Two Texas Baptist Men disaster relief units in Central Texas recently donated about 300 boxes to the Capital Area Medical Operations Center in Austin to help facilitate the distribution of medical supplies in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. TBM volunteers typically distribute free boxes after disasters, providing a practical tool for people affected by events like tornadoes, hurricanes and floods to use while sorting through their belongings. “We are in extraordinary times,” TBM Unit Leader Charles Baker said. “This disaster is so different than anything we’ve responded to. We have resources. Now we have to be creative to respond in ways we’ve never thought about before. We’re actively looking for ways to do that.”

The B.H. Carroll Theological Institute has postponed its convocation—previously scheduled for May 22 at First Baptist Church in Burleson—due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduates who would have participated in commencement exercises as part of the convocation will receive their diplomas by mail in May. The convocation tentatively has been rescheduled for Nov. 13.

Dallas Baptist University will host its 11th annual Good Friday service, even though worshippers will be unable to gather physically on campus. Jim Denison, distinguished adjunct professor at DBU and co-founder/president of the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, will deliver the sermon for the worship service, which will be presented at 8 p.m., April 10 via Facebook Live. To access the service, click here.

Kim Mulkey, head coach of Baylor University’s Lady Bears women’s basketball team, will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The enshrinement is scheduled Aug. 28 in Springfield, Mass. Mulkey is the only person—male or female—to win a national championship as a player, assistant coach and head coach. Over her past 20 years at Baylor, the Lady Bears have won 604 games and three national championships. “Baylor is proud of Coach Mulkey for how she positively shapes the lives of our women’s basketball student-athletes, preparing them as champions on the court, in the classroom, in the community and ultimately in life,” Baylor President Linda Livingstone said.

Hardin-Simmons University hosted a blood drive with Hendrick Regional Blood Center on March 26, allowing Abilene-area residents the opportunity to donate blood. Donors gave 21 units. Nationally, the American Red Cross has reported a critical need for blood donations, after 9,000 blood drives were canceled around the country due to COVID-19 fears. All donors had their vital signs taken and were subject to screening. Hendrick personnel followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and endeavored to maintain social distancing.

The Mayborn College of Health Sciences at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor donated thousands of personal protective equipment items to the Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital to help address the national shortage created by the coronavirus crisis. Colin Wilborn, executive dean, delivered about 2,000 masks, 350 gowns, 75 boxes of gloves and three cases of hand sanitizer to the hospital. “UMHB is grateful for the strong partnership we enjoy with Baylor Scott & White, and we were glad we could assist the frontline health care providers as they work to keep us all safe,” Wilborn said.

Tom Tillman, Texas Baptists’ director of music and worship, and other state worship consultants have teamed up to provide pastors and worship leaders with timely resources related to worship in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Resources are available here.

BaptistWay Press is making available Bible study resources for Easter at no cost to Texas Baptists. Sunday school classes and other small-group Bible study groups that may have transitioned to online delivery or video-conferences can access the “Because He Lives” lesson and supporting material here.

In early March, prior to restrictions on group gatherings due to the spread of novel coronavirus, Hardin-Simmons University hosted the Christian University Theatre Festival. Five area schools—Howard Payne University, Lubbock Christian University, McMurry University, Abilene Christian University and Wayland Baptist University—performed during the three-day festival.

When social distancing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic forced the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to move all its classes to online-only delivery, the school also decided to use the same approach for its spring revival. March 30-April 1, UMHB hosted three days of online revival services here. “Pursued” was the revival theme. Brian Rayburn, pastor to students at Encounter Church in Ventura, Calif., was the featured speaker, and Revenant Worship from Dallas led praise and worship. The revival steering committee also created small-group meetings using the Zoom video-conference platform.

Within 24 hours after a tornado hit a rural area about 90 miles northwest of Fort Worth, Texas Baptist Men disaster relief emergency food-service and chainsaw volunteers were on the scene. While avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people and being checked periodically for high temperature or symptoms consistent with COVID-19, volunteers provided 150 meals and completed seven chainsaw jobs in the area south of Graham. At the same time the chainsaw crews and food-service volunteers were mobilized, TBM also responded directly to the needs of first responders during the COVID-19 crisis. Donna Rolater, a TBM volunteer and Heath City Council member, gave masks, shockwave disinfectant, biohazard suits and gloves from TBM to the Heath Department of Public Safety.

Buckner Children and Family Services announced March 18 all Family Hope Centers would close on-site facilities through at least March 31 but continue to deliver many client services by other methods, with staff working from home. “We are facing changes on a daily basis because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus and evolving federal, state and local government mandates,” said Henry Jackson, senior vice president for Buckner Children and Family Services. “Obviously, these are affecting each of us, along with the clients we serve.” Buckner will re-evaluate the situation March 31 and determine next steps, Jackson added. Facilities affected include Texas Family Hope Center locations in Dallas at Bachman Lake, West Dallas and Wynnewood; Houston at Aldine and Reed Road; Longview; Lubbock; and Peñitas. Buckner International also has suspended direct services to clients in other countries where it serves, in accordance with national emergencies declared in those countries.

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary announced March 20 all seminary-sponsored, on-campus events for the spring semester, including commencement exercises, have been cancelled as part of efforts to control the spread of COVID-19. Earlier, the seminary had moved all on-campus courses to online delivery for the remainder of the spring semester. Spring 2020 graduates will receive their diplomas by mail after May 8 and will be invited to participate in the fall 2020 commencement ceremony in December. The seminary also recently announced the launch of new, eight-week online course terms, beginning April 27, starting with nine courses in the first term with more expected to be added throughout 2020.

