WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
December 11, 2025
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A Milestone of Faith and Scholarship:
Roy Martin Graduates from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
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On December 5th, Roy Martin reached a significant milestone in his journey of faith and academic pursuit by graduating from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas with the degree of Master of Arts in Worship Leadership. This achievement marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to theological and musical education.
Southwestern Seminary, founded in 1908, is one of the most respected institutions for ministry training, equipping leaders to serve churches and communities worldwide. For Roy, earning this degree represents more than academic success—it is a testament to his calling and passion for serving others through ministry.
The graduation ceremony was held in the seminary’s historic campus, where graduates donned traditional academic regalia and received their diplomas in front of family, friends, and faculty. Roy proudly held his diploma, symbolizing not only his hard work but also the support of those who encouraged him along the way.
Reflecting on this achievement, Roy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to deepen his understanding of Scripture, theology, and its connection to worship. His studies have prepared him to engage thoughtfully with the challenges facing today’s church and to lead with wisdom and compassion.
This accomplishment is not the end of Roy’s journey—it is the beginning of a new chapter. With his degree in hand, he looks forward to applying his knowledge in practical ministry, whether through teaching, worship, or mentoring others in their faith. His graduation serves as an inspiration to those who believe in lifelong learning and the transformative power of education.
We congratulate Roy on this remarkable achievement. His dedication and perseverance remind us that pursuing one’s calling is always worth the effort.
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Area Churches Participating in Community Events to Celebrate The Season
Several of our churches have shared pictures on Facebook of events they participated in on December 6 to celebrate this Christmas season. If your church has pictures to share, either on Facebook or by emailing the Tri-Area office, please share them! Here are some we found on-line.

FBC Tucumcari participated in the Tucumcari Main Street Christmas event (shown above).

FBC Melrose packed 4200 bags of candy, gospel tracts, and church invites to hand out at the Christmas Light Parade in Clovis and handed out nearly 4000 of the bags (packing party and parade pictures shown above).
Several churches will or have had special times of music and/or special services to commemorate this time celebrating Christ's birth.
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| New Mexico Baptist Disaster Relief Leaders Meet
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Jim Hogg and Elaine Williford (pictured above on left side), members of New Mexico Baptist Disaster Relief, recently met with other NMBDR leaders from around the state in Albuquerque. The purpose of the meeting was to work on a strategy plan for the next several years. You can read more about this meeting at this Baptist New Mexican page. Both Jim and Elaine are members of Central Baptist in Clovis.
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JOIN OUR PRAYER TEAM
If you would like to join our Tri-Area Prayer Team, text your first and last name to Elaine at 575-714-7788. She will pass along prayer needs via a text message that are submitted by our churches.
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Deadline to register for DNow 2026 is January 7, 2026.
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Attention Pastors: You Can Take Financial Peace University for FREE!
Pastors, you give so much to your people. Now something can be given to you.
You can take Financial Peace University for free. Plus, you'll get a year of Financial Peace All Access, including the premium version of EveryDollar budgeting app.
No catch. Just a chance to get control of your money so you can serve your family and your church without stress. Thank you for all that you do.
Sign up HERE.
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PRAY FOR MISSIONARIES WITH NEW MEXICO TIES
Karen Pligreen sends out a monthly prayer list from International Mission Board of missionaries who have ties to New Mexico. You can sign up to receive Karen's monthly prayer request list by simply emailing her at kpilg42@yahoo.com and requesting to be added to her email list.
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Click HERE to check out the Good Books section of our website. We also have a Spanish version called Buenos Libros which you can check out by clicking HERE.
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The Book of the Week is And the Place Was Shaken: How to Lead a Powerful Prayer Meeting by John Franklin. It is listed in the Church Health and Revitalization section in the Good Books area under the Encourage tab on the Tri-Area website.

Prayer for the church is not a casual practice but communion between Christ and His body that is as intimate as communion between a husband and a wife. And for the church, corporate prayer is not an optional ritual but a commanded expectation. However, having an effective corporate experience of prayer-whether in a large congregational setting or a small group-depends on many factors. John Franklin highlights not only the theology behind powerful corporate prayer times but also the effective habits and practices of a praying church. Know why God especially requires corporate prayer.
Click HERE if you want to purchase this book from Amazon.com. It may also be available through other booksellers as well.
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Submit a résumé by sending it to the following mailing address:
Iglesia Bautista Belen
Senior Pastor Position
820 N. Reid
PO Box 2046
Clovis, New Mexico 88102
First Baptist Church
Senior Pastor Position
226 Avenue A
PO Box 275
Dora, New Mexico 88115
First Baptist Church
Senior Pastor Position
100 S Avenue C
Portales, NM 88130
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OCTOBER FINANCIAL REPORT

Disbursals were higher than normal due to purchase of a new photocopier/printer, assistance to First Baptist Church San Jon for HVAC repair, and the annual meeting expenses.
Click HERE to read or download the latest contribution report for Tri-Area.
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IMPORTANT DATES

Have an event coming up at your church? Email us at tri.area.baptist.association@gmail.com or
send us a text message at 575-714-7788.
December 2025 -
11th - Clovis Pastors & Wives Fellowship - 6:30 p.m.
15th - Tucumcari Pastors & Wives Fellowship - 6:30 p.m.
24th-31st - Office Closed
January 2026 -
1st-4th - Office Closed
5th - Ft. Sumner Area Ministers Fellowship at Noon Rodeo Grill
15th - Portales Pastors & Wives Fellowship - 6:30 p.m.
22nd - Clovis Pastors & Wives Fellowship - 6:30 p.m.
26th - Tucumcari Pastors & Wives Fellowship - 6:30 p.m.
February 2026 -
2nd - Ft. Sumner Area Ministers Fellowship at Noon Rodeo Grill
7th - DNOW 2026
12th - Portales Pastors & Wives Fellowship - 6:30 p.m.
19th - Clovis Pastors & Wives Fellowship - 6:30 p.m.
23rd - Tucumcari Pastors & Wives Fellowship - 6:30 p.m.
March 2026 -
7th - VBS Training Workshop at Sandia, Clovis
Got a question about any of the above events? Call Elaine at 575-714-7788.
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PRAY FOR NEEDS
IN OUR ASSOCIATION

New or updated requests appear below in bold yellow type.
Pray for Foundations of Faith Dairy Ministry.
Pray for our pastorless churches: Iglesia Bautista Belen in Clovis, First Baptist Dora, FBC Portales, and Central Clovis.
Pray for the Christian Challenge ministry at Eastern.
Pray for all our pastors and other ministerial staff and leaders.
Pray for Joel Castro and his wife, Sara, from Honduras, that they might be able to secure the necessary visas to come to the U.S.
Pray for Carlos Cervantes and his wife, Adrianna, from Mexico, that they might be able to secure the necessary visas to come to the U.S.
Pray for the DOM Search Committee as they seek God's guidance for finding the next Director of Missions.
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Helpful Links

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Click HERE to go to their website.
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Copyright © 2019 Tri-Area Baptist Association, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is: 1100 W. Mañana Clovis, NM 88101
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