Oklahoma State University - Stillwater

And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.  Colossians 1:28

Dawson Trotman strongly influenced Jim Downing prior to World War II and began a life-long mentoring relationship. Jim strongly influenced Gordon “Gus” Gustafson and was actively helping Gus grow spiritually when their ship was attacked at Pearl Harbor. I met Gus while in military service overseas.  Gus helped me to understand the gospel and to embrace God’s Word in my life.

Later I learned these men were following the same pattern that Christ did when He trained the first disciples through life on life ministry. Nettie received similar personal help in college. For over 30 years, we have found the principles of Christ to work with students, soldiers and career professionals.

In 2009 I took early retirement as a Professor from Louisiana State University to “come home” and lead the Navigator student ministry at Oklahoma State University. This is my favorite place for ministry on earth because I get to reach young men and women from Oklahoma, and around the world, who are at a highly strategic place in their lives and help set direction and paths for long-term success in life and ministry. We work to build lasting faith, character, and ministry skills, and to impart the vision of Christ for reaching the world through spiritual reproduction and multiplication.

Oklahoma has a strong tradition of discipleship ministry tracing back to the Billy Graham Crusade in the 1950s. We are excited to be a part of this tradition and hope to partner with others throughout the State for even more impact.