Business Manager’s Report - June 2023

Business Manager’s June 1, 2023  Report:

            May was a good month at the ministry in Texarkana. It was a very busy time for our folks since we have the converging of the beginning of VBS, Mother’s Day, and a new Sunday School quarter, and all this happening while our big press was down. Orders are at a high and are higher than the previous year. The challenge to get the work done is a push but thanks to great employees, we indeed got the work done and in good form.

            The last of May, our pressman, Scott, returned to work and he and our trainee for the big press, Justin, got to work and began turning out the material in excellent time. This return of operation of the big press was sooner than anticipated and a reason for rejoicing. I have so often found God to furnish our need just in time, so I give God the praise.

            As we print literature for the churches of the American Baptist Association and others who use the literature, I am reminded of the guidelines for our material content. We have a mandate from the churches to print literature that is in harmony with the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association, and this we do, to the best of our ability. Although we are not perfect, but human, I believe that both the content and style of the literature is excellent, and no other literature in the world can compare to its harmony with our doctrinal statement. Also, it has always been the practice of Bogard Press to use the King James Version for all references to Scripture, and this continues to be our policy with no plans to change.

            Dry weather finally seems to be arriving in the South. Although it may not be the best for the land, we have been waiting for it so we can finish our parking lot repairs. If this dryer weather continues, we will soon be able to repair an area of our rear parking lot that has been eroding.

            During June, I have the privilege to preach in a series of revival services at the Providence MBC, Fordyce, Arkansas with Pastor Brian Caldwell. It is always a joy and privilege to be asked to speak from the Word of God. I also am looking forward to going to Spokane, Washington to assemble with the messengers of the churches of the American Baptist Association, whom I serve. It is a joy indeed to labor among the brethren. Bro. Mark Clements, Editor-in-Chief, and I will be present at the Baptist Sunday School Committee booth. Come by and visit. We look forward to visiting with you.

A. Crain