CEO’s Report - July 2024

BSSC CEO’s July 1, 2024 PR Report:

            I was blessed to be among the brethren in Springfield, Illinois for the annual messenger meeting. The singing and the preaching of the Word were great and encouraging blessings. The opportunity to hear the reports of missionaries from around the country and the world also was very encouraging. Some of the reports encouraged us to pray and so we do. I sincerely thank the messengers for the opportunity to serve the churches in the work at Texarkana. Always, I covet the prayers of the people of God as we seek to do His work.

            Some of the projects on the building and grounds are in process. The front yard trees that were becoming a problem are being removed along with the stumps. Updating the front of the building will begin soon. We are waiting on the contractor to get time to do the job. Our new 15-Ton Air Conditioner is being installed as I type this report. We will begin the installation of the new paper cutter on July 9^th. Updating the bathrooms also will begin soon. We are thankful that God has blessed us to do these updates.

            The finances for Bogard Press and Baptist Bookstore have continued to improve through the year 2024. Our cash balance on January 1 was a little over $1.4 million and the cash balance increased to over $1.7 million by June 1. Working in more efficient ways has made it possible to work with less cost involved in the process. We also have increased our pay levels for employees. This is even while the costs of operations have risen sharply due to the current inflation in our economy. God has been guiding us wisely and the Team has been at their best. We have some great folks working at Texarkana.

            I recently enjoyed Homecoming services at Morris MBC in Prescott, Arkansas. I plan to attend the Florida State Meeting in July. A visit to the Bogg Springs Encampment also will bring joy to my heart as I have many fond and wonderful memories of events at the Bogg. Other opportunities to visit among the brethren will present themselves through the summer months and so I will be blessed. If you are in Texarkana, please come visit. If I can be of any service to you, please ask. Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve.

J. A. Crain