UTPA BSM » Life

Back to school!!

Yvette — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:59:36 +0000

Hey everyone!!! We are back to school on Monday from an awesome/fun/resting spring break 2010. I hope you all had many opportunities to serve with the BSM–helping out churches or going to Beach Reach to minister to non-believers–God has worked in many ways!! Lets ask God to give us strength to go back to school and be focused in not only that but of the things of the Lord, because He is the one that gives us focus!! JOIN US FOR FREE LUNCH on Thursday at the BSM (next to the Rec center)–We have CHOICE at night starting at 8pm and its a lot of fun!! Bring your friends!! God bless everyone <>< See you all soon!!

P.S. We will keep you posted on new events that are coming up for the BSM!!

–CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK–Take a moment one day to just take a deep breath (close your eyes) and thank God for all the great things he has done and created around you!!

SECOND FREE LUNCH

Yvette — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:02:07 +0000

Hey GUYS! So this was so amazing We had our second free lunch and praise the Lord that we had so many college students come that we ran out of hamburgers!! I saw a lot of new faces so keep inviting friends to come and join us Thursdays from 12-1pm!!

A brief bible study to help you start your week…

bsm — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:22:27 +0000

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Context

Paul is closing his letter to the church at Philippi. In this section he is thanking the church for their care manifested through their financial support. Not wanting to appear eager for their money nor in need of it, Paul recalls lessons learned about God’s provision for him.

Studying in parts..

And my God…. Paul here in an unusual way refers to God in a personal way. “My God” as if embracing experiences past where he experienced the provision of God in ways he never thought possible.

Will meet all your needs.. A statement that leaves no doubt about God’s provision for the needs of believers at Philippi. The future tense here implies that all must have full confidence that regardless of needs that arise, they can be confident that God will take care of them.

According to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus… The source of God’s supply is not based on an earthly supply, even though sometimes God’s supply is manifested in that way. However, Paul here is pointing to something deeper than that. He is pointing to Christ as our main source of provision. As evidenced in the context of this letter where he mentions that he has learned to be content regardless of his circumstances by learning that he can do all things through Christ who gives him strength (see Philippians 4:13).

Application

Today as in the past, people deal with financial situations that may bring anxiety. If you are a college student, you know that worrying about tuition costs, books, food, and even some spending money can make you worried sometimes. I met a student once who always made public the amount of money he carried in his wallet. “I have $3.50 for the week” he would say. It seemed to me that he looked to his wallet as his source of provision.

Paul here is reminding us to look beyond our wallet. To remember that God will supply all of our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus. So in stead of considering what we have, lets consider this: God will provide all we need. So take a breather and relax, trust that God will take care of you.

A success….

bsm — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:56:07 +0000

Last week we hosted Manuel Zarate, an evangelist who travels the world speaking in business settings, churches, and universities. His visit to our campus was intended first to share the gospel with students, equip leaders, address faculty,and speak to students in classrooms. As we look back at the events, we can say that thanks be to God all goals were achieved.

Here is a recap with key pictures and description:

Wednesday

We went to the radio to promote the events and present the need to reach college students in universities all over the world. Manuel did a great job giving reasons and ideas for how to do this.

The phone at our BSM was ringing constantly during and after the interview with people waiting to know more about up coming events and our campus ministry.

In the afternoon Manuel spoke to leaders and pastors of the area. He presented the importance of value over vision. His take on how Jesus looks at this was well received and it sparked good discussion afterwards.

We then went over to campus where Manuel was invited to speak at a philosophy class. He did a great job during his talk and in the way he answered questions from students.

That evening we hosted a Faculty Appreciation Dinner at out BSM. This went fantastic. BSM students got an opportunity to express their gratitude to faculty and share with them the difference that God has made in their lives during college. Manuel addressed the faculty during this meaningful evening.

One of our favorite events of the day was at 8:30 PM when we hosted BSM leaders at our BSM. During this time Manuel inspired leaders to believe that God can work through their lives in powerful ways. We had lots of fun as a group. You could sense a strong commitment in the air to the be the presence of Christ on Campus. At the end one of our students decided to go up and share how much the BSM has meant to her during her college years. If you ask us, it was the best time to close the day.

Thursday

Mauel spoke during Free Lunch to over 100 students. Many stayed afterwards for a Q&A session. Questions included the existence of God, evolution and Christianity, Jesus and other religions, myth and the Bible and others.

After lunch, Manuel was interviewed by our Media Magazine ministry team. They asked Manuel questions regarding campus evangelism and the necessity of actively sharing the gospel. This interview will be featured in our up coming magazine this Fall semester.

We finished the evening with A Night Of Inspiration an evening where the gospel was shared to all of our Journey Groups and guests. It was a great night where Manuel shared the gospel message from the perspective of the rich young ruler that came to seek Jesus. Many decisions were made during this time, some to join a Bible study, rededications to Christ, and some surrender to Christ for the very first time.

Also featured during this event was the BSM Band. They played some of their original songs that helped the Banquet be a memorable evening.

