Texas BSM

Pause & Pray 11/19/09

becky — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:28 +0000

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?

Simply Stated:

When a high school senior heads to college they have to consciously make the choice whether they will continue to follow Jesus Christ or not. Yet, God has placed Baptist Student Ministries on the majority of college campuses in the state of Texas to help disciple students into being LIFE-LONG followers of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit is moving. Simply stated from several male students at The University of Texas in Arlington, “I wasn’t sure if I was going to go to church or follow Christ while I was in college, but BSM has made the difference for me.”
Keep praying for the Holy Spirit to use the Baptist Student Ministries in the lives of college students in Texas. Prayer works.

Pausing & Praying with you,

Texas Collegiate Ministry Team

Ways to Pray:

Pray for the Holy Spirit to use BSM in the lives of students in Texas.
Pray for divine appointments with students who need encouragement, support, guidance, a friend, and hope.
God is at Work:
- Please pray for Jose, who comes from a religious background and is seeking truth.

Ways to Pray for Rick Spencer:

One of the most important ways that you can pray for me is to pray for my family. My wife, Vicki, and I have two grown children. Our son, Ryan, is single and works as a counselor in Ca. Our daughter, Kristi, her husband Justin and our granddaughter live in Penn. She is expecting a second baby in May and has had trouble carrying the baby to full term before.
You can pray that I will have wisdom, courage and discipline as I work with BSM staff.

Staff Spotlight

Rick Spencer

Campus: Regional Coordinator
Previous BSM positions: I have been BSM Director at Midland/Odessa, Weatherford College, Bible Teacher and Associate at U.T. Austin and regional coordinator working with BSM staff primarily in Central and South Texas.
Family: Vicki – Wife; Son Ryan; Daughter Kristi and husband Justin; Granddaughter – EliseThree words to describe me would be… loyal, reflective and cautious
I do my best thinking…When I am alone in a quiet place
My favorite coffee house drink is…Good rich coffee with cream and sweetener
I always smile when I…See my granddaughter’s pictures
My dream vacation would…A cruise of the Med. Sea visiting biblical sites in Turkey, Greece, and then seeing the cathedrals and capitals of the countries along the coast all the way around to England.
The last book I read was...“Working the Angles” by Eugene Peterson
You ought to see… life from God’s perspective; and if you haven’t seen “Slumdog Millionaire,” it is worth the ticket.
It’s hard to believe, but...I consider myself a “slumdog millionaire.”
I have seen God work this semester by…fulfilling the promise that His strength is made perfect in weakness, especially when mistakes have been appropriately addressed.
When I am cruising in my car, I’m usually listening to…sports radio or recordings of books. When I am most profitably using the time while I am driving, I listen for God.
If you ask me, there could never be enough...grace
You’ll never catch me eating...unpeeled peaches
In my spare time, you’ll find me...watching sports, exercising or reading
When it comes to movies, my all-time favorite is…a well crafted drama or mystery such as “Bourne Supremacy” or “The Italian Job”
The one thing I won’t leave home without is… my clothing—I am a very modest person.
I do what I do because…God changed my life through BSM—students who shared with me and a director who nurtured me in my spiritual infancy.”

Pause & Pray 11/12/09

becky — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:00:21 +0000

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?

God is using the BSM at the University of Houston in the lives of students who are desperate for true community. BJ Ramon tells how one students life has been transformed by the community and friendship of students at the BSM.

We had a student come to our second lunch of the semester looking for friendship. She had been a faithful church member all through high school, but when she got to college she was ready to live it up. God had used some not so fun things in her life to bring things to a grinding hault. She was back in the word, back in church, and really desiring God. But, she didn’t have any Christian friends on campus, so she had started hanging out with her old crowd again (not with the intention of sharing Christ) and was really feeling the temptation to just party a little bit. That’s when someone invited her to free lunch, and she connected with the believers here. She has been growing like a wildfire and has a huge heart for God and now a yearning for her friends from her past to have a meaningful relationship with Christ. It has been amazing to watch joy slowly spread across her face and her life.

