CEO’s Report - June 2024

            BSSC CEO’s June 1, 2024 Report:

The year 2024 has been moving by quickly, and now, it is almost time for the annual meeting of the messengers of the churches of the American Baptist Association in Springfield, Missouri. I look forward to the opportunity to visit with brethren I have known and labored with for so many years. It is like a spiritual family having a family reunion. I am blessed to have this opportunity. Bro. Clements and I will be present around the exhibit booth if anybody has any questions or just wants to visit. We look forward to this time of fellowship with the brethren.

            As previously reported, the year 2023 ended with a good profit reflecting the hard work of a great group of employees. Also, the finances in the first 5 months of 2024 are doing well with an increase in our Cash balance. This is an answer to prayer because we have many needs this year that will tax our finances. We continue to play catch-up from the previous Covid years and we are facing big increases in the costs of materials and operations coming this year. However, God has been good to us and all things in Texarkana are moving in a good direction. We also have recently begun using a new hand-held computer system for figuring and labeling the mailing of packages. This has made our preparing packages for mailing faster and more efficient, saving time in the mail area.  

            Since being in Texarkana, some have commented or asked about our display of Bogard Books in the Bookstore. In the last year or so, we have placed the Bogard Books (books printed by the Baptist Sunday School Committee and mostly written by Missionary Baptist) in a more prominent place in the store. Also, I have worked hard to have all the Missionary Baptist books we can get to sell in the store. If you have not been to the store in the last 2 years, come by and visit. You will find a large section of these Bogard Books prominently displayed. I am proud of our Baptist Heritage and our historical writings. I feel they are desperately needed in our world today. I am also happy to report that Bro. George Garner has donated the rights to Clover’s church book to the BSSC so that we can keep it in print. Thank you, Bro. Garner.

            In addition to traveling to the ABA meeting in Springfield, I plan to attend the Florida State Meeting in July and spend some time visiting Bogg Springs encampment. I recently preached at Trinity MBC, Camden, Arkansas filling in while they are looking for a Pastor. Please pray for this wonderful church and their need of a Pastor. I hope to see you in Springfield.

J. A. Crain