Pastor Michael Evans of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and David Hardage, executive director of the BGCT, spoke recently at Howard Payne University about the need for Christians to listen to and seek good for others. Their message was a continuation of a series of recorded discussions the two had earlier in 2020 regarding the role of Christians in race relations. The discussion was held as part of HPU’s weekly chapel services this semester, which have the overarching theme of “Love One Another,” based on John 13:34-35.

Baylor University’s religion department has established the Robert L. Gilbert Scholar in Religion Graduate Stipend, named in honor of Baylor’s first African American graduate. Robert L. Gilbert—an influential educator, pastor and civil rights leader in the Waco area—graduated from Baylor in 1967 with an undergraduate degree in history. In 1970, he became the first African American to enroll in Baylor’s graduate program in the department of religion. During his time in that program, he became assistant director of the university’s Upward Bound program, which helps high school students from low-income families prepare for college. In 1976, Gilbert became the first African American elected to the Waco Independent School District Board. He was pastor of Carver Park Baptist Church in Waco, as well as other congregations. The Gilbert Scholar in Religion will receive an annually enhanced stipend of $6,000 above the base stipend of $20,000, with full tuition remission for up to five years—a package of about $250,000 over that period. The application process will open this fall, and the successful candidate will begin graduate studies at Baylor in fall 2021. The submission deadline for the Robert L. Gilbert Scholar in Religion Graduate Stipend is Dec. 15. For more information, email Candice_H_Williams@baylor.edu or call (254) 710-3742.

The Baptist General Convention of Texas will present the 2020 Legacy Award to Charles R. “Chuck” Dooley, former church planter for Texas Baptists, and D.L. Lowrie, pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church in Lubbock. Texas Baptists’ Legacy Award is presented annually at the historic Independence Baptist Church in recognition of lifelong Christian service. Typically, the service is held the first Sunday in June. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the awards will be presented to each individual and their families in private ceremonies at the Independence Baptist Church on Oct. 11. Dooley’s ministry includes six full-time pastorates, 23 intentional interim pastorates, 10 years of ministry with the North American Mission Board and 21 years as a church planter with the BGCT. He is the founding pastor of Alamo Heights Baptist Church, formerly Westside, in Port Lavaca; Fellowship of Champions in Spring; Sawdust Road Baptist Church in The Woodlands; and West Conroe Baptist Church. Lowrie has served as a pastor, denominational leader and professor during more than 60 years of ministry. He was pastor of eight churches, one in Tennessee and seven in Texas, including 15 years of ministry at First Baptist Church of Lubbock. He was the BGCT president from 1981 to 1983, and he also served as chairman of the BGCT Executive Board. He was executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Convention from 1989 to 1992.

Texas Baptist Men named David Wells as interim director of disaster relief. He has served TBM as associate director of disaster relief since last year and has been involved with Baptist disaster relief since 1994—first in Wyoming and later in Missouri. He succeeds Dwain Carter, who resigned to follow what he senses is a calling to return to the pastorate.

Baylor University announced a $5 million gift from William E. (Ed) and Denise Crenshaw of Lakeland, Fla., in support of the university’s Give Light campaign and Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business. A portion of the gift qualifies for the Baylor Academic Challenge program, creating two endowed faculty positions within the Hankamer School of Business that will receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds as well as support for the school’s dean. The gift also will establish an endowed scholarship fund within Baylor’s Student Foundation.

Retirement

R.E. (Mickey) Moriarty from Community Baptist Church in Ferris, where he has been pastor the past 17 years, effective Sept. 27. He has been in ministry more than 40 years, serving previously at Bear Creek Baptist Church in Glenn Heights, Grace Temple Baptist Church in Dallas and First Baptist Church in Lancaster.

Residents of Calder Woods, a Buckner Retirement Services senior living community, who had been evacuated due to Hurricane Laura returned to Beaumont on Aug. 29, and Buckner Children and Family Services clients and staff returned Sept. 1. About 200 individuals related to Buckner ministries in Southeast Texas were part of the 400,000 people who evacuated the region, and they were housed at other Buckner facilities until they were able to return safely to the Beaumont area. Charter buses and ambulances transported residents and associates to and from Calder Woods to Parkway Place in Houston, Buckner Villas in Austin and Ventana by Buckner in Dallas. Children, families and staff from Buckner Children and Family Services traveled by bus to and from Camp Buckner, near Burnet. Buckner officials fully assessed the facilities in Beaumont to assure they were free of significant damage and to make certain utilities were available before the evacuees returned.

In place of its traditional homecoming weekend activities, Howard Payne University has scheduled two new events—a fall semester HPU Family Reunion on Oct. 10 and a spring semester HPU Family Reunion on Feb. 20. Both events will be on a smaller scale than the typical homecoming weekend, in response to safety concerns and protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the fall semester event, HPU alumni, friends, students, board members, personnel and families are invited to gather from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 outside the L.J. Mims Auditorium Pergola for Cobbler on the Campus. The event will feature free cobbler, along with live music by Taylor Castleberry, a 2013 HPU graduate. Honorees typically recognized during homecoming weekend will be celebrated at an invitation-only luncheon held in conjunction with the fall HPU Family Reunion. They are Ramona Tennison Akins, Class of 1952, Coming Home Queen; Edward E. Cody, Class of 2010, Outstanding Young Graduate; Ronnie W. Floyd, Class of 1978, Distinguished Alumnus; Richard A. Jackson, Class of 1960, Medal of Service; Grace Rivas Stearns, Class of 1967, José Rivas Distinguished Service Award; and Elizabeth Ellis Wallace, Class of 1971, Grand Marshal. They also will be invited to be special guests at the spring semester Family Reunion, which will feature a tailgate celebration with music by Austin Upchurch and his band prior to the HPU football game against McMurry University at Gordon Wood Stadium. To register for the fall semester HPU Family Reunion, click here.

