Around the State: TBM and Buckner agree to collaborate

Buckner Children and Family Services and Texas Baptist Men have collaborated numerous times in the past, but the two Dallas-based nonprofit organizations recently signed a memorandum of understanding solidifying that partnership. TBM will assist Buckner in areas—domestically and internationally—where both organizations provide services, such as disaster relief, construction projects, and water wells and filtration systems. TBM will be involved in home builds and agricultural projects for Buckner clients in the Rio Grande Valley, in providing water wells and school repairs in Kenya villages and in offering home improvements in Latin America. Buckner will help TBM import humanitarian aid items into countries where Buckner has key contacts; coordinate mission trips into countries Buckner has an operational presence, such as Mexico, Dominican Republic and Kenya; and consult in areas of expertise such as family preservation, family strengthening and trauma informed care. “This partnership has the potential to radically transform the lives of children and families around the world,” said Mickey Lenamon, TBM executive director and CEO. “God has uniquely equipped both organizations and brought them together now for maximum impact.” The collaboration offers “a way to play to our respected strengths in order to best achieve our core mission of serving the most vulnerable in society,” said Albert Reyes, CEO and president of Buckner International. “Whether it’s through disaster relief or proactive approaches to helping those in need, we are excited for the impact this collaboration will have on so many people.”

The Nederland Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau named Jason Burden, pastor of First Baptist Church in Nederland and first vice president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, as its 2019 Citizen of the Year and Texas Baptist Men as 2019 Service Organization of the Year. In addition to other community involvement, Burden led his church to provide disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Tropical Storm Imelda and explosions at a petroleum chemical plant in neighboring Port Neches. TBM was involved both in initial disaster relief in Southeast Texas, as well as rebuilding efforts.

EthicsDaily.com recognized two individuals with Texas ties as its 2019 Baptists of the Year—Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, and Jorge Zapata, director of Fellowship Southwest’s Border Ministry. Tyler, an Austin native who once served on the staff of a Texas Congressman, was recognized for her role in leading a coalition that launched the “Christians Against Christian Nationalism” campaign. Zapata, executive director of Hearts4Kids and associate coordinator of CBF Texas, was recognized for leading Fellowship Southwest’s immigrant relief ministry on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border.

Blayne Alaniz has joined the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor staff in a newly created position as director of disability services and testing coordinator. Alaniz holds both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree from Texas Tech University. He joined Baylor University’s disability services office in 2013 as an accommodation specialist. In 2015, he returned to Texas Tech, where he became associate director of the student disability services office.

Anniversary

100^th for Morgan Mill Baptist Church in Erath County. Joe Rogers is pastor. The church invites former members to attend a centennial anniversary service at 10 a.m. on March 15. A lunch and program will follow the worship service. No reservations are required. James McGlothlin, former pastor, will be the keynote speaker in the afternoon.