Short Circuit Vol 2 Num 3

Consequently, there is quite a diversity of backgrounds and attitudes between the "city folks" and those more "countrified folks." C.B.F. is the only fundamental and local church governed ministry that is on the campus.

The ministry began on a part-time basis in August of 1995 when John and Kim Caputo were still conducting their deputation ministry. John attended this same university from 1972-1976, before he was saved. This earlier association has opened several doors of opportunity to more effectively reach students for the Lord Jesus Christ.

The ministry has begun its fall semester for the last six years with a local church sponsored barbecue outreach that typically attracts 200 students. Religious surveys and witnessing opportunities provide many contacts for the upcoming school year. After having been recontacted at their dorm rooms, several of these students have later responded to gospel witnesses and have trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The barbecue outreaches have also brought local church folks from Faith Baptist Church and C.B.F. university students closer together as they both minister for Christ.

On Thursday nights students gather for our large group Bible study and fellowship at 8:00 pm. Because there is an evangelistic emphasis, we often have visitors at these meetings. On the average we have one guest speaker per month and always try to give our students the opportunity to have several contacts each semester with the pastor of the church with which we are collaborating.

There is always a strong emphasis for church attendance and an opportunity for students to be picked up for services from their dorm lobbies. We encourage all students attending church with us to sit together as a group. This has made it easier for students to more quickly identify with the church. It also has made it easier for the church folks to meet the college students and keep tabs on how they are doing. Several of the ladies at Faith Baptist Church have begun to disciple some of the gals. It has been a particular blessing to have several CBFers begin to minister in special music in the church services!

There are other Bible studies available and one-on-one studies for those students who desire them.

Monday nights serve as a regular opportunity to evangelize on campus and to teach others how to better reach others for Christ.

Gym nights, retreats, church fellowship dinners, Thanksgiving fellowships, and International Dinners provide plenty of opportunities to build relationships and to invite new friends to enjoy what C.B.F. has to offer.

C.B.F. also ministers in special ways to the university's football team. John Caputo, C.B.F. Staff worker at West Chester, serves as both the football chaplain and as a strength coach who has helped design the team's off-season weight training schedule. This has allowed for a direct gospel ministry to students and coaches alike. As many as 35 students and several coaches are present at the football chapels directly before a game. Several football players have come to the Lord Jesus through this ministry.

The C.B.F. ministry has been a blessing to the Caputo family as they have had many opportunities to mingle with the students at various ministry and fellowship outings. The Caputo kids and the family "atmosphere" they bring have also been an attraction in drawing students to identify with C.B.F. as "their" group.