Around the State: RA leader named to Legion of Honor

Tim Smith from First Baptist Church in Hempstead received the Legion of Honor Award— the highest honor that can be bestowed on an individual in the area of Royal Ambassador work—from Texas Baptist Men. He is congratulated by John Clayton, who nominated him.

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Tim Smith from First Baptist Church in Hempstead received the Legion of Honor Award—the highest honor that can be bestowed on an individual in the area of Royal Ambassador work—from Texas Baptist Men. The award recognizes men who have dedicated themselves to fostering mission education and mission activity among boys and young men. Smith grew up as an RA, served as an RA State Staffer leading summer camps, is a member of the RA committee in Union Baptist Association and is on the statewide RA committee. He regularly mentors RAs and RA leaders in his church and around the state. He also has worked at RA camps in the Philippines and Alaska and served with TBM on mission trips in Haiti. “Tim was an exceptional leader as a child and Royal Ambassador,” said John Clayton, who nominated Smith. “He has continued his leadership and willingness to volunteer and be the light of Christ for many as he navigates adulthood. He is a man of integrity and action for Christ.”

Beth Moore, author and Bible teacher, spoke at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary and signed copies of her new book.

Beth Moore, author and Bible teacher, spoke Feb. 5 at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary and signed copies of her new book, Chasing Vines: Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life, published by Tyndale House. With John 15:1-17 as her text, Moore spoke on “The Everlasting Joys of Helping Others Flourish.” It is God’s will for Christians to be “fruitful” and to experience the joy of ministering to others and investing in their fruitfulness, she insisted. She encouraged students in ministry to ask others, “What can I do to help you along the way?” Moore noted she recently felt God prompting her, “Share your space.” So, Living Proof Ministries began opening its doors to the public, posting a sign that asked, “Need prayer?” She and her staff have been praying for anyone who came through the door. Moore also said Living Proof Ministries soon will open a theological library for the public. “Jesus has been the joy of my life,” she said. “I want people to know that Jesus.”

The Arbor Day Foundation recognized East Texas Baptist University as a Tree Campus USA university.

The Arbor Day Foundation recently recognized East Texas Baptist University as a Tree Campus USA university. Tree Campus USA is an Arbor Day Foundation program that honors colleges and universities and their leadership for promoting healthy trees, and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. To achieve this recognition, ETBU met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus USA: establishment of a tree advisory committee; evidence of a campus tree-care plan; dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program; an Arbor Day observance; and the sponsorship of student service-learning projects. In honor of Texas’ Arbor Day in November, a group of ETBU student-athletes helped plant five live oak trees in front of the new Oaks on Grove Townhomes, and the ETBU landscaping team planted an additional 50-plus trees at sites across the university campus.

Andrew Peterson

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor College of Visual and Performing Arts hosted a Feb. 4 lecture in its C3 series—Conversations in Christianity + Calling—focused on the “Every Moment Holy” project. Every Moment Holy is a book of liturgies for ordinary events of daily life, such as laundering and enjoying meals with friends. UMHB Provost John Vassar led the discussion with songwriter/recording artist Andrew Peterson and lyricist/writer Douglas McKelvey. Peterson also presented a concert in the Baugh Performance Hall and led a Feb. 5 chapel service at UMHB.

Retirement

Mark Bumpus as pastor of First Baptist Church in Graham after seven years there and 40 years as the pastor of Texas Baptist churches.


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