GORDON (BP)—Albert Oliveira, pastor of First Baptist Church in Gordon, voluntarily returned to his birth country of Brazil after a visa rule change and years-long processing backlog blocked him from renewing his legal status.

“We exhausted all the possibilities,” Oliveira told Baptist Press from his mother’s home in Brazil, where he, his wife Caroline and their 3-year-old son arrived Nov. 9. “What I’m doing isn’t necessarily self-deporting, but simply leaving before the visa expires.”

Oliveira plans to continue to serve the church in Gordon, preaching and holding meetings online while the church’s pastor of discipleship handles local duties.

After a year, he will reapply for an R-1 visa for religious workers in an attempt to return to Texas and continue to serve the church.

“For this visa, you need to stay out of the country for at least 12 months in order to reset the possibility to apply again for another possible five years,” Oliveira said.

“I will stay here (in Brazil) until we can go back after the 12 months. But our hope is that something still happens and we possibly can go back earlier, maybe a rule change.”

Unexpected rule change

Oliveira was among an unspecified number of pastors in a line of 214,771 individuals seeking EB-4 visas as of March 2025, according to an analysis of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data by the CBS News Data Team.

An unexpected rule change in April 2023 lumped R-1 visa applications with others in the EB-4 category. In March 2022, there were 71,147 applicants, already a backlog for the program that issues 10,000 EB-4 visas a year. The numbers indicate a 200 percent increase in applications in a three-year span.

Oliveira, who speaks five languages, earned his degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary after coming to the United States in 2010 as a 19-year-old on a student visa.

He was called to the lead pastorate at First Baptist Gordon in May 2022, after serving as the church’s youth and missions pastor.

The Oliveiras’ son was born in the United States and holds citizenship here.

Oliveira continued to work legally in the United States under an R-1 religious worker visa until the rule change exacerbated a backlog in applications and later limited the number of visas that could be distributed.

Afterward, he sought to remain on an EB-4 visa for general workers, but the requirements could not be met, he said, under his service as a pastor.

‘Suffering uncertainty’

Oliveira estimates he already has spent $25,000 to $30,000 on attorney fees, application fees, airfare and other costs that he has no way to recoup.

“I know of other pastors in other churches that are going through this,” he said. “And you can only imagine that many of them don’t have the resources to help them in this way. And all that is left for them is really to leave.”

He expressed appreciation for the love and support of his church, sharing his desire that other Baptists consider the plight of similarly situated religious workers.

“I would like them to know that the church is being affected, that there are brothers and sisters in Christ that are suffering uncertainty and they’re unable to make plans with their church for the gospel,” he said.

Religious Workforce Protection Act still in committee

Messengers to the 2023 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting adopted a resolution “On Wisely Engaging Immigration,” commending Southern Baptists for their work on the issue and urging Congress to improve legal pathways to immigration while protecting U.S. borders.

A bill to establish the Religious Workforce Protection Act, which would allow certain EB-4 visa applicants to remain in the United States while their applications are pending, was introduced in both houses of Congress in April.

Although it has bipartisan support, it remains in committee, according to the congress.gov bill tracking service. The National Immigration Forum stated several benefits of the legislation in its analysis, including extending the R-1 visa status beyond the five-year cap.

Oliveira encourages fellow Southern Baptists to study such issues that hold interest within the church community.

“Personally, the feeling that I have is that people should study and be knowledgeable of the topic that they care about,” he said. “There are a lot of people with opinions on things that they don’t understand, and it just doesn’t help. It just hurts those that are being affected.”

Oliveira remains thankful

More than 200 worshipers attended the Nov. 2 service at First Baptist Gordon, a congregation that averages 150 in attendance. It was Oliveira’s last in-person sermon before he left for Brazil.

He baptized four new believers Nov. 2, and 11 others joined the congregation, he told Baptist Press. The church will continue to support him as a full-time pastor as he seeks a new path to legal residency here, he said.

Oliveira remains thankful.

“I’m thankful for what God has done. I have seen his providence through everything,” he said. “I’m thankful for the church, for their love and care. I honestly feel very loved by that church. And I’m thankful for everyone that was once unaware of this problem and learned about it, and started supporting and making a difference.”

Messengers to Texas Baptists’ annual meeting in Abilene next week will consider a $37.5 million total Texas budget for 2026 that depends on about $28 million in Texas Cooperative Program giving from churches.

If Cooperative Program giving reaches that mark next year, it will be the first time since 2018, when churches gave close to $28.2 million, and it will be about $2 million more than they gave last year.

Cooperative Program receipts from churches have declined gradually from $30.2 million in 2015 to $26 million in 2024, with the exception of one year.