Texas Baptists named nine public school educators as the 2020 BEST—Baptist Educators Serving Texans—Award recipients. The award celebrates Christian educators who are living out their faith daily among their students and the Texas Baptist institutions where they received their education. Recipients are Margarita Garcia, a Baptist University of the Américas graduate and a bilingual and ESL program coordinator for Kaufman Independent School District; Deborah Wagner, a Baylor University graduate and a speech language pathologist for the Lytle Independent School District; Haley Briggs, a Dallas Baptist University graduate and a fourth grade English teacher at Oak Woods School in the Granbury Independent School District; Jessica Sullens, an East Texas Baptist University graduate and a sixth grade writing teacher at Hallsville Junior High School; Shana Culp, a Hardin-Simmons University graduate and an English and social studies teacher for the Garland Independent School District; Carla Stutts, a Houston Baptist University graduate and a sixth grade science teacher for the Houston Independent School District; Andrea Harp, a Howard Payne University graduate and an English teacher at Stanton High School; Tammy Barrack, a University of Mary Hardin-Baylor graduate and a third grade teacher at Packsaddle Elementary School in the Llano Independent School District; and Mike Manchee, a Wayland Baptist University graduate and a principal at Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School in the Amarillo Independent School District. Award recipients will be recognized during the celebration service of the 2020 Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 17. The service will be streamed at txb.org/am and on Texas Baptists’ Facebook page.

B.H. Carroll Theological Institute has received approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs to serve as an educational provider for veterans and other eligible persons with VA benefits. Under U.S. Code Title 38, federal educational benefits—commonly referred to as the G.I. Bill— awarded to veterans now can be utilized to pursue any of the master’s degree programs at the Carroll Institute. Approval marked “a giant step forward for Carroll, and more importantly, for veterans and their eligible family members as they seek to be trained and equipped to serve in local churches and other auxiliary ministries,” said Stan Moore, senior fellow and registrar at the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. Military personnel on active duty also may be able to receive financial assistance to pursue their training through their local military unit.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Buckner International has collected and distributed more than 100 tons of domestic aid, including food, personal protective equipment and school supplies. All items are collected and sorted at the Buckner Center for Humanitarian Aid locations in Dallas and the Rio Grande Valley before being distributed by Buckner Children and Family Services programs across Texas, including Dallas, Houston, Lubbock, Mission and Peñitas. The 102.2 tons of pandemic relief aid shipments consisted of 76.5 tons of nonperishable food; 1.8 tons of PPE, including masks and gloves; and 23.9 tons of school supplies and backpacks. At a ceremony in Dallas, several Buckner employees received commemorative pins marking the milepost. As he presented the pins, President Albert Reyes helped the employees put their achievement in perspective by noting 100 tons of supplies is equivalent to the weight of a blue whale or a Boeing 757. “COVID-19 has made those already vulnerable in our communities even more in need of compassion and support,” Reyes said. “I am in awe of our volunteers and donors who have stepped up to help provide aid, and I am in awe of our Buckner employees who worked tirelessly to make sure the food and supplies reached families in a safe and timely manner.”

Fall semester classes at East Texas Baptist University began Aug. 17 after the university’s physical operations department completed an extensive cleaning of the entire campus with EPA-approved, hospital-grade disinfectants, following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the risk of the novel coronavirus. The traditional fall break in October has been cancelled, and on-campus instruction will end before Thanksgiving in an effort to limit travel by students and reduce the likelihood of exposure to COVID-19. The campus is stocked with sanitizing cleaners and wipes in public spaces and in all classrooms. Strict compliance of face coverings and masks are required in campus buildings. All events hosted by the university will adhere to local, state and federal guidelines. “The university family has been outstanding in their support of the actions we are taking,” said Larry Northcutt, director of security, compliance and accountability at ETBU. “All of these protective measures are big steps in continuing to keep our university a safe and secure place for the faculty, staff and students.”

At an Aug. 19 event, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor announced locations where its Global Outreach teams will travel between December 2020 and August 2021. The school announced trips to locations as near as La Grange and as far away as Indonesia and Nepal. All travel will be contingent on a comprehensive risk assessment, including health updates from the Centers for Disease Control and State Department travel advisories.

Dallas Baptist University has made adjustments to chapel during the fall 2020 semester to accommodate physical distancing and other health and safety guidelines. Students will be assigned one of three weekly in-person services to attend in Pilgrim Chapel. On the other two days of chapel, students either may participate in chapel services online or view a live stream in another physical location on campus. Students will be required to wear face masks at all gatherings. “Chapel is one of the hallmarks of the Christ-centered DBU experience and is an important time for students as they worship together, hear from powerful speakers, and connect with each other,” said Jay Harley, vice president for student affairs. Before COVID-19 made it necessary to cancel large gatherings, DBU chapel worship and media services created two live worship recordings. The recordings were posted on social media when in-person chapel services no longer were possible for students. Follow DBU chapel worship recordings on Spotify here or on Apple Music here.

As part of Welcome Week at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, students participated Aug. 10 in Love CTX, an annual event designed to engage students in community service. This year, students packed snack bags, hygiene kits and household essentials for Helping Hands Ministry of Belton. UMHB students also wrote supportive notes that Project Apple Tree included in backpacks distributed to area public school students.

Howard Payne University will hold its commencement ceremony for spring and summer 2020 graduates at 10 a.m. on Aug. 22 at Brownwood Coliseum. Antonio Josué Miranda, president of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, will deliver the charge to graduates. Miranda is campus pastor and the director of the Master of Arts in ministry program at Stark College and Seminary in Corpus Christi and the pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Robstown. During commencement, graduates and presenters will observe social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings. On the eve of commencement, HPU will continue its Chime Out tradition at 6 p.m. on Aug. 21. During the outdoor ceremony, graduating seniors will pass a chain of ivy to underclassmen, representing the passing of authority, responsibility and privileges to students who remain on campus. A livestream of both Chime Out and commencement will be available for viewing at www.facebook.com/hputx.