Pausing & Praying with you,

Texas Collegiate Ministry Team

Ways to Pray:

Pray that BSM’s will be a place for students to experience true community.
Pray for this student to continue to grow in a meaningful relationship with Christ.
God is at Work:
- Please pray for Lance, Louis, Ryan, Gracie, George, Annas, Devo, Tim, Irene, Yasmine, Jasmine, and Lawrence to come to know and worship Christ.

Ways to Pray for Buddy Young:

Please pray according to Col 4:3-4 that God would continually open doors for the Word and that I would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak the mysteries of Christ to the lost on our campus and in the community.
Please pray for my daughter Abby as she will be getting married on Nov 21. Pray that their wedding will be a glorious expression of their love for each other and a beautiful picture of the relationship that believers have with Jesus. Please pray that in their married life that they would follow the Biblical example set forth in Gen 2:24 that as they leave and cleave their existing relationships that they would be joined as one flesh to serve the Lord together.
Pray as God has opened a door for me to lead a team to China during Christmas. Pray as I lead the team that God would direct my steps in the planning and preparation and that the “Good News” of Christmas will be proclaimed to all we see. Pray that all the team members receive the resources necessary to go according to Phil 4:19.
Pray also as I begin to prepare for Beach Reach that God would show us what he wants to do in and through this outreach.
Pray for my wife and I as we prepare to experience empty nest syndrome when my son graduates for high school in May. Pray that our time together would be sweet and filled with His presence.
Praise God for allowing me to serve Him by ministering to students through the BSU/BSM for over 25 years. Pray with me according to Ps 71 Thank Him that He has taught me from my youth and now that I am getting older and gray headed that He would continually help me to declare His strength to this generation and His power to everyone.

Staff Spotlight

Buddy Young

Campus: West Texas A&M
Previous BSM positions: UT Austin CEC worker, UTD Part-time BSU director, Alvin/Brazosport BSU Director
Family: Susan -wife, Anna –student at Southern Seminary, Abby –student at WT and Andrew- student at Canyon high

Three words to describe me would be… evangelist, teacher, visionary
I do my best thinking… at night when everyone is gone to bed
My favorite coffee house drink is… None, I dislike coffee and coffeehouse drinks
I always smile when I… see God do something amazing
My dream vacation would… be back to Hawaii where I grew up
The last book I read was… To live is Christ – Beth Moore
You ought to see. . . My high school yearbook hippie picture
It’s hard to believe, but… I coach a kid’s swim team
I have seen God work this semester by… bringing many of the elect to himself
When I am cruising in my car, I’m usually listening to… sermons or Christian music
If you ask me, there could never be enough… money for missions
You’ll never catch me eating… asparagus
In my spare time, you’ll find me… reading or online
When it comes to movies, my all –time favorite is… African Queen
The one thing I won’t leave home without is… my glass of sweet tea
I do what I do because… I am following the call of God I received 33 years ago to do the work of evangelist (2 Tim 4:1-5) and I pray that by His grace I can continue.

Pause & Pray 11/5/09

becky — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:13 +0000

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?

God Continues to Use Student Leaders:

God is using student leaders on Texas campuses in order to be light to hundreds of students on their campus. Students are choosing to position themselves strategically within the college community in order to be influential. Ben Edfeldt, director at Midwestern State University, recalls how one of his student leaders is giving of his time and love for people in the dorms, in order for those who do not know the Lord will one day come to experience and know Jesus Christ.

Cory* is a student on our leadership team that has a heart for the lost. He has used his position as an RA as an opportunity to communicate his faith to his lost friends. He regularly hosts discussion groups about topics of faith. He has had anywhere between 5 to 15 students together to talk about passages in Scripture – to objections raised about Christianity. One of his closest friends, Nathan*, is not a believer. However, it is becoming clear that the Lord is drawing Nathan closer to Him. Cory has been able to be intricately involved in it. Cory has been reading through “Mere Christianity” with Nathan. Nathan is hung up on the total forgiveness of sin aspect of salvation. Please pray that Nathan becomes aware of the unconditional grace given to him by our Lord and wisdom for Cory.