During the past decade, 2022 was the only year that registered a slight uptick—about $230,000 above 2021 receipts.

However, investment income grew from $2.6 million in 2015 to more than $9.3 million in 2024.

Understanding the budget

When messengers to the annual meeting hear the budget presentation, several different terms may be used.

• The net Cooperative Program budget—dependent exclusively on receipts from churches to the unified giving plan—is $28 million.
• The net Texas Baptist budget includes both the $28 million in Cooperative Program giving from churches and an anticipated $7.98 million from investment income. The $36 million total undesignated budget is up from the $35.16 million in the 2025 budget.
• The $37.5 million total Texas Baptist budget includes the net budget, plus a projected $1.48 million in additional revenue from conference and booth fees and product sales. The proposed total Texas budget for 2026 is an increase from the $36.7 million budget adopted for 2025.

Beyond the total budget messengers will consider, other anticipated revenue in 2026 earmarked for specific causes includes $7 million in donor-designated gifts, $1.86 million in grants from the Mary Hill Davis Missions Offering and $300,000 from the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board.

An anticipated $1.2 million in worldwide missions giving will allocate $850,000 to international missions and partnerships and $250,000 to North American missions and partnerships.

Supporting GC2 Strong

The 2026 budget is organized around the main objectives of Texas Baptists’ GC2 Strong movement: Strengthening Churches, Strengthening Leaders and Engaging Missions, along with the areas of resource development and relationship development.

The proposed 2026 budget devotes more than $3.5 million—almost 10 percent of the budget—to the GC2 Strengthening Churches initiative.

The Strengthening Churches area includes the Pave church revitalization program, discipleship, evangelism, church architecture, music and worship, and the Christian Life Commission.

About $2.7 million—7.5 percent of the budget—is dedicated to the Strengthening Leaders initiative, with $1 million devoted to area representatives.

The Strengthening Leaders area also includes the Pastor’s Common, counseling services, pastoral health networks, chaplaincy, women in ministry, bivocational pastors, interim pastors and western heritage churches.

More than $3 million—8.5 percent of the budget—is devoted to the Engaging Missions initiative, including $2.745 million for church starting.

In addition, about $9.6 million—27 percent of the budget—goes toward the offices of the executive director, associate executive director and chief financial officer and the areas with which they work.

Those areas include information technology, finance and accounting, building support and operations, human resources, the Texas Baptist Historical Collection, ministerial benefits and retirees’ insurance.

Resource and relationship development

More than one-third—about 35 percent—of the budget is devoted to two underlying aspects of Texas Baptists’ GC2 Strong initiative: resource development and relationship development.

About $2.6 million—a little more than 7 percent—is dedicated to resource development, which includes communications, the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation and GC2 Press.

Almost $9.8 million—27 percent of the total—is earmarked for relationship development.

Under relationship development, support for educational institutions and human care institutions accounts for $8,286,286—about one-fourth of the total budget. Affinity groups account for a little more than $970,000 or 2.7 percent of the total.

Texas Baptists’ total budgeted support for other educational and human care institutions remains unchanged from 2025 to 2026.

Support for educational institutions

The $6 million for educational institutions—with $1,537,600 earmarked for ministerial financial aid—represents about 18 percent of the budget.

Ministerial financial aid is paid in arrears to institutions, which means the 2026 payment is for students enrolled from summer 2024 through spring 2025.

The total ministerial financial aid for the 2026 budget is comparable to the 2025 budget. However, the total number of students funded in the 2026 budget increased. The 2026 budget reflects an increased percentage of undergraduate students in the program, who are funded at a significantly lower scholarship level than graduate students.

Six universities affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas each will receive $500,000 in annual base support, an amount unchanged in the proposed 2026 budget. Texas Baptists elect a supermajority of the governing boards of affiliated institutions.

Affiliated universities are Baptist University of the Américas, East Texas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and Wayland Baptist University.

Support for related universities

Two universities currently relate to the BGCT by special agreement, meaning Texas Baptists elect a minority of the institutions’ governing boards.

A third university anticipates moving from affiliated to related status, pending approval by messengers at Texas Baptists’ annual meeting in Abilene.

Dallas Baptist University, which previously received $500,000 in base support as an affiliated institution, will see that support decrease to $250,000 if messengers to the BGCT annual meeting approve its new relationship agreement with Texas Baptists.

DBU also is expected to see a drop in ministerial financial aid from $293,188 in 2025 to $283,475 in 2026.

BGCT budget support for DBU in 2026 totals $533,475. According to last year’s Book of Reports, DBU’s annual operating expenses at that time were more than $135 million.

