Dr. Bruce Gentry - 10 Years at Baptist Student Center

This weekend we will celebrate the anniversary of Dr. Bruce Gentry on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.   He has been here for ten years and has served faithfully in his responsibilities.  I have watched the changes that have been made in Baptist Student Center work since I was there as a student many years ago when I went to chapel there every day, took Bible classes from Dr. Tom Messer and Dr. Andy Pratt and met and married my college sweetheart, Bill Stacy, who was also a member there.   We had our first date singing together at a Baptist Student dinner!   So I've seen changes.   And I have had to realize that changes come with the territory and are a part of living!

That leads me to my main point!   It's a quote that I have used and used, "If you don't tell your story, soon people will think that you don't have a story to tell!"   I have had it on my heart for weeks that the story of what the BSC is doing, under the auspices of Bruce Gentry, should be told!   It is worth the doing and the telling!   I tried my best to get someone else to write this story but it fell on deaf ears so I took up the computer keys this morning and began to write.

First, I interviewed Bruce Gentry and I asked him this question:  "In your ten years here, of what are you most proud?"   He did not hesitate, "I have tried to navigate the changes to meet the current needs of the people who come to our doors.   That includes cementing relationships with people who want to take Bible courses, from whatever denomination and I have tried to show hospitality to those who seek a bulwark in the storm or a friendly face, such as international students.   Our ministry is built on teaching, cementing relationships and showing hospitality."   I thought to myself instantly --the focus has not changed one iota.  It was always built on these three foci.

So Bruce, I salute you on your anniversary and I sing your praises.  You have taken the BSC on new paths.  I have watched you fill the Rev. A. B. Cooper Hospitality Room with international students cooking on Sunday nights (hot pots are delicious) and bringing a touch of home to those far-away from home!   I have been there to witness to your enlisting people like Steve and Julie Southard and Kay Story from other faiths into the arms of the BSC by expanding the mission of Christian love.   I have been a part of welcoming groups from Costa Rica and to your strength in ministering to BSC students who plan to continue in ministry and I applaud you.  Congratulations on your ten years here!   You have served with distinction!