Chapel takes on a new look at Wayland Baptist University, due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Rather than meeting in one location, the student body has been divided into 48 small groups who meet across the campus at 11 a.m. each Wednesday in locations that can accommodate social distancing guidelines. Donnie Brown, director of spiritual life, has developed a series of chapel programs focused on the theme “Let Your Light Shine,” based on Matthew 5:16. Each small group will choose a social justice topic such as racism, human trafficking and poverty. Then each group will conduct a project to increase awareness of the issue and enact change where possible.

Beverly Roberts Gaventa, distinguished professor of New Testament Interpretation in the religion department at Baylor University, has been awarded the Burkitt Medal for Biblical Studies by The British Academy. She is one of only a few Americans to receive this award, established in 1923 by The British Academy, a fellowship of about 1,400 leading national and international academics elected for their distinction in the humanities and social sciences. The Burkitt Medal is awarded annually in recognition of special service to biblical studies, with Hebrew Bible studies in odd years and New Testament studies in even years. Gaventa joined the Baylor faculty in 2013. She previously taught at Princeton Theological Seminary, Columbia Seminary and Colgate Rochester Divinity School. She earned bachelor’s degrees in English and religion from Phillips University, a Master of Divinity degree in New Testament at Union Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in religion from Duke University. She is a past president of the Society of Biblical Literature, the largest professional organization of biblical scholars in the world.

The B.H. Carroll Theological Institute and its Carroll Teaching Church Network will offer a four-week course, “Christianity and Politics,” open to the public and offered at a discounted rate of $40. The course will meet on four consecutive Tuesday evenings beginning Oct. 6 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. An optional question-and-answer session will be held after each session, from 8:30-9 p.m. Gregory Tomlin, Carroll Fellow and associate professor of Christian heritage, will teach the course, which explores the historical, theological and philosophical roots of various Christian views of government and civic engagement. For more information, click here.

Wayland Baptist University President Bobby Hall participated in an Aug. 18 panel discussion about the state of higher education in dealing with COVID-19. Sponsored by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and Carpet Tech, Hall and administrators from Lubbock Christian University, Texas Tech and South Plains College fielded questions about the state of higher education as students return to campus this fall. Hall characterized this time in history as a transitional moment. “It is probably the defining moment in our lifetime,” he said. “This is a special time to be in the position of trying to educate others for the future.”

Retirement

Roy Cotton as director of African American ministries for Texas Baptists, after 42 years in ministry and 21 years with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He will continue serving on a contract basis as needed by the convention. Under his leadership, about 200 Black churches chose to affiliate with Texas Baptists, bringing the total number of African American churches in the BGCT to nearly 900. Cotton joined the BGCT staff in 1999 as a church starter. He became director of African American ministries in 2016 after an extended time as interim director. Before serving Texas Baptists, Cotton worked 21 years with the Baptist General Association of Virginia, first as director of special campus ministries and later as the association’s first director of African American church development at BGAV. He also has been an adjunct professor at the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond and the graduate school at Dallas Baptist University. As an accomplished musician with more than 55 years of experience in church music, Cotton was inducted into the Dallas Metroplex Musicians’ Association Hall of Fame in February 2016.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor students, faculty and staff greeted 835 incoming freshman and first-time students to the Belton campus on Aug. 8 for the start of Welcome Week. Mask-wearing Crusaders met new arrivals at their vehicles, unloaded their belongings and delivered them to their rooms.

Dallas Baptist University hosted its inaugural three-day Forum broadcast with 26 Global Community school partners on July 15-17, offered virtually in lieu of a canceled on-campus conference. DBU established the Global Community last year as an international consortium,  strengthening partnerships around the world with educational entities that are striving to produce the next generation of leaders. The Global Community now represents 14 countries and 34 schools with a total student population of more than 490,000. Jon Dooley, director of strategic initiatives for international admissions and immigration at DBU, led the Forum broadcast, with subtitles provided in Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish and Indonesian. Sessions included “Transformational Education” with President Adam C. Wright; “Biblical Integration in Curriculum” with Brent Thomason, program director of DBU’s Master of Arts in Global Leadership program; “Financial Sustainability” with Matt Murrah, vice president for financial affairs; “Modern Teaching Skills” with Karla Hagan, assistant professor of education; and “Leaving a Legacy” with Chancellor Gary Cook.

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation recently awarded East Texas Baptist University a $1.5 million challenge grant toward the construction of its 23,500-square-foot Great Commission Center. To receive the challenge grant funds from the Mabee Foundation, the university will need to raise $6 million for the project by July 2021. ETBU already has raised $3 million. “We rejoice in the provision of God’s grace and gifting, and we give thanks to the Lord for the great things he has done for our university,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “God has laid a vision on our hearts to transform more ETBU students and graduates into devoted Christian servant leaders and outstanding ethical business leaders. I am excited to witness how the Great Commission Center will provide a place for our faculty and staff to teach and equip ETBU business students with the tools to live out the Great Commission in their future vocations.”

Twenty of the graduates honored at the recent 2020 Baptist University of the Américas commencement ceremony in San Antonio participated in person. BUA awarded 24 certificates of study, 12 diplomas in biblical and ministry studies, three associate degrees in cross-cultural studies and 35 Bachelor of Arts degrees. Graduates represented nine countries—Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Moldova, Nigeria, Peru, South Korea, Spain and the United States.

