One of the great blessings of this work in Texas is the opportunity to serve those who faithfully serve others. The ministry continues to enjoy an open door to encourage and minister to staff within the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).
In early June, the Church Ambassador Network of Texas helped facilitate an appreciation event at the DFPS office in Orange, Texas. This gathering followed a similar event held earlier this year in Beaumont and provided another opportunity to express gratitude to those who serve daily to protect vulnerable children and families.
What made this event especially encouraging was seeing local pastors embrace the vision and make it their own. Rather than simply replicating a program, pastors from the Orange area took ownership of the effort, coming together to personally bless and encourage DFPS staff in their community. It was a meaningful example of the local Church serving those on the front lines of some of the state’s most important work.
As the spring conference season continues across Texas, the Church Ambassador Network has also been strengthening relationships with pastors and ministry leaders throughout the state. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities to celebrate partnerships, share ministry impact, and connect with church leaders who are eager to engage their communities and serve faithfully in the public square.
Recently, Bryan English, Executive Director of Church Ambassador Network Texas, and Lanay Fournier, Director of Strategic Partnerships for The Daniel Impact, represented the Church Ambassador Network of Texas at the LEAD Conference in Dallas, hosted by the North Texas Assemblies of God.
In Corpus Christi, the South Texas Assemblies of God Ministry Network welcomed Nino Gonzalez, Senior Director of South Texas and Director of Church Engagement for the Church Ambassador Network Texas, who had the opportunity to share the ministry from the main platform and connect with pastors from across the region.
Although the ministry did not host a booth at the Southern Baptist Convention this year, it was still represented. Matt Henslee, Regional Coordinator for Dallas, once again served in a dual role, attending on behalf of both Plymouth Park Baptist and the Church Ambassador Network of Texas. The conference brings together thousands for a renewed focus on unity, missions, and advancing the Great Commission.
Building on the success of denomination days hosted in Austin during the last Texas Legislative Session, the team is already preparing for expanded ministry opportunities during the 2027 Texas Legislative Session. There is deep gratitude for the growing network of pastors, church leaders, and ministry partners who are helping advance this work across Texas. The foundation being laid today is creating opportunities for lasting impact in churches, communities, and government institutions throughout the state.
Additional updates will be shared this fall as plans continue to develop for ministry efforts in Austin and across Texas in 2027.
While each opportunity to minister within government is celebrated, the team remains mindful that there is much more work to be done.
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14
