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Mobilize Me

  • Mel Cruikshank
    Calgary, Alberta

    Mel Cruikshank: 40
    Mission: Student evangelism director for the Bow Valley Baptist Convention; evangelism through student ministry at the University of Calgary
    Prayer request: The new Southern Baptist Student Ministry at Royal College; the new Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary and family solidarity
    In this age of computers, Mel Cruikshank offers technical support of the best kind. As the Baptist Campus Minister, he meets the more than 20,000 students at the University of Calgary right where they are--on the Internet. "Every student is required to have e-mail. Because of this we have developed an e-mail newsletter and a website," Cruikshank explains.

    www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~baptist takes you to a website colorful and full of information. It promotes Baptist Student Ministries by sharing exciting information about Oasis meetings, Bible studies, prayer ministry, parties "with a purpose," conferences and the CrossSeekers program. Oasis meetings provide a time when students can meet for open discussion and worship. CrossSeekers centers around a six-point covenant addressing integrity, spiritual growth, witness, service, purity and Christ-like relationships.

    Cruikshank creates an environment of accessibility through the website, which states: "If you have questions of a spiritual nature (no matter what your denominational or faith background), or personal or academic concerns, you can find Cruikshank at his office… or at our club's office… leave a phone message… or send them an e-mail." Cruikshank, and his wife, Marybelle, communicate availability!

    The website has helped establish Cruikshank's office as a place for spiritual guidance at the University of Calgary. He holds the position of chaplain, which provides resources and a relationship with staff and students.

    Cruikshank relates the story of a student who came to his office on campus last semester. "The young man was from a Chinese background and had little understanding of Christianity. However he was very open and within an hour was asking what one had to do to become a Christian. I was able to lead him in a prayer to commit his life to Christ." Cruikshank continues to disciple the young man and celebrate the "joy of a new life in Christ."

    Cruikshank and his wife know first-hand how campus ministry can be used to win students to Christ. They both became Christians through the Baptist Student Ministry on the campuses where they attended college.

    "I constantly encourage students to be ready at all times to share the hope that is within them. I also encourage students to be involved in university activities outside of the Christian clubs and community. I was reached as a member of a bowling club. Marybelle was reached by the personal witness of a Christian in her class.

    "I believe that Baptist Student Ministries is one of the greatest tools God is using to call Christians in order to equip the many new churches that are being started in Canada."

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