The Texas Baptist Mission Foundation (TBMF) will be honoring Suzanne Griffin, Michael Evans and the First Baptist Church of Tyler for their exceptional work and commitment in missions at the annual Texas Baptist Missions Foundation Awards Luncheon, Monday, July 30, 2018, during the Texas Baptists Family Gathering in Arlington.
The three awards given include the Adventurer Award for Leadership in Missions, the Innovator Award for creativity in Missions and the Pioneer Award for Service in Missions.
The Adventurer Award, which honors the recipient for their outstanding financial support or leadership in ministry, will be awarded to Suzanne Griffin for her 18 years of service as the Executive Director of Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, an organization that serves one of the poorest parts of Dallas. During her time, Griffin significantly expanded the organization’s ministries which now involve over 3,300 volunteers giving more than 24,000 hours, as well as making over 8,500 visits to the homes of people in need annually.
Reverend Michael A. Evans, Sr. will receive the honor of the Innovator Award. The award is given to an individual or organization who provides a model for missions that others can adopt.
Evans has served as senior pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield for over 25 years. He is a missions-minded pastor who shepherds a missions-focused congregation. Pastor Evans led the church to develop numerous outreach ministries meeting physical and spiritual needs. His leadership extends beyond the church, spearheading many community initiatives locally and statewide.
The Pioneer Award will be presented to the First Baptist Church of Tyler (FBCT). The award recognizes an individual or church that has been a longtime leader in beginning mission work, impacting Texas Baptists life. First Baptist Church of Tyler became the 53rd Baptist church organized in Texas on April 8, 1848. From its inception and throughout the church’s 150-year history, FBCT positioned itself to be on the forefront of mission work. Their commitment to missions led to the start of a number of new churches in Smith County, as well as assisting those in need through a wide range of programs.
The luncheon will begin at noon on July 30 and will be at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel during the Texas Baptists Family Gathering. For those attending, seating is limited and by reservation only. Tickets cost $30 and must be purchased in advance. Click here to purchase your ticket online. For more information on TBMF, please visit texasbaptists.org/tbmf or call (214) 828-5342.
The Texas Baptist Missions Foundation exists to provide giving opportunities for those who seek to make an impact for God’s kingdom both in Texas and beyond. Originally established as Mission Texas in 1983 to help raise funds for new church plants in Texas, the TBMF has since expanded to support a variety of mission projects, including starting new churches, supporting student ministries on college campuses, restoring communities through disaster recovery and much more.
Texas Baptists is a movement of God’s people to share Christ and show love by strengthening churches and ministers, engaging culture and connecting the nations to Jesus.
The ministry of the convention is made possible by giving through the Texas Baptists Cooperative Program, Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions, Texas Baptists Worldwide and Texas Baptist Missions Foundation. Thank you for your faithful and generous support.
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