This was a great day to finish two full days of evangelism focus in our university. During this time we learned that God will bless any effort related to spread the gospel. We also affirmed our belief that God is relevant to in the life of every college student. We also learned that our evangelistic efforts during every day life can help point a person to Jesus, so when events like this happen, students are more willing and receptive to hear the gospel.

Here are some pictures: (large slideshow)

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No Ordinary Spring Break Saturday…

bsm — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:08:46 +0000

Last Saturday UTPA BSM students spent their Saturday caring for people in one community north of Edinburg. We called this event ” A Day of Hope” simply because we wanted to go show people that God cares for them.

For this event we partnered with Buckner, the RGVBA and a church that ministers in this community called Castillo del Rey. During this event we had a program for children that included a Bible lesson, games, and crafts. We also had a time with high school students and a worship service for adults. We had an amazing turn out.

As the day progressed we could definitely sense that God was working. At the middle of the program we had a time where all adults and children received a Bible and new shoes. I remember well a kid that came barefooted and got a pair of brand new shoes. He looked so happy, knowing that now he was not the only one out of all the kids that was not wearing shoes. We ended up the program feeding everyone hot dogs and chips.

As we move through the semester, we thank God that He has been able to give UTPA students an opportunity to pray, share, and care for other people. We believe that is one key indicator of what we should be about as a college ministry as wee seek to be followers of Jesus. We praise God that he is mobilizing students to embrace this call and pray that new opportunities to provide Hope continue to arise.

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Spring Break Suggestion 1

bsm — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:40:18 +0000

As the week is starting and you are getting much needed rest, the temptation will be to simply not do much. One suggestion to help you as you plan out your week is to take some time to have a silent retreat. This is a good idea to help you connect with God and discover areas in your life that you need to focus on.

The idea of a silent retreat is not new, Christians throughout history have practiced it as a way to grow closer to God. Here is a guide for the silent retreat:

Silent Retreat Format

Make it a fresh week….

bsm — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:45:30 +0000

You could make it a fresh week this week. Perhaps you are at a point right now where you need to rest. Maybe you have made a series of decisions that have put you in a path from which you don’t know how to turn around. All of us have experienced these times in life where we need to be refreshed.

Jesus said once, if any of you is tired and burdened, come to me and I will give you rest (Mat. 11:28) As the middle of the semester approaches, and your decisions, or indecision are making you feel like you are loosing perspective. Trust in God, surrender to him and experience rest. Take some time today to enjoy some silence, some good laughs, and a good time reflecting on God. Here are some suggestions:

Some Good Laughs. Stop by the BSM and chat with friends. Chances are you will have some time to just relax.

Enjoy silence. Go to a quiet spot on campus and close your eyes, hear the sounds, and open your heart to hear God.

Good time reflecting on God. Apart from the suggestion above, read the first chapeter of Philippians. As you do, try to identify Paul’s attitude toward people and life.

Here is a verse to memorize:

I know that what God does will endure forever. Nothing can be taken from it and nothing can be added to it. He does this so that people will revere him. Eccl. 3:14

A life that matches a song….

bsm — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:10:26 +0000

We often hear songs of worship that speak of dedication to God in a way we have never seen or heard before. We all sing them as we worship and pray that God will give us the strength to live in such a way. One of such songs is “Give Me One Pure and Holy Passion.” It is a beautiful song that inspires almost every Christian I know to attempt to live for God. It is even more beautiful to see or read about people that have lived that way.

I just finished reading “The Divine Dramatist, A Biography of George Whitfield.” He is perhaps one of the most influential preachers the United State has ever seen. Even though born in England in 1714, Whitfield became an American by affection. As he traveled between Europe and America in preaching tours, he was deeply moved by the people, the beauty, and the potential of the people of America. Thus he centered his ministry in Georgia by opening an orphanage and traveling and preaching everywhere raising money to support that cause. As I read, here are a few characteristics I learned from his life:

George Whitfield was a man of integrity. He loved God and would not do anything that would distract the preaching of the Gospel to those that needed to hear. Towards the end of his ministry, a careful look at the finances of his ministry showed that there was not even a hint of money mishandling. Moreover, at the end of his life, there was not a single person that could say anything about his moral life and commitment to God.

He was preacher to the people. Early in his ministry Whitfield developed a preaching style and strategy that would allow him to reach people from all backgrounds. Whether religious or not, if Whitfield went to a city, you could be sure everyone would want to go and actually listen the gospel preached. One of my favorite parts of the book came when an account was told of a man that left everything he was doing and rushed along with his wife to hear Mr. Whitfield preach, they got on their horses and went as fast as they could so they could go to the fields and attend the service. After the message, this young husband described the effect of Whitfield’s preaching as having left a wound in his soul, realizing that only Jesus could justify him. This is one of thousands of stories on record of people whose lives were changed as they heard about the love of God in Whitfield’s messages. He often preached to 20,000 people in the fields and without a microphone, such was the impact and scope of his ministry.

