September 18, 2019
East Texas Baptist University welcomed Dr. Eric Black, publisher, editor, and executive director of the Baptist Standard, to campus on Monday, September 16. Dr. Black delivered an inspiring message through his testimony during chapel that touched the lives of students, faculty, and staff.
“It was a privilege to host Eric, and his Chapel message about his life and faith struggles as a college student revealed his honesty and humility,” Dean of Spiritual Life Dr. Scott Stevens said. “It was a powerful testimony of wrestling with desperation and the hope and purpose he found in God.”
During his time on campus, Dr. Black delivered a message to students in chapel about God’s guidance and His assurance in times of trouble.
“When I thought God wanted nothing to do with me, He wanted everything to do with me,” Dr. Black said. “God revealed to me that when I was absolutely despicable, I could have done worse and He still would have loved me. That’s when He died for me. He didn’t die for me when I had it all together, He didn’t die for me when I was playing the game well and doing everything I thought I was supposed to do. He died for me when I was at my worst. He died for me whenever I said I didn’t believe in Him.”
After chapel, Dr. Black attended a special luncheon where he shared more about how God guided him from serving as a pastor to leading one of the largest Baptist news organizations, the Baptist Standard, which was founded in 1888.
“You know, God does crazy things. You may have noticed that I don’t have a journalism background but here I am running a news organization,” Dr. Black added. “If you put yourself in God’s hands and follow Jesus the best you know how, you never know where you are going to end up.”
The luncheon was also attended by mass communication majors and faculty members, who asked questions about entering into the world of communication and received words of encouragement regarding their own journey in faith, education, and vocation.
"During the luncheon, Dr. Black remarked on some of the difficulties that he faces as the executive director of the Baptist Standard,” senior mass communication major from Hong Kong, Caleb Kwok said. “As I’m approaching graduation, he encouraged me to devote my life to God and to continue to do the good work that will come in the future."