East Texas Baptist University awarded the Bob and Gayle Riley Servant Leadership Award to seniors Avery Abshierand Abraham Contreras. Each year, ETBU presents the award to two upperclassman students who are nominated by their peers, faculty and staff in recognition of their commitment to the Christ-centered model of servanthood. Abshier, a Christian ministry major, has served as a resident assistant, Tiger Camp leader, Baptist Student Ministry Kid’s Club leadership team member, Christian Association of Student Leaders planning committee participant, and Sunday School leader at Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview. Contreras, a Christian ministry and mental health major, has served as a BSM Leader, resident assistant, Tiger Camp co-leader and CASL co-leader. He is a youth apprentice for Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview and a behavioral analyst intern at Community Healthcore
Dallas Baptist University appointed Raymond H. Harris as senior fellow of entrepreneurship for the Institute for Global Engagement, a nonpartisan Christian think tank dedicated to addressing issues in the public square. Harris is the founder of one of the largest architectural firms specializing in corporate architecture. He is the author of The Anatomy of a Successful Firm, The Heart of Business and Business by Design. He is also an executive producer for numerous movies distributed by Sony Pictures and Lions Gate Entertainment and an executive producer for a music company label.
Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Samaritan’s Purse relief organization and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, delivered the McLane Lecture at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on Oct. 11. “We’re all on a journey called life. You only have one shot at life. You don’t want to miss it. You don’t want to mess around. You want to get it right,” Graham told a crowd of more than 2,500. “Make your life count.” Graham challenged students, faculty and guests to apply Proverbs 3:5-6. “You have to trust the Lord. Acknowledge him. And then, start moving,” he urged. Graham was the featured speaker for the 19th McLane Lecture, sponsored by Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr.
The Hispanic Higher Education consortium is sponsoring a college fair at the east campus of Del Sol Church in El Paso from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 22. Representatives from eight universities affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas will be present, awarding up to $24,000 in scholarships in $2,000 increments to prospective students in attendance.
Two East Texas Baptist University students were named as recipients of scholarships granted in partnership with the national Council of Independent Colleges and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas. Haylie Stum, an undergraduate student from Cypress majoring in Sports Communications, was chosen to receive the CIC/UPS Scholarship. She was named the Texas Association of Journalism Educators Journalist of the Year in 2023. Areli Estrada-Lopez, a junior business administration major from Marshall, was selected to receive a PACCAR Scholarship provided by the ICUT Foundation. “Year after year, these scholarships leave an indelible mark on the lives of deserving students,” said ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn. “Aligned with ETBU’s mission to offer students an accessible path to Christian education, we are equipping and empowering students to prepare for God’s calling on their lives.”
Anniversary
170th for First Baptist Church in Plano on Oct. 22. Craig Curry is pastor.
140th for Primera Iglesia Bautista in Laredo. Dorso Maciel is pastor.
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