*names have been changed for privacy

Pausing & Praying with you,

Texas Collegiate Ministry Team

Ways to Pray:

Pray specifically for Cory to have wisdom in sharing of his life with Nathan.
Pray that Nathan becomes aware of the grace God gives.
Ask for more student leaders to strategically place themselves within the college community in order to be God’s light. Ask that students would not just involve themselves in Christian circles but get involved with people who do not know Christ.
God is at Work:
- Please pray for Greg, Kevin and Savi to come to know and worship Christ.

Ways to Pray for Brenda Sanders:

Pray that I will follow God’s plan, not mine.

Staff Spotlight

Brenda Sanders

Campus: Student Missions Consultant or “Mission Mama,” or “Mission Diva,” or “Go Now Lady”
Previous BSM positions: Stephen F. Austin, Baylor, University of Houston, Houston Baptist, Samford University (Alabama)
Family:  Sister Kathy; Brothers Larry and Kenneth; Brother-in-Law Dee Jay; Sister-in-Law Marli; Nephews David and Joel; Nieces Jamie, Janessa, Megan, Brianna and Aly.

Three words to describe me would be… enthusiastic, passionate, fun (I hope)
I do my best thinking…in the car
My favorite coffee house drink is… soy latte with a pump of hazelnut
I always smile when I…hear a child laugh.
My dream vacation would… Greek Isles
The last book I read was… Live Life on Purpose, by Claude Hickman
You ought to see… a West Texas sunset.
It’s hard to believe, but… this is my 11^th year sending out Go Now Missionaries.
I have seen God work this semester by…transforming the lives of students as they serve.
When I am cruising in my car, I’m usually listening to… NPR, for the world news.
If you ask me, there could never be enough…Go Now Missionaries
You’ll never catch me eating… Liver
In my spare time, you’ll find me… trying out a new recipe, reading a book or at the movies with friends
When it comes to movies, my all –time favorite is… Babette’s Feast, it is foreign flick
The one thing I won’t leave home without is… cell phone
I do what I do because…I have received grace and I want others to have the chance to receive it, too. I believe that college students can be a significant part of sharing that grace, so I want to be part of sending them to the nations to do so.

Check out past Pause & Pray Spotlight Staff Members HERE!

Pause & Pray 10/29/09

becky — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:02 +0000

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?

Focus Hope Weekend – UMHB:

The University of Mary-Hardin Baylor BSM invited two organizations to partner with them to provide a special event for the Miller Heights community. Miller Heights Baptist Church and Hope for the Hungry have an on-going outreach to this neighborhood. They wanted to enhance their work and provide a setting where they were able to focus on relationships with children and families.

The Miller Heights Baptist youth group members paired up with members of the UMHB softball team to do neighborhood trash pick-up and to personally invite families to have lunch and play games with the UMHB BSM. They had enough students (including students participating in the upcoming Miss UMHB Pageant) that they could offer a high level of individual attention to their younger guests (and some of the older ones, too). The youth minister from MHBC shared about the good news of Jesus and several children picked up Bibles for their families. There was enough food to have and to share, and they played and played!

Jena Coulson, Campus Missionary at UMHB reflects on the impact of the Focus Hope Weekend.
“Students left thinking, ‘WOW! What a day! We got to make a difference in the lives of some neighborhood children.’ My hope is the impact would be rooted much deeper in the fact that choosing to make a difference for Christ is more than a one day event. I hope they realize, they can chose to a lifestyle of making a difference,” Coulson said.

Pausing & Praying with you,

Texas Collegiate Ministry Team

Ways to Pray:

Praise the Lord that multiple groups on the UMHB campus along with groups in the community were able to work together in order to share Christ with the Belton community.
Ask that students who participated would see a that making a difference is an everyday choice and that they would chose a lifestyle that honors Christ.
God is at Work:
- Please pray for “S” to come to know and worship Christ.

Ways to Pray for Christi Brazile:

Please pray for lost students to come to Christ. In previous semesters, this has been around the time when students will begin to make decision for Christ.

