BSC Staff’s Quarterly Report

Happy fall from us at the Bradley Study Center! Below is our brief quarterly update. As the BSC begins its 10th year of ministry, we want to first thank you all for your support. We are so blessed by those of you who have invested in this ministry through your finances, hosting, baking, “The BSC provides a welcoming environment where I can engage in fascinating theological conversations with undergrads, faculty, and fellow grad students, something I'm rarely able to do elsewhere on campus. ...the BSC is my favorite place to relax, study, and dive deeper into philosophical questions in Christ-centered community. The weekly grad student lunches have become one of the highlights of my week!” Grad Student Lunch Caleb McIrvin, PhD student in Computer Engineering weeding, cooking, fixing things, designing spaces, introducing us to new friends, and interfacing with city officials. Thank you for partnering with us! Our fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, and this first quarter has seen some wonderful growth and new initiatives. The number of faculty and staff attending the Theological Collaborative at Duke University was 50% higher than last summer. Prayer groups and simple fellowship gatherings have produced a new energy in our faculty ministry. This fall we have seen the graduate student lunch almost double in size, and new grad students visit each Thursday for lunch and deep theological discussions on God-sized questions. We are piloting an Executive Director’s lunch that meets twice monthly studying Proverbs.

“Before I arrived at VT for my Fulbright, I had looked online for a place that would cater to my spiritual needs. I knew if I found a cornerstone like this, I was going to be ok. I came across the BSC and I knew this was the place I should seek out. Fast forward to my arrival: during my first week, I felt overwhelmed by living in the United States without my family, the huge campus, and meeting new people. When I arrived, Pastor Taylor took me on a tour, and as soon as I set foot there, I knew I had found my cornerstone. A place where I can be comfortable, be myself, and be surrounded by so much love. I hope those who walk through the doors know what a great place this is. A home away from home" Our first short course on Tolstoy was well-received, and we are very excited about our next one covering a Christian view on animals, featuring three distinguished speakers. Check out the website for more information and join us on Tuesday nights! Fellows is off to a good start and the coursework this year is an Introduction to Christian Theology. Dr. Sharon Wilson, visiting fulbright Scholar in the Dept of Sociology at VT Our Thinking Thursdays have featured a variety of topics such as the 3rd ecumenical council at Ephesus, Christianity in Spain, the Papal encyclical on AI, and a Christian perspective on Name, Image and Licensing (NIL) in college sports. Faculty Prayer Group

Fellows Our purchase of the property at 106 Faculty from James Creekmore is targeted for mid- December, and we are excited about both near- term and long-range ministry possibilities beginning next February or March, 2027. Our purchase of the property at 106 Faculty from James Creekmore is targeted for mid-December, and we are excited about both near-term and long-range ministry possibilities beginning next February or March, 2027. Our budget is stable, but always in need of increased monthly support to help us prepare for increased programming and costs with the acquisition of the 106 property. Aaron Handy, undergrad in Accounting As a believer in Christ here at VT, it is amazing to have a place where I can go to work, laugh, and discuss my faith surrounded by like-minded individuals. Getting to know the staff, hosts, and students at Bradley has been special to me and beneficial to my college career. I look forward to continue being a part of the BSC community during my time here at VT and am thankful to the Lord for the blessing it has been to my life.” “I first started coming to the BSC as a way to escape my dorm. Within my first few visits, I realized the BSC was more than just an escape; it was a community that made me feel at home. Why? The warm atmosphere, free coffee, but most importantly, the people.

Daily Snapshot of BSC The number of students and faculty participating in BSC activities is growing. God is doing some wonderful work, and we look forward to serving Him together with you. Please let us know if you’d like to invest in this unique and growing ministry. On a personal note, Kathryn and I purchased a home late in September and are in the process of moving in. I was also recently diagnosed with a small basal cell carcinoma that needs to be surgically removed. We appreciate your prayers for these significant moments in our lives. Ashley Kim, Masters student in Philosophy “The BSC was a major reason I chose Virginia Tech; my undergrad ministry house and community had immeasurably impacted my faith, and I hoped the BSC would be similar. It has exceeded my expectations. I am so encouraged by the discipleship, scholarship, friendship, and hospitality that I’ve found here, which have been among the greatest blessings of my academic career. It is a rare place that enables Christians to do life together so intimately; it is rarer still to have such wonderful and wise staff that foster such terrific discourse and doxology. I praise God for this magnificent ministry and eagerly await how He will continue to use it for His glory!” As always, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. May God bless you all! In Christ, Tim Johnson