Hardin-Simmons University and its Board of Young Associates presented Outstanding Young Alumni awards to three individuals Feb. 28—Eric Black, executive director/editor/publisher of the Baptist Standard; David Krake, a wealth management adviser with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Brea, Calif.; and Vishia Wilson, director of the intensive care unit and emergency room at Abilene Regional Medical Center. Outstanding Young Alumni are selected on the basis of having achieved a significant level of distinction within their chosen field and significantly benefitted the world. To be eligible for consideration, alumni must be under age 45 and have graduated from HSU less than 20 years prior to their nomination.

Retirement

Jana Jackson, director of church strengthening at Dallas Baptist Association, will retire July 17 after 25 years on the DBA staff. She joined the associational staff in 1995 as director of church and community missions. DBA plans to schedule a reception in her honor in late June or July. She also will be recognized at the associational executive board meeting on June 29 and at the association’s annual meeting Oct. 18.

The Heights Church in Richardson received about 2,700 lbs. of nonperishable food, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels and napkins valued at more than $4,500 during a three-day collection to serve its community during the COVID-19 crisis. The church sponsored a drive-through drop-off collection March 16-18 to benefit the local Network of Community Ministries, families in the Richardson Independent School District and its own Heights Ministries, which serves vulnerable families in the area. Much of the food—primarily macaroni and cheese, canned goods and pasta—collected on March 16 was distributed on March 17. “God richly blessed our efforts,” said Richard Covington, missions pastor at The Heights. “The more we worked with these groups, we saw the need was already greater than we imagined.” The church will sponsor another drop-off collection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 23-25 at the drive-through outside the main entrance to its worship center, with an additional collection from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Due to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding group gatherings, the Baptist General Convention of Texas has postponed all events for Texas Baptists through April 15. Events beyond that date will be evaluated by leaders, with updates posted here. Resources for preschool and children are being made available at no cost through Texas Baptists’ Great Commission Team and BaptistWay Press. To download preschool resources, click here. To download resources for children, click here. Downloadable no-cost Bible study materials for adults on the theme “Faith > Fear” are being offered by BaptistWay Press here.

As a safety measure against the spread of COVID-19, Buckner Retirement Services implemented a limited-access visitation policy at noon on March 13 at its six communities—Buckner Villas in Austin, Parkway Place in Houston, Ventana by Buckner in Dallas, Calder Woods in Beaumont, Westminster Place in Longview and Baptist Retirement Community in San Angelo. The limited-access policy forbids access to all visitors with limited exceptions, such as end-of-life situations. Visitors making end-of-life visits will be screened and required to follow strict hygiene and safety rules. The policy follows guidelines provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and complies with directives from Gov. Greg Abbott, who declared a State of Emergency on March 13. “We are taking similar measures with our international programs to monitor outbreaks in their respective countries and to align with local government restrictions,” said Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International. “We have cancelled all international mission trips until June 1 and will re-evaluate the situation at that time.”

The previously announced retirement reception for Craig Vire, originally scheduled for March 29 at Bethesda Baptist Church in Burleson, has been postponed due to restrictions on group gatherings.

Emily Smith, assistant professor of epidemiology at Baylor University and research scholar at the Duke Global Health Institute, delivered the 70^th annual Willson Lectures at Wayland Baptist University. Smith, a Wayland graduate, spoke on “Global Missions Through Research: The Intersection of Faith, Epidemiology, Economics and Policy.” Her research focuses on Somaliland, the fourth poorest nation in the world with an average income of $350 per year for a family, and it shows the reciprocal relationship between poverty and poor surgical care for children. She plans to take the research to donors and the United Nations to ask for significant funding to help bring proper care to poverty-stricken areas. In chapel, Smith described how God opened doors of opportunity for her when she focused less on “hustling” to achieve success and more on seeking the kingdom of God. The Willson Lectures is an annual series on topics related to applied Christianity and Christian home and family, established by the James M. and Mavis Willson family of Floydada.

Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas (the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas) received a $70,000 grant from the Texas Counts Pooled Fund for two initiatives—“¡Juntos Contamos!” and “¡Las Colonias Cuentan!”—designed to help Hispanic churches be an effective force to ensure the Hispanic community is counted in the 2020 U.S. Census. Convención will send a mailout to 1,160 Hispanic Baptist churches with information about the census, challenging them to schedule a Juntos Contamos Sunday. Convención also will provide $200 grants to churches and $750 grants to regional compañerismos to assist in their “get out the count” efforts. Carlos Alsina will direct Juntos Contamos, and Melba Zapata will direct Los Colonias Cuentan. Convención will collaborate with Hearts4Kids Ministries along the Texas/Mexico border for census efforts in unincorporated colonias.

Shelley F. Conroy will step down as dean of Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing after eight years, effective June 30. Baylor Provost Nancy Brickhouse has appointed Linda Plank, associate dean for academic affairs, as interim dean beginning July 1 while the university conducts a national search for its next nursing school dean.

Anniversary

30 years for Ed Seay as pastor of First Baptist Church in Magnolia. The church will recognize Ed and Cindy Seay and celebrate their anniversary at 10 a.m. on March 22 during a special worship service at the Magnolia Event Center, 11659 FM 1488 near Magnolia Parkway Elementary School in Magnolia. Childcare for children birth through second grade will be provided at the event center. No activities are scheduled at the church’s main campus that morning.

