Historic: Langston BSU/BCM project brings unity, opportunity

LANGSTON—Wednesday, Oct. 31 marked a historic day on a historic college campus in Oklahoma. A group of Baptist faithful gathered at the newly remodeled Langston University Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) Building for a special noonday and building dedication event.

eaders with the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention (OBSC) and the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) joined with Langston students and new and longtime leaders with Langston’s Baptist Student Union (BSU)/Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM).

The OBSC is the state affiliate of the National Baptist Convention USA, a predominantly African American denomination.

Among those on hand for the special day was Verlene Farmer, longtime Langston BSU director. Farmer, now in her 80s, expressed thanks and praise to God for “all the good things He has done” through the campus ministry at Langston.

She recalled, “When I came home (to the United States) from Africa as a missionary, people told me, ‘Now go home and die,’ but here I am today.”

Farmer’s international missions career was cut short due to a serious illness contracted from a reaction to anti-malaria medication, but God gave her a fruitful ministry of 26-plus years at the Langston BSU, where she also had a global impact.

Farmer said, like Moses, she was on holy ground at this event. She removed her shoes, got to her knees and prayed, “We thank you, O God, for the partnership of the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention and the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Thank You for bringing us here today. Thank You, O God.”

Farmer prayed that many students would come to the Langston BCM building for Bible study, to hear the Gospel, for fellowship and to be sent out.

“Now send us around the world from here with the Good News of Your power… We give praises to Your Name Most High,” she said.

Bertholemew “Prophet” Bailey addressed the gathering, citing the ripe ministry opportunities he sees on campus. Speaking at the brief program was Mike McDaniel, pastor of Forest Park, Northeast Missionary, who had a role on the search committee that hired Bailey as the incoming Langston BSU/BCM director.

Bailey gave thanks to God for Farmer and the others who are part of the longtime ministry at Langston. “I thank God for the strong foundation that has been set here, for what has taken place here,” he said. “It’s a launching pad. I thank God for all the churches who came together in this effort. Part of the reason I took this job is because of all the spiritual support we would have.”

DeMarreo Felder, a Langston junior, said he was grateful for the renewed interest in the collegiate ministry. “I appreciate it. I love it,” he said.
In addition to McDaniel, those who participated in the hiring process included several OSBC pastors, BCM State Director Cris Lowery and Chris Hager, director of missions for Central Association. Bailey began his ministry work in the summer.

/// Building makeover for ministry

Until this most recent remodel, the last time the Langston BSU was renovated was 25 years ago. Trained and equipped volunteers of BGCO Disaster Relief (DR) spent countless hours during the hot summer days of July and into August—and many weeks thereafter—working on the building.

From “Demolition Day” on July 20, in which aspects of the building were cleared, and old furnishings removed, to days of remodeling, the property has a brand-new look.

Volunteers spent time replacing drywall, painting, cleaning, giving attention to ceilings, roofing and flooring, as well as renovating kitchen and bathroom spaces, all of which will enhance the property’s functionality and appearance.

According to Don Williams, DR state director, more than 40 volunteers gave an aggregate of 1,000 volunteer hours toward the project.

 

Through the Cooperative Program, Oklahoma Baptists invested approximately $40,000 in total cost for materials toward the renovation of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry Building at Langston University. Oklahoma Baptist DR, which participated in the renovation and also used the building project as a training opportunity for volunteers, helped provide the labor for the project at no cost.

/// Ministry partnership brings unity

Throughout the day, the theme of unity was pronounced. Bailey noted that a ministry partnership like what was forged between the conventions was remarkable. “I am praying this partnership can be duplicated around the nation. In these chaotic times, to see brothers and sisters in Christ coming together is a beautiful thing.”

In speaking about the shared ministry work at Langston, Pastor Anthony Scott of North Tulsa, First said, “I really believe what we are seeing here is similar to the New Testament example of God bringing two different culture groups together as one. We are one in the Body of Christ.”

Scott, an alumni of Langston University, said, “As president of the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention, I am excited about this new Kingdom partnership with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and Hance Dilbeck.”

Dilbeck added, “The ministry work at Langston—past and present—is a remarkable example of God at work in this important area. We are grateful to the Lord for this ministry partnership with my brother, Anthony Scott, and the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention.”

Dilbeck praised God for the ministry partnership, which he noted has all the biblical marks of fellowship and unity. “Christian fellowship is expressed in the sharing of time, money and the sharing of work. This partnership has had all three of those. This is a beautiful partnership, and this is evidence of God’s grace. We could not do this without His grace.”

Following the noonday event, everyone gathered for a dedication ceremony that included Scripture and responsive readings and prayer.
The BSU/BCM at Langston has a storied past and, with these latest improvements, an even more impressive potential for future ministry at this historic and well-known University.