is a member of First Baptist Church in San Antonio.

First Baptist Church in Richardson is celebrating 160 years with the ultimate block party Jan. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun and festivities, including bouncy inflatables for the kids, face painting, games for all ages and prizes.

Retirements

Michael Rodgers, Howard Payne University’s chief financial officer and vice president for finance and administration, retired at the end of 2024. Rodgers served in the position for eight years. During his time as CFO, Rodgers oversaw more than 40 building projects totaling more than $21 million, including the Newbury Family Welcome Center, renovations to the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom, construction on the new Ben and Bertha Mieth Outdoor Pavilion and others. Prior to his role at HPU, Rodgers served as vice president of business and chief financial officer at Criswell College in Dallas. He has held several administrative roles at First Baptist Academy in Dallas and All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler. He and his wife, Jane, have been married 46 years. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Ash Creek Baptist Church will recognize the retirement of Wesley Shotwell as pastor on Jan. 26. Shotwell has been in the ministry more than 42 years, serving both Tarrant Baptist Association and with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and as pastor at Ash Creek for more than 27 years. His retirement will be recognized during the morning service at 10:45 a.m., with a reception in his honor at 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

Fred Ater, retired Dec. 31, 2024, from his role with the Baptist General Convention of Texas as area four representative. He served with the BGCT about 25 and a half years, as church starting institute director, missional church consultant and area four representative. Prior to joining BGCT staff, Ater and his wife Susan served as International Mission Board missionaries to Brazil for 10 years and Estonia for five years. He also served on staff in churches in Jackson, Miss., and in Texas at Richmond, Denton and Fort Worth. The Aters have two children and five adult grandchildren. They live in San Antonio.

Bob Billups retired Dec. 31, 2024, from GC2 Press at the Baptist General Convention of Texas, where he served as publisher since 2017, when it was known as BaptistWay Press. Billups served as senior associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Denton and at First Baptist Church of Midland for a combined 17 years. He also served in ministry roles at churches in Savoy, Longview, Kingwood and Tyler.

Don Newbury retired from First Baptist Church in Burleson Dec. 31, 2024, where he served as co-director of senior adults for seven years. Newbury served as president of Howard Payne University from 1985 to 1997 and as chancellor afterwards. Prior to HPU, Newbury worked in journalism at several colleges in Texas and served as president of Western Texas College in Snyder. Newbury will continue writing his column “The Idle American,” now in its 23rd year and running in about 150 Texas newspapers, and he will continue to speak at churches and for other assemblies, as he has for the past 60 years.