Astronaut Charlie Duke, one of only a dozen men to set foot on the moon, will be the featured speaker for the 2020 McLane Lecture at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Duke will speak at 11 a.m. on March 18 in the arena of the UMHB Frank & Sue Mayborn Campus Center. The event is free and open to the public. In 1972, Duke piloted the Apollo 16 lunar module. Previously, he was spacecraft communicator for the Apollo 11 moon landing and backup lunar module pilot for the Apollo 13 mission. Duke is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After he retired from NASA in 1975, Duke entered private business in San Antonio. He also entered the U.S. Air Force Reserves, where he rose to the rank of brigadier general before retiring in 1986. He was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Duke and his wife Dorothy live in New Braunfels, where he is president of Charlie Duke Enterprises and owner of Duke Investments. This is the seventeenth McLane Lecture sponsored by Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr., created to bring outstanding individuals to the UMHB campus to share their experiences and insights about leadership, government, business and faith.

Elona Prroj, vice president of the Evangelical Alliance of Albania, spoke in chapel at Dallas Baptist University. She and her husband Dritan were co-pastors of Word of Christ Church in Shkodër. In 2005, her husband’s uncle had an argument with another man in a restaurant and killed him. At that point, 25 men and boys in Prroj’s family were in mortal danger, due to a 500-year-old blood feud honor code called Kanun law. In 2010, the 21-year-old brother of the man his uncle had killed shot Dritan Prroj eight times in the doorway of his church. He died at age 34. Fearful their 10-year-old son Gabriel would perpetuate the cycle of revenge, Elona Prroj asked the boy what he planned to do. “Mom, Jesus told us to forgive our enemies,” Gabriel Prroj told his mother. Elona Prroj went on to become founding director of the No Blood Feud Yes to Life Foundation in Albania. “Forgiveness is a process that happens all your life,” he told students and faculty at DBU. “Every morning I wake up, I must decide to forgive.”

Baylor University has announced the slate of alumni-elected regent candidates presented for election this spring.  They are Kristina (Krissy) Doerner Guidi, a 2000 graduate from McLean, Va.; Brenda Rowland Sims, a 1979 graduate from McKinney; and Bradley T. Steele, a 1979 graduate from Longview. Credentials for voting will be provided to all degree-holding alumni of the university by mail and/or email in advance of the voting period. The election will be conducted by an independent third party in late April through early May. The candidate who receives the most votes will serve a three-year term on the Baylor board of regents. The candidates, whose nominations were supported by the signatures of at least 50 other Baylor graduates or who were nominated by official advisory and advocacy boards and groups associated with the university, were considered by a nominating committee comprised of two sitting alumni-elected regents not up for re-election and two other regents. A full list of guidelines for the election can be found on the Baylor Alumni-elected Regents website here.

Howard Payne University recently hosted more than 90 students, faculty, staff and alumni at its inaugural Career Summit. The university’s offices of career services, alumni relations and university services jointly coordinated the event, which featured seven HPU alumni who discussed their experiences in professional sectors including law, education, business, finance, municipal government and university administration. In addition to HPU President Cory Hines, other speakers were Bobbette Bell, a longtime educator with school districts in Mart and Salado; Deborah Cartwright, a tax attorney from Austin who worked with two Texas state comptrollers; Stephen Cox, director of bands at Eastland Independent School District; Daniel Hutson, vice president for commercial lending at TexasBank in Brownwood; Natalia Lopez, an immigration attorney with law offices in Brownwood and Fort Worth; and Marshal McIntosh, public information officer and assistant director of economic development with the City of Brownwood.

In support of East Texas Baptist University’s Neighborhood Renewal Initiative, ETBU is partnering with Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity to carry out its first Blitz Build in Marshall during Spring Break, March 9-13. ETBU students, staff and faculty will volunteer their time and labor throughout the week to make a difference in the life of a local family. “I am thankful for those who will sacrifice part of their spring break to live out their faith and be the hands and feet of Jesus as they serve our community,” said Scott Stevens, dean of spiritual life at ETBU. In the months leading up to the build, ETBU secured a vacant lot near campus in an effort to help provide affordable, quality housing for local families. The university has donated the lot in support of the Blitz Build program and is scheduling volunteers to cover the work site throughout the week.

Albert Reyes, president and chief executive officer of Buckner International, spoke in chapel Feb. 26 at Wayland Baptist University. He also participated in a luncheon panel discussion. “What the world needs now is hope,” Reyes said. Wayland currently is participating in a drive to collect shoes for Buckner’s Shoes for Orphan Souls program.

In partnership with the Dallas Baptist University Center for Career and Professional Development, the DBU department of athletics held its inaugural Patriots Prepared student-athlete event Feb. 10. A panel discussion featured Cynthia Marshall, chief executive officer of the Dallas Mavericks; Chad Estis, executive vice president of the Dallas Cowboys; Rob Matwick, executive vice president of the Texas Rangers; and Dave Brown, chief operating officer and general manager of the American Airlines Center. Brendan Smith, assistant director of athletics at DBU, moderated the panel.

Mack Rhoades, vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at Baylor University, has been selected as a recipient of the Under Armour AD of the Year Award for 2019-20. The award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities. Rhoades has led Baylor’s department of intercollegiate athletics since July 2016, focusing on a commitment to “Preparing Champions for Life,” by emphasizing academic achievement, athletic success, character formation and spiritual growth. “Mack has achieved remarkable success in leading our athletics program to arguably its greatest heights in school history, and his example of values-based leadership has aligned with our university mission and uplifted the entire Baylor community,” Baylor President Linda Livingstone said.

Gene Wilkes, president of B. H. Carroll Theological Institute, and Scott Whitson, executive director of the Southwest Metroplex Baptist Association, climbed 19,341 feet to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The pair raised $5,000 for Baptist theological education in Tanzania and more than $3,700 for scholarships for B.H. Carroll students.