Houston Christian University will receive $250,000 in annual base support. Its ministerial financial aid will decrease from $49,575 to $35,200.

BGCT budget support for HCU in 2026 totals $285,200. According to last year’s Book of Reports, HCU’s annual operating expenses at that time were more than $127 million.

DBU and HCU worked out special agreements approved by Texas Baptists’ institutional relations committee and the BGCT Executive Board, with final consideration by messengers to the BGCT annual meeting.

Although Baylor University grants Texas Baptists the right to elect a minority of its governing board, the university does not receive any base support from the BGCT. Baylor unilaterally changed its charter in 1990.

However, Baylor is slated to receive the largest total budgeted support from Texas Baptists due to ministerial financial aid. Even so, Baylor will see its total budgeted support from the BGCT decrease, from $689,525 in 2025 to $649,575 in 2026.

In May, Baylor’s board of regents approved a $995.8 million university operating budget for 2025-2026.

Texas Baptists’ support for Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary also will decrease—from $458,150 to $452,750.

Affiliated universities, health and human care

Hardin-Simmons will see its total budgeted support decrease from $515,550 to $507,575 due to a drop in ministerial financial aid.

Six educational institutions will receive increases in their total budget support, due entirely to a rise in ministerial financial aid.

Among all educational institutions, Stark College is set to receive the largest increase in total budgeted support, from $76,125 in 2025 to $103,775 in 2026. Stark College does not receive any base support from the BGCT.

ETBU—now home to B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary—will see an $11,275 increase, from $582,750 to $594,025.

Four other universities will see varying increases in ministerial financial aid. Howard Payne is due to receive a $10,200 increase, UMHB is slated to receive a $2,550 increase, Wayland will receive a $975 increase, and BUA will receive a $275 increase.

The $2.2 million for health and human care institutions represents a little more than 6 percent of Texas Baptists’ proposed 2026 budget.

That includes $500,000 each for Children at Heart Ministries and South Texas Children’s Home Ministries, as well as $250,000 for Buckner Children and Family Services and $160,000 for San Marcos Baptist Academy.

It also includes $150,000 each for chaplaincy and pastoral care at Baylor Health Care system, Hendrick Health System, Hillcrest Baptist Health System and Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas.

Collegiate ministry is slated to receive $4.668 million in 2026, about 13 percent of the total undesignated budget.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s damage across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, Texans on Mission has deployed an initial task force to support local partners on the ground.

The four-person team is working primarily with the Jamaica Baptist Union to assess immediate needs, develop recovery plans and implement actionable strategies for long-term community resilience.

More than planning though, they are responding to local needs by providing food and hygiene kits sourced on the island nation.

Texans on Mission volunteer and chaplaincy coordinator Melanie Howington said the team has been building relationships with on-the-ground partners and expected to move toward the most-affected areas near Montego Bay.

Assembling care kits for families

Volunteers also are responding to requests from the Jamaica Baptist Union to provide immediate aid to families.

“Their big need is to get some kind of a kit to some of their people in areas where the churches have had bad damage or were destroyed,” she said.

“And so we spent yesterday and today going to multiple stores. We had to divide up and buy canvas bags because you can’t have plastic here, then piece out kits for 250 people.”

The team worked with Jamaica Baptist Union members to assemble the bags with food staples like flour and rice, plus hygiene items needed by affected families.

The group’s efforts were slowed by some food and hygiene item shortages that forced them to source from several locations over two days, Howington said.

Even so, she added: “God does provide. God is good.”

The team also is networking with other aid providers. They’ve attended coordinated meetings with other governmental and NGO disaster response organizations for daily briefings.

They also met with a medical relief group, MedGlobal, and provided them with water purifiers destined for use at a local hospital.

Mahala Griffin-Halvorson, nursing student at Baylor, gave birth to her son, Hudson, 13 weeks early, while her husband, Caleb, was in the hospital from serious injuries fighting a fire.

Caleb was at the scene of a house fire when the roof of the garage in a burning home fell on him and trapped him in the flames and smoke, NBC News reported.

“I thought I was going to die because it was so hot,” Caleb told NBC News.

Caleb, a Fort Worth firefighter, went through surgery for burns and a serious knee injury.

Halvorson is in her final semester of nursing school at the Louise Herrington School of Nursing in the Distance Accelerated Bachelor of Science program track.

She gave birth to Hudson at Texas Health Resources Alliance Hospital.

Mahala and Caleb credit their faith, resilience and the support of others that brought them back together.