In lieu of the traditional commencement in Pilgrim Chapel, Dallas Baptist University recognized the accomplishments of summer graduates in an online ceremony Aug. 7. The 172 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates—as well as family and friends—had the opportunity to hear their names read aloud on Facebook Live and featured on the scoreboard of the DBU baseball field. In his remarks to graduates, President Adam C. Wright acknowledged we are living in “interesting and challenging times” that have been “full of disappointments.” Still, he reminded graduates God will remain faithful to them, and they are called to remain faithful to him. Prior to graduation day, graduates received a “Graduation-In-a-Box” package in the mail filled with confetti poppers, a DBU banner, a cup and a car decal officially acknowledging their status as part of the DBU alumni family.

Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler sent $10,000 to ministry partners in Lebanon to aid in relief after the Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut. Funds will help rebuild Beirut Baptist School, Gateway Christian Bookshop and Arab Baptist Theological Seminary. Dale Pond is missions minister at Green Acres Baptist Church, and David O. Dykes is senior pastor.

Anniversary

55 years for Bob Ray as pastor of Fairy Baptist Church in Hamilton County. The church will celebrate the milepost with Ray and his wife Rosalind on Aug. 30.

Jerry Carlisle has been named president of the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation. He succeeds founding president Bill Arnold, who is retiring. Carlisle has served as vice president of the foundation since April 2015. As president, he will oversee all fundraising efforts for the foundation and work in conjunction with the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation Council to develop strategic initiatives to support Texas Baptist missions and ministries. Carlisle serves as the finance committee chair for the board of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center of Plano and as a member of the Baptist World Alliance Human Resource Committee, having just completed a five-year term as BWA vice president representing North America. He also is a past president and vice president of the BGCT. He currently is interim pastor of First Baptist Church in Saginaw and an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University. From 2002 to 2015, he was senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Plano. Previous ministry experience includes positions at churches in Temple, Coppell, Irving and Houston. Carlisle earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Mo.; and Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Carlisle and his wife Dedi have been married 39 years and have three adult children and six grandchildren. They are members of First Baptist Church in Garland.

In May, the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board approved a voluntary retirement package for eligible staff in response to a drop in Cooperative Program giving during the COVID-19 lockdown and decreased income from investments and other resources. Seventeen of the 31 employees who were offered voluntary retirement accepted. Convention officials reported the financial impact as “budget neutral for the remainder of 2020.”

Buckner Children and Family Services received a $50,000 grant from OneStar Foundation in support of its work serving children and families during the coronavirus pandemic. The grant is part of a larger $920,000 sum deployed from the Texas COVID Relief Fund to 16 organizations working to support the most vulnerable and underserved across the state in the areas of health, education and community development. Throughout the pandemic, Buckner has continued its domestic programs and services for children and families in Dallas, Houston, Longview, Lufkin, Beaumont, Lubbock, Midland, Amarillo and the Rio Grande Valley. Buckner adopted new methods to help clients, including virtual classes and activities, telehealth visits, virtual adoptions and food distributions. “The generous grant from OneStar Foundation will make an important impact in the lives of many families and children, as we continue to support them through foster care and adoption and family preservation programs,” said Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International.

Kevin Domingue of Lake Dallas, a 2015 graduate of Howard Payne University, recently was awarded the Air Education and Training Command Commander’s Trophy, Leadership Award, Distinguished Graduate and the Flying Training Award at the conclusion of one year in undergraduate pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. “It was cool to see the way God put people into my life to guide and help me along the way,” Domingue said. While at HPU, Domingue played wide receiver on the Yellow Jackets football team from 2011 to 2014 and was president of HPU’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. He also volunteered as a student leader with the Coggin Avenue Baptist Church youth group.

Irene Sisk of Bonham gave $100,000 recently to East Texas Baptist University. A $75,000 gift is designated for the new on-campus Health Services Clinic, and $25,000 is designated for an endowed student scholarship to support students preparing for a career in the medical field. ETBU’s health clinic will be named the Sisk Health Services Clinic in honor of the donor and in memory of her late husband, Dr. Walter Sisk, a physician. The clinic, opening for the fall 2020 semester, will be operated by ETBU under the leadership of an on-staff nurse practitioner. Under the supervision of a medical doctor, the clinic will offer health services that address minor illnesses and minor injuries, and it will provide screenings, vaccinations, immunizations and basic pharmaceutical prescriptions.  “I am continually inspired by the benevolence of the generous individuals who partner with East Texas Baptist University as we pursue the mission God has called us to fulfill,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “As the university makes strides to provide a safe and healthy environment for our campus community, we are grateful to have the resources needed to operate the Sisk Health Services Clinic. This new clinic will provide convenient, accessible and affordable health care right here on our university campus for our students, faculty, staff and contract partners in dining and custodial services.”

When Houston Baptist University begins the in-person portion of its hybrid instruction for the fall semester, the university will utilize cutting-edge air and surface disinfecting technology in facilities central to student services, dining and education. Continuous Infectious Microbial Reduction technology creates a non-aqueous hydrogen peroxide gas, emitted at only 1/50th of the safe exposure level as determined by OSHA. Studies by universities and the U.S. government show CIMR to be effective against airborne and surface contaminations including influenza and other biological threats. CIMR will be installed in the HVAC systems of many of the university’s dining and common spaces including the MD Anderson Student Center, the Baugh dining and kitchen facilities, the Library Looper Learning Commons and Cullen Science Building, including laboratories. Additionally, almost every classroom has been equipped with plug-in CIMR devices, ensuring extra protection. HBU is seeking to create “both the most hostile environment for infection and the most friendly and safe environment possible for students and employees,” said John Holmes, HBU associate vice president for facilities and campus operations. “We believe our efforts will make HBU one of the safest and healthiest university campuses and employers in the region.”