Baylor University has been ranked on the Peace Corps’ list of top volunteer-producing colleges and universities in 2020, coming in at No. 21 among medium-sized schools. Currently, 17 Baylor alumni are serving as Peace Corps volunteers in countries around the world. Since the agency’s founding in 1961, about 215 Baylor alumni have served abroad as Peace Corps volunteers. More than 8,174 Texans have served in the Peace Corps since 1961.

Retirement

Craig Vire after 33 years as pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church in Burleson. The church will host a reception honoring Vire and his wife Pamela from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 29.

East Texas Baptist University’s School of Nursing was recently ranked as the No. 1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing program out of the 118 programs evaluated in Texas by the Annual RegisteredNursing.org Registered Nurse Program State Rankings. RN Program State Rankings are measured through analyzing the National Council Licensure Examination pass rates, or the percentage of graduates who pass the licensure exam following graduation. Many state boards of nursing use the total overall licensure exam pass rates to determine a nursing program’s ability to produce prepared and equipped students. Over the summer, East Texas Baptist graduates achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the national licensure exam for the fifth consecutive year. “Our mission at ETBU is to educate our students, and provide them with knowledge and competencies to deliver holistic, high-quality patient-centered care,” said Rebekah Grigsby, dean of the ETBU School of Nursing.  Our value and emphasis in Christ-centered nursing care is foundational to the excellence in nursing our graduates provide. The success of our program reflects the commitment and hard work of both faculty and students. We celebrate this achievement, and our pursuit of excellence in nursing education continues.”

David Brumbelow, director of the Baptist Student Ministry at Lee College in Baytown, was recognized at the college’s convocation for his 28 years of service to the campus ministry. Dennis Brown, immediate past president of the college, presented an award of recognition to Brumbelow. Rep. Briscoe Cain also introduced a resolution in the Texas House of Representatives commending Brumbelow. In addition to serving as BSM director, Brumbelow also is pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Baytown.

As part of its annual Prom Party event on Feb. 22, the Hardin-Simmons University Social Work Club welcomed Abilene-area young women in foster care to campus for a day to pick out prom dresses. “It is an opportunity for our club to celebrate these ladies for who they are and to let them shine for a day,” said Amanda Ramsey, president of the HSU Social Work Club. “At the end of the day, our goal is to make sure that they feel seen, beautiful and celebrated simply for who they are.” Melissa Milliorn, professor and head of the social work program at HSU, has volunteered with the Preparation for Adult Living program since before 2004 with camps, conferences, college days and other events. In 2005, a PAL coordinator contacted Milliorn to ask if HSU could host a Prom Party. What began as a small party of 10 foster youth has doubled in size, and new experiences have been included as part of the event. In recent years, activities have included limo rides, fashion shows and visits to HSU’s Six White Horses.

Baylor University celebrated the groundbreaking of the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center on Feb. 21. Paula Hurd, along with daughters Kelly and Kathryn, joined Baylor President Linda Livingstone and members of the Baylor board of regents, university administration, students, faculty and staff at a ceremonial groundbreaking of the $60 million, 120,000-square-foot complex. Mark Hurd, the CEO of Oracle Corporation and vice chairman of Baylor’s board of regents, died last October. He and his wife served as co-chairs on the National Campaign Steering Committee for the Give Light Campaign, the university’s $1.1 billion comprehensive fundraising campaign. Site work on the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center is expected to begin this spring, with an anticipated completion date in spring 2022.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor College of Visual and Performing Arts hosted “The Bible Project” as part of its Dean’s Series on Feb. 25. This event featured work by David Hill, UMHB associate professor and ceramicist. Hill showed examples of his creations over the last decade and discussed how faith has influenced his art throughout his career. The focus of the presentation was Hill’s current work in progress, “The Bible Project,” a composition consisting of 66 sculptural wall tiles that highlight each book of the Bible and present them as part of the over-arching gospel story. When completed, the work will be installed at Vista Community Church in Temple.

At its inaugural Honoring the Gold and Bold event, Baylor University recognized: Kellie Key Fischer, executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Texas Rangers major league baseball team, as Baylor Alumna of the Year; Max Muncy, infielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as Young Alumnus of the Year; Brenda Rhame Hauk, CEO and founder of BrightStone, a Tennessee-based nonprofit that provides services for adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with the Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service; and Kyle Deaver, mayor of Waco, with the Pro Texana Medal of Service.

Buckner International and Howard Payne University launched a collaboration to provide volunteer and missions opportunities, humanitarian aid drives and enhanced experiential learning opportunities for HPU students. Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International, and HPU President Cory Hines signed a memorandum of understanding Feb. 12. “This collaboration with Howard Payne University allows students to experience true servant leadership while on mission,” said Dr. Reyes. “Encouraging students to give back to those in need will support HPU’s ongoing goal of building an inspired, caring and Christ-like community within the university.” Hines called the collaboration “a perfect fit between two Christ-centered institutions with distinguished histories and ongoing vitality.” HPU will provide Buckner with student volunteers, mission volunteers and humanitarian aid drives. The broad categories of service include shoe drives and mission trips. HPU also will create credit and non-credit opportunities for students to intern and train at Buckner ministry locations in Texas and internationally. Buckner will work with HPU students in campus mission organizations to serve Buckner clients and assist Buckner personnel. Buckner will also provide support and orientation, working within international and domestic leadership to find opportunities for HPU students to serve vulnerable children, families and senior adults.

Texas Baptists will accept nominations beginning April 1 for recipients of the inaugural BEST (Baptist Educators Serving Texans) Award. To be eligible for a BEST Award, a candidate must be a teacher, coach, counselor or administrator serving in an accredited Texas public school system who is a graduate of a university related to the Baptist General Convention of Texas and a member of a BGCT-affiliated church. Organizers said the awards are intended to “celebrate exceptional educators who live out their faith to the students they serve” and to recognize Texas Baptist universities for developing “educator-missionaries.” The award also is designed to remind affiliated churches their Cooperative Program giving that helps support the universities has an impact on generations to come by producing about 800 new public school educators annually. Nominations will be accepted from April 1 to June 1 at txb.org/best. Finalists will be notified in August. Awards will be presented at various venues in September and October, and winners will be announced at the 2020 BGCT annual meeting in November.