“Here at the [Louise Herrington School of Nursing], we are keeping Hudson and Caleb in our prayers as they both grow stronger while Mahala returns to nursing school to complete her degree with the anticipated graduation date of December 2025,” said Kathryn Osteen, clinical professor and associate dean for pre-licensure program at the nursing school.

“Just like Mahala’s family recently experienced, we all need a nurse at some point in our lives, and the need for caring and compassionate nurses has never been greater.

“We are proud of Mahala’s determination to press on amidst all that her family has endured. She is a testament to the belief that nursing is more than just a profession but a lifetime calling to make a genuine difference.”

Her newborn baby and husband fought for their lives but made it out of the hospital, reuniting with each other through prayers and support.

Caleb was able to come home to continue his healing journey. Four days later, Hudson came home.

The experience strengthened Mahala’s resolve to her call into nursing.

“This whole experience has really shown me the value of nurses as more than just a means of care,” she said.

“The nurses were my sounding board. They never made me feel stupid for being mad. They let me sit in my feelings. And they never left me feeling alone in this. They were who I needed, and I hope to one day be the person a family member needs in the future.”

The neonatal intensive care unit meant more to her than the definition of its services, Mahala said.

“If you google NICU, it will say ‘neonatal intensive care unit,’ but to me it’s so much more than that. It’s a place where the walls hear more prayers than a church,” she added.

“It’s often more quiet than a place full of babies should be. It’s full of growth and heartbreak. It’s where little miracles happen along with worst nightmares. This is the place where I want to make a difference.

“Plus, the burn unit is unlike any place I have ever been before. The distinct smell, cries and care is something I will never forget. It’s one of the most painful, but quickest healing units at the same time.”

David Azar and his young family awoke at 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 12 when they realized they were in danger.

“Israeli settlers attacked. They burned our car,” Azar, a deacon at Ramallah Church in the occupied West Bank, told the Baptist Standard on a WhatsApp call. “It was completely destroyed.”

Although their house was not damaged in the assault, Azar and his wife Hiba, along with their 3-year-old daughter Maribelle, left their home in the village of Taybeh.

“We can’t go back,” Azar said. “It’s not safe for our daughter.”

Pastor Munir Kakish of Ramallah Church, president of the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land, invited Azar and his family to move into a room at the church building until they are able to find permanent lodging.

Azar is uncertain what the future holds, but he remains sure of one thing.

“We trust in God,” he said.

‘Daily dependence’ on God

Trust and dependence upon God characterizes Palestinian Christians, said Jay Abernathy, pastor of First Baptist Church in Woodville.

“They practice daily dependence on the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the guidance of Scripture and the community of believers,” he said.

Abernathy, who has developed a close relationship with Palestinian Christians in the Middle East over the past two decades, returned early last month from a weeklong trip to Jordan, Israel and the West Bank.

Abernathy’s recent trip to the West Bank occurred prior to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza.

“The ashes of Gaza figuratively fell on every conversation,” he said.

Even so, the Palestinian Christians he encountered held no animosity toward Israel.

“I never met a believer over there who harbored any ill will toward Israel,” Abernathy said. “They pray that Israel will do well.”

‘God wants you’

While Azar’s trust in God and desire to follow his leadership are typical among Palestinian Christians, Abernathy said, his testimony is extraordinary.

Azar grew up in a Greek Orthodox family in Gaza and dreamed of becoming a priest one day. However, when a bishop who had promised to send him to Greece to study reneged on that pledge, Azar grew disillusioned and turned his back on the church.

During the Fatah-Hamas conflict in 2006, Azar found himself on a street during heavy gunfire.

“That’s when I heard a voice saying: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by my name, and you are mine,’” Azar said.

After escaping the crossfire and returning home, Azar continued to think about the unexpected message of reassurance. He remembered a card the pastor of Gaza Baptist Church had given him much earlier.

When Azar contacted the pastor and repeated the words he heard, the minister told him he was quoting Isaiah 43:1. He assured Azar, “God wants you.”

“That moment marked the beginning of my journey of faith,” Azar said.

Serving and preaching at Ramallah Church

After he committed his life to Christ, Azar moved to the West Bank and began attending Ramallah Church. Pastor Kakish helped him enroll in a Bible college in Bethlehem and supported him in his studies.

In the years that followed, Azar distributed Bibles and Christian literature locally and internationally. He was ordained as a deacon, and he often preaches at Ramallah Church.

In fact, Azar preached on Oct. 12—the same morning his car was burned and his family had to seek shelter at Ramallah Church.

His sermon text was Numbers 23:23, with a special emphasis on the final phrase of that verse: “See what God has done.”

Instead of focusing on the dangers his family endured, he gave thanks for God’s protection in keeping them from harm.