Staff Spotlight

Christi Brazile

Campus: Associate Director at UT Arlington
Family: My parents are Larry and Joella Brazile, and I am the oldest of four kids.

Three words to describe me would be… easy-going, health-nut, triathlete
I do my best thinking… when I have a friend helping me think through things.
My favorite coffee house drink is… regular coffee with skim milk.
I always smile when I… see the students smile. I love my job.
My dream vacation would… be Hawaii.
The last book I read was… Strengths Based Leadership by Tom Rath
You ought to see… the UTA BSM leadership team reaching out to the campus with passion and commitment. I’m so proud of the team.
It’s hard to believe, but… you can buy 400 tacos for just about $200 from Taco Bell.
I have seen God work this semester by… seeing a student come to Christ at our Fall Retreat.
When I am cruising in my car, I’m usually listening to… XM Radio.
If you ask me, there could never be enough… hours in the day.
You’ll never catch me eating… too many things to list. I’m the pickiest eater around.
In my spare time, you’ll find me… swimming, biking, running, or shopping.
When it comes to movies, my all –time favorite is… Annie
The one thing I won’t leave home without is… sunscreen on my face.
I do what I do because… of the very generous support of our churches, friends and family.

Check out past Pause & Pray Spotlight Staff Members HERE!

Pause & Pray 10/22/09

becky — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:00:21 +0000

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!

Pause & Pray 10/15/09

becky — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:00:10 +0000

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

This weekend 150+ international students from 10 campuses will meet at Lake Murray State Park in Oklahoma for an opportunity to retreat away from the pressures of academics. During the weekend these students will have an opportunity to interact with one another and hear the Gospel.

Bernie Gallagher, director at Grayson and Austin Colleges, will be taking a group of his international students to Lake Murray this weekend. God is working in the lives of his international students…see for yourself…

“Samuel, one of our international students from Gabon in west central Africa, enrolled at GCC last January. He became acquainted with some of our BSM students and began to attend our Wednesday Luncheon and our International Student Bible Study held on Friday evenings. Even though his English language skills were somewhat limited he seemed to enjoy being a part of the group. When he heard about our spring break mission trip to Mission Arlington he expressed an interest in being a part of the team.
Fortunately, there is place for everyone on a trip to Mission Arlington so we asked Samuel to help with recreation and crafts during Rainbow Express. He really had a great time and seemed to thoroughly enjoy working with children and being a part of our group. What we didn’t know – largely because of the language barrier – was that Samuel did not fully understand what it meant to be a follower of Christ even though he had a religious background. However, during the week he listened to the Bible stories and the simple, easy to understand, presentations of the gospel each day to the children. By the end of the week he made a decision to commit his life to Christ. The Sunday after the mission trip he made his decision public at the First Baptist Church in Sherman and was later baptized.”

Pausing & Praying with you,

Texas Collegiate Ministry Team

Ways to Pray:

Conversation sessions (Friday night and Saturday morning) to be good places to introduce the topic of faith.
Recreation activities to be other opportunities to get acquainted with each other.
Safety in travel from the campuses to Lake Murray state park
Give thanks for the Dallas area disaster relief unit who is helping us feed all these students.
Individual students to hear the Gospel story and be impacted by it.
Weather to be mild and comfortable for outdoor and lake recreation.
God is at Work:
- Pray for Kevin, to know the HOPE found in following Jesus Christ.

Ways to Pray for Bernie Gallagher:

God has given us some amazing opportunities this year – please pray that we will keep the ministry balanced and especially that we will keep our focus on Christ.

Staff Spotlight

Bernie Gallagher

Campus: Grayson and Austin Colleges
Family: Wife: Nita; Two sons: John and his wife Cassie – and daughter Zoe; Daniel and his wife Rebecca

Three words to describe me would be…structured, steady, calm
I do my best thinking…while driving
My favorite coffee house drink is…Panera Dark Roast Blend
I always smile when I…I think of my new granddaughter
My dream vacation would…Cruise – just about anywhere
The last book I read was…Francis Chan, “Crazy Love”
I have seen God work this semester by…our increase in Wednesday Luncheon attendance – giving us an opportunity to meet and visit with new students.
When I am cruising in my car, I’m usually listening to…classical
If you ask me, there could never be enough…memos from the state office
You’ll never catch me eating…sushi
In my spare time, you’ll find me…lost in a good book
When it comes to movies, my all time favorite is…Return to Me
The one thing I won’t leave home without is…my cell phone
I do what I do because…The Lord says “keep at it”

Check out past Pause & Pray Spotlight Staff Members HERE!