Stark College and Seminary has scheduled a virtual commencement at 7 p.m. on Aug. 7 for 63 graduates from its Corpus Christi, McAllen, San Antonio and Victoria campuses whose ceremony was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The prerecorded event will stream on Facebook and YouTube. Along with a diploma, the school sent each graduate a mortarboard, tassel, personal note from President Tony Celelli and a confetti cannon.

Although Texas Baptists’ 2020 State Bible Drill and Speakers Tournament could not be held in-person due to COVID-19, students from churches around Texas competed virtually. Savannah Green and Katie Kittredge, both from First Baptist Church at the Fields in Carrollton, tied for first place in the Speakers’ Tournament, and Becca Matthis, also from First Baptist Church at the Fields in Carrollton, placed third. Five students were recognized for achieving a perfect score of 300 in the Bible Drill tournament—Jadon Wall from First Baptist Church at the Fields in Carrollton; Jenna Scamardo and Austin White, both from First Baptist Church in College Station; Ariana Cox from First Baptist Church in Irving; and Sarah Nelson from First Baptist Church Alta Loma in Santa Fe. Eleven speakers competed in this year’s competition by submitting videos of themselves performing their speeches to be evaluated by a panel of judges. Texas Baptists staff created drills for churches to use in small, virtual competitions for their high schoolers. Students who achieved a perfect score of 300 in the drills were awarded with a certificate of “State Winner Perfect 300 Club.” Eleven high school seniors were honored with the Ellen Battles Award for participating in the tournament for all nine years they were eligible—Tyleigh Phillips from Central Baptist Church in Evadale; Hailey Burrow, Gracie Daughtrey, Caroline Kemp, Andrew Kissell and Riley Smith from First Baptist Church in Allen; Katie Kittredge, Eric Neibel and Gretchen Warren from First Baptist Church at the Fields in Carrollton; Conner Womack from Friendship Baptist Church in Fairview; and Anna Bardwell from First Baptist Church in Tenaha.

New Beginnings Baptist Church will host a drive-through Back to School Bash from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 1 at both its Longview and Gilmer locations. Families will receive a backpack filled with school supplies and a lunch without leaving their vehicles. Free haircuts will be available for students whose parents choose to allow them to exit their cars. “We recognize that for so many families, getting back to school can be financially stressful. New Beginnings wants to alleviate, in a small way, some of that stress,” said Todd Kaunitz, lead pastor of New Beginnings Baptist Church. “Our desire is to be a blessing to the community and show the love of Jesus by helping our students have access to needed resources that will enable them to be a success in the classroom.” George Willis, pastor of missions and pastoral care, said the church wants to offer a “fun, safe event” for students and their families during a difficult time. The events will be held at 2137 E. George Richie Rd. in Longview and at 1977 State Hwy 155 N. in Gilmer. For more information, call (903) 759-5552 or email gwillis@nbbctx.org.

Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International, was installed July 23 to a five-year-term as the North American vice president of the Baptist World Alliance during the first-ever virtual BWA General Council. He follows Jerry Carlisle of the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation in that role with BWA. Reyes expressed his excitement about the opportunity to serve, calling BWA “a global network of faithful Baptists linking both missions and ministry as two sides of the same coin through local congregations, associations, conventions and fellowships to bring the kingdom near.”

Dallas Baptist University has created an endowed scholarship fund in honor of Michelle Henry to support the education of African American students at DBU. Henry is chair of the English department at DBU and has taught as a professor of English since July 2005. She completed undergraduate and master’s degrees at Texas A&M University, and she earned her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Dallas with a concentration in African American literature, history and art. “We are very excited about the establishment of this new endowed scholarship and look forward to the students that it will benefit for years to come,” DBU President Adam C. Wright said. “Dr. Henry is one of our most beloved professors, and it is an honor for us to be able to recognize her in a way that allows her legacy of scholarship to continue on in the lives of future scholars and leaders.” Wright announced the scholarship fund during the DBU Family Forums series, created to discuss inequality and racial reconciliation. DBU’s CARE—Community Advocates for Racial Equality—Committee will meet to continue conversations on the DBU campus regarding race and social justice and develop plans for how the campus community can respond in the days ahead.

The East Texas Medical Center Foundation awarded East Texas Baptist University a $100,000 grant to help meet the growing need for mental healthcare in Smith County. Plans include opening a community mental health clinic that also will offer the university’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program. The Community Counseling Center will open later this fall, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling classes will be offered at the Tyler location beginning in January 2021. All clinical hours required by the program can be completed through the onsite clinic. “According to the data provided by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, Smith County has a shortage of licensed professional counselors compared to other counties in Texas with similar populations,” said Thomas Sanders, ETBU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “To address the present need for mental health services in Smith County, ETBU’s Community Counseling Center will provide no-cost counseling services to members of the community through local referral partners with counselors or graduate counselors-in-training.” Counseling services will be provided by licensed professional counselors, practicum graduates and graduate interns being supervised in their clinical training for licensure. Clients will be referred to the ETBU Community Counseling Center in Tyler through existing partnerships with Tyler Junior College, as well as local churches and ministries.

Howard Payne University’s chapter of the Sigma Beta Delta International Business Honor Society recently inducted four new members. They are Erin Blanchard, a senior from Rockdale; Hunter Coffee, a spring 2020 graduate from Early; Zachary Gingrich, a senior from Plano; and Shaunna Simpson, a senior from Blanket. Sigma Beta Delta was founded as a national organization in 1994 for NCAA Division III universities and is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. HPU’s chapter received its charter in 1999.

B.H. Carroll Theological Institute has entered a partnership with Seminary Now, an on-demand streaming video platform. Seminary Now provides exclusive biblical training courses from teachers, ministry practitioners and authors, including a course on servant leadership by Gene Wilkes, president of the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. Other partners in the Seminary Now network include InterVarsity Press, Northern Seminary and Missio Alliance. To view a preview of featured course offerings, click here.

