Fernando Ortega descended from eight generations of Mexican weavers. This son of the Rio Grande entwines thoughtful melodies with Celtic, bluegrass, classical and Latin American influences to create something unique and rare.

He is one of Christian music’s most respected artists, his works encompassing modern hymns, liturgical songs, inspirational, and praise and worship favorites. He has three Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and a Billboard Latin Music Award to his credit, and a solo discography of 18 projects in a career spanning more than 25 years.

“Every aspect of our lives should be measured out by the narrative of Christ’s life,” Fernando says. “Year after year, through the journey of this Holy season, Christ’s ministry starts again and again.”

To learn more about Fernando Ortega, his music and even his first book—a collection of bird photography and stories—visit fernandoortega.com.

A written interview with Fernando Ortega is available here, with a Spanish translation here.

Katie Frugé is a stomach cancer survivor, special-needs parent, amateur baker, professional theologian and human rights advocate.

Katie has a Ph.D. in systematic theology, and her primary area of interest is the imago Dei and human dignity.

She serves as associate director for Texas Baptists’ Christian Life Commission. She loves a good cup of coffee, a good run and a good musical.

Shawn has been on the receiving end of God’s giving nature and good gifts: growing up in the great greenness of Arkansas; having parents who valued learning, reading and exploring; experiencing the privilege of ministry, discipleship and community while serving on campuses through Texas Baptist Student Ministry for 39 years; now loving the bride of Christ as minister of spiritual formation at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston. She also has a soft spot for rescue cats.

Katy Reed-Hodges is on the Pastoral Staff at First Baptist Church Arlington, TX. She lives in Arlington with her husband, Ryan, and their two Goldendoodles. They enjoy being outside, spending time with good friends, and watching college sports. Her church, FBC Arlington, celebrated its 150th anniversary on October 24, 2021.

Stephen Reeves serves as the executive director of Fellowship Southwest and the director of advocacy for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. A native of Austin, he has spent his career at the intersection of faith and public policy.

Reeves established the first advocacy office for CBF at the national level, was a registered lobbyist and public policy director for the Christian Life Commission for Texas Baptists and as a staff attorney for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C.

He is a national leader in the faith community to reform predatory lending practices, has led CBF to become more engaged in advocacy for immigrant and refugee communities, and has led efforts to prevent and respond to clergy sexual misconduct. He has a history degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from Texas Tech.

John Crowder has been the pastor of FBC West for 26 years. Before coming to West, he pastored FBC Kopperl, TX. He and his wife Lisa have one daughter, Ashley. John earned his MDiv at Southwestern Seminary and his DMin from Truett Seminary. He is a fan of the Texas Rangers, the Baylor Bears, Dr. Pepper, and the Christian rock band Petra.

Les Hollon, PhD, is a family man, pastor, preacher, professor, and writer. He loves people. Les enjoys laughing, hiking and traveling. He serves as senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas. His wife Vicki is also a vocational minister. They’ve served in various global regions.

Taylor Sandlin is the Senior Pastor of Sugar Land Baptist Church, where he has served since 2017. He and his wife Alyson, have two teenage children, Sophie and John Curtis. Taylor has degrees from George W. Truett Theological Seminary and Texas A&M University. He enjoys watching his kids dance and swim, hiking, and taking photos of creation.

Craig Curry is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Plano. He is a graduate and trustee of Hardin-Simmons University. He also holds a masters degree from Logsdon Seminary and a doctorate from Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary. Curry and his family have served Texas Baptists for decades in various roles in local churches and the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He loves people and their stories.

Dr. Albert L. Reyes is president and CEO of Buckner International, a nonprofit international ministry that serves vulnerable children, families and seniors. He previously served as president of Buckner Children and Family Services. Prior to his service at Buckner, Reyes was president of Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio.

Reyes also has served as pastor of three churches and was involved in numerous roles within the Baptist General Convention of Texas, serving as its president in 2005. He serves as vice president of the Baptist World Alliance representing Baptists in the United States of America.

Reyes received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Angelo State University, Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Andrews University. He also has completed post-doctoral study at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies in Oxford, England.

He is the author of The Jesus Agenda: Becoming an Agent of Redemption (Believers Press, 2015) and Hope Now: Peace, Healing, and Justice When the Kingdom Comes Near (Iron Stream Books, 2019).

Reyes and his wife Belinda have three adult sons and are members of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas.

Marv Knox is executive director of Fellowship Southwest, an ecumenical collaborative network for churches and individuals who organize around shared compassion for people across the American Southwest and northern Mexico. Previously, Marv was editor of the Baptist Standard almost two decades. He and Joanna have two daughters, two sons-in-law and five grandkids. They’re members of Valley Ranch Baptist Church in Coppell.

A familiar face in Texas Rangers telecasts, Emily Jones is the field reporter for the majority of the FOX Sports Southwest’s home telecasts and a select number of road broadcasts. Prior to joining the Rangers, Jones worked full-time for FOX Sports Southwest on a variety of the network’s programming from August 2004 through October 2013. She previously was a news reporter and sports director at KCBD-TV in Lubbock. She graduated magna cum laude from Texas Tech University in 1998 with a degree in broadcast journalism and a minor emphasis in Spanish.

Jones has also authored two children’s books. A Place For Everyone and Something Special In The Stands.

Emily and her husband Mike have two children, Henry and Hattie and reside in Fort Worth.