Hello, Texas Baptists. The Family Gathering is finally upon us, and I am pleased that we, Texas Baptists, stretched out to new territory to enjoy an annual meeting different and unique from anything we have done before.
David HardageI appreciate those who are able to attend and participate. And I certainly understand the busy church summer schedules many of you experience. So, to try and have a convention like this in the midst of Vacation Bible School, church camp, mission trips, etc. is challenging. However, I am grateful for the time together and look forward to gathering in Waco in the fall of 2014.
Prior to the gathering in San Antonio, I enjoyed the opportunity to preach at Macedonia Baptist Church in the convention city, where Jerry Dailey is pastor. Great pastor and church!
I so enjoyed my time preaching at First Baptist Church in Corpus Christi recently. They have two morning worship services, and each was a special time. Please join me in remembering these folks as they get their pastor-search process under way.
Kathleen and I had a very pleasant time in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where we attended the annual gathering of the Baptist World Alliance. BWA General Secretary Nevell Callum is from Jamaica. There were Baptists from all over the world in attendance, and it was good to make many new friends.
I appreciate Jeff Donnell, pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church in Dallas, for allowing me the privilege of preaching in his place not long ago. Lakeside also has two morning worship services, and I was so blessed by each one. Jeff has served there about three years, and the church has a very bright future.
Now, for the real news: Kathleen and I are going to be grandparents! This will be a new experience for us, and we are quite excited about it all. Our son, John, and his wife, Melissa, announced to us a few weeks ago they are expecting and then, on Sunday, July 7, at a “reveal party,” we learned we will be the grandparents to a baby girl. Of course, we already are praying for her and are anxiously waiting for November!
David Hardage is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.
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