Tarleton BSM: making something out of nothing

BY JACOB BACK

Contributing Writer 

Sledding, skiing and makeshift snowboarding: These are all things Tarleton State University students did during the recent snowstorm that swept through Texas in late January. The snowstorm proved that plenty of Tarleton students are kids at heart. 

But while the storm was blowing through, some Tarleton Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) students were planning an alternative way for students to connect.

The BSM is an on-campus student organization that serves as an extension of local churches, associations, individuals and Texas Baptists. They hold weekly worship services called 402 on Thursday at 8 p.m. in their building across from Heritage Park. They also host a weekly free lunch, served at noon on Wednesdays.

The morning of Jan. 25, Tarleton State’s BSM held a church service in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center. The service started at 9:15 a.m., with the BSM house band leading everyone in worship. They performed notable songs such as “Living Hope,” “Whom Shall I Fear,” “Raise a Hallelujah” and “Jesus Paid It All.” 

“It was very last minute, ‘cause no one knew what was going to happen with the weather,” Sydney Marwitz, a BSM house band member, said. “It was really just a bunch of us who got together and decided, ‘You know what? Everything's closed, but we still need to worship the Lord.’”

Even though the winter storm blew in, it was not going to stop them.

“At first, it’s hard; there's so much that goes into corporate worship,” Glory Gilbert, another house band member, said. “Whether that’s what song you're singing, how the band is going to respond and how the group is going to respond.”

But for the band, the technical prep is simply a means to a greater end.

“It just really showed that we really value community. Obviously, the most important part of a community is finding Christ in that community,” Marwitz said. 

This community showed to be even stronger than imagined, as the turnout was staggering to members.

“I was really surprised there were so many people. I was expecting maybe 20 people, and we had about 40,” Gilbert said. 

With the snowstorm service giving new Christ followers a chance to experience the love of God, it also seemed to give more experienced Christ followers a chance to grow their relationship with Christ. Serving God through leading worship is one way it was done that day. 

“I really enjoy it. I think it’s a good opportunity to steward the gifts that the Lord has given me. Definitely all glory to God,” Marwitz said. 

Marwitz contributes to the house band and worship service through playing the keys. 

“I think any gift or talent we have shouldn't be just taken for granted, to glorify ourselves,” Marwitz said. “It should be turned back around to glorify God. So, I think that’s a good opportunity to participate and worship with other people.”

It seems to BSM members that God is without a doubt moving within Tarleton State University, and the group is always welcoming new members and guests.

“You don’t have to be Baptist to join. We love all people,” Gilbert said.