Hymn writers and worship leaders Keith and Kristyn Getty (center) are welcomed to Dallas Baptist University by President Adam Wright (left) and Chancellor Gary Cook. (Photo/Brittni Bean)Contemporary hymn writers and worship leaders Keith and Kristyn Getty performed a concert at Dallas Baptist University and participated in DBU’s Institute for Global Engagement leadership lectures and a Worship Leadership Summit. During a chapel service, the Gettys, whose songs include “In Christ Alone” and “The Power of the Cross,” sang and took part in panel discussion with Jay Harley, vice president for student affairs, and Bob Brooks, dean of the Graduate School of Ministry. In addition to the Gettys, other speakers at the Worship Leadership Summit included Bryan Carter, pastor of Concord Church in Dallas; Brent Taylor, pastor of First Baptist Church in Carrollton; Jeff Warren, pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas; and Jim Denison, president and co-founder of the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture and senior fellow in the Institute for Global Engagement. The Institute for Global Engagement is a joint effort between DBU’s Gary Cook School of Leadership and the Denison Forum.
Patricia Morales, first lady of Guatemala, toured Buckner International campuses in Texas.Patricia Morales, first lady of Guatemala, toured several Buckner International campuses in Texas to discuss Buckner’s methods and strategy around engaging the faith community to learn how Guatemala can develop its foster care program. She has partnered with Buckner Guatemala, where Buckner offers locally led foster and kinship care services, along with other programming geared toward strengthening families.
Churches in Brownsville and Matamoros recently distributed food to families in Mexican fishing villages affected by red tide, a harmful algal bloom that can kill fish and make shellfish dangerous to eat. Now the congregations are seeking to provide blankets to 500 families before winter. Every $5 contributed to the “River Ministry Blanket Challenge” by Nov. 30 will provide a blanket for a family in need. Contributions can be sent to Texas Baptists, Attn.: River Ministry—Blanket Challenge, 7557 Rambler Rd., Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75231. Participants are encouraged to post a photo of any group accepting the Blanket Challenge on Twitter with the hashtag #TXBBlanketChallenge. For more information, call (214) 828-5394.
Howard Payne University recognized 10 individuals during homecoming celebrations, Oct. 28-30. Vernon Holleman, a Temple physician, and Robert Morrison, principal of Abilene High School, were named distinguished alumni. Brad Collins, a Grandview chiropractor, and Emily Gore, public health manager for the Dallas County Health and Human Services Public Health Preparedness Division, were recognized as outstanding young graduates. Martha Dufresne of San Angelo was named Coming Home Queen. Dwain Bruner, an auto dealer from Stephenville, received the Medal of Service. Stephen Haynes, mayor of Brownwood, was named Grand Marshal. Dan McGhee of Brenham, a four-year letterman at HPU and four-time All-Lone Star Conference selection, and Greg Nixon of Long Beach, Calif., All-American sprinter and two-time World Indoor gold medalist in the 4×400-meter relay, were inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. Adrian Gil, director of Howard Payne’s El Paso Center, received the José Rivas Distinguished Service Award.
East Texas Baptist University launched the Christian Servant Leader Scholarship in partnership with the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. The ETBU scholarship provides 50 percent of tuition and 100 percent housing for four academic years and will be awarded to two students, one male and one female. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be members of a congregation affiliated with the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.
College Choice listed eight Texas Baptist schools among its 50 Best Colleges and Universities in Texas for 2016-17. The Top 50 list included Baylor University at No. 8, Howard Payne University at No. 14, East Texas Baptist University at No. 18, Hardin-Simmons University at No. 20, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor at No. 29, Baptist University of the Américas at No. 47, Wayland Baptist University at No. 49 and Dallas Baptist University at No. 50. It marked the first time BUA was ranked in the Top 50 list. In the 25 Best Online Colleges in Texas category, Baylor ranked No. 1, UMHB ranked No. 6, DBU ranked No. 13, and Wayland ranked No. 16.
Anniversaries
45th for South Garland Baptist Church in Garland. Larry Davis is pastor.
Elaine Clark, 20th as preschool minister at First Baptist Church in Amarillo.
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Retirement
Leslie Adams from Calvary Baptist Church in Rockdale after 18 years as pastor.
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