Baptist Progress
A Blessing in Disguise—The Story of Chileleko CrochetBy DALTON TEW
Baptist Progress Writer 
What a mom can look forward to receiving in a Baby Blessing Kit
Aumbi ran quickly as he chased after the ball he and his friends were kicking around in the schoolyard of their village in Zambia. He looked just like any other little boy: happy, healthy and full of life. When he was born, however, Aumbi developed an inguinal hernia. A simple surgery could correct his condition, but he and his family lacked the financial means to pay for the operation. Thankfully, a kind soul reached out and provided the funds necessary for Aumbi’s treatment. A simple act of love changed this young boy’s life forever. Today, if one were to ask him who helped him, he would respond with a big grin, “Aunti Chileleko.”
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Moving Forward in ProgressBy MORGAN STANDIFER
Baptist Progress Team Lead 
This year marks 114 years of Baptist Progress informing its readers of the happenings in and around the BMA. From its inception, the Baptist Progress has encouraged the importance of growth and progress. In the first issue editor S.H. Slaughter writes, “Baptist Progress stands for an onward movement, progress, development in every department of our work.” Slaughter’s initial vision for progress is one that we still strive for today, 114 years later.
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A Word From Your MissionariesBy HEITH MITCHELL
Executive Director of Missions 
Years ago, the Texas WMA gave the funds for an outreach trailer full of equipment that Texas Missionaries could use for outreach. This trailer has been all over the state and is showing wear. It's been present when the Lord has saved many. Most Texas missionaries have used it repeatedly. It was in a hailstorm and almost stollen in Dallas a few years ago. This year Texas GMAs took on the trailer as their project. They have raised and presented us with $2,500 that will help with much needed repairs and upgrades. We are so blessed to have this help from the GMAs and want to thank them. Thank you Texas GMA!
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From Time to Time Part 4By JASON CURRY
President, TBHC 
Some shifts happen quietly. Others reshape who we are. For more than a century, God has used ministries like ours to stand in the gap for children, but the way we stand in that gap has changed dramatically. If you lived a hundred years ago, you would see rows of beds in large brick orphanages and hear the echo of institutional hallways—because that was considered the best way to care for vulnerable children.
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Jacksonville College Faculty Receive Honors at Regional Academic ConferenceBy MICHELLE KEARNEY
Jacksonville College Academic Dean 
Jacksonville College is pleased to announce that Dr. Matt Pitts, Professor and Chair of the Biblical Studies & Philosophy Department, and Jonathan Attebery, Adjunct Instructor in the department, were recently recognized for their scholarly achievements at the Southwest Regional Meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society.
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Success vs. Financial ChallengesBy DAVID ERICKSON, PH.D.
Jacksonville College President
Recently Jacksonville College has experienced significant success. We started a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry last year and will begin another bachelor’s degree in business administration this year. Our team set a record enrollment this academic year and student housing was filled to the breaking point. Thanks to the successful “Restoring the Heart of Jacksonville College” capital campaign and an insurance settlement after a hailstorm, our campus facilities are in better condition than they have been in many years. The college is on a consistent upward path toward a bright future.
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Truly I Tell YouBy EMILY SIMPSON
Baptist Progress Editor 
Leonardo DaVinci's "The Last Supper" Painting
“One of you will betray me.”
The talk around the room comes to a sudden halt. An uncomfortable silence pulses through the room, but not for long. Internally, heartbeats rise and thoughts begin to race. “Is it I, Lord?” None of us today were there the night Jesus Christ and His disciples celebrated the iconic Passover Feast. In the hours that followed, Jesus would be betrayed, wrongfully tried, mocked, beaten and crucified. The days before were a series of events that God graciously saw fit to inform us of in scripture. We know what happened each day of that momentous week in history. read more... |
Scholarships Making a Difference in Student Lives and YoursBy PHILIP ATTEBERY
BMA Theological Seminary President 
Ricky Whitney's baptism that started it all
The Lord has been especially good to BMA Seminary during the current academic year. Part of that goodness has been a 40 percent increase in enrollment over the previous year. With such increase, the need for scholarship funding to help students has also increased. We are grateful to those who have already been faithful to support our scholarship programs.
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Editorial Bautista: It Takes an International TeamBy BELINDA CAUDLE
Editorial Bautista Editor 
Unless you speak Spanish, you may never have heard of Editorial Bautista, one of the Missions Literature Ministries of BMA Global. Originally called Casa Bautista Misionera de Publicaciones, the Spanish publications department of the BMAA was begun in the 1960s by Bro. Robert Isaacs and his wife, Ruth. Together they printed the first translations of BMA Sunday School lessons on a mimeograph machine in their garage in Lubbock, Texas.
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Students Assemble for Volunteer Student Missions TrainingBy ANGELA RICE
BMA Global Short-Term Missions Director 
Students and leaders prepared for the 2026 VSM season
This summer, more than 80 students are stepping out in faith to serve around the world through Volunteer Student Missions. Each one carries the hope of the gospel to different places and people who need to hear the name of Jesus.
