Baptist Progress
Texas Board of Education Approves Bible Passages for Texas SchoolsBy WHITNEY SPARKS
Baptist Progress Writer 
On June 26, the Texas State Board of Education approved a required reading list in a 9-5 vote. The reading list would include Bible passages along with other literary works. This newly adopted curriculum change will affect more than 5 million students within the 1,279 districts in Texas.
Although teachers may incorporate other books to support their curriculum, this is the first time Texas has mandated a reading list. Previously, required readings were left to the district and/or classroom teacher to decide. read more... |
Your Financial Ministry Partner, the BMLABy EMILY SIMPSON
Baptist Progress Editor 
Any church that has experienced the blessing of a growing, healthy congregation, understands that blessing usually comes with the challenge of space. When this occurs, finding a place that fits the size and needs of the congregation can be easier said than done. It is a blessing then, that a ministry like the Baptist Missionary Loan Association exists.
In 1951, members of the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas had a vision and thought it important to develop a loan association. The purpose; to aid new churches as they grew and sought construction of their own buildings for worship. This move allowed BMAT churches to work directly with the association, instead of relying on banks. read more... |
A Word From Your MissionariesBy HEITH MITCHELL
Executive Director of Missions 
We were surprised by the homegoing this month of our dear brother and your missionary Jose Gil. This faithful and fruitful man of God has made it to his eternal home. We were surprised at the timing, but I know the Lord numbered his days. Anyone who knows Jose knows him to be full of joy, articulate and a friend. He is going to be missed greatly.
read more... 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 
Jose Gil, 64, of Conroe and formerly of Venezuela, passed away July 31, 2026. Jose Gil, was serving as a BMA Texas Missions missionary to The Woodlands and was a Jacksonville College trustee. Jose also served many years as a geophysicist for several oil companies across the world. Memorial services were held on Aug. 5 at First, Conroe.
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From Time to Time Part 8By JASON CURRY
President, TBHC 
For 115 years, this ministry has been shaped by faith, faithfulness and moments both ordinary and extraordinary. In this series From Time to Time, I have tried to help shape your view of the ministry you have built and invested in through your time, love and resources.
I hope you have come to know that TBHC is more than a foster care and adoption agency. We are your co-laborers in equipping your church for providing a holistic family ministry. We may not be the ministry you think we are, we are so much more. read more... |
Why Churches Still Need Christian CollegesBy DAVID ERICKSON, PH.D.
Jacksonville College President 
Every summer Christian parents and students around the country make life altering decisions about what comes next after high school. A biblically based, God-honoring, church-loving Christian college can be an important first step into a life of flourishing and faithfulness. Three truths shape why the work at places like Jacksonville College matters and why it’s worth defending and supporting.
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A Pastor's Burden Leads to Sending Venezuela AidBy MORGAN STANDIFER
Baptist Progress Team Lead 
Volunteers stand ready to load shipping container
On June 24, 2026, tragedy struck the northern most parts of Venezuela, when two 7.0 plus magnitude earthquakes violently shook the earth along the Caribbean Sea coast in a matter of seconds.
These twin earthquakes caused widespread devastation in and around the surrounding areas of Caracas. The United Nations (UN) initially estimated “$37 billion” for buildings and infrastructure damages alone and about “650,000 people … will need humanitarian assistance.” These earthquakes left several thousand injured and homeless. In a short article published by the Associated Press, on July 18 the death toll had risen to 5,069. read more... |
Blaylock Memorial DedicationPRESS RELEASE
BMA Seminary Keller Library 
The James C. Blaylock Sefer Torah Scroll
The Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Texas, is celebrating the life, legacy and work of Dr. James C. Blaylock, who served the seminary’s Kellar Library for more than 50 years. We are delighted to invite you to the dedication of the James C. Blaylock Memorial in the newly renovated Tennessee Room in the Kellar Library, featuring the James C. Blaylock Sefer Torah Scroll and other ancient manuscripts. The event will take place at Kellar Library on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
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BMA Seminary Free Class: The Life of PeterBy DR. DAVID HELLWIG, PH.D.
BMA Theological Seminary Vice President and Dean 
For more than ten years BMA Seminary in Jacksonville, Texas has offered a free course during each regular semester. These courses have touched on all major areas of academic discipline: biblical studies, theological-historical, church ministries and religious education. The topic for the fall 2026 semester free course will focus on a study of the life of Peter.
