Baptist Progress
Open Doors, The Heart of Biblical HospitalityBy DALTON TEW
Baptist Progress Writer 
When was the last time you prayed for open doors? This is a common matter of prayer by those who are concerned with the topic of overseas missions, and rightfully so! The truth is, there are many countries all over the world that are considered “closed.” These governments use their borders to keep out not only strangers and those deemed a threat, but those of a different culture, faith or belief system. Their hope is that they will be able to have complete control over their society.
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How First, Palmer Loves Their NeighborsBy EMILY SIMPSON
Baptist Progress Editor 
At the very first LYN Event in 2020, then Pastor Paul Gauntt enjoys the free food
Many recall the year 2020 as being one for the history books. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world came to a halt in such a way that the current generation had not seen. While that year is mainly seen as one of fear, uncertainty and unrest, for others it was a catalyst for new creative ideas.
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A Word From Your MissionariesBy HEITH MITCHELL
Executive Director of Missions 
I want to praise the Lord for all He is doing in Texas Missions and the Baptist Progress. In June, you placed the Baptist Progress in the care of Texas Missions with a plan to financially stabilize the ministry. We are pleased to report that Texas Missions and the Baptist Progress finished 2025 on budget and in the black. I thank each of you for your support and our team for their careful handling and investment of donated funds.
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From Time to TimeBy JASON CURRY
President, TBHC 
For 115 years, this ministry has been shaped by faith, faithfulness and moments both ordinary and extraordinary. In the months ahead, I’ll be sharing stories from across that journey in a series called From Time to Time—stories that may surprise you. We may not be the ministry you think we are, we are so much more.
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Homecoming Schedule 2026
HOMECOMING SCHEDULE 2026
Visit jacksonvillecollege.edu/homecoming/ to register. FRIDAY, MAR. 20 12:00 p.m. Lunch (cafeteria) 1:00 p.m. Alumni Scavenger Hunt (start in cafeteria) 2:00 p.m. Photos with Jaxson Jaguar (downtown) 5:00 p.m. Registration (Gym) 6:00 p.m. Gathering of the Jags (Gym) 7:30 p.m. Jaguar Talent Show (Chapel) 9:00 p.m. Campfire, S’mores & Cocoa SATURDAY, MAR. 21 8:30 a.m. Registration (Chapel) 9:00 a.m. Alumni Meeting (Chapel) 11:30 a.m. Alumni Chapter Lunches & Meetings
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Food for the SoulBy ASHLEY MASON
Jacksonville College VP of Finance Since 2023, Jacksonville College Dining Services has undergone significant operational improvements, including the hiring of Gary Smith—affectionately known as “Chef” across campus. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in food service management, Chef provided steady leadership during a period of transition and helped reorient Dining Services to service, hospitality and laid the groundwork for longer-term improvements in quality and consistency.
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Hospitality is a BLESS-ingBy CHRIS DRIVER
Baptist Progress Writer 
There’s an old saying, “nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” I’ve come to know that statement is more than just a cliché because I’ve seen it proven true over and over again in my church planting journey as our small church has been faithful to practice genuine and intentional hospitality here in west Texas.
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BMA Seminary Releases Grant Research FindingsBy PHILIP ATTEBERY
BMATS President 
Ricky Whitney's baptism that started it all
The Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary exists in part to meet the educational needs of churches and agencies affiliated with the BMA of America while serving as a resource center for critical thought and research. In 2025, BMA Seminary conducted an extensive research project among congregational leaders from BMA churches. The study’s goal was to gather and evaluate the thoughts of current church leaders regarding needs, skills and challenges they anticipate will be essential for future congregational leaders.
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Introducing 2026 theme—Each One Reach OneBy DIANA MORRIS
Texas WMA 2nd Vice President 
Our Texas WMA theme for the year 2026 is “Each One Reach One”.
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:15-16. 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) 
Jerry D. Kidd, 86, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away Jan. 20, 2026. Bro. Jerry served over 60 years as a pastor, an international missionary to Bolivia, Foreign Mission Director and missionary care for BMA of America. A memorial service was held on Jan. 30 at Park Place Baptist Church, Bryant, Arkansas. Memorials can be made in honor of Bro. Jerry’s memory to South City Church, 317 Shackelford Rd, Little Rock, AR 72211 or to the Baptist Missionary Association, P.O. Box 878, Conway, AR 72033.
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5th ANNUAL PREACHING CONFERENCE
WHEN: Feb. 23-24, 2026 WHERE: Round Prairie, Fairfield THE TABLE: A MINISTRY LEADERSHIP GATHERING WHEN: Feb. 28, 2026 WHERE: Jacksonville College, Jacksonville 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 903-593-2123 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 at [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 at [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, 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, 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, Joaquin is seeking a full-time pastor. Call Ricky Martin at 936-280-9743 for more information. PASTOR—Rose Hill, 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. YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER–First, Palmer is seeking a full-time youth ministry leader. For more information, email Pastor Gary Southard at [email protected]. |
MICHAEL BATTENFIELD is the new pastor at Soda Missionary, Livingston.
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The Gospel that Changes Everything: A Story from NicaraguaBy LARRY BARKER
BMA Global Interim Regional Coordinator for Europe 
The redeemed Herman González
Around the world Christians often say, “the gospel changes everything”. For some, that phrase represents a belief. For others, it is an observable reality, especially in places where hearts and communities have been transformed in ways no one expected. In Nicaragua, Oscar and Tamy Gaitán have devoted their lives to sharing that message. As ChangeMakers, they have seen firsthand what happens when the good news of Jesus takes root.
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Now Available—BMA Pastor Writes Autism Ministry BookBy JORDAN TEW
BPH Executive Director 
Baptist Publishing House is pleased to announce the release of “Ministry Across the Spectrum: Autism, Faith, and the Local Church” by biblical counselor W. Russell Threet, pastor of West Park, Ozark, Arkansas. This timely resource addresses one of the most overlooked mission fields in the church today: individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the families who love and care for them.
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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. |
