As I write this report, I am thankful for the great group of folks who labor here. Working alongside a great group of employees is a joy. All the folks laboring here at Baptist Bookstore and Bogard Press are a blessing, as God has provided some great folks to keep this ministry going. They are kind and caring folks, and they know their labor is not just a job but is for the Lord’s purpose. Pray for us all as we labor in this great ministry.
As usual, we have our challenges toward keeping everything on schedule. Since around June, our machines have had a large number of repair problems. Our main large press has had many problems, and it continues to have problems. Most of it is due to age. Our service companies and servicemen all tell us that this press, the Heidelburg, is coming to the end of its practical life in the next 3-4 years, but it seems it is about there already. It is a well-made Press, but finding people who can service an older machine and finding parts for an older machine is the challenge. A new Press of this caliber would cost about $3 million which is not reasonable for us at this time. We currently have 3 Print-on-Demand presses and with two more, we can replace the Heidelburg. This would be more reasonable for us at this time. We are working toward this conversion by March 1, 2026.
The new VBS curriculum, “Wonder,” will soon be out and it is sure to be a blessing. If you did not use Bogard Press VBS in the past, please look at “Wonder.” I believe you will find something that will be easy to use and a blessing to your church. If you use Bogard Press materials, I thank you and please let us know how we can improve our materials. We very much value your opinions.
The Baptist Sunday School Committee met September 23, 24, in Texarkana. It is always good to share the work with these brethren and seek their counsel and prayers as we move forward together.
Come visit the Baptist Bookstore and while you are here, if I can be of any service to you, please call on me. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.