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It has been an unusual week in Texas and other parts of our country due to extreme winter weather. I have watched how churches quickly prepared for ministry last weekend and beyond.

Last week was a busy and exciting week for me. We had our Texas Baptists staff week at the Rambler building in Dallas. Twice a year, all of our staff pause their travel and gather for worship, reporting and planning. It was a very meaningful time together!

Let’s get off to a good start this year. Let’s pray for those who don’t know Jesus in our state and beyond. 

I pray that in the midst of a busy, and perhaps hectic, Christmas season, you find time and make space for Christ’s presence. When the Messiah came to earth, the world was too busy and too distracted to notice. In fact, there was “no room available” for him!

During this first week of Advent, we reflect on hope. Those who waited for the arrival of God’s Messiah waited with hope. We who live after the Christmas event also have hope. It is because Christ came, lived, died on the cross, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven that we have hope.

When we consider the fast population growth, the percentage of churches that are declining in membership and attendance and the number of churches that are closing their doors each year, we realize we are in desperate need of a GC2 awakening!

2,007 messengers and visitors gathered in Abilene Nov. 16-18 to take part in the 140th Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT), focusing on the theme, “Live Out GC2: Love God, Love People, Make Disciples."

During the Tuesday morning business and worship session of the 2025 Texas Baptists Annual Meeting, messengers considered two motions and three resolutions, filled the remaining Convention officer positions, heard a sermon, the President’s Address and worshiped and prayed together.

Church leaders from across the state gathered Tuesday morning at the Texas Baptists Annual Meeting for a GC2 Awakening workshop.

“It’s hard to live in the unknown, but every month we’ve had everything we needed. Abundance shows up when God is in every moment,” he said, noting thankfulness to other churches who have sponsored the work to help them get established. “He constantly provides, no matter what the budget looks like.”