Around the State: SMBA honors donor’s memory

San Marcos Baptist Academy honored the memory of Velma Robinson, the academy’s most prolific donor, by dedicating a campus street in her name. In addition to the 220 acres of land where the school sits, she also provided gifts for the Robinson Tower of Prayer, the Robinson Christian Center and an endowed scholarship. She also served on the academy’s board of trustees from 1964 to 1985. Even though she died in 1998, her support for the school continues through a foundation she established. The foundation not only has supplied scholarships but also most recently the Velma Robinson Atrium. Several foundation trustees were on hand to help name the Velma Robinson Loop.

East Texas Baptist University will hold its 12th annual East Texas Christian Writers’ Conference Oct. 24-25. More than 25 presenters will share a broad range of writing experiences with both beginning and experienced writers. Participants at Dallas Baptist University’s family weekend enjoyed a cookout. Families also cheered on DBU athletic teams and competed in games of their own. DBU faculty and staff also led in a praise and worship service and presented a report on the school’s mission activities.A two-hour hands-on pre-conference workshop on Friday and other activities cost $40 if paid by Oct. 17. After Oct. 17, the cost for the pre-conference activities is $50. Friday’s session titles include: “Understanding and Selling in the Christian Market,” “Editorial Makeover,” “Welcome to the World of Children’s Literature” and others. Sally Stuart will be the keynote speaker at Friday evening’s banquet. She is a published author and the creator of The Christian Writer’s Market Guide. Gospel singer Lois Jane Wallace will provide the entertainment. The cost of the Saturday conference workshops is an additional $90 if registered before Oct. 17. After Oct. 17, the cost is $100. Saturday’s sessions include “Sharing Your Faith: Writing Daily Devotionals,” “Book Proposals That Sell,” “How to Get More and Higher Quality Book Reviews,” “Social Media for Writers” and others.

A 4 X Four evangelism training clinic will be held at First Baptist Church in Monahans Oct. 23. The clinic begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m. It is free, and lunch is included. For more information, call (214) 887-5480.

Howard Payne University will hold homecoming events Oct. 24-26. For details and to purchase tickets, click here. 

An Engage: Evangelizing Texas Conference will be held at United Baptist Church in Laredo Nov. 1. The free conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register, click here. 

Houston Baptist University has honored the Swift and Wheeler families as the 2014 Families of the Year. The award recognizes families for their support of the school’s mission, their legacy of family involvement with the university and their exemplification of Christian family values. Terry and Linda Swift have supported HBU’s fine arts program in particular. They have supported faculty research, ongoing exhibits in the school’s contemporary gallery and construction of the fine arts museum. The Wheeler family has seen several members go through HBU’s science program before becoming physicians. Family members have supported the school by donating funds toward scholarships, serving on the President’s Leadership Council as well as the math and science dean’s development council, and visiting the campus to speak to students who aspire to be physicians.

Anniversary

First Baptist Church in Benbrook, 60th, Oct. 12. Former pastor Ronnie Beams will preach, and former music minister Randall Bradley will lead worship. Todd Pylant is pastor.