Pause & Pray 10/08/09

becky — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:00:41 +0000

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?

Focus HOPE Weekend: Amarillo College

Taylor Davies, director at Amarillo College tells of a student whose life has been changed through their Focus Hope Weekend.

“I met a student at one of our Free Lunches at the beginning of the semester. He and I had an immediate connection. He felt free to share that he was not a Christian and did not care to believe that God had any real significance in his life. However, this student felt very welcomed by the community of the BSM and continued to become friends with many Christ-following students. Over that time Casey had several opportunities to respond to the Gospel through many conversations that he had with the staff and students of the BSM. After our missions emphasis event called Focus-Hope Weekend, which he participated in, this student became a believer. He began his relationship with Christ by asking Jesus to “guide him through life.” He admits that it was Jesus who brought him real friendships with people who cared to love him and point him to Jesus. This is something that had always been absent in his life and the very thing he needed to believe. He is now meeting weekly with the BSM staff for further encouragement, direction, and to help him find a church home.”

Pausing & Praying with you,

Texas Collegiate Ministry Team

Ways to Pray:

Praise the LORD that this student has chosen to follow Jesus Christ.
Praise the LORD that he is using Focus HOPE weekends to show his love to Texas college students.
Pray that this student continues to follow hard after Jesus Christ. Ask that the Lord continue to use Amarillo College students to show God’s hope.
Pray that the Focus Hope weekends will continue to have an impact even after they are completed.
God is at Work:
- Pray for Aiden, to know the HOPE found in following Jesus Christ.

Ways to Pray for BJ Ramon:

Continued health amongst the traveling flu.
Continued insight into speaking good things to the students God is bringing to us who are not-yet-believers.

Staff Spotlight

B.J. Ramon

Campus: University of Houston
Previous BSM positions: Amarillo College- director; Angelo State University- intern
Family: Shanna is my wife of 7 years; Isaac is almost 4 and Iliana is 2.

Three words to describe me would be…awkward, eccentric, balla
I do my best thinking…you don’t want to know
My favorite coffee house drink is…vanilla bean frap.
I always smile when I…listen to Brian Reagan
My dream vacation would…visiting the place they filmed Lord of the Rings
The last book I read was…Sacred Rhythms
You ought to see…Avatar: the Last Airbender- the cartoon series, not the movie
It’s hard to believe, but…I am a famous rapper, jk. I am not sure what to put here.
I have seen God work this semester by…Raising up a true desire in students to minister to their peers. God is bringing to our doorstep like crazy who simply need direction to begin ministering to classmates. We are on the verge of something beautiful
When I am cruising in my car, I’m usually listening to…Lecrae or Misty Edwards
If you ask me, there could never be enough…basketball
You’ll never catch me eating…chocolate ice cream
In my spare time, you’ll find me…sleeping
When it comes to movies, my all time favorite is…Rocky, Rocky 2 is my second favorite
The one thing I won’t leave home without is…my shoes
I do what I do because…God has shown me grace, taught me what hope is and equipped me for this particular mission field. I love it everyday and I live daily in His grace because of this position.

Check out past Pause & Pray Spotlight Staff Members HERE!

Pause & Pray 10/01/09

becky — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:00:47 +0000

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?

Focus HOPE Weekends Continue

Ashley Ashmore of Lamar University shares how God used the Focus Hope weekend on their campus to engage an Indian student in service that has led to spiritual conversations.”We had a student who is from India, come on Saturday with our group to help with the service project…He worked very hard the whole day and never once complained, but was quick to jump in and help when asked.After the service project was finished we headed back to the university were this student was invited to watch that night’s football game. (he had never watched American football before). When the night was over, he asked if he could take a picture with all of us. When one of our students emailed him the picture, the Indians student responded and told him, ‘thank you for taking the picture, but also thank you for allowing me to serve alongside all of you.’

