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December 2025

Springs enjoys life of military, Christian service

Bishop Dr. Michael Springs has spent nearly 50 years in service to God and country, and he doesn’t have any intention of slowing down any time soon.

“I was in a life of service because not only did I serve but they served me, and that and my wife made me the man I am today,” said Michael, a 2000 honor graduate of the San Antonio campus who still lives in the area.

A native of North Carolina, Michael was adopted as a young man and later learned his mother died the day of his birth. Raised in a Christian home, he was attending North Central University in Durham when he received his military draft card with the number 39. Knowing his service was imminent, he elected to follow a call from the Air Force and took their entrance exam.

He joined the Air Force in January 1973 and headed to boot camp in San Antonio, then to Sheppard

AFB in Wichita Falls as a communication specialist. After a period of time as he progressed in rank while stationed at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, Michael received orders to Torrejon Air Base in Spain.

After his assignment to Torrejon, Michael was reassigned to Robins Air Force Base, this time to a mobile communication group. While there, he deployed to Hurlburt Field, Florida, and Anchorage, Alaska. He earned several honors and would continue to move up the rank to staff sergeant, but the biggest life change was around the corner.

“In 1980, I rededicated my life to God in Warner Robins, Ga., at Union Grove Baptist Church,” he recalled. “While at that church, I was attending a men’s Sunday school class, and they would take turns teaching. But the deacons set me up, and after the Sunday I taught, they kept me teaching. I was learning a lot from the teacher in Bible study, and I’ve been teaching ever since then.”

That experience opened a secondary stream of service to the Lord, and at his next place of service he would add a partner to the equation. While stationed at Pope AFB in North Carolina, Michael met his future wife, Mary, and the two married after four months. They have been married now 43 years and have a son, Tyrone.

While stationed in Aviano, Italy, Michael was licensed to preach by the national Baptist convention and was actively teaching and preaching at the base chapel as he had done for years. The same pattern continued as the couple moved to Minot, North Dakota, then to England and back to Italy. When the family moved to San Antonio, they plugged in heavier to local churches and served several congregations. Along the way, they started a Bible study in their home, at one time drawing as many as 20 attendees.

At this point, Michael felt called again… this time to continue his education.

“I was cutting my grass one day and heard the Lord say, ‘Go back to school.’ So I was obedient and went back,” he said. “There were people that worked for me that would talk about going to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ, and they encouraged me to go there as well. I began taking two classes at a time, sometimes three. But I got into the groove and was enjoying school. I loved it.”

Both Michael and Mary were ordained to the ministry in June 2000. In 2002, the Springses founded a church, River of Life Christian Ministry, and officially started meeting in September 2004. The church has been housed in various locations but now leases a building in the city and is home to about 25 faithful members. They have been active in community outreach efforts as well.

“Especially before COVID, we were working with another pastor to host The Summit, where we would go to the south side of San Antonio and meet in the YMCA. We were handing out food from the San Antonio Food Bank, cutting people’s hair and doing nails, and there were different booths set up for several churches,” Michael said. “We have a food pantry at our church now, and we go into the neighborhood and minister, helping out the homeless as well.”

In 2003, Michael retired from the US Air Force after 30 years, then returned to the Air Force as a federal civil servant in 2006. He still enjoys his work as the Air Force Personnel Center Agency Records manager.

“The Lord has really blessed me with my health. I’m almost 73 years old but I don’t feel it or think it,” he said. “The Lord has just been really good.”

Post retirement, he continued his education with dual master’s degrees in management and human resource development. He then attended Freedom Bible College for a Doctor of Ministry degree, graduating in 2004. He then started a longer journey to a PhD, earning that degree in 2015 from North Central University.

 

Recently, Michael was honored by his North Carolina high school with induction into the Hall of Distinction, nominated by one of his former teachers who has followed his career. The ceremony was

held in October.

“To God be the glory,” he said of the award. “I wasn’t expecting any of that; I just put my head down and do what I have to do. I’ll get all that when I get to heaven.”

Additionally, Michael is a distinguished member of both the Golden Key International Honor Society, Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business, and The National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi). He said the biggest motivation was to keep serving and doing what God called him to all those years ago.

“God kept me for a purpose, and I believe I have fulfilled the purpose He placed me on this planet for. God has placed people in my path to get me where I am today,” he said of his long career and service. “It’s an honor and blessing to serve my country. I never imagined I’d serve in the military, but once I got in, I knew then and there it would be a great way of life. So I stayed.

“I was able to do my part and they did their part for me. God just took care of me, and it was because of how I was treated and respected and helped to get where I needed to go.”

  

Devotional: The Gift of God's Presence

 

Scripture: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Devotional:
Christmas is more than lights, gifts, and festive music—it’s a reminder of God’s incredible gift to humanity: His Son, Jesus Christ. In a world full of noise, stress, and uncertainty, the birth of Christ signals hope, peace, and the assurance that God is with us.

The prophet Isaiah foretold a child who would carry God’s presence into our world. This wasn’t just a promise for a season long ago—it’s a promise for today. Jesus came to dwell among us, to bring guidance, comfort, and reconciliation with God. Every Christmas, we celebrate that God chose to step into human history, not as a king surrounded by wealth, but as a humble baby in a manger.

As we exchange gifts this season, may we also reflect on the eternal gift God has given us—the gift of His presence, His love, and His salvation. Christmas reminds us that God is near, even in the midst of life’s challenges.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does remembering the humble birth of Jesus change the way you view God’s love?

2. In what ways can you share the hope and peace of Christ with others this Christmas?

3. What “gifts” of God’s presence can you embrace in your own life this season?

 

 

In the mix

Nights at the Mabee: A Celebration of History and Memories

The Mabee Regional Heritage Center at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University recently came alive for two special Nights at the Mabee events, inviting families and visitors to experience history in fun and interactive ways.

On Thursday, Nov. 6, guests enjoyed the Movie Screening – Night at the Museum, complete with complimentary food and refreshments, while surrounded by the exhibits that tell the story of the South Plains. The following week, Thursday, Nov. 13, brought The Museums Come to Life!, a dynamic, come-and-go event featuring actors presenting living history scenes throughout all three museums, alongside hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.

KayLyn Bean, Director of Museums for the Flying Queens Museum, Jimmy Dean Museum, and Museum of the Llano Estacado, shared,

“It was exciting to see the exhibits come alive in a way that connected people to our history while also offering a great evening out for families and the community.”

Located on WBU’s Plainview campus, the Mabee Regional Heritage Center is home to the Jimmy Dean Museum, Museum of the Llano Estacado, and Flying Queens Museum. Together, these museums preserve and celebrate the people, culture, and history of the South Plains region.

Alumni: Reconnect and Reminisce

For alumni who experienced the Mabee during their time at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ, these events offer a chance to revisit memories and reconnect with the past. Perhaps you remember wandering through the Flying Queens exhibits, attending special programs, or discovering the stories behind Jimmy Dean or the Llano Estacado. The Mabee invites you to share your favorite memories, stories, and reflections.

Your experiences help keep the history alive, inspiring both current visitors and future generations of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ students. Whether you have a brief anecdote or a cherished story, the Mabee would love to hear it.

Share your memories or learn more about future events by contacting KayLyn Bean at jdmuseum@wbu.edu or 806-291-3660.

 

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