“It bothers me that more American evangelicals are not aware of what so many of their evangelical brothers and sisters in the Holy Land experience,” Abernathy said.

LUBBOCK (BP)—Three motions at the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention annual meeting to disallow messengers from Fielder Church in Arlington because of the church’s stance on women in pastoral roles were ruled out of order.

As recently as July, staff positions at Fielder Church in Arlington—a congregation dually affiliated with the SBTC and Texas Baptists—used the term “pastor” for men and women. Those all since have been changed to “shepherd.”

Social media posts show Jason Paredes, Fielder Church’s lead shepherd, voicing his opposition in 2023 to the vote by Southern Baptist messengers to remove Saddleback Church from fellowship for employing women as pastors. Paredes further gives his unapologetic support for women serving as pastors.

Article IV of the SBTC Constitution states a church may be removed from the convention “by majority vote of the Executive Board or of the messengers at an annual session of the Convention after the following process is completed: (a) The church has received written notice of the matter prompting the Executive Board’s consideration of removal and (b) The Credentials Committee has attempted to resolve the matter by meeting with the pastor and/or leaders of the church.”

‘Due process rights’

The motions made at the SBTC annual meeting in Lubbock were dismissed on Parliamentarian Al Gage’s ruling that the two requirements for action were not satisfied.

The phrase “after the following process is completed” in the SBTC Constitution gives critical protections for churches subject to removal, Gage told Baptist Press in written comments.

“The due process rights to written notice of their pending removal and a meeting with the Credentials Committee to resolve the matter are requirements and protections for the church,” Gage stated. “Both conditions must be met for a church to be disaffiliated whether by the messengers or by the Executive Board.”

SBTC Executive Board meeting minutes from Aug. 5 include a Credentials Committee report containing information about a meeting with an unnamed church that used the title “pastor” for church staff positions filled by women.

“The church confirmed that they would change the title and no longer use ‘pastor’ for staff positions filled by women,” the report said.

The SBTC Executive Board voted at that time to form a committee to review the Constitution and Bylaws. The documents will be reviewed in their entirety, with a focus on polity and affiliation requirements as they relate to the office and title of pastor. Proposed amendments will be published 90 days before a messenger vote at the 2026 SBTC annual meeting.

The Baptist Standard requested a response from Fielder Church but did not receive a reply prior to the publication deadline.

Continuing controversy in the SBC

In the Southern Baptist Convention, the so-called Law Amendment, which addressed church affiliation in the SBC Constitution and the role of pastor being reserved for men, has been brought before messengers three times since 2023. Ultimately, it has fallen short of the two-thirds majority two years in a row required for passage.

SBC President Clint Pressley shared his thoughts about Fielder Church on social media. Pressley said he thinks the congregation is “in clear violation” of the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message.

He expressed confidence the matter will be discussed at the next SBC annual meeting in Orlando.

Pressley also reposted comments from Andrew Walker, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary ethics and theology professor who chaired the SBC Resolutions Committee at the 2025 SBC annual meeting.

Walker said that “our confessional standards say what they mean and mean what they say. The moment we start treating them like a ‘living constitution,’ we abandon both their authority and our integrity—and that never ends well.”

Southern Seminary President Al Mohler posted about the matter on social media, saying failure to address the issue directly “as a necessary principle of cooperation” would be akin to “surrender[ing] to unbiblical ambiguity.”

“The Southern Baptist Convention will not survive ambiguity on the question of female pastors, whatever they are called,” he wrote on X. “The Baptist Faith & Message is clear that the office of pastor is held only by men as called for in Scripture. This is clearly about both office and function.”

Carroll O. Prewitt Jr., a longtime volunteer in Texas Baptist Men disaster relief and prison ministry, died Oct. 31. He was 80. He was born Aug. 1, 1945, in Fort Worth to Carroll Ordie Prewitt Sr. and Mary Edmonia Knowles Prewitt. His family moved to Irving, where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1963. He attended North Texas State University before he married his high school sweetheart Tina. He joined the Dallas Police Department in 1966, serving in various roles including detective, sergeant and divisional supervisor until he retired in 2000. He completed his Business Administration degree from NTSU in 1972. After a few years of being part-owner of a plant nursery near Lindale, he retired a second time. He taught Sunday school more than 40 years, and he served as a deacon and sang in the choir at churches in Lewisville, Garland, Dallas and Lindale. He loved using part of his vacation time to help build churches in the Rio Grande Valley. He was active in the Bill Glass Prison Ministry, spending many weekends in prisons across Texas. He also taught Bible study classes in the Hutchins State Prison and the Winnsboro unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. After retirement, he became active in the disaster relief ministry of Texas Baptist Men, now Texans on Mission. In addition to working on disaster relief in Texas and throughout the United States, he served in Iran, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Grenada and Haiti following major disasters in those countries. He and his wife served two years with the Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board as missionaries in South Asia after she retired. In his senior years, he was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease but received two lung transplants at age 68. After he recovered from surgery, he shared his testimony and journey with patients, encouraging others who were waiting for transplants. He was also present to support families while a transplant was taking place. He is survived by his wife Mary Ernestine King Prewitt, better known as Tina; daughter Diane Derebery and her husband Jason; daughter Denise New and her husband Russell; daughter Donna Cornell and her husband Michael; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson, as well as a sister, Susan Whaley. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Texans on Mission, designated for disaster relief. Give online here, call (214) 275-1100 or mail a check to Texans on Mission, 5351 Catron Dr., Dallas, TX 75227.