Retirement

Bill Arnold as president of the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation. He has served the Baptist General Convention of Texas more than 40 years—including 36 years leading the foundation—and will continue working with Texas Baptists on a contract basis through the end of the year. Under his leadership, the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation has raised more than $180 million to support missions and ministries. Arnold joined the BGCT staff in 1980 as a youth consultant. In 1984, he joined the Mission Texas effort to raise $20 million and start 2,000 churches in five years. The initiative raised more than $22 million and helped exceed the goal of 2,000 new churches. That fundraising effort developed into the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation, and Arnold became its founding president. Among other projects, the foundation created a $15 million loan fund for new churches, and Arnold was instrumental in raising funds for the construction of Baptist Student Ministry buildings on the campuses of Texas A&M University, Stephen F. Austin University, the University of Texas at Tyler, the University of North Texas and Texas Tech University. Prior to joining the BGCT staff, Arnold worked for Dallas Baptist Association seven years.

Ronald E. Bowles after 45 years in Christian higher education and congregational ministry. He has been on faculty at Dallas Baptist University the past 15 years, serving as dean of the College of Fine Arts since August 2006 and as director of church music and worship studies. Previously, he was minister of worship and communications at First Baptist Church in El Paso for 22 years. He also served Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Amarillo and First Baptist Church in Waco. He plans to continue teaching in an adjunct role at DBU and is available for worship consultation and church music supply and interim service. He can be contacted at rebsebowles@gmail.com.

The Heights Car Show—an annual event at The Heights Church in Richardson—staged an out-of-the-ordinary event this year that raised more than $11,800 worth of food donations and cash contributions for Richardson’s Network of Community Ministries. When COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the typical car show, The Heights Car Show partnered with the Dallas Area Pontiac Association, the Ferrari Club of America DFW and other area car clubs to support a Cruise-In Food Drive on July 11. More than 100 cars participated, and the event generated more than 3,000 pounds of donated food and more than $6,500 in financial contributions. “I was really surprised by all of the people who braved the heat and donated so generously,” said Brian Ratcliff, Heights Car Show organizer. Participants drove their classic, exotic and sports cars to The Heights to donate cash and food items. Some set up lawn chairs in the shade to socialize and watch the parade of cars throughout the day. Participants wore masks and followed social distancing guidelines. Over the Heights Car Show’s 13-year history, it has raised more than $66,155 and contributed 11,600 pounds of food to the Network of Community Ministries. Gary Singleton is senior pastor and Richard Covington is missions pastor at The Heights Church.

Buckner International named Samela Macon as vice president of domestic programs and support services for Buckner Children and Family Services, effective Aug. 1. She has served in that role in an interim capacity since March. Macon will provide leadership, oversight, supervision and management for all Texas programs and services, including Buckner Foster Care and Adoption, Buckner Family Hope Centers, Buckner Family Pathways and the nonprofit’s support center. Macon has more than 23 years of child welfare experience, including 18 years with Buckner, most recently as senior director of domestic foster care and adoption. “Samela’s years of service at Buckner, along with experience and personal growth serving in these capacities as a proven leader at Buckner made her the right choice to lead our domestic programs and support services,” said Buckner Children and Family Services Senior Vice President Henry Jackson. “Samela is passionate about serving vulnerable children and families with a commitment to excellence.” Macon received her Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Lamar University. She currently is enrolled in Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge pursuing her Master of Science degree in leadership and human resource development.

In preparation for a possible storm along the Texas Gulf coast, Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief Director Dwain Carter placed all volunteer feeding crews and shower unit personnel on alert effective July 21. “As the storm approaches the coast, I encourage each of you to pray for the area,” Carter wrote to TBM disaster relief volunteers. “Hopefully, the storm will weaken before making landfall. However, if need arises, I trust you will be prayed up and ready to go.”

Modern Healthcare recognized Abilene-based Hendrick Health System as one of the “2020 Best Places to Work in Healthcare.” The magazine created the “Best Places to Work” awards program to recognize companies that strive continuously to improve their work environment and increase employee engagement, satisfaction and retention through innovative changes in the workplace. The list is compiled based on responses to a confidential survey that provides the basis for analysis in leadership and planning; corporate culture and communications; role satisfaction; work environment; relationship with supervisors; training, development and resources; pay and benefits; and overall engagement. Brad Holland, president and CEO of Hendrick Health System, expressed his belief the recognition reflects Hendrick’s “daily commitment to deliver high quality health care emphasizing excellence and compassion consistent with the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”

Retirement

Stan Allcorn as pastor of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene, where he has served since 1998. The church will mark his retirement with a series of special events on Aug. 30. He will preach his final sermons as pastor in the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services, which also will include several presentations. An outdoor event with activities for the whole family and a “Roasted (All)Corn” tribute will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Due to the threat of COVID-19, Camp Buckner has been closed for retreats and day camps, but that hasn’t stopped the staff from continuing to serve families and children—even while working remotely. Six college-aged Camp Buckner employees have hand-written more than 350 encouraging notes to foster families across the state of Texas. “We want to continue to serve in some way, even if the camp itself is closed,” said Bill Joe Averitt, Camp Buckner retreat director. “We thought this would be a great opportunity for our camp staff to keep busy and continue to provide ministry to families during difficult times.” The letters were meant to show foster families they were not alone and expressed hope and encouragement for the present and future. Buckner invites others to join in writing encouraging and uplifting notes to foster families. Writers are urged to share experiences about how they have found hope during challenging times and include a favorite Bible verse. Send notes or artwork to albert.reyes@buckner.org, and they will be forwarded to foster families.

