August 18, 1999

GRACE & PEACE:
Baptist Student Ministry:
An opportunity for growth
___"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (I Timothy 4:12)

___Please allow me a testimony about one of the best experiences of my life: Baptist Student Union when I was in college. Now known as BSM-- Baptist Student Ministries--this ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas shaped my life in many positive ways. My hope and prayer is every Baptist college student would be involved in this fantastic ministry.
___I will highlight some aspects of BSU that continue to benefit me. Sunday School and Training Union had been greatly helpful to me, and BSU provided a daily, organized

WILLIAM M. PINSON JR. Executive Director, BGCT Executive Board

ministry for growth in Christ that built on the foundation these provided. Each day began with time with my prayer partner, followed by a period of group devotion. As a member of the BSU council, I had responsibilities for studying the Bible and reading material for Christian growth. Weekly mission involvement called for prayerful preparation. Periodic retreats and conferences afforded opportunities for concentrated development in Christ.
___In BSU, I was taught "personal soul winning" and given opportunity to exercise that knowledge not only in daily contacts but through organized visitation efforts. Participating in BSU-sponsored youth-led revivals provided opportunity to lead people to Christ and to learn from those more experienced at sharing Jesus.
___Skills in administration, leadership and organization were taught and utilized in BSU. As a member of the BSU council, I had responsibilities and learned accountability. Periodic meetings with an exceptional BSU director provided feedback on how better to function. Various planning sessions taught me the benefit of long-range planning, strategies to reach goals, calendaring and organization. I learned more about administration and organization by being on the BSU council and serving as president than in any seminar or course I ever had.
___I also learned that no one gets "too big" for even the "smallest" of tasks. While serving as president, I also functioned as janitor of the BSU building. The BSU director, my supervisor, was a former marine officer. He took seriously cleaning the building. After my first cleaning effort, he came to inspect, put on white gloves, rubbed his hand on the top of the door (it was dirty), pulled out the piano (there was dirt behind it), and said, "I think you still have work to do." Attention to detail, pride in a job well done and a realization that title and position do not relieve a person of being willing to tackle whatever task needs to be done--these I learned.
___Today, the Texas BSM program is the largest in the world. Baptist churches, associations, mission programs and other Baptist work are much stronger than they would have been without BSM. They will be stronger still to the glory of God and the advancement of his kingdom as every Baptist student becomes part of this marvelous ministry.
___Pray that the college students from your family and church will be involved in BSM. Pray for the BSM leaders as they guide this ministry. And pray for all who in this coming school year should come to faith in Christ.

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