Zachary Harrel to Bell Baptist Association in Belton as director of missions, from Heart of Texas Baptist Network in Brownwood, where he was director of missions.

Ryan Vanderland to Greenwood Baptist Church in Midland as pastor, from First Baptist Church in Electra.

Mark Thompson to Refuge Owasso in Owasso, Okla., as pastor. He previously served as pastor of Davis Street Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs.

President Donald Trump announced on social media the United States is designating Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern due to the “mass slaughter” of Christians at the hands of “Radical Islamists.”

In a subsequent post, Trump indicated he instructed the Department of War to prepare for possible military intervention, going into Nigeria with “guns-a-blazing.”

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump wrote. “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”

The Country of Particular Concern designation is reserved for nations guilty of “systemic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.” The U.S. Secretary of State typically announces the designation, acting under the president’s delegated authority.

“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries,” Trump posted on social media. “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the world!”

Sanctions likely, military action possible

In his post—first released on his personal account and later on the official White House account—Trump suggested he would pursue economic sanctions against Nigeria.

Trump stated he was asking Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., a member of the House Committee on Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., committee chair “to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me.”

In a later post first appearing on Truth Social, Trump raised the possibility of direct military intervention.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote.

“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”

Call to ‘strengthen peace efforts’

International religious freedom advocates applauded the decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, without endorsing Trump’s threat of military action.

“The crisis in Nigeria is indeed worthy of the urgency and moral imperative that the Trump administration is conveying. However, U.S. military intervention would not only escalate the violence; it would undermine those most capable of bringing peace—the Nigerian people themselves,” said Wissam al-Saliby, president of 21Wilberforce.

“True and lasting security cannot be imposed by force,” al-Saliby asserted.

“Government corruption and fecklessness are among the roots of the failure to protect citizens, and this cannot be bombed away,” he said.

“The most effective way to protect lives, steward resources wisely, and prevent deepening anti-American sentiment is through sustained investment in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and support for local initiatives that promote reconciliation, justice and accountable governance.

“As Christians, we believe every person is made in the image of God, and that peace rooted in justice is both a moral calling and a practical necessity. We urge U.S. policymakers to pursue strategies that expand and strengthen local peace efforts rather than replace them with military might.”

‘Engage positively’

Christian Solidarity Worldwide noted “particularly acute” violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State, including the raiding of a hospital that led to the repeated gang-rape of two Christian girls who were abducted.

The Country of Particular Concern designation “should be regarded by the Nigerian government as an encouragement to address grave violations of freedom of religion or belief that have persisted for decades with greater urgency,” said Scot Bower, CSW chief executive officer.

“We urge Nigeria to engage positively, and to view this designation as an opportunity to secure the assistance needed to trace and hold funders, facilitators and perpetrators of religion-related violations to account, and to close the protection gap by tackling every source of security definitively.”

Vicky Hartzler, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, affirmed the CPC designation for Nigeria and applauded Trump “for speaking out on the religious freedom crisis in Nigeria.”

“The U.S. government can now develop a tough plan with Nigeria to ensure that perpetrators of violence are held to account, people of faith are protected, and those held hostage are released.”

Asif Mahmood, vice chair of the commission, also called on the U.S. to “hold the Nigerian government accountable for allowing the enforcement of blasphemy laws in 12 states.”

Official denies Christians are targeted

Last month, a high-ranking Nigerian official told the Baptist Standard the presence of violence in his country is perpetrated by “some extremists,” but he rejected the assertion Christians are targeted.

Mohammed Idris Malagi, minister of information and national orientation for Nigeria, insisted: “It is sad that this has been characterized as a religious conflict. We don’t believe that it is. It never has been a religious conflict. It actually is an extremist conflict.”