Four Howard Payne University students were named Currie-Strickland Scholars in Christian Ethics and Theology at the university’s annual Currie-Strickland Distinguished Lectures in Christian Ethics event recently. They are Paul Chandler, a Christian Education major from Mount Pleasant; Conner Faught, a Bible, jurisprudence and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Brownfield; Landon James, a youth ministry major from Bangs; and Xavier Haines, a Christian education and history major from Belton. Each year, students are selected as Currie-Strickland Scholars based on an evaluation of achievement in their classes and on the ways they have excelled in their thinking in the fields of Christian ethics and theology.

Tim Smith from First Baptist Church in Hempstead received the Legion of Honor Award—the highest honor that can be bestowed on an individual in the area of Royal Ambassador work—from Texas Baptist Men. The award recognizes men who have dedicated themselves to fostering mission education and mission activity among boys and young men. Smith grew up as an RA, served as an RA State Staffer leading summer camps, is a member of the RA committee in Union Baptist Association and is on the statewide RA committee. He regularly mentors RAs and RA leaders in his church and around the state. He also has worked at RA camps in the Philippines and Alaska and served with TBM on mission trips in Haiti. “Tim was an exceptional leader as a child and Royal Ambassador,” said John Clayton, who nominated Smith. “He has continued his leadership and willingness to volunteer and be the light of Christ for many as he navigates adulthood. He is a man of integrity and action for Christ.”

Beth Moore, author and Bible teacher, spoke Feb. 5 at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary and signed copies of her new book, Chasing Vines: Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life, published by Tyndale House. With John 15:1-17 as her text, Moore spoke on “The Everlasting Joys of Helping Others Flourish.” It is God’s will for Christians to be “fruitful” and to experience the joy of ministering to others and investing in their fruitfulness, she insisted. She encouraged students in ministry to ask others, “What can I do to help you along the way?” Moore noted she recently felt God prompting her, “Share your space.” So, Living Proof Ministries began opening its doors to the public, posting a sign that asked, “Need prayer?” She and her staff have been praying for anyone who came through the door. Moore also said Living Proof Ministries soon will open a theological library for the public. “Jesus has been the joy of my life,” she said. “I want people to know that Jesus.”

The Arbor Day Foundation recently recognized East Texas Baptist University as a Tree Campus USA university. Tree Campus USA is an Arbor Day Foundation program that honors colleges and universities and their leadership for promoting healthy trees, and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. To achieve this recognition, ETBU met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus USA: establishment of a tree advisory committee; evidence of a campus tree-care plan; dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program; an Arbor Day observance; and the sponsorship of student service-learning projects. In honor of Texas’ Arbor Day in November, a group of ETBU student-athletes helped plant five live oak trees in front of the new Oaks on Grove Townhomes, and the ETBU landscaping team planted an additional 50-plus trees at sites across the university campus.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor College of Visual and Performing Arts hosted a Feb. 4 lecture in its C3 series—Conversations in Christianity + Calling—focused on the “Every Moment Holy” project. Every Moment Holy is a book of liturgies for ordinary events of daily life, such as laundering and enjoying meals with friends. UMHB Provost John Vassar led the discussion with songwriter/recording artist Andrew Peterson and lyricist/writer Douglas McKelvey. Peterson also presented a concert in the Baugh Performance Hall and led a Feb. 5 chapel service at UMHB.

Retirement

Mark Bumpus as pastor of First Baptist Church in Graham after seven years there and 40 years as the pastor of Texas Baptist churches.

Howard Payne University announced the construction of the Newbury Family Welcome Center and renovations to the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom building. A groundbreaking ceremony for the welcome center will be held March 31. The building is scheduled to be completed by August 2021. The Newbury Family Welcome Center, named for the family of HPU Chancellor Don Newbury, president of the school from 1985 to 1997, will serve as an inviting entry point to campus and will be the first new construction project at HPU since 2001. It will house the offices of admission and alumni relations. The Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom building is the home of HPU’s Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. The Academy of Freedom is a major historical and cultural landmark for Brown County, consisting of the former main building of Daniel Baker College, dating back to 1890, while also housing a collection of General MacArthur’s personal artifacts and other historical exhibits. The renovation project will focus on the building’s main hall and wings, built in the 1960s.

Two former members of the U.S. Congress—Rep. Alan Steelman, a Republican who served from 1973 to 1976; and Rep. Chet Edwards, a Democrat who served from 1991 to 2010—will be joined by Rory Ryan, a Baylor Law School professor, and Stephen Sloan, a Baylor University history professor, for a panel discussion and question-and-answer session on “Investigating Impeachment: Context, Congress and the Constitution.” The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 6, on the fifth floor of the Cashion Academic Center on the Baylor campus. A reception will follow. Steelman was a freshman Congressman in 1973, when President Richard Nixon was embroiled in the Watergate scandal and ultimately resigned prior to being impeached. Edwards was a leading House Democrat in 1998, when President Bill Clinton became the second U.S. president to be impeached. These former members of Congress will reflect on their experiences with impeachment proceedings as context for understanding the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Houston Baptist University’s Gideon Institute of Christian Psychology and Counseling will cohost an adolescent suicide prevention event Feb. 29 with Houston’s First Baptist Church at the church’s 7401 Katy Freeway campus. Matthew Stanford, director of The Hope and Healing Center, and Eric L. Johnson, director of HBU’s Gideon Institute will discuss “Secret Pain: Understanding Adolescent Suicide.” A “brunch and learn” session for clinicians will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the church’s fellowship center. A parents’ seminar will be held at 10 a.m. in the chapel, followed by a question-and-answer panel discussion with Stanford, Johnson and Adam Mason, minister of counseling services at the church. For more information or to register, click here.