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Each One Reach One and Texas SunbeamsBy SARAH LOW
Texas WMA Editor 
Our ladies were greeted warmly with balloons and staff at South Park Baptist Church in Fort Worth for our retreat with a theme of Each One Reach One.
Diana Morris kicked things off with games and prizes as our ladies arrived and settled in. Whitney Dalton gave testimony of God’s faithfulness during a difficult time that is ongoing for her son and family. She spoke about an injury her son suffered and about the people God put in her life before, during and after that time. These people encouraged her to attend church, encouraged her and her children’s growth in God and encouraged her during her son’s recovery. She spoke about the people she encountered during her time in the hospital and how she was able to witness to them. read more... |
The Master’s Builders Work 200th JobBy NELDA MALONE
The Master's Builders Reporter 
The Master’s Builders completed their latest project at Jacksonville College. This job marked an incredible milestone for the Master’s Builders: the 200th job for the ministry over its 35 years of faithful service to the Lord! This milestone caused a little more “excitement” on the job as they worked each day. Facilities Manager at the college, Nic Ray, provided a list of needed tasks across campus, keeping the Builders busy with renovations and repairs as well as some new construction in the golf training building. Long time friend and supporter to the Builders, George Baker, who also works in facilities at the college, worked side by side with the group each day. George worked tirelessly to ensure every material and logistics need was fully met. Jacksonville College President Dr. David Erickson and his son, Ezra, frequently joined in to work alongside the group. Dr. Erickson’s willingness to roll up his sleeves and work alongside the group showed a true spirit of service to the campus.
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Let Me Tell You About Daniel Springs CampBy JORDAN TEW
Baptist Publishing House Director 
This week my church, First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Texas, took a group of students to Daniel Springs Baptist Camp in Gary, Texas, to join about 600 other students for Ark-La-Tex Camp. We had an amazing experience. Let me tell you about Daniel Springs Camp.
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SOAR
WHEN: July 1-3, 2026 WHERE: Embassy Suites Hotel, Norman, Oklahoma RE:CHARGE LEADERSHIP RETREAT WHEN: September 28-30, 2026 WHERE: Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine CELEBRATION CONEFRENCE WHEN: November 3-5, 2026 WHERE: Chateau on the Lake, Branson, MO BMA OF TEXAS ANNUAL MEETING WHEN: Nov. 16-17, 2026 WHERE: New Harmony, Tyler |
PASTOR—Hubbard Chapel Baptist Church, 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—Caney Baptist Church, Streetman is seeking a full-time/bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to Bobby Bonner, P.O. 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—Old Home Baptist Church, Joaquin is seeking a full-time pastor. Call Ricky Martin at 936-280-9743 for more information. PASTOR—Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Springtown is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to [email protected] or by mail to Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 8, Springtown, Texas 76082. Call 817-220-4238 for more information. PASTOR—Eighth Avenue Baptist Church, Teague is seeking a full-time pastor. Send resume to [email protected] or by mail to Eighth Avenue Baptist Church, 201 S 8th Ave., Teague, Texas 75860 PASTOR—Sardis Baptist Church, Henderson is seeking a full-time/bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to David Willis, 13174 County Road 4187 South, Henderson, Texas 75654. Call 903-392-1976 for more information. PASTOR—Oak Park, Little Rock, AR is seeking a full-time pastor. Send resume to [email protected] or by mail to Oak Park Baptist Church 8200 Flintridge Road Little, Rock, AR 72210. PASTOR—New Harmony Baptist Church, Tyler is seeking a fulltime pastor. Resumes may be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to the church at 10251 FM 724 Tyler, Texas 75704-3405 Attention: Lex Richardson, Search Committee Chairman. Deadline to submit resumes is September 30, 2026. No calls to the church office please. YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER—First Baptist Church, Palmer is seeking a full-time youth ministry leader. For more information, email Pastor Gary Southard at [email protected]. YOUTH PASTOR—Soda Baptist Church, Livingston is seeking a part-time youth pastor. Send resume to Pastor Michael Battenfield at [email protected] or by mail to Soda Baptist Church, 8135 US HWY 190 E, Livingston, TX 77351. Call 501-253-5830 for more information. |
DAVE HOWE is the new pastor at Rose Hill, Mineola.
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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. |