November 21, 2025
East Texas Baptist University has been awarded a $5,000 Shutdown Relief Grant from the Texas Hunger Offering, through the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, to support community members experiencing financial hardship. ETBU designated the full grant award to Mission Marshall, a local nonprofit ministry dedicated to addressing food insecurity and meeting essential needs in the Marshall community.
The Shutdown Relief Grant was created through the Texas Hunger Offering to help Texas Baptist ministries respond to challenges facing families who may experience interruptions in government pay or benefits. With this funding, Mission Marshall will be able to provide vital assistance, including food supplies, prepared meals, grocery and fuel gift cards, hygiene products, and limited utility support.
“ETBU is grateful to the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission for their generous grant support that allows us to partner with Mission Marshall in serving our neighbors with Christlike compassion,” ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said. “This grant will extend hope in a tangible way, and we are honored to stand alongside a ministry that faithfully meets the needs of our community.”
Mission Marshall serves thousands of individuals each year through its food pantry, mobile outreach, and community assistance programs. This grant will expand the ministry’s capacity to meet rising needs and continue offering Christ-centered care during times of financial uncertainty.
"We are grateful for the churches that support the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering,” Mission Marshall Executive Director Misty Scott said. “They are God's hand of provision as hunger needs continue to grow. ETBU made us aware of the grant and facilitated the process. It blesses us that when the opportunity to do good came, ETBU remembered us."
ETBU students can be found serving at Mission Marshall throughout the year, volunteering on a monthly basis through the University’s service programs, student organizations, and athletic teams. These ongoing efforts allow students to live out their faith in practical ways; stocking shelves, distributing food, organizing donations, and engaging directly with families in need. ETBU is committed to embracing the community through Christ-centered service. Through collaborative efforts with Mission Marshall and other area organizations, ETBU hopes to support families across Harrison County.