July 24, 2000
Groundbreaking held for new Aggie BSM
___By Laura Cadena
___Texas Student Ministry
___COLLEGE STATION--Supporters of the Texas A&M Baptist Student Ministry took one last trip down memory lane before digging into the future July 16.
___Armed with 20 maroon shovels, current students, alumni and other Texas Baptist leaders braved the scorching summer heat to break ground for a new Aggie Baptist Student Ministry Center.
___It was a bittersweet time for many because the old structure where many alumni studied, played and even met their future spouses will be demolished in the weeks to come.
___ "This building has been here 50 years and has meant a lot," said Bob Mayfield, director of the Aggie Baptist Student Ministry. "In fact, several have just walked through to see it. It has been the place where people have met their wife or their husband or where they have discovered their life's calling. Some have come to know the Lord here or made lifetime friends."
BOB MAYFIELD, Baptist Student Ministry director at Texas A&M, is joined in groundbreaking ceremonies by Tom Ruane, state student ministry director; and Don Cramer, vice president of the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
___One year ago, a group of architects and engineers were asked to evaluate the existing building's structural condition and compliance with current city building codes. After reviewing all options, the consultants determined the most cost-effective option for the future was to demolish the current building and erect a new one.
___A capital fund-raising campaign was launched to support the effort, with Aggies from across the state recruited to participate in a campaign called "Operation Northgate."
___To date, the campaign has received gifts and pledges of $940,000 toward its goal of $1.5 million. The Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., has issued a $195,000 challenge grant for the project.
___"All of us know that a project like this requires trust and cooperation and certainly generosity. And we see all these elements working together this afternoon," Tim Owens, pastor of First Baptist Church of Bryan, said at the groundbreaking. "In these days when it seems so often the trust level is eroding among Baptists, it has been a real joy to work together on a project like this."
___The new center will feature 13,000-square-feet of space, a 65 percent increase from the old building.
___"Having a new building gives us a meeting base for fellowship, discipleship and leadership training where we can become equipped to go out onto the campus and lead others to Christ," said Jacob Bell, current president of the Aggie Baptist Student Ministry.
___First Baptist Church of Bryan has committed more than $90,000 to date--even garnering a donation from one person whom Pastor Owens calls a "green-and-gold-blooded" Baylor Bear, who made a gift in memory of some Aggie friends.
___For more information about Operation Northgate, contact Don Cramer at (800) 558-8263 or (214) 828-5306.
___
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