Since then, this student has come to the BSM multiple times and recently began asking questions about Christianity. Praise God for opening doors.”

Pausing & Praying with you,

Texas Collegiate Ministry Team

Ways to Pray:

Praise the LORD that God uses each one of us to minister.
Praise God that the Love of Christ is displayed through service.
Pray for this Indian student to continue asking questions.
Pray for Focus HOPE weekends coming up in the weeks to follow – ask the Lord to give boldness, divine appointments, that HIS name would be proclaimed, and lives would be changed FOREVER.
God is at Work:
- Pray for Dax and Rongjin, to know the HOPE found in following Jesus Christ.

Ways to Pray for Joel Bratcher:

For him to be a great dad and husband.

Staff Spotlight

Joel Bratcher

Campus: Texas A&M
Previous BSM positions: San Jacinto College, Midwestern State, Eastfield College, Tarrant County College NE, DBU, UT Arlington
Family:  Judy-wife, Jordan and Jonathan-sons

Three words to describe me would be… committed, funny (at least I laugh at my own jokes), consistent
I do my best thinking… early in the morning
My favorite coffee house drink is… hot chocolate
I always smile when I… am playing with my boys
My dream vacation would…  Europe
The last book I read was… Surprised by Hope N.T. Wright
You ought to see… me in panick-mode
It’s hard to believe, but…  I enjoy oil painting
I have seen God work this semester by… opening doors to share our faith
When I am cruising in my car, I’m usually listening to… ESPN
If you ask me, there could never be enough… chicken biscuits
You’ll never catch me eating… onions
In my spare time, you’ll find me… watching football
When it comes to movies, my all –time favorite is… The Rookie
The one thing I won’t leave home without is… my glasses
I do what I do because… students really can change the world

Check out past Pause & Pray Spotlight Staff Members HERE!

Pause & Pray 9/24/2009

becky — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:00:29 +0000

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?

Focus HOPE Weekend: TAMU, Kingsville

Mike Cervantes, director at Texas A&M Kingsville recalls how God worked during this last weekends Focus HOPE project.

“This weekend was amazing! Our ministry project was planned for Saturday. We were prepared to have numerous spots to BBQ and share with the community of Palacios, Texas. However, Saturday morning it began to rain and never stopped. So, God changed our plans; instead of having people come to us, we went to them.

We decided to go door to door passing our hot dogs and sharing the message of Jesus. It was totally insane and wild. Before we knew it, we had kids praying through the neighborhoods and sharing the message of the Cross.

One student, Diana, a freshman, noticed that every home they went to had people that were critically ill in some way. Students quickly began to realize it was not a coincidence, but they were all divine appointments!”

Ways to Pray:

Praise the LORD that students responded immediately when their plans were changed thus divine appointments were made!
Pray that the Gospel being proclaimed all around Texas through Texas HOPE would take root.
Pray for Focus HOPE weekends coming up in the weeks to follow – ask the Lord to give boldness, divine appointments, that HIS name would be proclaimed, and lives would be changed FOREVER.
God is at Work:
- Pray for Bethany, to know the HOPE found in following Jesus Christ.

Ways to Pray for Margaret Myers:

That Jerry and I would find a church that we love.
God’s clear direction for the near future (change continues, regardless of age)
That the influence I have on others will always be positive and Christ-like
That I will find boldness to take steps to expand my territory of service/ministry

Staff Spotlight

Margaret Ann Myers

Campus: Collegiate Ministry Office
Previous BSM positions:  None
Family:  Husband, Jerry; daughter, Melinda; Son, James & Daughter-in-Law, Karla; three grandchildren, Hannah, Miranda, Justin; two Labradors, Jessie & Karlee

