Baptist Progress
Local Prosecutor Embraces a Life of ServiceBy MORGAN STANDIFER
Baptist Progress Team Lead 
Retired DA Byrd speaking at this retirement reception
This year, our country celebrates 250 years since the Founding Fathers signed a document that changed the course of history.
In the years to come they would create, update and establish a new type of government. One that would be in the best interest for the people in which it governs. read more... |
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of HappinessBy WHITNEY SPARKS
Baptist Progress Writer 
“Freedom isn’t free. It comes with a cost that people will bear for the rest of their lives,” said Chaplain Candidate Anthony Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy knows the cost of freedom firsthand, as he witnessed limited freedom overseas during his time in the Army Field Artillery.
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A Word from Your Missions OfficeBy HEITH MITCHELL
Executive Director of Missions 
Your Texas Missions held its 8th Annual Missionary Family Retreat June 8-10. This year, we were in Galveston with 100 present. Most current missionaries and their families were joined by past missionaries. We were challenged and encouraged by missionaries who finished this year. These are Tim Alba of The Bridge Church in Seagoville, Brad Holcomb of Redemption Hill Church in Fort Worth and Chris Driver of Oasis Church in Levelland. These churches were celebrated during our time together.
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From Time to Time Part 7By 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. I hope you can learn something new about TBHC as you embark on this journey with me. We are 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.
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Is It Time for You to Start a Scholarship?By DAVID ERICKSON, PH.D.
President, Jacksonville College 
Have you ever wondered what it would take to start a scholarship for a student at Jacksonville College? You might assume it requires $50,000 and a stack of paperwork to permanently endow one. But simply giving a scholarship, one that helps a student now, is easier than you think. Here are a few churches and associations that started one recently, and how they are helping students.
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World Cup 2026 - The Nations are Here!By DALTON TEW
Baptist Progress Writer 
Every four years, people from all over the world gather together to focus their attention on one main thing, and it is not the Olympics or a presidential election. It is football! No, this is not the same football you are used to watching on Sunday afternoons, where people pass a pigskin and avoid being tackled. It is the game that you most likely know by a different name: Soccer.
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Reach India, Reach the WorldBy BMA GLOBAL
bmaglobal.org 
Before sunrise, while most of his state is still waking up, Jeremiah S. is already at work.
His mornings often begin with phone calls to pastors scattered across Maharashtra, India–checking in, asking questions, encouraging them through challenges, and helping them think through ministry decisions. Then oftentimes he packs a bag and travels. Sometimes that means a few hours on the road. Other times it means journeys of up to sixteen hours to reach pastors in villages and towns for two or three days of training. read more... |
Jesus Knows MeBy BMA GLOBAL
bmaglobal.org 
Last year, Greg Allison joined his first Baptist Medical Missions International (BMMI) trip to the Dominican Republic after Nathan Heintze suggested he go. But even before that trip, another place lived in the back of his mind.
Several years earlier, Greg heard John Merriweather speak about Cambodia, and something about it stayed with him. At the time, he dismissed the thought, assuming he was trying to make himself into a missionary rather than sensing the Lord’s leading. Then while serving in the Dominican Republic last October, he learned BMMI was planning a trip to Cambodia. Before he had time to think about it, he said, “Sign me up.” Looking back, Greg describes this trip simply: “This was a calling like I have never had before.” read more... |
The Road Between Here and FranceBy DERRICK BREMER
Missionary to France 
A few weeks ago, Michelle, the kids, and I boarded a plane to cross the Atlantic with a simple goal: to see the field God has called us to serve in the next chapter of ministry.
Since returning home and having time to process and reflect on what we experienced, I can say with confidence that the trip accomplished exactly what it was meant to. Our time in France strengthened our sense of calling to minister there as a family. read more... |
A Seed Planted Through the AirwavesBy EMILY BRANTLEY
Lifeword, lifeword.org 
Each issue, I have the privilege of sharing a story from one of our Lifeword collaborators around the world. This month, Bro. Oscar Gaitán from Nicaragua shared a testimony that serves as a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
He tells the story of a man who grew up deeply disillusioned with religion. From an early age, he observed what appeared to be favoritism, where influence and status seemed to matter more than genuine faith. Convinced that religion had no answers, he turned instead to communism and atheism. read more... |
Witnessing as a Way of LifeBy Dr. DAVID HELLWIG PH.D.
BMA Theological Seminary Vice President and Dean 
On June 1-5, 2026, the BMA Seminary offered a class on discipleship which covered the spiritual disciplines of giving, witnessing and serving. BMA Seminary teaches DiscipleWay as part of the curriculum required for most degree programs. Produced by BMA leaders over ten years ago, DiscipleWay has become a significant part of the seminary’s curriculum. It teaches that “it is better to train a disciple maker than make a disciple,” and focuses on seven key spiritual disciplines: Bible Study, Prayer, Worship, Giving, Witnessing, Serving and Leadership.
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Behold your God!By GARY O'NEAL
Baptist Missionary Association of America President 
Being chosen to serve as your president is both humbling and inspiring. I grew up in a BMA church, and for nearly three decades I’ve had the privilege of serving BMA churches as a pastor. I don’t take lightly the trust you’ve placed in me, and along with First Vice President Dustin Wisely and Second Vice President Tony Crocker, I covet your prayers as we move forward together.
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Milestone job in Jacksonville for The Master’s BuildersBy NELDA MALONE
The Master's Builders Reporter 
The Master’s Builders Celebrated 200 Jobs and 35 Years of serving at Jacksonville College in Jacksonville. Talk about an incredible milestone! On June 9, The Master’s Builders gathered at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Jacksonville to celebrate their 200th completed job since the ministry began in 1991. The fellowship space was packed, and everyone loved watching the slideshow of pictures highlighting decades of projects over the past 35 years.
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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 
Carolyn Morrow, 83, of Winnsboro, passed away June 19, 2026. Mrs. Carolyn served alongside her husband, Bro. Fred Morrow, as a pastor’s wife for 64 years. Memorial services were held on June 23 at First Baptist Church, Quitman.
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BMA College Presidents Meet in Ruston
BMA College Presidents—Dr. Philip Attebery, Dr. David Erickson, Dr. Jeremy Langley and Dr. Doug Lee
RUSTON, LA—The presidents of the four institutions of higher education affiliated with the Baptist Missionary Association met at the Association of Baptist Students building on the campus of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana on June 25.
Participating in the meeting were Dr. Phillip Attebery, president of BMA Seminary; Dr. Jeremy Langley, president of Central Baptist College; Dr. David Erickson, president of Jacksonville College; and Dr. Doug Lee, president of Southeastern Baptist College. read more... |
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 
KEVIN HARDESTY is the new pastor at Ebenezer, Huntsville.
MARCUS HARPER is the new pastor at Sardis, Waxahachie. |
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, 3174 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. 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. |
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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) 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. |