The USM BSU needs you!

Dear Friends of BSU:

As I look back over this past year, I am thankful for the many ways God has blessed the BSU at Southern Miss. We have reached new heights in sending out missionaries. 40 USM BSU students are headed across the world this summer to share Jesus with many who have never heard. In the next few months, two new couples (former USM BSUers) will join the ranks as career missionaries with IMB. This summer another former BSU couple will move to New England to plant churches. God continues to bless the commitment we’ve made to take the gospel of Jesus to the nations.

However, I am concerned as we approach the summer. I’m sure you are aware of the tough economic times that are affecting individuals and churches. Our church base support has been reduced by more than $15,000 for the year 2011. We were not alerted to the reduction in budget support ahead of time, but now are aware that several of our major supporting churches have reduced their support to a level lower than when I arrived 20 years ago.

The Southern Miss BSU depends on support from the Cooperative Program of the Mississippi Baptist Convention for taking care of the staff salaries (Lloyd and Kris). However, local churches and friends like you fund the ministry here at Southern Miss. The reality is local church support is decreasing and we are more dependent than ever on individuals like you for reaching this campus and the world.

We are asking those of you that have been blessed by this ministry to consider giving back to help reach this generation of students. Please know that you cannot give too little. A sobering fact is that 150 people giving $100 will replace the funds we have lost in the past three months. If you would like to talk to Kris or me about this, please call us-601-264-5160. This summer we hope to contact many of you by phone to ask for your support.

If your church does not support BSU at Southern Miss directly, would you become an advocate to ask them to become one of our partners? We would recommend that a new church partner begin by giving $25 per month.

This is God’s ministry and I am not ashamed to ask you to support reaching students, discipling them, and sending them out with the gospel to the world.

Until All Have Heard!

Lloyd