Recently, these students gathered at Cold Springs Camp for a time of training, preparation and encouragement. It was more than just learning logistics, it was a time of spiritual growth, surrender and calling. As they sat around tables, listening and learning, seeds were being planted that could shape the rest of their lives. read more... |
Texas WMA News Board
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Job #197, The Master’s Builders at Daniel Springs CampBy NELDA MALONE
The Master's Builders Reporter 
On Mar. 2, The Master’s Builders were finally able to come together again to begin work for the 2026 season. Because of the January ice storm, they were unable to come together for their Annual Retreat, usually scheduled for the last week of January. Heavy ice accumulation on trees and electric lines caused loss of electricity for more than a week to Daniel Springs Camp, and most of the area south and east of Carthage. The Builders usually enjoy a few days of fun and relaxation before jumping headlong into the building season, but this year they had to jump right in. It was so good to finally be together and catch up with dear friends in The Master’s Builders “family.”
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In Loving Memory
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
- John 11:25-26 (CSB) 
Claudia Lea, 74, of Orange, passed away March 12, 2026. Mrs. Claudia was the wife of Bro. James “Jim” Lea, who served as a pastor to multiple churches across the BMA. Memorial services were held on March 12 at Shiloh Missionary, Vidor and at Russell Baptist Church, Russell, Arkansas.
Ruth Isaacs, 94, of Jacksonville, passed away March 24, 2026. Mrs. Ruth was the wife of Bro. Robert Isaacs. She also spent many years serving as a typesetter for Casa Bautista Misionera de Publicaciones. A memorial service was held on March 30 at First, Jacksonville.
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BMA OF AMERICA & WMA MEETING
WHEN: April 21-22, 2026 WHERE: Conway, Arkansas—Antioch (BMA), Central Baptist College (WMA) SOAR WHEN: July 1-3, 2026 WHERE: Embassy Suites Hotel, Norman, Oklahoma BMA OF TEXAS ANNUAL MEETING WHEN: Nov. 16-17, 2026 WHERE: New Harmony, Tyler |
PASTOR—Calvary, Ennis is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to Calvary Pastor Search Committee, PO Box 1402, Ennis, TX 75120 or to [email protected].
PASTOR—First Missionary, Terrell is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Contact Buddy Sadler at 972-563-6000 for more information. PASTOR—Opelika Missionary, Brownsboro is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Email [email protected] for more information. The church is located at 10972 CR 3520, Brownsboro, TX 75756. PASTOR—Hubbard Chapel, Quitman is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to Bill Smart, [email protected]. Call 903-593-2123 for more information. The church is located at FM 778 and CR 2590, near Quitman. PASTOR—Ebenezer, Huntsville is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to Bobby Wells, to [email protected]. The church is located at 1451 FM 1791, Huntsville, TX 77340. PASTOR—Mt. Calvary, Carthage is seeking a full-time pastor. Resumes can be sent to [email protected] or 4180 FM 1970, Carthage, TX 75633. Call 214-926-8893 for more information. PASTOR—Cross Roads, Winnsboro is seeking a pastor. Send resume to Charles Busby, 1314 CR 4870, Winnsboro, Tx 75494 or call 903-629-3609. PASTOR—Caney Baptist Church, Streetman is seeking a full-time/bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to Bobby Bonner, PO Box 25, Fairfield, Texas 75840 or [email protected]. Call 903-390-3372 for more information. The church is located at 438 FM 833W, Streetman, Texas 75859. PASTOR—Fifth Street Baptist Church, Levelland is seeking a full-time pastor. Send resume to, PO Box 1212, Levelland, Texas 79339 or [email protected]. Call 806-893-1485 for more information. PASTOR—Old Home Baptist Church, Joaquin is seeking a full-time pastor. Call Ricky Martin at 936-280-9743 for more information. PASTOR—Rose Hill Baptist Church, Mineola is seeking a full-time/bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to Rose Hill Baptist Church, Attn. Pastor Search Team, 1420 CR 2460, Mineola, Texas 75773. PASTOR—Bethel, Orange is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to Bethel Baptist Church, 2906 Western Ave, Orange, Texas 77630. YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER—First, Palmer is seeking a full-time youth ministry leader. For more information, email Pastor Gary Southard at [email protected]. |
LIBERTY, HENDERSON is looking for Broadman Hymnals to use for their services. For more information, contact Jim Vanover at 903-692-0093 or by email [email protected].
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Baptist Missionary Association of Texas
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USPS: 043120 • ISSN: 005-5751
Published every third week of the month by the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas Morgan Standifer, Team Lead [email protected] P.O. Box 2085 • Waxahachie, Texas 75168 972-923-0756 (office) • 972-923-3534 (fax) www.baptistprogress.org Periodical postage paid at Waxahachie, Texas 75165 and at additional mailing offices SUBSCRIPTION PLANS AND RATES: Click here to see our subscription plans and rates. |