Students Gain Global Perspective During Mission Emphasis Week

by Amanda Lewis, Student Newswriter

Baylor University students interested in global mission opportunities are encouraged to attend informational seminars, discussions and worship events centered on spreading God's message around the world during Mission Emphasis Week Oct. 11-13, sponsored by Baptist Student Ministries.
Missionaries and representatives from nine agencies will be available during the Mission Fair Monday through Wednesday on the first floor of the Bill Daniel Student Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The representatives will share their experiences in the mission field with Baylor students and answer any questions they may have about mission work.
Baptist Student Ministry's weekly events will focus on missions as well, including a prayer breakfast at 7 a.m. and CommonPlace, a student worship service, at 8 p.m. on Monday at the Bobo Baptist Student Center. The worship theme will focus on "creative worship," led by Ryan Richardson, and guest speakers will discuss mission possibilities and experiences.
Seminary students and faculty will gather for a luncheon at noon Wednesday in the Piper Great Hall of Truett Seminary where a panel of missionaries will conduct an open discussion about understanding and reaching Muslim cultures.
Also, undergraduate students and faculty are invited to a luncheon at noon Wednesday at the Bobo Baptist Student Center where they can learn more about Baylor's university-wide mission trip, Africa '05. Students and faculty from 10 educational disciplines will travel to Kenya in May 2005 for vocation-specific ministry. A speaker will discuss current social issues, culture, as well as mission opportunities in Kenya. Baylor's Africa '05 mission trip also will be discussed in Chapel at 10 and 11 a.m. Wednesday in Waco Hall.
"The tangible opportunity to serve others through their academic discipline will allow students to reflect on how and where they will use the skills gained at Baylor and how God might use them to make a difference in the world," according the BSM web site. "Trips like this that take us out of our normal routine 'create space' for God to speak in our lives and challenge our perspective on our life's purpose."
BSM will also host International Gathering, an informal mixer for international students and their American friends, at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Bobo Baptist Student Center. In addition to meeting students from a variety of cultures, a short program will highlight mission opportunities.
Informational seminars will also be presented at various times Monday through Wednesday on an extensive array of topics, including "Using Sports in Missions," "Beyond the Bubble: New Ways to do Missions" and "People of Iraq: Life as a Western Woman in Baghdad."
For more information about these seminars or any other events during Mission Emphasis Week, contact Rae Wright in Baptist Student Ministries at (254) 710-3215 or visit www.baylor.edu/bsm .