Texas Baptist Men volunteer Rachel Schieck received the Distinguished Service Award from the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board. She was recognized at a roundtable gathering of Southern Baptist disaster relief leaders in Louisville, Ky. on Jan. 29. On a national scale, Shieck works with forms to make sure disaster relief teams have what they need while on the field. In Texas, she schedules and arranges TBM disaster relief training events in the Panhandle, as well as working behind the scenes with team coordination, training and tracking statewide. She and her husband Russell also have served on the field in the wake of many disasters in Texas and beyond. “TBM wouldn’t be who we are without Rachel,” said Dwain Carter, TBM disaster relief director. “We wouldn’t be able to deliver help, hope and healing as effectively as we do without her. Day in and day out, she works tirelessly to help hurting people and share the good news of Christ. She is an inspiration and encouragement to all.”

Andy Pettitte, a five-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees and a three-time All-Star, was the keynote speaker at the 28th annual Patriot baseball banquet at Dallas Baptist University. In addition to talking about milestones in his Major League Baseball career, Pettitte discussed how his faith in Jesus Christ has shaped his life. During the banquet, the 2019 DBU Baseball team was recognized for winning the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title and advancing to their sixth consecutive NCAA Regional. Dan Heefner is head coach of the DBU Patriots baseball team.

A Feb. 1 dinner launched a year of celebrations at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor marking the 175^th anniversary of the signing of the school’s charter by the Republic of Texas. At the event, Mayor Marion Grayson declared Feb. 1, 2020, as University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Day in Belton, Rep. Hugh Shine read a proclamation from the Texas State House of Representatives commemorating the university’s milestone anniversary, and Sen. Dawn Buckingham sent a proclamation from the Texas Senate and a flag that flew over the state capitol.

Two members of a nine-person team who hope to climb Mount Kilimanjaro later this month want to raise support for global Baptist theological education, particularly in Tanzania. Gene Wilkes, president of the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, said he and Scott Whitson, executive director of Southwest Metroplex Baptist Association in Cleburne, want to “draw attention to the need to support our brothers and sisters in Baptist theological education in Tanzania and the need to support the work of B.H. Carroll globally.” They hope to reach the mountain’s 19,300-foot summit and raise $19,300 if they find enough individuals who will sponsor them at $1 per foot. “In the grander scheme of things, with Baptists supporting the effort, we believe we can raise that much. If we have someone who wants to sponsor us at a penny a foot, that would raise $193. If 10 cents a foot, $1,930,” Wilkes said. “I believe together we can make this small investment in the future of theological education in an area where our dollars go a very long way. Even the smallest gift from a child, $1.93, will be put to use to further the kingdom with the new school and student scholarships.” The first $5,000 raised will fund theological education in Tanzania. Additional contributions will support B.H. Carroll scholarships. Both Wilkes and Whitson are funding their own travel and expenses, and 100 percent of the funds raised will go to designated projects. They will spend an additional week in Tanzania leading a pastor’s conference in Kayanga and consulting with local church leaders who plan to start a Baptist Bible College in the country that would serve as a training ground for pastors. For more information, click here.

Baylor University named Paula Hurd and her late husband Mark as recipients of the Founders Medal. Established in 1969, the Founders Medal is reserved for men and women whose service and contributions have been unusually significant to the life and future of Baylor. Mark Hurd was the chief executive officer of Oracle Corporation. He began his service on the Baylor board of regents in 2014. He was elected vice chair of the board in 2017 and was serving in that role at the time of his death last October. In November 2018, the Hurds gave a lead gift to launch the public phase of Give Light, a $1.1 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign for the future of Baylor and for which the Hurds served as campaign co-chairs. Their gift, one of the largest in Baylor history, will create a new entry point to the university, the Mark and Paula Hurd Center. Throughout the years, the Hurds also invested significantly in the growth of the Baylor tennis program.

First Baptist Church in Holland worked with other local volunteers to provide 75 pairs of shoes, along with food, toys and clothes at Christmas to 27 families in need who have children in the Holland Independent School District. Students from First Baptist Church in Holland launched the Kids Helping Kids initiative in 2005. In the past 14 years, it grew to include donations from the Holland Volunteer Fire Department, First United Methodist Church and the local Chamber of Commerce, among others. Shoes are purchased with donations and funds raised through luncheons, dessert auctions and the sale of calendars. To meet other needs, individuals “adopt” families by selecting tags from a Christmas tree during the community Thanksgiving lunch held at the elementary school. Volunteers wrap and deliver the presents in mid-December. Frank Teat is interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Holland.

First Baptist Church in Plano will hold a 2 p.m. groundbreaking service Feb. 23 at its new 10.4-acre property at 3665 W. President George Bush Turnpike. The church sold its property on East 15^th St. in downtown Plano last October and is leasing back that property while it builds a new facility. Construction tentatively is scheduled to begin in March. The church plans to move into its new facility in late summer 2021. Craig Curry is pastor.

Anniversary

130^th for First Baptist Church in Galveston. Larry Womack is interim pastor.

