Why Support the BSU: Its mission is vital College is a defining time in a student’s life as he or she searches for what really matters. This ministry serves students during this crucial decision-making time. BSU enables students to explore Christianity for themselves and discover God’s plan for their lives. It has a 100 year record of success An active ministry for college students in Columbia began in 1905 when George R. Johnson, a senior at MU, was hired as the student assistant to the pastor of the First Baptist Church. The ministry opened the Baptist Student Center on the MU campus in 1949. The current building, dedicated in 1985, is the third home for the ministry in Columbia. Students and alumni value what the ministry provides Both current students and alumni of the program across many decades have expressed these values the program had on their lives: Building a network of friends during college that endures for a lifetime. Hearing and responding to God’s call to serve; growing in their own faith. Experiencing missions first hand, and seeing God move in awesome ways on mission trips. Finding answers to life’s major questions –purpose, calling & direction, beliefs & values. Receiving spiritual guidance at critical times; single events that change life direction. Enjoying a home away from home. Increased support from friends and alumni is essential The ministry of the BSU has been supported by the local churches, Little Bonne Femme Baptist Association, former students and some committed donors making annual gifts. The financial trend for outside support in recent years has been on a steady decline at a time in which there are record numbers of college students in Columbia. The ministry has demonstrated its ability to live within its available resources - indicating the stability of the organization and the fiscal responsibility of its leadership. A permanent, independent financial base for the ministry will enable it to tailor its programs directly to the needs of contemporary college students.

Please pray for  for Escape '09 that leadership can plan well and the speaker Linda Osbourne can lead an inspirational and moving discussion. Please be in prayer for our ministry over this next semester. That we would plan well, not over-book ourselves, and especially to be a light on this campus. Please pray for the students in our ministry (especially leadership), that we learn to become more transparent and hold one another accountable in love. Please continue praying for our new students, that they are able to create meaningful relationships with the BSUer(s) that they meet, and that God gives them comfort as the deal with the transition to Mizzou.