Malagi asserted both Muslims and Christians are victims of extremist violence, and disputed statistics about the scope of the violence reported by multiple international human rights groups as “not supported by the facts on the ground.”

“Nigeria will continue to fight extremists that perpetrate violence toward both Christians and Muslims,” he said.

Nigeria is “a country governed by laws,” where religious freedom for all its people is guaranteed in the constitution, Malagi insisted. Islamic Sharia law in 12 northern Nigerian states applies only to the Muslim population, he asserted.

‘Religious conflict … reached a critical juncture’

Dapo Ipaddeola, senior network coordinator for the Global Freedom Network, offered a significantly different perspective.

“The ongoing religious conflicts and violence in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt and Northern regions, have reached a critical juncture,” he said in a prepared public statement.

“Attacks on Christian communities, widespread killings, kidnappings, and destruction of properties have sparked widespread concern.”

Attacks on entire communities—including non-Christians—represent a “new dimension” to the violence in Nigeria, Ipaddeola stated.

“Reports from human rights organizations, eyewitness accounts, and church bodies indicate that Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and Northern regions are facing unprecedented levels of violence and persecution,” he stated.

In his statement—issued prior to Trump’s social media posts—Ipaddeola called on the international community to condemn violence in Nigeria, support humanitarian efforts, ensure accountability and urge the Nigerian government “to address root causes, such as poverty, inequality, and religious extremism.”

“The international community should support dialogue and reconciliation efforts, ensuring the rights and concerns of all parties are respected,” he stated. “By working together, we can prevent further violence and promote peace and stability in Nigeria.”

Student Jessie Norvell was crowned Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday, Nov. 1, in the annual Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor Pageant. Norvell is a 20-year-old junior majoring in accounting from Temple. She is the daughter of Will and Beth Norvell, and is the head resident assistant at Farris Hall, a student worker for university relations and the student leader of the chapel band.

Wayland Baptist University chemistry students brought home recognition and valuable research experiences after attending two major conferences this fall—the Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Albuquerque, N.M., and the Welch Conference, a prestigious event in Houston. At the Rocky Mountain meeting, sophomore chemistry major Emma Scott was named one of the top four undergraduate poster presenters among 113 total poster abstracts accepted. Scott and students Anna Perez, Dylan Dodd and Noah Dyson presented original research posters printed with the department’s new poster printer, made possible through an Excel Grant received by the Kenneth L. Mattox School of Mathematics and Sciences. At the Welch Conference, student Haley Fossett received news of her first pharmacy school acceptance, underscoring the academic impact of the experience.

Howard Payne University’s Moot Court team competed at the Rocky Mountain Moot Court Invitational at Colorado Christian University in Denver on Oct.16-18. Sophomore Rylie Burden of Nederland won top speaker at the competition. She and her partner, senior Katelyn Turner, of Katy, advanced to the top 16. HPU’s Moot Court team is sponsored by Kenan Boland, assistant professor of government.

The T.B. Maston Foundation is receiving applications for its scholarship to cover the 2026-27 academic year. The Maston Foundation provides a $5,000 scholarship annually to a graduate student whose study focuses on Christian ethics. Eligible candidates are Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Theology students writing dissertations that deal with ethical implications and Doctor of Ministry students whose projects include an ethical focus. Scholarship application packets include an application form, application transcripts, a CV/resumé, letters of recommendation, a dissertation/thesis abstract and an essay. To access the online application, click here.

The Mabee at Wayland Baptist University is celebrating the Christmas season with its fourth annual International Nativity Exhibition. The exhibition will remain on display through Friday, Dec. 19. This year’s presentation features all-new selections from the expansive collection of Lockney resident Carolyn Cunningham, whose fascination with Nativity scenes has spanned decades and crossed continents. Her personal collection now includes more than 900 unique sets from more than 130 countries.

Stark College and Seminary will host its annual Hand and Dove Scholarship Banquet on Nov. 6. The college will recognize Derrick and Denise Reaves at St. John Baptist Church in Corpus Christi for their enduring example of Christian service and leadership.

Anniversary

St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in San Antonio honored Joe E. Barber, lead pastor, for 20 years of service to the congregation.

A Texans on Mission emergency response team is in Jamaica to help coordinate relief efforts by churches after Hurricane Melissa devastated the island, and all other Texans on Mission disaster relief volunteers are on alert for possible deployment.

The emergency response team left Texas on Nov. 1 to help organize and maximize the relief ministries of Jamaican churches.

The highly trained volunteers are working with regional church leaders “to assess immediate needs, develop structured recovery plans and implement actionable strategies for long-term community resilience,” Texans on Mission officials announced on social media.

