Kevin Myers
Kevin’s desire for every believer in Christ and therefore every member of Highland Park, is to Experience the true abundant Life God offers through His Son Jesus Christ. Such an abundant life is reflected in the simply profound call to LOVE GOD – LOVE PEOPLE. He seeks to equip the Highland Park Family for this call through a clear commitment to the faithful exposition of God’s word. Kevin grew up here in Texarkana under the influence of godly parents and in partnership with a local church family. Without a doubt, his ministry has been influenced by the local church family environment. He came to know the love of God at an early age and was called to ministry while in high school. Initially reluctant to follow God’s call, many years were wasted in business pursuits before the Lord graciously offered another opportunity in youth ministry. In December 2003, the Highland Park Baptist Church family called Kevin to be their pastor. Kevin married his high school sweetheart, Lisa, in 1984. They have one daughter and son-in-law, Morgan and Justin Raffray, and two granddaughters, Scarlett and Vivien. When Kevin is not here among the HPBC family, he can be found spending time on a lawn mower or tractor, but lately simply enjoys being outside with the grandkids.
Eric Beechem
Eric’s heart is to shepherd our congregation and to use worship and music as a means to shape minds and hearts for kingdom service. Eric entered the ministry in 1997 and joined Highland Park in 2020. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Arts in Worship from California Baptist University. Eric and his wife, Kim, have two sons and a daughter-in-law: Ethan, Evan and Hannah. One of their greatest joys is being grandparents! Eric enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, fly fishing, kayak fishing, and camping.
Danny
Steven Mathias
Steven is the Student Pastor at Highland Park Baptist Church. He takes great joy and honor in having the privilege to serve this community's families and students. He has been married since 2013 to Carissa and they both have a passion to help families and students live out their faith passionately and personally with the Lord. They have four wonderful children: Addison, Aidan, Ruby, and Chloe and they love playing soccer, wrestling, reading books, and family movie nights. Steven has a Master's in Educational Leadership from Gateway Seminary and is currently perusing a counseling certification through the Institute of Nouthetic Counseling.
Carissa Mathias
Carissa is serving as our interim preschool director. She married Steven in 2013 and has four children. As a homeschool mom of four she has always found joy in teaching the foundational truths of the Bible to children. In her free time she enjoys exploring with her kids, rock climbing, fitness, painting, and a great cup of coffee.
Kayla Withers
Ryan Rainer
Ryan Rainer was raised here in Texarkana. He is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and guitar enthusiast. As a teenager, he was highly involved in his church’s youth leadership and worship. During this time he also developed film skills through work at the church. He served for 4 years as the worship pastor at local church plant, Eastgate Fellowship. After a stint as a missionary in The Philippines, he relocated to Nashville, TN. There he worked with Lifeway while also continuing to lead worship at various churches and events. In 2020, Ryan married Leah. They served at the church her family planted as worship leaders for 2 years before feeling God was calling them to Texarkana.
Kellin Vaughan
Valerie Mills
Valerie serves as the Finance Secretary. She joined the HPBC staff in 2018.
Valerie was raised in the Texarkana area under the loving care of an amazing, Christian family. Her family’s influence developed Valerie into the person she is today.
Valerie and David have been married for 25 years. They have a wonderful daughter and son-in-law, Taylor and Andrew, and one grandson, Hudson.
Valerie enjoys spending time with her family both indoors and outdoors.
Karen Hayes
Karen Hayes worked in the dentistry field for 30 years before she felt the call of Jesus Christ to serve in ministry. She's a devout follower of Christ and has lived in Texarkana, the place she calls home, for most of her life. After many years of dedication to dentistry, Karen was called to serve in a staff position at her church. She is now an integral part of the congregation, serving as the church hostess, preparing weekly meals for over 150 people and catering for special events.
Despite the demands of her work, Karen finds it an honor to serve her community this way. Her talent for cooking and decorating is evident in the delicious meals she prepares and the welcoming atmosphere she creates. Everyone who attends her events is made to feel loved and appreciated, just as Jesus would.
When Karen is not busy with her church duties, she cherishes spending quality time with her family. She's been happily married to Rick for 32 years and has 3 children: Adam, Chad, and Ashley. They're also blessed with three beautiful granddaughters named Bailey, Klaira, and Regan, who Karen sees as a gift from God.
In addition to her ministry work, Karen's passion lies in creating spaces that reflect the love and warmth of Jesus. She finds immense joy in spending time with her loved ones, praising and thanking God for His blessings, and being an active member in her faith community.
Tatiana Sanders
Tatiana is our custodian. She met her husband Alan as he was serving in the army in her home country of Moldova as a young adult and moved to the United States to start her life here with him, years later the Lord led her here to Highland Park. We just celebrated her 15th anniversary with us! Tatiana works for the Lord and loves people. She has two children, Ion and Rachel and enjoys family time and Wednesday night services working in the kitchen are her favorite.