Weekly Update

As we continue to rejoice in the hope of the resurrection, we anticipate the celebration of Pentecost. We remember the coming of the Holy Spirit on the gathered disciples in the upper room and the launching of the global Christian movement.

In less than three weeks, I will be traveling to Memphis, Tennessee. I will join 71 leaders in signing a declaration of cooperation on the occasion of the Cooperative Program’s 100th anniversary.

We are in the middle of what is often referred to as Passion Week. We remember Jesus’ intention to go to Calvary. We reflect on his intense suffering and death. As we prepare for the glory of Resurrection Sunday, we remember there is no Easter without the Cross and the tomb.

Last week, I shared with you about ministry to the next generation. How important that is for the kingdom! It is equally important that we protect the children God has entrusted to us.

I hope and pray you are doing well during this season of preparation as we remember Jesus’ suffering, death and burial, and as we anticipate celebrating his resurrection from the dead.

Spring is in the air! Winds across Texas are fierce! Some parts of our state have been affected by wildfires. 

If you have been around evangelicals for at least a couple of decades, you will remember WWJD bracelets. Young people wore them to ask themselves, “What Would Jesus Do?” in guiding them to make good decisions.

As March has arrived, I pray that you are experiencing the best of God’s blessings. As we anticipate the arrival of Resurrection Sunday, we reflect on Jesus’ love and sacrifice for us.

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, our BGCT executive board met.

I write to you from the Tampa Bay area where I am attending a meeting of Baptist state convention executive directors from across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Every state convention is different but we all agree about the importance of partnership.

I am writing to you from Brazil. A small team of our Texas Baptists staff attended the Brazilian Baptist Convention’s Annual Meeting in the city of Fortaleza.

This is the time of the year when we, as a convention, as well as many of our churches and partner institutions, finalize financial reports for the previous calendar year.

This has been a full and exciting week for your Texas Baptists staff as we’ve just concluded our January Staff Week.

I am typing this update on January 6. In some church traditions, this day is called “Epiphany” or “Three Kings Day,” celebrating the arrival of the magi to the house where Jesus and his parents were (Matthew 2:11). In such traditions, the eve of January 6 is considered the twelfth day of Christmas, ending the Christmas season officially and festively. 

The second week of Advent, we reflect on the peace that the Messiah brings. 

December is here. We anticipate the arrival of Christmas. Many of us begin this month by observing Advent.

Thanksgiving is around the corner. The anticipation of time with family and friends, football and food seems to fill the air.

Luke records what took place after the Jerusalem council met. They sent letters to the churches and the churches were encouraged, resulting in the continued advancement of the gospel.