“Their extensive experience in disaster relief, church mobilization and logistics will empower church members to live out their faith by meeting needs and sharing God’s love in these difficult days,” said Mickey Lenamon, chief executive officer of Texans on Mission.

All Texans on Mission disaster relief units—including food service workers, chainsaw crews and heavy equipment operators—were placed on alert status on Nov. 3, meaning volunteers need to prepare for deployment on short notice.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Oct. 28, packing sustained 185 mph winds with heavy rainfall.

“Homes and churches have been demolished, and communities have no power or running water,” Texans on Mission posted on social media. “Many have lost everything.”

‘A disaster unlike anything we’ve had before’

Texans on Mission personnel participated in a Nov. 3 Baptist World Alliance call with Marilyn Hide Riley, general secretary of Jamaica Baptist Union.

“We experienced a disaster unlike anything we’ve had before. We are used to hurricanes, but nothing like this,” Riley said.

While damage was concentrated in the western part of Jamaica, 70 percent of the country still lacked electricity, water was unavailable in some regions, and some areas remained inaccessible, she reported. Communication is limited due to lack of cell phones and internet access.

“I do not think I can find the words to describe what has happened,” Riley said. “We have never seen this extent of damage to churches.”

In Jamaica, the average pastor leads three congregations, and communities depend on service churches provide, she noted. They need food and water, generators, tents for temporary housing and tarps to cover damaged roofs.

To support Texans on Mission disaster relief financially, give online here, call (214) 275-1100 or mail a check to Texans on Mission, 5351 Catron Dr., Dallas, TX 75227.

John Hall of Texans on Mission contributed to this report. 

CLEARWATER, Fla. (BP)—Florida pastor Willy Rice announced his intentions to be nominated for Southern Baptist Convention president at the 2026 SBC annual meeting in Orlando.

In a video released Oct. 31, Rice said he is allowing the nomination based on his hope for renewal in the SBC.

Rice, 62, has served 21 years as senior pastor at Calvary Church in Clearwater.

“Can you honestly look back over the last few years and conclude we are more united and more on mission? Or do you feel like I do? And like so many I hear from that there are real concerns that call for serious reflection, humble correction and a new day of renewal,” Rice said in the video.

He said his focus would be on renewing the message and the mission of the convention.

“In this hour of apostasy and idolatry, we need to reaffirm and restate our convictions. Such a time calls not for fuzzy lines in a mushy middle, it calls for clarity and courage. We don’t need to look for something new. We need to stand on what we know is true,” he said.

In 2022, now-SBC President Clint Pressley announced he would nominate Rice for president at that year’s annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif., but Rice later decided not to seek the nomination.

Emphasis on the Great Commission

In the Oct. 31 video, Rice talked about the 2,000th anniversary of the Great Commission, which he said will occur “somewhere around May of 2033.”

“What if as we approach that once-in-a-lifetime moment, Southern Baptists were to unite as never before to make sure every person in our nation heard the message of Jesus and was urged to respond in repentance and faith, and imagine Southern Baptists embracing a historic generational goal to get the gospel into every tongue, every nation and every tribe across the globe,” he said.

More than any other generation of Christians, “we have all we need” for the mission, Rice said.

“What we have lacked is the resolve, the vision, the unity, the focus and the commitment to see it through. We have allowed other pursuits to distract us and tainted ideologies to divide us,” he said.

Rice plans to hold “conversations” with Southern Baptists over the coming months to work through potential differences.

“I pray those conversations will be without unnecessary acrimony, that they will glorify our Savior and edify the church,” he said in the video.

“Regardless of your views, I hope you’ll join me in praying for a Baptist renewal in our time and praying specifically that our gathering next summer can be a time of reaffirming our convictions and recommitting to our shared mission.”

Giving record and denominational involvement

According to its 2025 Annual Church Profile statistics and the church’s financial office, Calvary Church gave $343,549 through the Cooperative Program, approximately 3 percent of its undesignated contributions; $52,222 to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering giving; and $76,351 to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Calvary Church reported 409 baptisms in 2024 and 3,055 people in average worship attendance.

Rice previously pastored churches in Florida and Alabama. He is a graduate of Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., and has a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

He and his wife Cheryl have three children and six grandchildren.

Rice served as president of the Florida Baptist Convention from 2006 to 2008, and he served as president of the SBC Pastors’ Conference in 2015.

He has also served as chairman of the SBC Committee on Committees in 2010, chair of the SBC Committee on Nominations in 2016 and president of the Florida Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference in 2004, along with other local, state and national positions.

Rice also served as a trustee for the North American Mission Board from 2018 to 2022, including stints as second and first vice chairman.