In Focus: Hope 1:8 strategies for universities

Randel Everett

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“I learned what it is like to be Jesus’ hands and feet,” said Sarah, a student missionary from the University of Houston. “We sat down with the poor and homeless and treated them as equals. We eat what they eat, right next to them, and listen to them. I know how to love people better and not in a pity sort of way, but in a concerned sort of way.”

The university campuses are tremendous opportunities for Texas Baptists to implement Acts 1:8 strategies for sharing the hope of Christ with the world. Internationals from all over the world are studying in our schools. The good news is the Baptist General Convention of Texas already is doing this. Texas Baptist Student Ministry reached 113,703 students this past year, and 381 students made professions of faith.

Randel Everett

In 2010, 352 Go Now Missionaries served in 28 Texas cities, 18 states and 31 countries. More than 2,100 spiritual conversations took place resulting in 313 decisions. And 140 of these students have expressed interest in future ministry/mission work. Go Now Missions had missionaries on the field 365 days.

BSM has a special importance to me and my wife, Sheila, because she committed her life to Christ through the influence of the Baptist Student Union when she was a student at the University of Alabama. While she was a summer missionary in Boston, she realized God was leading her into the ministry. She attended Southwestern Seminary, where she earned a Master of Religious Education (MRE) degree, believing God had called her to youth work. Fortunately for me, God brought us together, and she received her MRS degree the day after her graduation.

When you support the Cooperative Program and the Mary Hill Davis Offering through your church, you are helping support BGCT missionaries on 120 campuses throughout Texas. Even though we have had to reduce spending and staff during the recession of the last three years, almost one in every three BGCT employees is with BSM.

Students shared about the life-changing difference summer mission opportunities afforded them. Jeffrey, a Midwestern State University student serving in Tennessee, said: “God taught me to be open in sharing the word with everyone I meet. I see now the importance of being intentional with my conversations.”

Seth, a Stephen F. Austin State University student who served in Senegal, said: “I have found a new love for the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ’s life, death, burial and resurrection, as well as the importance of prayer.”

Texas Tech student Robyn, who served in Oregon wrote: “God taught me that I need to reach out more to unbelievers in my community by living missionally. To fulfill the Great Commission, and be his servant, I need to be intentional in my relationships with people I meet at coffee shops, school and other places.”

The world has come to Texas campuses and Texas students will live around the world. One of the greatest opportunities for us to be global witnesses is through the BSM. Your CP and Mary Hill Davis gifts and your prayers make this possible.


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Randel Everett is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.

 

 


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