By Bailey Farmer | The Baptist Student Ministry is a student led organization on the Howard Payne University campus that facilitates various ministries across campus. Bryan Pate recently became the BSM director and is loving every minute of it.
One of the many special things the BSM does for the students of HPU is host the Free Lunch every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Local churches from all over the county will bring in meals they have prepared to feed the students of HPU. This past Tuesday, the meal was provided by the Cowboy Church of Erath County. They brought in tater tot casserole, salad, and cookies.
Between 100-150 students come into the BSM every Tuesday for free lunch, which is about 20% of campus.
“For me it’s the outreach free lunch brings in. It gives me and the students of BSM an opportunity to connect with campus and churches as well” says Pate.
Because the BSM has done Free Lunch for many years, it has helped HPU build relationships with churches from all over. Usually the BSM will call and contact churches, inviting and asking if they would like to help with the free lunch for the week, but because those relationships have been building over the years, churches will now call HPU asking if they can provide.
“The churches are always excited to serve the students of HPU, it’s a great feeling,” said Pate.
Many students enjoy being a part of the free lunch community. Some students don’t get consistent meals and others just need a break from the cafeteria. It’s a great way for students to not only connect with each other but also with the BSM as well.