Texas Baptists recognized Baylor University on Institutional Legacy Day for 175 years of exemplary Christian higher education. Craig Christina, associate executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, presented a commemorative plaque to Linda Livingstone, president of Baylor University, during a Jan. 26 service at the historic Anderson Baptist Church in Grimes County, site of the BGCT’s formation in 1886. Todd Still, dean of Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary, preached at the service. Baylor was chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas in Independence and moved to Waco in 1886, merging with Waco University. At its Jan. 21 Waco City Council meeting, the city of Waco issued a proclamation declaring Feb. 1 as “Baylor Founders Day.” The Mayborn Museum at Baylor will unveil a new interactive exhibit on Feb. 1 that chronicles the university’s history. Additional historical displays have been installed on campus in Moody Memorial Library and the Bill Daniel Student Center.

More than 250 students from Baptist universities across the state gathered at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor for the three-day Christian Association of Student Leaders Conference. Former UMHB Chaplain George Loutherback created the conference 21 years ago, and it has expanded to serve Baptist universities throughout Texas. Student leaders participated in sessions and roundtables on leadership topics such as “Embracing Purpose,” “Cultivating a Healthy Leadership Culture” and “Impacting the World Through Your Community.” In a service project, students worked in teams to pack 54,615 meals for hungry children. The meals will be distributed by the One More Child organization to schools in the Belton area.

Texas Baptist Men volunteers from Katy distributed 1,750 boxes to people in an area damaged by an explosion at a Houston industrial site. “As people return to the area, they are surveying the damage and looking to see what they can save,” said Dwain Carter, director of TBM Disaster Relief. “These boxes provide a very practical tool to help them. It also provides an opportunity for conversation where trained volunteers can comfort and encourage those who have been affected by the explosion.”

Baptist Temple in San Antonio commissioned 18 members as Stephen Ministers on Jan. 19. A Stephen Minister provides one-on-one distinctively Christian care to hurting people in and around the congregation. While they are not therapists nor lay counselors, Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of initial training, followed by peer supervision and continuing education. Baptist Temple will be strengthened by “training and deploying church members to apply their spiritual gifts in service to our Lord” and by “providing direct care to people going through a difficult time,” Pastor Jorge Zayasbazan said. Stephen Ministers are found in more than 13,000 churches representing 183 denominations.

Students in Baylor University’s “Philanthropy and the Public Good” course directed $75,000 in grants to six Waco-area nonprofit organizations. The university worked in partnership with the Fort Worth-based Philanthropy Lab, with funding provided by the Baylor/Waco Foundation led by the Solid Gold Neighbor Ambassador Council. Students in the philanthropy class spent the semester evaluating 67 nonprofit organizations, ultimately deciding to fund six: Christian Women’s Job Corps, which offers mentoring and teaches job skills and life skills in a Christ-centered context; Family Abuse Center, which seeks to shelter victims of domestic violence and prevent abuse through intervention and education; Talitha Koum Institute, a mental health therapeutic nurture center; Greater Waco Legal Services, which provides affordable legal services, free monthly legal advice clinics and legal empowerment workshops for those who cannot afford an attorney; Inspiracion, which focuses on empowering at-risk Latino families to break the cycle of poverty by fostering parenting knowledge and skills that directly impact child development; and The Cove, a safe space created for students who are experiencing homelessness. Andy Hogue, associate dean of engaged learning in the College of Arts & Sciences and senior lecturer in Baylor’s Honors Program, developed the “Philanthropy and Public Good” course. Jeremy Vickers, associate vice president of external affairs, and Holly Burchett, director of community relations at Baylor, taught the fall 2019 class.

Actor, author and motivational speaker Charles “Skeeta” Jenkins spoke in a Jan. 15 chapel service at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where he earned both an undergraduate degree in social work and a master’s degree in marriage and family Christian counseling. In his chapel address, he urged students to build strong foundations of faith that will see them through times of stress and trial. He reflected on the story of Jesus and his disciples crossing a lake when they suddenly were overtaken by a furious storm. Jesus’ disciples were surprised to find their teacher fast asleep. “If you pray in the calm, you can sleep in the storm,” Jenkins said. As a student, Jenkins was part of the inaugural Crusader football team at UMHB in 1998. He is state director of the Giocosa Foundation, a foster care and adoption agency, and serves as team chaplain and character coach for the Temple High School football team.

Houston Baptist University will host “Answering the Call,” a retreat designed to help high school and college students discern God’s calling on their lives, Feb. 21-22. Speakers include John Wethington, founding lead pastor of New Day Church in Houston; Leigh Kohler, founding executive director of The Alliance, a justice ministry that fights human trafficking; Brian Hébert, associate pastor of Wilcrest Baptist Church in Houston; and Doug Bischoff, Next Generation minister at Houston’s First Baptist Church. Cost is $25, which includes lodging and meals. To register, click here. Youth ministers are invited to attend with their students at no cost, but they are asked to email cristeski@hbu.edu in advance.

Darin Davis, director of the Institute for Faith and Learning at Baylor University, has been elected to a four-year term on the National Board of the Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts. Founded in 1991, the Lilly Fellows Program seeks to strengthen the quality and shape the character of church-related educational institutions through various fellowships, activities and resources. At Baylor, Davis holds a faculty appointment in the Honors Program, serves on the graduate faculty of the department of philosophy, and is affiliated faculty of Truett Theological Seminary. He also serves as principal investigator and project director of the Soundings Project, a $1.5 million grant given to Baylor through the Lilly Endowment “Called to Lives of Meaning and Purpose” initiative.

Brenden Hough, a sophomore from Brownwood majoring in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and practical theology at Howard Payne University, was recognized as one of three “distinguished delegates” at the Northwest Model United Nations conference in Seattle. Hough was one of six HPU students competing in the Model United Nations event, which drew 700 students from 25 educational institutions throughout the United States and Canada.