Howard Payne University has named veteran denominational leader Chris Liebrum as vice president for external affairs, effective Aug. 1. Liebrum, a 1973 HPU graduate, will work with church relations, recruiting and fundraising. He recently retired as director of Texas Baptists’ office of Cooperative Program ministry after serving more than 35 years with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. His previous roles at the BGCT included director of human resources, associate to the executive director, director of church ministry resources and director of disaster recovery. During his time as coordinator of student ministry for Texas Baptists from 1984 to 1999, he helping to develop the See You at the Pole student-led prayer initiative and the True Love Waits sexual purity emphasis. Liebrum was the liaison between the BGCT and the Baptist World Alliance and a member of the BWA General Council. In addition to his undergraduate degree from HPU, he earned a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also was awarded an honorary doctorate from HPU in 2006. He and his wife Cindy have two adult sons, Corey and Clay, and four grandchildren.

Four universities affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas have been named to the Military Friendly Schools list compiled by Viqtory, a military marketing company for military personnel entering the civilian workforce. Dallas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor are among the 625 colleges, universities and trade schools in the United States that the firm identifies. Listed schools are selected from among more than 8,800 institutions nationwide on the basis of their excellence in welcoming and preparing military service members, veterans and their spouses for success as students. The company judges schools based on criteria such as rates of student retention, graduation, job placement and loan repayment.

Baptist University of the Américas plans to begin its fall semester Aug. 24, pending any new directives from government officials. Some classes will be offered in person face-to-face, while others are virtual and online. Students will register for courses understanding that not all classes may be offered for each platform. In-person classes will end Nov. 24, prior to the Thanksgiving break, and transition to a virtual and online platform the week of Nov. 30. Final exams for all classes will take place virtually or online the week of Dec.7. The schedule is designed to reduce non-essential travel over the holidays and minimize time on-campus during the peak of the flu and cold season. BUA has in place numerous health and safety protocols for faculty, staff and students, with limits on classroom occupancy and disinfecting procedures for common areas and surfaces. “In the event of another stay-at-home or shelter-in-place order from the government, the university is prepared to shift face-to-face classroom instruction to virtual or online delivery methods,” President Abe Jaquez said. “Since the transition in mid-March, faculty and staff have been working arduously to improve the remote teaching and learning experience, positioning the university to shift quickly and effectively. Our student’s safety and success is of utmost importance to Baptist University of the Américas.”

Wayland Baptist University President Bobby Hall tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Hall and his wife Laurie were traveling over the Independence Day weekend when he began experiencing symptoms related to the virus. He was hospitalized and had not been released as of July 7. She was tested and was awaiting results. Claude Lusk, senior vice president of operations and student life at Wayland, reported Hall is doing well, and his doctors think he should be on the road to recovery. Business continues at Wayland, where the university continues to make plans for students’ return to campus on Aug. 12, Lusk noted. [EDITOR’S NOTE: Bobby Hall was discharged from the hospital July 9. Laurie Hall tested positive for COVID-19 but has experienced no symptoms. The Halls will observe the recommended isolation period.]

The No Need Among You conference—originally scheduled as a three-day in-person event in Fort Worth—will be a one-day hybrid conference on Oct. 15. The event is sponsored by the Texas Christian Community Development Network. Participants can choose to attend the conference in person from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth or participate online. Participants who choose to attend on-site will be required to wear masks, maintain a 6-foot distance from others, allow conference staff to test with a no-contact thermometer, and sign a waiver affirming they have not come into contact with anyone with known COVID-19 symptoms. Keynote speakers at the four plenary sessions—part of both the virtual and in-person conference—are Soong-Chan Rah, professor at North Park Theological Seminary; Bethany Rivera Molina from Ciudad Nueva Community Outreach in El Paso; George Yancey, professor of sociology at Baylor University; and Jonathan Hartgrove-Wilson, author and speaker. Cost is $75. For more information, click here.

Wayland Baptist University announced two new leaders in Wayland’s Don Williams School of Education. Sarah Hartman became dean of the school and associate professor of education on July 1. Rachel Juarez-Torres will become associate dean of the school and associate professor of education effective July 16. Hartman, most recently the STAR academy gifted education teacher at East Junior High School in Somerville, Tenn., previously was chair of the College of Education at Freed-Hardeman University, and has teaching experience at the College of Coastal Georgia. She earned her undergraduate degree from San Diego State University, a master’s degree in elementary education from Alabama State University and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Alabama. Juarez-Torres most recently was program manager for the Advancement Via Individual Determination program in San Diego, Calif. Previously, she was associate dean of career, technical and workforce education at Odessa College. She also served as interim dean and associate dean at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in Odessa. She earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Doctor of Education degree in curriculum and instruction from Texas Tech University. She has been an adjunct and online teacher for Wayland since 2016.

Like most Spring 2020 events, The Heights Church in Richardson had to cancel its annual car show due to COVID-19. Over the car show’s 12-year history, it has provided more than $59,820 and 8,375 pounds of food to Richardson’s Network of Community Ministries Food Pantry. While it remains impossible to hold a large car show, organizers wanted to do something to help the Network of Community Ministries. So, The Heights Car Show is partnering with the Dallas Area Pontiac Association and other area car clubs to support a Food Drive Cruise-In from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 11 on The Heights Church’s campus at 201 W. Renner Rd. in Richardson. Participants are invited to drive their classic, exotic or sports car through the atrium entrance drive-thru off Renner Road. They can bring a lawn chair if they’d like to sit in a shaded area to watch the parade of cars that will be cruising in throughout the day. Participants who gather are asked to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. For more information, contact Brian Ratcliff at Brian@RatcliffFinancial.com.

Anniversary

150th for Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield. The church marked the occasion with a drive-in worship service at the Mansfield Performing Arts Center. Michael Evans is pastor.

