"I was born and raised in Madras (India). My Parents come from a strong Greek Orthodox Christian background. I came to know Jesus in 1996, since then I associated myself with the Catholic churches and mission works. I thought it was by works that you attain eternal life. It is only after coming to Idlewild Baptist church (Tampa, Florida-USA) I started knowing the Word of God in a deeper way and I realized what it means to be saved.

My association with Mark Lydecker (Friends of International) strengthened my relationship with Jesus. He discipled me and showed me what it means, "man made in the image of God". His commitment to the Lord and his work with the International students always impressed me. Its then I decided that the Lord doesn’t need people who are 99.9% committed but needs people with 100% commitment. Despite severe criticism from my family, I decided to receive this Jesus. On January 12th 2003, I got baptized at Idlewild Baptist Church.

Today I understand what it means, when Jesus said, "Love your God with ALL your heart, with ALL your soul and with ALL you mind".

Salvation is a free gift,my Savior gave me. My prayer is that the Lord will use me to take the good news of hope to my country.

I am thankful to Pastor Ken Whitten and Jake English of Idlewild Baptist Church for their love and compassion to missions and lost people. I am also thankful to the students of USF BCM for giving me continuous encouragement in witnessing Christ to others through the preaching of the gospel, and practicing to have daily fellowship with God, especially through prayer."

“My memories at BCM or BSU as we knew it then were some of the best of my life in college. The phenomenal group of people associated with BCM had a very positive impact on my relationship with Christ. I found it very encouraging to hang out with other students my age and fellowship in a warm, welcoming environment. Martha and Greg Floyd were such an inspiration as well as the student leadership. I’ll never forget my first experience with BCM. I was refereeing an intramural volleyball game between BCM and another student group and was warmly received by this group after the game. I was a “baby Christian” at the time and really grew in my faith over the next 5 years (USF is called U Stay Forever for a reason!) at BCM. The bonds of friendship are still strong to this day; in fact a group of us from BCM still get together every year. Thanks for all the great memories!”

"My college career at USF would not have been the same without the Baptist Collegiate Ministries. The students, staff, and leadership at the BCM became my family and home-away-from-home. We laughed together, we cried together, we ministered together, we worshiped together, and we prayed together—all for our campus, the students, and the faculty there. The fellowship we shared was because of one thing: we truly desired to see God move, and I believe we did. God did some great things during my four years at USF. Many friendships were made during our ministry together, and we still keep in touch—sometimes for ministry together, and other times just for spending time together. The BCM has truly changed the course of my life. Now, I am a missionary with the North American Mission Board, and I am going from here to finish my seminary degree in order to teach. God used the BCM to guide me and influence me for His glory and His purpose. My life will never be the same—all because of a bunch of college students who loved the Lord and desired to serve Him during their four (or more) years at the University of South Florida. I thank my God upon every remembrance of the BCM and what a lasting impression it has had on my life."

"I don't think it is any secret that USF is one of the most transferred to schools in the country. After finishing three years of community college in Lakeland (picking a major is so hard), I transferred to USF. Like so many, my main goal was to get done with college in two years. I didn't want any distractions. All I wanted from my time in Tampa was an education and a diploma. But friends and family constantly hounded me about the BCM, so I went my first Monday to their welcome meeting. I had a nice time, so I decided to come to the Thursday night meeting. Much to my surprise, they remembered my name. Over that first semester I became more involved. One of the interns began mentoring me through a leadership Bible study. My second semester I served on leadership. I eventually got involved in Outreach Ministries, Bull Market, and drama. God put so many amazing people in my life that became a blessing to me. What a waste my two years in Tampa would have been if they had been spent in my apartment doing nothing but school work. I was so glad God had better things planned than I did! Even my summer working as BCM janitor was a blessing (Ms. Jean is awesome!). Finishing college can be such a trying time. I'm so glad I had my brothers and sisters at the BCM to help me through it. God can use you in ways you never imagined. The BCM is a place where He will open up doors for you to serve. God blessed my college years by being part of the BCM, and I know he can do the same for you!"

