Pause & Pray 10/22/09

This is an invitation to pray, a call to pray, and a plea to pray…would you be willing to Pause & Pray every Thursday for Texas campuses, students, and BSM staff?

International Weekend – Update:

Ashlee Stricklin, intern at Texas A&M Commerce recalls her experience at last weeks international retreat.

“The international retreat was awesome. It was great to see our American students connect on a deeper level with some of our internationals. The best part for me was Saturday night before dinner. I was in line talking to “A”, a guy from India. I started asking him about his childhood and he told me that he grew up going to a Catholic church. I have known him for a year and knew that he is now a vegetarian. So I asked him why he didn’t eat meat and responded by saying that he also believes in Hinduism. He claimed to believe in a mix between Hinduism and Christianity. I said, “Um…those two don’t really mix very well.” When I asked what he thought about Christ, he said he didn’t really know. I asked if he had ever read any of the Bible, he admitted to never really reading anything. I quoted John 14:6 and explained how Jesus is the ONLY way. We talked about it a little more before being interrupted. I told him that I would like to talk to him more about it later and I am greatly anticipating that conversation.”

Pausing & Praying with you,

Texas Collegiate Ministry Team

Ways to Pray:

• Praise the Lord that the topic of faith was introduced, opportunities were given for relationships to be built, and students heard the Gospel story.
• Pray for “A” that he will continue to ask question about Jesus Christ.  Ask that Ashlee will have the opportunity to talk again with “A”.
• Pray for all the students who attended the retreat to continue to think about what they heard and seek God with all of their heart.
• God is at Work:
  • Pray for two guys Bruce met at UTA.

Ways to Pray for Bruce McGowan:

• Pray for “people resources” for the many needs of Texas BSM.

Staff Spotlight

Bruce McGowan

Campus: Director, Texas BSM
Previous BSM positions:
UNT, Eastfield College, University of Texas, Pan American, Texas Tech University
Family:
Wife: Neita, Children: Jeff and Katie Gravens, Brian and Lauren McGowan

Three words to describe me would be…
Intense, discerning
I do my best thinking… when alone
My favorite coffee house drink is…
coffee, two creams
I always smile when I…
think of my family
My dream vacation would…
Cruise the Mediterranean
The last book I read was…
Deliberate Simplicity, The Monkey and the Fish

You ought to see…
in my 5-toe running shoes
It’s hard to believe, but…
I like to work with plants
I have seen God work this semester by…
providing resources
When I am cruising in my car, I’m usually listening to…
nothing
If you ask me, there could never be enough…
ice cream
You’ll never catch me eating…
beets
In my spare time, you’ll find me…
in the yard, watching Sci Fi channel
When it comes to movies, my all –time favorite is…
Braveheart
The one thing I won’t leave home without is… my wallet
I do what I do because…

”the love of Christ compels me”

Check out past Pause & Pray Spotlight Staff Members HERE!