Three words to describe me would be…loyal, compassionate, artistic
I do my best thinking…alone, while I’m driving
My favorite coffee house drink is… low fat white chocolate mocha
I always smile when I…think about my grandchildren
My dream vacation would…so many places, so little time…Hawaii, Italy, Canada, or Alaska with Jerry
The last book I read was…”The Shack” by William Young
You ought to see…the sunset on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean
It’s hard to believe, but…God knows everything about me and every person on this planet and still gave His Son to die for us…beyond amazing!
I have seen God work this semester by…protecting and healing those I love and hearing and reading about Go Now Mission trips, and all that’s taking place on our campuses
When I am cruising in my car, I’m usually listening to…a variety of CD’s and stations or nothing
If you ask me, there could never be enough…time with family and friends
You’ll never catch me eating…raw oysters
In my spare time, you’ll find me…spending time with my family or watching a movie
When it comes to movies, my all–time favorite is…To Kill a Mockingbird, Steel Magnolias, Sleepless in Seattle
The one thing I won’t leave home without is…my car
I do what I do because…I love God and people and want to be of service to them

Check out past Pause & Pray Spotlight Staff Members HERE!

Pause & Pray 9/17/2009

becky — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:54 +0000

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?

God’s Fingerprints @ UT, Tyler:

As UT, Tyler students prayer walked the campus during their leadership retreat the week before school started they met three Indian students, Richy, Pavan, and Chandu. Pavan and Chandu had only been in the country for one week when they met them.

Joseph Osteen, BSM directer at UT, Tyler recalls, “we met them at the deck between the two lakes on our campus. Because it was the location we had designated as the meeting place at the end of our prayer walk, the entire leadership team was there. So, we basically divided up and got to have spiritual conversations with all three of them. With Richy, talking about Indian culture led to the religious make up of India which led to a brief explanation of Christian beliefs and the concept of choosing Jesus, not just being born a Christian because the family is Christian. With Pavan, a leadership student’s goal of being a minister led to talking about Jesus. With Chandu, students explained what BSM is about which led to a spiritual conversation. It was a great experience. We have gotten to talk with them a couple of other times and they are planning on attending an international get together at the BSM in the future.”

Pausing & Praying with you,

Texas Collegiate Ministry Team

Ways to Pray:

Pray for Richy, Pavan, and Chandu to continue to ask questions about Jesus Christ. Ask that these students would come to know Jesus Christ.

Pray that these type of encounters would take place on EVERY campus. Ask that spiritual conversations would be on the lips of Christian students.

God is at Work:

Pray for Alto, he came to Navarro’s welcome back party this week and the first thing he told me when he walked in is that he is an atheist.

Pray for Robert, he is in a season of prodigal right now, he is coming back to the Lord and finding grace after grace in his season of repentance. Pray he will continue to find grace and continue to press in to Jesus Christ.

Ways to Pray for Cody Shouse:

Pray that we have a greater vision, that we will see our campus in the way God sees it, and that our vision for these students is not our own, but his.

Staff Spotlight

Cody Shouse

Campus: Navarro
Previous BSM positions: intern @ the university of louisiana monroe
Family: Stephanie (wife)

I do my best thinking…when driving alone
My favorite coffee house drink is… vanilla bean frap, vanilla sweet tea
I always smile when I… come home from a trip and see my wife
My dream vacation would… a golfing tour of ireland
The last book I read was… the biography of george muller
You ought to see… how about ’should have seen…” the new york city skyline from the back of the stanton island ferry pre 9/11
It’s hard to believe, but… i was a cheerleader in high school
I have seen God work this semester by… opening doors that only he could have opened and giving opportunities that only he could have given. he has also given an amazing amount of peace and grace in situations where i could not have had grace and peace on my own.
When I am cruising in my car, I’m usually listening to…sports  talk radio
If you ask me, there could never be enough… college football or moon pies
You’ll never catch me eating… sushi
In my spare time, you’ll find me… watching tv or on a date with my wife
When it comes to movies, my all –time favorite is… emperor’s club
The one thing I won’t leave home without is… my verse pack
I do what I do because… my heart wouldn’t let me do anything else