Pastors' Conference and Executive Board Schedule

  April 13 - Darrell Auvenshine
 April 20 - Executive Board
 April 27 - Mike Evans 

 All Meetings, unless otherwise noted, will be held at Cornerstone Assistance Network in the Creation Cafe (3500 Noble Ave, Fort  Worth, TX 76111). Lunch is $7.00 at the door.

Last Will and Testament

I have often in conversation heard people say they do not have a will.  This is an opportunity to introduce the reality that everyone does in fact have a will.   The question is if it is your will or the will of the state because those who pass from this life without a valid last will and testament accord to the state their rights regarding their earthly possessions.  It is estimated that up to 70% of Americans die without a will which is known as dying intestate. 

Your last will and testament is the foundational legal document that will direct the administration and distribution of your estate.  This is where you'll name your fiduciary (also known as an executor) to make decisions on your behalf and on behalf of your beneficiaries.  If you have minor children, your will should outline your choice of guardians for them in case of your death.  Your will is also the first point at which you outline your wishes for the assets you leave behind, making choices such as to whom, in what time frame and how you'd like assets to be distributed.  For most of us, a will is the most economical and effective way to pass assets to our loved ones or leaving a legacy gift for God's work. 

Once completed, a will still needs periodic maintenance.  Not even the most carefully drawn will remains sound permanently.  It is a good rule of thumb to revisit your will once a year to account for changes in your life such as:

●   Change in marital status

●   Birth of a child

●   Interstate move

●   Gifts

●   Change in assets

●   Death

●   Tax laws

●   Growing commitment

Do I really need a will?

If you don't have a will... (dying intestate)

●   Texas law dictates how and to whom your property passes

●   The court decides who takes care of your children in the event of minors

●   The law dictates who administers your estate

●   Not a penny will go to charity

But if you do have a will...

●   You decide who will receive your property when you die (family, special friends, etc.)

●   You choose who takes care of your children

●   You can create trusts that can reduce and possibly eliminate estate taxes

●   You select an "independent executor" to manage your estate and carry out the directions in your will

●   You can make provision for Christian causes, thereby  practicing good stewardship (Matthew 25:21)

●   You can greatly reduce the expenses involved in settling your estate

●   You enhance your peace of mind and heart

●   Each spouse's will can only dispose of their half of the estate, so each one needs to have their own will

●   You can distribute your estate in a way that better reflects the best division among your adult children.  Dividing everything equally ("share and share alike") may not best recognize that there may be different needs among different children. 

If you have questions or would like to know how to get started on preparing a will, feel free to call (817-927-1911, ext. 213) or write (gary@tarrantbaptist.org).  I will be glad to refer you to a Christian attorney who can help you with this important matter.  

Gary L. Crowell, CPA, CCA

CFO, Tarrant Baptist Association

The Tarrant Baptist Disaster Relief Team recently returned from two weeks of service during Beach Reach at South Padre Island. They made and served pancakes from 10:00 pm til 3:00 am and cooked supper for 400. Below is an excerpt from an article published in the Baptist Standard.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND- During the three weeks covering spring break for various schools, 1,060 volunteers from 39 Baptist Student Ministries shared the gospel during Beach Reach on South Padre Island. 

 Volunteers engaged other young adults in 11,765 spiritual conversations in a variety of settings. As a result, 110 new believers prayed for salvation, and 32 people recommitted their lives to Christ.

John Hooser, leader of the Tarrant Baptist group, said his volunteers found the time so rewarding, he had to turn people away from serving when his team roster filled this year.

"I see these young people from BSMs all over the state, and it tells me that the church is in great shape," Hooser said. "By us serving, not only are we sharing the gospel, but we are also keeping these kids safe. Spring breakers are getting food, but they are also being cared for physically and spiritually."

I recently read that Microsoft Outlook has a new app for the iPhone and Android platforms. I haven't used Outlook since moving to the Google productivity suite while I worked for Texas Baptists. However, many people still use Microsoft Office and its ubiquitous programs that often come pre-loaded on new computers. Microsoft's product line has shown its age for the last few years as Google and Apple apps rapidly outpaced them in developing tools for the mobile marketplace.

Microsoft has upped its game recently with new options that rival the competition in every way. The Outlook app for iOS and Android is an excellent tool that brings a level of vitality and comprehensiveness that at least equals other apps of its kind. It works seamlessly with the relatively new Office 365 suite of products. Now all of the MSOffice products are fully mobile and sync across devices. This is especially helpful if that is your preferred toolset.

Take the Outlook app for a spin if you're looking for an email client that provides maximum flexibility with MSOffice.

Regional Bible Drill/Speakers' Tournament: April 10, First Baptist Euless

Phase 1 Disaster Relief Training: April 11, Flower Mound, TX

Innovate Praise Technology Training: April 17-18, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Administrative Assistants Retreat: May 11-13, San Marcos, TX

Israel Trip: May 26-June 5