Around the State: T.B. Maston Foundation sponsors student retreat

Students from Baptist University of the Américas, Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, Hardin-Simmons University, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Wayland Baptist University, Stark College and Seminary, and the Baptist Studies Center at Abilene Christian University participated in a Young Maston Scholar retreat sponsored by the T.B. Maston Foundation for Christian Ethics. M. Daniel Carroll (Rodas) from Wheaton University and Graduate School led the students in examining what the Bible says about immigration. Students learned about ministries of San Antonio Mennonite Church to immigrants and refugees, and they talked with Jesús Romero about Fellowship Southwest’s Educational and Legal Immigration Ministries program. Lorenzo Ortiz, director of El Buen Samaritano Migrante, told students about ministry to migrants, and the Young Maston Scholars helped sort supplies for the ministry. They also served dinner to homeless individuals at Communities Under the Bridge in San Antonio.

David Hardage, who retired recently after 11 years as executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, received the Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service from Baylor University. Baylor presents the award annually to individuals who have made an immeasurable impact through their broad contributions to Christian ministry. Before he was BGCT executive director, he was director of Waco Baptist Regional Association, director of development for Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary, and pastor of several churches in Texas and Oklahoma. Alan and Vicki Keister of Amarillo received the Pro Texana Medal of Service from Baylor, which recognizes individuals whose contributions in the public or nonprofit sector further Baylor’s mission. He is an internal medicine physician with Amarillo Medical Services, and she worked as a physical therapist before taking a leave from practice to focus on raising the couple’s four daughters. His volunteer service in providing free health screenings at Amarillo schools made community leaders more aware of the lack of health care in the area. That led to creation of the Heal the City free clinic.

Dallas Baptist University students volunteered at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas for a Day of Service on Jan. 16 to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteer coordinator Barbara Biddle and Pastor Chris Simmonsdirected the service project, as students sorted and organized items for the church pantry and served lunch to the community. Following the Day of Service, students, staff and faculty participated in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Walk and prayer service on the DBU campus. Pastor Bertrain Bailey of St. John Baptist Church in Dallas recited King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

The East Texas Baptist University athletic department received a community service award from the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators. ETBU was named the One-Time Project award winner for a clean-up effort in the Gilmer area after a spring 2022 tornado. The service project involved the ETBU football team, as well as the men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and tennis teams. “For our student-athletes to sacrifice their time and energy to serve and love others during a difficult time is exactly what Tiger Athletics is about,” said Ryan Erwin, vice president for student engagement and athletics. “ETBU continually strives for excellence within all of our programs and this award highlights that commitment from our coaches and student-athletes, while highlighting our Christ-centered program in the community.” The national association will make a $1,000 contribution to the general scholarship fund at ETBU.

The Program for the Future Church at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary awarded subgrants to three projects designed to engage and empower the future church. The subgrants are made possible by a major grant to Baylor from the Lilly Endowment. “The landscape that surrounds ministry and theological education is changing rapidly,” said Dustin Benac, director of the Program for the Future Church. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support three catalytic projects that are helping us imagine and resource a hopeful future for the church.” Stephanie Boddie from the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work and Truett Seminary and Kevin Magill with the School of Education received a grant to redesign and redefine the “Education from a Gardener’s Perspective” course at Truett Seminary. John White and Brian Gamel with the Faith and Sports Institute at Truett Seminary, along with Andrea Ettekal at Texas A&M University, received a grant for a project on “Measuring Love as a Virtue in Adolescent Christian Athletes.” David Wilhite of Truett Seminary received a grant for his project on “Re-imagining Diversity and Belonging in Christian Communities.”

Ordinations

Ken Ferguson, Blayne Alaniz, Josh LaMotte, Luther Frobish, Matt Meece, Charlie Moehlenbrock, Danny Webband Michael Jereb as deacons at First Baptist Church in Belton.

Retirement

Benny Mayo after 63 years in a variety of ministry roles. He served most recently as minister to senior adults at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Cedar Hill.