Baptist Progress
Turning Retirement Into a MissionBy MORGAN STANDIFER
Baptist Progress Team Lead 
The Master’s Builders of today
When you think of retirement, what do you think of? For some it is a time to slow down and relax. While for others it is a time of adventure. Retirement is seen as a reward for all the hard years of work that individuals will do through most of their adult life. What if retirement also doubled as a chance to do mission work? That is exactly what retirement looks like for The Master’s Builders.
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A Building Built for the BMATBy EMILY SIMPSON
Baptist Progress Editor 
There are many things that connect people within the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas. Commitment to God, scripture and sound doctrine being some. Yet in addition to these, another point of connection often overlooked is a special building.
The BMAT Office building had its beginnings in south Dallas as the BMA Print Shop and Book Center (an area that is known today as the renovated Bishop’s Arts District). After issues with the declining neighborhood, it was determined that the office should move. A couple options became available; move onto the property owned by a local BMA church or move approximately 30 miles south to Waxahachie. read more... |
A Word from Your Missions OfficeBy HEITH MITCHELL
Executive Director of Missions 
We are excited to introduce you to four new missionaries in your support here in Texas.
Kevin Molloy began engaging the community of McDade in July. McDade is near Elgin. Kevin has decades of experience in pastoring and church planting. He is also an art teacher and potter. There are 34 gathered in his and his wife Cathy’s home. They are about to move to the local school. read more... |
From Time to Time Conclusion, Celebrating 115 Years of Courageous ChoicesBy JASON CURRY
President, TBHC 
IT'S OUR TURN
When I was younger, I sometimes assumed the people who came before us had everything figured out. Many seemed larger than life. The generation that built so much of modern America and enlarged TBHC’s impact was not called "The Builders" for nothing. They built institutions. They sacrificed, prayed, gave and served in ways that shaped generations. read more... |
Closing the Gap: How Zero Tuition Works at Jacksonville CollegeBy DAVID ERICKSON, PH.D.
President, Jacksonville College 
For a hundred and twenty-seven years, Jacksonville College has stood for a straightforward idea: a young person’s future should never be decided by the size of a bank account. Launching our Zero Tuition program in Spring 2025 was a new way to put that idea into action. Yet it might sound like Jacksonville College is suddenly free for everyone. So, it’s worth explaining clearly, because everyone who supports this college deserves to know exactly what their giving makes possible.
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An Outstretched HandBy DALTON TEW
Baptist Progress Writer 
There is a picture that has circulated around the internet, which features a man reaching into rushing waters to rescue a sheep. However, the man is not alone. He is supported by the outstretched hand of another man who has his feet planted firmly on the ground. The rescuer finds himself spanning the distance between the stable man and the drowning sheep. In this picture, the man on the land is labelled the church, the rescuer is the missionary, and the sheep is the lost soul. This is a clear and accurate picture of missions.
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Reflections on “Home”
“What if the ache within you is there because you have a home and that homesickness you’ve felt in the most exquisite moments of your life is not a defect, it’s actually a memory? It’s a memory that you were meant to belong to the Father.” –Gavin Ortlund
I have moved states/ countries just a handful of times in my life. The first couple of times I was pretty young. I don’t remember much. My roots as a 3 and 7 year old were not firmly planted. The third was my move to Mexico. This move was temporary, I knew a return date. But its effects have stayed with me to this day. It was the first time where I really questioned what the meaning of “home” was. read more... |
From Nepal to North Texas
In late 2025, our family transitioned from serving in Nepal to working stateside with the BMA of Texas as missionaries and church planters among the Nepalese community in the DFW area. It was quite difficult to say goodbye to our friends, our ministry, and the country we had grown to love. However, the need for people to work and serve among the Nepalese in DFW is extremely clear to see. There are over 40,000 people in the area who once called Nepal home. Some still feel like foreigners. Others still don’t know the English language. Almost all of them, unfortunately, do not know Jesus.
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200 Shoeboxes in Honor of a Faithful Legacy
I didn’t know Bro. Bobby and Mrs. Ruth Bowman well, but I have heard their names and stories of faithful service many times.
The Bowmans served as missionaries in Honduras for many years. When they returned to the States to “retire,” Bro. Bobby didn’t stop serving. He went on to start Baptist Medical Missions International (BMMI) and faithfully served with BMMI for many years. I recently learned that his ministry reached even further. Bro. Bobby also encouraged and supported the ministries of Water for Christ and EIM, and he served with Water for Christ for several years. What a testimony to a life invested in God’s work! These ministries continue to be strong and make an impact today. read more... |
Revitalizing the Church in Petén
How biblical training is strengthening pastors, renewing churches, and opening doors for the gospel in Guatemala's northern frontier. For many years, Petén was one of Guatemala's most isolated regions.
Located more than 300 miles from Guatemala City, the journey once took as long as 18 hours over rough, unpaved roads. Though improved highways and commercial flights have made the region more accessible today, another challenge remains: many communities are still waiting to hear the gospel. read more... |
One Gospel, One Mission
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” — Matthew 28:19
The Gospel changes everything. It changes hearts, families, and communities. And when the Gospel truly takes root in the life of a believer, it changes the way we see the people around us. We begin to understand that the good news of Jesus was never meant to stop with us. read more... |
Summer WMA reportsBy SARAH LOW
Texas WMA Editor 
CHEROKEE DISTRICT REPORT
The Cherokee District Women Missionary Auxiliary met July 12 at Afton Grove Baptist Church. The meeting was called to order by President Cindy Allen, and the group recited the WMA motto with Connie Sherman opening with prayer. All were welcomed by Dr. David Hallum, pastor of Afton Grove. After the offering was taken up, Mrs. Annie Williams, member of Afton Grove, sang “Broken Pieces.” read more... |
A Great DayBy PHILIP ATTEBERY, Ph.D.
BMA Theological Seminary President 
The Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary is set to celebrate 70 years of ministry on its campus located in Jacksonville, Texas. Jacksonville Seminary began on the campus of Jacksonville College in 1949. In 1950, during its first national meeting, the North American Baptist Association accepted an invitation from Jacksonville College to make its seminary a part of the national association’s work. The association was later renamed the Baptist Missionary Association of America.
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Liberty Association Holds Rally for Jacksonville CollegeBy CHARLES JOHNSON
Pastor of Rosewood Baptist Church, Gilmer Liberty Baptist Missionary Association held a rally for Jacksonville College at Fellowship Baptist Church in Pittsburg.
Following a brief business session led by moderator Jed Whitaker, Dr. David Erickson, president of Jacksonville College, gave a very informative sermon about the ministries of the college. He explained how Jacksonville College has recently transitioned from a junior college to a four-year school which now offers fully accredited bachelor’s degrees in religion and business administration with more fields to soon be added. read more... |
Sister Church Remodels Stage for Bethel, OrangeBy CHRIS PRICE
Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Orange 
A couple of weekends ago, Bro. Jack Comer and several men from Circle Drive Baptist Church in Bridge City came to Bethel to help with improvements to our sanctuary. As we seek to revitalize Bethel not only as a body of believers but also by improving our church facility, Circle Drive has graciously come alongside us as a sister church.
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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—New Harmony Baptist Church, Tyler/Lindale 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. PASTOR—Pine Grove Missionary Baptist, Diboll is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to [email protected]. 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. |