Editorial: A $10,000 Goal for Baptist Progress

By Jerry Fulton

Last year, at the BMA of Texas Annual Meeting, I announced that the United States Postal Service increased our postage rates by 24%. In addition, our printing costs increased by $80 per issue. Now, we are told, the USPS is increasing our postage rates by another 4% this month.

Therefore, in order to fund our ministry efforts for the year, I am asking a special favor of our churches.
For years, June has been DoubleUp Month for Baptist Progress. During DoubleUp Month, churches on our Church Plan mail us a “double” monthly payment for the subscriptions they provide for their members. However, due to our increased costs, we are asking you to take one more step this year.

On Sunday, June 8th, we request that every BMA of Texas church take a special offering for Baptist Progress. If the offering your church receives is greater than two Church Plan payments, great! Send it our way! If it is not, have your church guarantee the amount we receive from you be at least equal to two Church Plan payments.

I do not like to beg anymore than you like to be begged, but we must pay the bills. In addition to our regular expenditures, we must update our subscription computer program. The program is the brain of our operation. Without it, we would have to close the doors and go home. Because it is so old, it is imperative that we have it updated as soon as possible. Finally, we have located a person near our office who is capable and willing to update our program for approximately $3,750.00. Thanks to the Ellis-Hill WMA who adopted Baptist Progress as their project for this year. Their contribution will greatly assist us in paying for this project, but much more is needed.

We have set a goal to raise $10,000.00 during DoubleUp Month (June). If each church will receive a special offering for our state publication, we will easily exceed that goal.
If you believe as I that Baptist Progress is the lifeline to our associated work then I know you will assist us.

On the Road
During April, it was my delight to be with the sweet ladies of both the Wood County WMA and the Ellis-Hill WMA. Ladies, your support and encouragement is greatly appreciated. Thanks for having me!
Earlier in the month, I was privileged to serve as evangelist in revival meetings at South Park, Fort Worth, where Bro. Gaylan Henry is pastor. In the mid-1980’s, my parents and I were members of this dear church. I praise the Lord for the eight souls who were saved during the South Park revival.
It was great to be with the good people of First, Carthage Saturday, April 19th for their 150th anniversary. First, Carthage is certainly a lighthouse for the people of Panola County. Dr. Allen Tilley and his staff put together a wonderful day of celebration that the citizens of Carthage will not soon forget.
Sunday, April 20th, my wife and I returned to Sheppard Drive, Euless where I served as pastor just prior to becoming editor of Baptist Progress. Getting to see, fellowship and worship with people who were a big part of our lives is no doubt a fortaste of Heaven. Sheppard Drive is now led by Pastor James Schoenrock.

Editor’s Speaking Schedule

MAY
18:         Walston Springs, Palestine (Morning Service)
JUNE
1:           Bethel, Groesbeck (Morning & Evening Services)
8:           Davis Street, Sulphur Springs (Morning Service)
20-22:    Ebenezer, Huntsville (Revival)
29-Jul 2: Little Flock, Jewett (Revival)
JULY
6:            Oak Grove, Canton (Morning Service)
20-23:     Cedar Creek, Teague (Revival)