Texas Baptists’ Hispanic Evangelism Team and Associación Bautista Latino Americana will host a Hispanic Evangelism Conference Feb. 21-23 at Spring Woods Baptist Church in Houston. The conference will focus on the theme “Modelando la Gran Comision” (Modeling the Great Commission). Keynote speakers include evangelist Samuel Otero and Bulmaro Luna, executive director of ABLA, with worship music provided by the praise and worship team from Life Church of San Antonio. The conference will be in both English and Spanish, with translation available as needed. A Congreso Youth Rally also takes place on Feb. 22, providing a worship event for students.

Texas Baptists—employer of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board staff—received a 2019 Top Workplace, National Standard award presented by The Dallas Morning News. The list is based on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture including alignment, execution and connection. The BGCT Executive Board currently employs more than 250 full and part-time staff. Though based out of Dallas, convention staff span nine service regions that include Waco, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, along the Texas/Mexico border and on 115 college campuses across the state. Staff, who are active members of affiliated churches, are recognized with service awards in five-year increments. “Receiving this recognition is a testament to the servant spirit of our entire staff,” said Rollie Richmond, Texas Baptists’ director of human resources. “We strive daily to reflect our Savior in how we treat those we serve, both inside and outside of the organization. We are always aware that there is much yet to do to continue to grow a positive employee experience, but we are thankful, blessed and humbled by this recognition.”

Linda Livingstone, the 15th president of Baylor University, will be inducted Feb. 7 into the Oklahoma State University Hall of Fame—the highest honor bestowed by OSU. It recognizes alumni and former students with outstanding lifetime achievements in society and professional life. She graduated from OSU in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and management. She went on to receive a master’s degree in business administration in 1983 and a doctorate in management and organizational behavior in 1992. During her time at OSU, Livingstone was a member of the Cowgirl Basketball team. She was named a Top Ten Senior, President’s Distinguished Scholar and Big 8 Scholar Athlete.

Two current Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board staff members will assume new leadership roles with Texas Baptists’ Missions Team. Mario Gonzalez will be the director of River Ministry/Mexico Missions, and David Miranda will be the director of the Missionary Adoption Program and Urban Missions. Gonzalez has been with Texas Baptists since 2013 and previously served as the director of Multi-Housing/House Congregations. He has served as a pastor in Mexico, New Mexico and Texas and also was a missionary with the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board. In his new role, Gonzalez will work with 16 River Ministries missionaries from Brownsville to Tijuana and promote trips to border cities along the Mexican border. As director of the Missionary Adoption Program, Miranda will help connect Texas churches with a church in a host state or country to jointly sponsor indigenous missionaries, ensuring that the missionaries are receiving proper support and creating more partnerships between Texas churches and these missionaries. Through Urban Missions, he will equip church leaders with missional training, consulting, coaching and commissioning to reach their communities. Miranda formerly worked for Texas Baptists as missions specialist. He is also the pastor of West End Church, a Texas Baptist church plant in Dallas.

Myles Werntz, the T.B. Maston Chair of Christian Ethics and associate professor of ethics and practical theology at Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon School of Theology, will present the 13th annual Currie-Strickland Distinguished Lectures in Christian Ethics at Howard Payne University. “War and the Christian Life” is the topic of the lectures, Feb. 6-7 in the Richard and Wanda Jackson Conference Room of HPU’s Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center. Werntz will deliver the first lecture, “The Violence of No One: Theological Reflections on American War and Peace” at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 6. He will present the second lecture, “The Peace of Everyone: Christians in a World of War,” at 10 a.m. on Feb. 7. Admission is free to the public, but reservations are requested. E-mail currie-strickland@hputx.edu or call (325) 649-8403

Mary K. Nelson, director of the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program in the Gary Cook School of Leadership at Dallas Baptist University, received the Piper Outstanding Professor of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to a DBU professor selected by his or her faculty peers. It marked the second time Nelson received the honor, having previously been named Piper Outstanding Professor in 2010. Nelson started her career at DBU in 2004 as an English professor and then served as chair of the English department from 2013 to 2017. In 2013, she was asked to co-teach a Great Books class for the doctoral leadership program, and a few years later began co-leading an annual study strip to Oxford that focuses on historical British leaders and contemporary issues of global leadership. She was appointed director of the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program in 2017. She and her husband Alan are the parents of twin 6-year-old sons, Blake and Paul. They are members of First Baptist Church in Arlington.

Working with North Carolina Baptist Men, Texas Baptist Men has helped send 500 water filters to provide clean drinking water for families affected by the recent earthquake in Puerto Rico. Each of the 500 filters provides enough clean water for a family each day. A 6.4 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 7 caused more than $200 million in damage nationwide, and it was followed by at least two significant subsequent earthquakes. Up to 300,000 individuals had no drinking water after the earthquake.

East Texas Baptist University will host the first Preview Days of 2020 on Jan. 27 and Feb.17.  Prospective students interested in attending the university can visit campus and receive a comprehensive overview of life at ETBU through admission and financial aid sessions, academic showcases, campus tours, student life panels and a chapel worship service. Students and their families can interact with current students, faculty, admissions counselors, financial aid staff and academic advisers. For more information or to register, click here.

The Marsh Center for Chaplains Studies, sponsored by the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, exhibited for the first time at the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C., Jan. 13-15. Conference members endorse chaplains for service in the U.S. Armed Forces on behalf of their respective religious organizations. They are the point of contact between the Department of Defense and more than 150 religious denominations and faith groups. Jim Spivey, a retired U.S. Army chaplain and brigadier general, is director of the Marsh Center, founded in 2019.

Ordinations

John Bate, Don Hyden, Brandon Skaggs, Ryun Summers and Scott Whitley as deacons at First Baptist Church in Belton.