Wayland Baptist University served as host site for COVID-19 drive-through testing on June 25. The Texas Department of Emergency Management tested 309 individuals, with assistance from U.S. Air Force personnel. Coralyn Dillard, director of health services at Wayland, noted the call center that handled registration received more than 6,000 calls the day before the event. The drive-through testing at the Wayland site was extended three hours beyond the original schedule, serving every vehicle waiting in line.

Howard Payne University held a groundbreaking ceremony June 25 to celebrate the beginning of construction on the Newbury Family Welcome Center. The facility is named for the family of Don Newbury, president of the university from 1985 to 1997 and current chancellor. The welcome center will be located on the historic former site of Old Main, the university’s original building, which was destroyed by fire in 1984. The new building not only will serve as a welcome center for visitors and prospective students, but also will house the HPU admissions office and provide space for meetings and events. In addition to Don and Brenda Newbury and other members of their family, others who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony included Cory Hines, HPU president; Deborah Cartwright, chair of the university’s board of trustees; Ronny Marriott, an HPU trustee and senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Burleson; Draco Miller, Brownwood mayor pro tem and city councilman; Chris Liebrum, director of Cooperative Program ministry at the Baptist General Convention of Texas; and Richard Jackson, former HPU trustee and president of the Jackson Center for Evangelism and Encouragement.

A $1.5 million gift to Baylor University from James Robert “JB” Parker, an orthopedic surgeon from Amarillo, will combine with a match from the Baylor Academic Challenge to create the James Robert Parker Endowed Chair in Health Science and Leadership. The chairholder will help teach and mentor the Baylor Honors College’s pre-medical, pre-health and science students, a population of approximately 400 students. The Parker Chair also will support students through supervision of Honors College theses, connect students to research programs, and develop clinical internship and research partnerships within local, regional and national health care providers and research centers.

Christopher McCloskey, a freshman at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, earned second place honors in the 2020 National Student Auditions during the virtual national conference of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. More than 750 participants applied to be considered for the competition, submitting performances via YouTube. McCloskey learned on May 27 he had been selected as one of 14 semifinalists. In a typical year, the semifinalists would be invited to perform live during the NATS National Conference. Due to COVID-19, however, this year’s conference was moved online. On June 21, McCloskey learned he was one of three finalists. Each finalist selected one of his or her three videos to be played, judged and ranked on a June 28 livestream.

Wayland Baptist University and Weatherford College will join with Lubbock Independent School District, Arlington ISD and the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences to create a consortium in partnership with Steinway & Sons. Using Steinway’s Spirio | r high-resolution player piano capable of live performance capture and playback, the consortium will link students from high school to college via coordinated distance piano education allowing real-time sharing of live performances, one-on-one lessons and group masterclasses between remote locations. “We are excited to be part of this next generation of distance music education,” Wayland President Bobby Hall said. “Under the leadership of our visionary music faculty, we will cultivate fresh, distance partnerships while refining the curricular impact of the Spirio | r. In doing so, this will greatly increase our capacity to provide high-quality piano instruction for those in urban, low socioeconomic and remote locations.”

At a called meeting in mid-June, the Texans Against Gambling board of directors elected Mark Bumpus as its secretary and elected Michael Evans Jr. as a board member. Bumpus, who retired earlier this year as pastor of First Baptist Church in Graham, succeeds Jana Jackson, who is retiring from the staff of Dallas Baptist Association, as secretary. Evans is public policy director for the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission.

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship named two Texas Baptists as CBF Fellows for 2020-22: Kan’Dace Brock, church starter and co-pastor of The Message Church in San Antonio; and Israel Loachamin, director of La Puerta, a ministry to immigrants based at First Baptist Church in Waco. The CBF Fellow program helps young ministers make healthy transitions into congregational ministry by providing a range of professional development opportunities including peer learning, mentoring and coaching.

Anniversary

100th for Alto Frio Baptist Encampment at Leakey. The camp celebrated its centennial with worship, fellowship and fireworks June 19-20. Alumni offered remembrances, and current staff presented future plans. Worship leaders included the Singing Men of South Texas and Singing Women of Texas as a combined choir. Rusty Brandon is executive director.

Dallas Baptist University presented a $1,750 donation to Mission Arlington. It represented two and half years of fund-raising by the DBU Coffeehouse through its mug wall. For a modest fee, students are allowed to hang a personal mug on a hook on the coffeehouse mug wall, along with a photo. From the beginning, the DBU Coffeehouse wanted to use the proceeds to benefit a charitable organization. “We know that Mission Arlington will use every dime to the glory of God. It’s just an honor to be a part of it in a small way,” said Cassie Ivey, DBU Coffeehouse manager.

Within a few weeks of its launch, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s COVID-19 Student Relief Fund has raised $37,000. Now, two local companies are offering matching grants to help support students affected by the pandemic. Baird/Williams Construction and Beronio Wealth Planning Solutions committed to match donations to the fund, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000. “The need is great right now, so we have a unique opportunity to help our students,” said Tucker Glaske, senior director of Development at UMHB. “These matching gifts from Peter Beronio and Britt Williams infuse energy into this important cause by empowering donors, knowing their donations will go further and help more students.” For more information about the COVID-19 Student Relief Fund, click here.

Elyn Palmer has been named executive director and dean of Wayland Baptist University Lubbock, effective July 1. Palmer comes to Wayland from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, N.M., where most recently she was dean of the College of Education. Her previous roles at the University of the Southwest include dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, faculty member, assistant registrar/academic advisor and director of public affairs. She holds a Ph.D. in higher education from Texas Tech University, along with a Master of Science in Education and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of the Southwest. Palmer succeeds David Bishop, who is moving to Wayland’s Plainview campus to serve as vice president of external campuses.