"How do I explain in just a paragraph what the BCM has meant to me? First of all, it was an immediate group of people that were not only my friends, but also my mentors. Secondly, it was a place where, when I was at the lowest point in my spiritual walk with the Lord, I had someone who saw the good in me when I did not. I do not think I would be where I am today if it were not for her. That person has not only mentored me, but she gave me a vision for the Women's Ministry. It was her actions that spoke louder than her words. I will never forget the encouragement she was in my life. Her recommendation for me as president was such a blessing and something that I will always remember. I learned so much from that experience, and I had the privilege of getting to know Loy Reed. There are very few people that come into our lives and take us in, and he did that for me. I will forever be greatful for the BCM. I think of the BCM like this: Many christians say they believe in God, and they even go to church, but they are not living their lives for the Lord. As I look back, I realize that if it were not for the BCM, I probably would not have given as much time to serving the Lord as I did. This is a conviction, but it is also a realization that life is too short, and we need to be living our lives to the fullest for the Lord. It is not the area in which you serve, but it is your heart and your service that matter. Thank you for allowing me to finish off my college career
serving the Lord in this capacity."

Psalm 73: 23-26
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.

"My participation at BCM was incredibly valuable. It served as an anchor for me during the turmolt of college, new careers, self discovery and as I learned to battle a chronic disease. I was honored to serve as President during my time at USF and grew so much through the experience. Perhaps the most beneficial, outside of the spiritual refuge, were the relationships I was blessed to form -- in music, prayer groups, special outings and those weekly meetings and luncheons. I hope my children will have the same opportunity for growth and protection through a similar organization when they go to college."

(Nicole is a lobbyist on both the state and federal level for healthcare issues and biotech development. She also hosts a weekly talkshow on CNBC, dLife, which airs Sundays at 7pm. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and 3 children.)

"I began attending the BCM each Thursday night as soon as I started my freshman year of college in 1993. Back then, it was "BSU" (Baptist Student Union) and our Thursday night meeting was called "Celebration." I don't know where I would be now without my experience with BCM. It was a biblical anchor in the turbulent world of college life. I grew tremendously in my walk with the Lord, and I made friends that I have to this day. I had many "firsts" at BCM -- first serious boyfriend, first road trip -- even my first square dance. But more importantly, I discovered the gifts God had placed in me and how He expected me to use them. Through the encouragement of fellow BCMers and the leadership (and office prayer meetings) of Director Greg Floyd (now pastor of Seminole Heights Baptist), I discovered all God had in store for me -- missions, leadership, music, drama, service. I even was able to serve a term as summer president of BCM. No other single entity has molded my life in a more positive way than the BCM. Now I serve full-time at the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, and I sing professionally in churches across the country. But I never would have been equipped for these roles without the nurture of the BCM."

"I was a new transfer student from a community college in Orlando, FL. I came to USF knowing no one and decided to go to the BCM on a Thursday night. My parents encouraged me to go because they had been active members of BSU at the University of Alabama. I went and the friends I met were my closet friends I had at USF. I attended all the football games, parties, and "Meetings" (the Thursday night Bible Study) at the BCM. I grew close to my Savior and everyday thanked God for the friends I had in Tampa. I was active with the Food for the Soul Cafe my Senior year, and loved delivering food to the people that ordered it. God used me in leadership in that area. God will use you at the BCM if you only make yourself listen to what He wants you to do. My advice is, let God use you and great things WILL happen."

"I gave my life to Jesus my freshman year of college and the BCM and the church really helped nurture that decision. I loved hearing messages and singing. I met some lifetime friends at the BCM who were awesome for me and kept me out of trouble (not to mention, I met my husband there). Getting involved was so easy and flexible. I got to serve on leadership and plan some events and really had room to try different things and be creative.

Also, Bible Studies were a huge part of my experience. It blew me away how much I learned and how much more there is to go (apologetics, dealing with day-to-day issues, relationships, discipleship, etc.). There were people there who really cared for me on a day-to-day basis and knew my name and were there to share some of my burdens.

Finally, I got to experience my very first mission trip--Orlando. I shared my testimony for the first time publicly and got to show others Christ's love. I will never forget how that felt. That experience opened the door to other mission trips--the Cayman Islands, Panama City, FL (3 times) and Montana.

My experience at the BCM was awesome and allowed me to blossom and get out of my box in such an encouraging and accepting environment."

"The first time I heard the gospel was at a Thursday night BCM meeting. I had not been to church since my parents stopped making me go, and I was living like it! After that meeting, I remember thinking two things; (1) why are these people raising their hands and acting funny, and (2) is Jesus really the only way to the Father? After some time of investigating the scriptures, and hearing the Word of God preached at the BCM, I realized that I was lost with out Christ! Without delay I surrendered my life to Christ, and was saved! I praise the Lord for the BCM’s ministry. He used their faithfulness in a powerful way, changing the course of my life for His glory!"