The Texas Baptist Men Dixon Missions Equipping Center in Dallas served as distribution center for the Gideons’ Bible Blitz (see photo above). Gideons distributed more than 237,000 Bibles in the Dallas-Forth Worth area.
The Texas Intercollegiate Press Association honored East Texas Baptist University’s student-produced newspaper, The TigerCompass, for the best news story in its division. 
Angelina VannicolaFormer ETBU student Angelina Vannicola received the award for her story on the Boston Marathon bombing and the impact it had on ETBU coaches Natalie and Michael Prather, who attended the event. She was a contestant in the marathon but crossed the finish line before the bombs exploded. Read the winning article here.
Johnnie Lou Avery Boyd, John and Mary Hardin, George Newman and Phil Wilson have been inducted into Hardin-Simmons University’s Hall of Leaders. The designation provides permanent recognition of graduates, former students, former employees and other university leaders who not only have distinguished records of achievement but also good character.
Wayland Baptist University Executive Vice President and Provost Bobby Hall has been selected by the Council of Independent Colleges to participate in a year-long executive leadership academy. He will attend two seminars in Washington, D.C., as well as participate in readings, webinars and a mentoring program. He also will develop an experiential learning plan focused on presidential responsibility.
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Dallas Baptist University as a Tree Campus USA university. The school has received the designation each year since 2010.
Anniversaries
Jorge Zayasbazan, fifth, as pastor of Baptist Temple Church in San Antonio, March 1.
Mickey Ewing, 40th, as assistant pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Victoria, May 1.
Morgan Woodard, fifth, as pastor of Golinda Baptist Church in Lorena.
Sign up for our weekly edition and get all our headlines in your inbox on Thursdays
Retiring
Michael T. Smith, as worship pastor at First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, May 18. He served the congregation 21 years. He served churches in Texas, Mississippi and Maryland. He and his wife, Sharon, will live in Prosper.
Ordained
Jaime McGlothlin, to the ministry at Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco, April 27. She serves the congregation as minister to children.
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.