He was a friend, even of those that did not believe. It seems today that followers of Jesus for the most part forge friendships with Christian people. Of course those type of friendships are beautiful, however, we often ignore the beauty and opportunity that making friends with those who do no believe in Jesus as their personal Savior can bring. Such was the case of Benjamin Franklin and Mr. Whitfield. Their friendship spanned for many years. As time went by, Whitfield was able to exemplify in real life the kind of life that trusting in Jesus can bring. This was perhaps one of the most irrefutable examples of the impact Jesus can have in a person’s life Ben Franklin ever had.

Whitfield was always willing to talk about the Lord with anyone who needed it. On one occasion an individual faking an interest in the things of God got a caring ear from Mr. Whitfield. As they met in private he found out that this man wanted to kill him. He was beaten severely and was only saved by the power of his voice that could be heard for miles as he cried out “murder.” In spite of this and the emotional and physical wounds this tragic event caused him, George Whitfield never stopped loving, caring, and listening to people. He always encouraged and guided people in the truth of Christ. He even took it upon himself to train young people in ministry as he traveled.

Whitfield served the Lord until the day he died. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful things any person can ever do. Today we mostly think of retirement as a chance to kick back and relax. Perhaps re-thinking of retirement as an opportunity to be completely free to serve the Lord might be of some benefit for our personal life and for the community of believers. Whitfield never retired, his desire was to die serving the Lord. He literally died in between sermons. Whitfield died early in the morning, however, he spent his previous day preaching or sharing a devotional at least three times. As he was in a preaching tour at the time, he had plans to continue preaching non stop. His plans for preaching were interrupted by his death. Even though dead, he continued preaching even after, making everybody that knew him or heard of him recall his love and dedication for the Lord. Always truthful to his calling, he was buried next to pulpit in a church he loved.

George Whitfield was given a pure and holy passion. He pursued that passion until the day he died. Of course to find out that serving his Lord was the best decision he ever made. The Glorious Lord he loved and served welcomed him gladly opening his arms and lovingly saying, “well done, my faithful servant.”

Using your talents and gifts….

bsm — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:02:08 +0000

It fills us with joy every time we see students using their lives to serve our glorious Lord. We thank God because we are priviledged enough to see this happen day in and day out at our BSM. Take last week for example, I met with highly talented journalism and graphic design students to talk about how to communicate a passion to reach college students across our state and beyond.

We also had the chance to talk to several of our band members throughout the week and hear and see their passion for Christ. Last Thursday, during our weekly worship gathering they just simply inspired all of us to worship God in a relevant personal way. Right before our worship gathering I joined a group of students who love the Lord and have the gift of service and evangelism as they prayer walked the UTPA campus. They prayed for every single UTPA student. It was awesome.

We also got to see the great difference a caring heart can have. Stories after stories came in of people going to Journey Groups, coming to lunch for the first time, being encouraged by other BSM students. All this because our students love God and want to share this love with everyone they meet.

We also got to see students coming to Bible study and deciding to go deeper in their relationship with Christ. They are all praying to God, reading their Bible every day, and passionately seeking God’s will for their lives.

Another great example of people using their gifts and talents is what happens everyThursday at lunch. All bsmers are a powerhouse for the Lord. The large operation that takes place to set up, host, reach out, pick up, clean up is done by caring students that show up every Thursday and always ask the sweet question “what can I do to help?” It is awesome. I cannot tell you how much it fires me up. And so it goes, stories after stories of people who use their lives to serve God.

We also love our BSM staff. They all go the extra mile. They work hard, are creative, and know well and love the BSM ministry. It is truly great to work with them.

This week we get to witness this all over again. Sharon and I are extremely privileged to share our lives with this wonderful team of students that God has put together to reach our campus. As we go, we ask that you pray with every BSM student. Pray that God will bless their time, protect their minds, and grant them wisdom as they live for Him. I am encouraged about the Christan church all over the world. If our ministry is a but a small sample of the way college students serve God in campuses all over the world, I assure you that the best years of proclaiming God to the nations are ahead of us.

Prayer…..

bsm — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:27:03 +0000

The Bible tells us of the many times people prayed. Time and time again those that prayed received comfort and hope when they most needed. The gospels tell many times when Jesus prayed. I imagine that walking with Jesus day in and day out would have given us a clear idea of how much Jesus valued prayer.

One verse that always encourages me to pray is 1 Thess. 5:17 “Pray continually.”

Pray. Communicating with God, talking and hearing him talk to us. Experience his guidance as we move through the day.

Continually. Without ceasing. Usually our prayers have a beginning and end “Dear God” and “Amen” The implication of this verse is to be aware of God’s presence at all times with us, his presence is uninterrupted and so should be our communication with him.

Today I want to encourage you to pray. If you have not done so in a long time, stop right now and pray to God. Begin that beautiful never ending conversation with God. Your prayers don’t have to be formulaic or in a specific tone, they have to be sincere and open. I hope you are experiencing the power of prayer.