In Touch: History, hospitals, churches & schools

Hello, again, Texas Baptists!

A few days ago, I, along with the members of the Texas Baptists Missions Foundation board of directors, had the opportunity to tour the Texas Baptist Historical Collection. Alan Lefever is the director of this collection, and it is now housed in our Baptist Building. It is quite impressive! Let me encourage you to make use of this collection for your own research purposes or, please, add to the collection by sending historical items regarding your church or ministry. Here's the contact information: (972) 331-2235 or Alan.lefever@texasbaptists.org or www.texasbaptists.org/tbhc.

Thanks to Glenn Robinson, CEO of Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco, and to Tim Lancaster, CEO of Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, for the opportunity to visit their institutions recently. As Texas Baptists, we provide financial assistance to each that supports the work of their hospital chaplains. Each day, these chaplains are touching the lives of hurting people and sharing the good news of Christ. On their behalf, I thank you, Texas Baptists, for your kind and generous support!

I have had the opportunity to visit the Wednesday evening services of a couple of our Texas Baptist churches in these past weeks. Shawn Brewer, pastor of First Baptist Church in Eastland, was a gracious host, and that church is a busy place on Wednesday. Also, Greg Ammons at First Baptist Church in Garland is doing a great work there, and it, too, is bustling on Wednesday evenings. Check out these churches' websites: www.fbceastland.org and www.fbcg.org.

It was great having Kyle Henderson and the church staff of First Baptist Church in Athens in our building for a time of planning and training. This is a missions-centered church (www.firstbaptist-athens.org). If your church staff is looking for a place to pray, plan and prepare, your Baptist Building awaits!

Lanny Hall, president of Hardin-Simmons University, recently gave me a wonderful tour of the beautiful campus and shared their story and plans. It's exciting at HSU. A part of their good news is the presence of Logsdon Seminary, helping train a new generation of ministers and missionaries. Next time you are in Abilene, stop by for a visit. Texas Baptists can take great satisfaction in another fine institution (www.hsutx.edu).

Oh, and thanks to Phil Christopher, pastor of First Baptist Church in Abilene, for the nice visit (www.fbcabilene.org).

Please make room on your calendar for our annual meeting next Oct. 29-31 in Corpus Christi.

More next time.

David Hardage is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.