February 13, 2026
In November, East Texas Baptist University was awarded a $5,000 Shutdown Relief Grant from the Texas Hunger Offering, through the Texas Baptists 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. Mission Marshall serves thousands of individuals each year through its food pantry, mobile outreach, and community assistance programs.
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. This funding expanded Mission Marshall’s capacity to meet rising needs and continue offering Christ-centered care during times of financial uncertainty. The ministry was able to provide vital assistance during the fourth quarter 2025 federal government shutdown, including food supplies, prepared meals, grocery and fuel gift cards, hygiene products, and limited utility support.
“ETBU is grateful to Texas Baptists and the 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 essential needs of our community.”
Mission Marshall experienced a 6% increase in November and December 2025 compared to 2024. The Hunger Offering Shutdown Relief Grant funds served 562 people, with 232 being children and senior citizens, and 280 households. Mission Marshall also distributed 1,956 pairs of socks, 300 hygiene kits, and 908 Christmas food boxes in addition to their regular pantry service. Mission Marshall Executive Director Misty Scott said that the Hunger Offering funds empowered them to continue meeting hunger needs generously despite the increase in households served.
"We are grateful for the churches that support the Texas Baptists Hunger Offering,” 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."
Scott said that the ripple effects of the government shutdown created challenges for Mission Marshall, but because of the Texas Baptists Hunger Offering and the ongoing support of the local church, Mission Marshall could proudly tell their neighbors in need they would be there to serve their community and share Jesus' love.
“A new family visited us during the government shutdown,” Scott said. “The husband is a government worker and the shutdown resulted in their family needing our services. You could see the stress and fear leave the wife’s body as her shoulders relaxed and her eyes shed tears. She was so grateful to shop in our pantry.”
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 Christian servant leadership. Through collaborative efforts with Mission Marshall and other area organizations, ETBU strives to support families across Harrison County.