March 31, 2003
TOGETHER:
Book an opportunity to help HBTS
___In the past two years, Texas Baptists responded magnificently to requests for help from Hispanic Baptist Theological School. Thousands of books came from our Baptist families and churches, enabling the school to enhance its library and move toward accreditation.
___Drop by the campus in south San Antonio on I-35, and you will see a sparkling clean, up-to-date, carefully organized theological library. Meet Librarian Edith Pequeño, and you will understand immediately how much she loves her work.
___On a recent visit to the campus, she showed me around, pointing out some of the books that had come as a result of your response to the appeals to help. I asked again, "How can Texas Baptists help some more, over and above the help you receive from the Cooperative Program and the Mary Hill Davis Offering?"
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___As the Baptist Standard suggested previously, we have a targeted way to help. The library staff, with input from the faculty, has developed a wish list of books needed to fill in the gaps and add strength to their holdings. Log on to www.Amazon.com/wishlist. Type in the "search" box the words, "HBTS Library." Find a book you would like to purchase for the school with your credit card, and it will be sent to them with an acknowledgment of your participation.
___The school still is open to receiving other selected books that would fit in a Bible college library. Some pastors and Bible students have duplicate volumes or libraries that are no longer used. Those books could bless students and the kingdom of God if they are given to Hispanic Baptist Theological School or to one of our other Texas Baptist schools.
___Hispanic Baptist Theological School began in San Antonio in 1947 as the Mexican Baptist Bible Institute, and across the years, it has provided 75 percent of the pastoral leadership for Hispanic churches in Texas. Former students also minister in other states and in countries around the globe where Spanish is the predominant language.
___On Jan. 30, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board unanimously approved Hispanic Baptist Theological School's application for a certificate of authority to grant degrees in Texas. The school met or exceeded all 25 standards for degree-granting authority and now is able to represent itself as a baccalaureate-degree-granting institution in Texas. Students currently enrolled in the bachelor of arts degree in biblical/theological studies who meet all the requirements for graduation will receive their degrees in May.
___Hispanic Baptist Theological School is equipping men and women for ministry leadership in a multi-cultural setting for an increasingly multi-cultural world. The gratitude to God from all Texas Baptists for President Albert Reyes and his talented faculty and able staff cannot be expressed too often.
___This is a good time for our Hispanic Baptist Theological School. Its future is built on more than 50 years of sacrifice and faith, and it is as bright as the smile on our Lord's face.
___Brothers and sisters in Texas, we are fulfilling the noble purpose for which our convention was formed by calling our churches and our people to a "concert of action in advancing all the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom." I know you are glad to be part of shaping Texas' future by participating in the life and work of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in its missions and ministries across Texas and beyond.
___We are loved.
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