Ministry doesn’t take the summer off — and neither does producing and getting out a weekly paper! While the pace changes and the scenery shifts, the work continues. Over the next several weeks, I’ll be stepping out of my normal office routine to participate in two ministry opportunities that are close to my heart. At the same time and we’re continuing to push toward an important financial goal.
It’s a busy season. But it’s also a reminder that the Baptist Trumpet exists to keep churches informed, inspired and involved — even when things can get a little hectic.
Church Camp
From June 16–19, I’ll be directing the BMA Youth Camp at Budd Creek in Greers Ferry. While I’ll be stepping away from the office for a few days, I’ll make a quick trip home Tuesday morning to finalize the week’s issue and get it out the door before heading back to camp.
Camp has been a lifelong ministry for me. I’ve had the privilege of directing this camp for over 20 years, following in the footsteps of my dad, one of the original pastors who helped launch the camp in 1978 and served also as director for many years. It is a great honor to continue serving in this ministry, which holds a special place in my family.
In the weeks leading up to camp, I’ve been busy with registration, getting the right leaders in place and making sure all the pieces are ready for a great week at camp. The work can be overwhelming at times, but the eternal impact is worth every bit of the effort.
VSM Philippines Trip
On the day camp ends (Thursday, June 19), I’ll be heading to Dallas to board a plane with our Volunteer Student Missions (VSM) team, traveling to the Philippines, where we’ll serve until July 1. Our team will be involved in a variety of outreach efforts, partnering with our missionaries on the field to support their ministries and share the love of Christ.
This will be my fourth VSM trip to the Philippines and my eighth international student mission trip overall. I began leading these trips years ago when someone told me, “We have students who want to go, but we need adults willing to lead.” That simple challenge turned into a calling I’ve pursued ever since — taking students to Peru, Bolivia, Honduras and the Philippines to experience what God is doing around the world.
Please pray for our team as we travel and serve. And thank you for being part of the work by supporting missions at home and abroad.
Special Emphasis Update: We’re Almost Halfway There
As of this writing, we’ve received $13,605 toward our $30,000 Special Emphasis goal for the fiscal year. I’m thankful for every church and individual who has given so far. Your support is a vital part of how we continue serving the BMA through weekly print and digital coverage.
But we still have a long way to go. Special Emphasis giving is especially important because it helps sustain us through the fall, traditionally a time when regular giving dips due to the holidays and end-of-year schedules. These funds allow us to maintain our weekly 12-page issue and keep you connected to what God is doing from the local level to around the world.
This year’s theme is “Your Connection to the Mission: Informed. Inspired. Involved.” The Baptist Trumpet may not plant churches or send missionaries, but we connect the dots between those who do and the churches who support them. We tell the stories that help people see where God is working and where they can get involved.
Would you help us reach our goal by August 31? Give online at www.BaptistTrumpet.com/donate or mail checks to: Baptist Trumpet, P.O. Box 192208, Little Rock, AR 72209.
Also, don’t forget to download and share our promotional video at BaptistTrumpet.com/SE2025.
Thank You for Staying Connected
I share all this not only to update you, but also to invite you to continue walking this journey with us. Ministry is always moving. But so is God. He’s at work in our camps, in our missions, in our churches and through this ministry of communication and connection.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for giving. And thank you for partnering with us as we continue to tell the story of what God is doing through the BMA.
