Splashes of Faith
Chaplains Matthew Daniels, Lorena Garza and Cory Gardner answered the student’s and parent’s request.
School Chaplains answer baptism requests!
One by one, a difference can easily be achieved.
There are times when an enormous need for a multitude of people can seem unreasonable to attain. This can elicit an intimidating or helpless feeling for an Individual or small group who want to donate, but assume their contribution would be inadequate. However, never underestimate the ripple effect of helping one person!
Expect surprises of multiplication, like Jesus with the loaves and fish. Start with any amount with one person in mind, and watch it suddenly grow! This is exactly what happened for our NSCA Chaplains who first met the request of one student, then others clamored for the opportunity.
The youth are recognizing that something is missing in their lives. Suddenly and without prompting, students are asking to be baptized. Imagine one person comes to you at an appointed moment in time with a special request. This is the crux of life that makes one's existence meaningful. You have the capacity to impact one person at the right time and place. What is your response?
In the midst of life's uncertainties and circumstances, there may be only one opportunity to respond to a significant need from a student who is genuinely ready. The young face looks intently at that trusted person and asks to be baptized.
Who is available at a pivotal moment? Who is equipped and ready to respond? The School Chaplain is the answer!
Recently, three NSCA school chaplains were approached with unsolicited student requests to be baptized. Each of their stories will be described in a moment, but first things first. They each carried out the proper protocol as follows:
Of course, the starting point was inviting the yearning soul to tell each chaplain more about their special request. Soon, it was discovered whether or not the students had an understanding of the meaning of baptism or if more time and exploration was necessary.
Cultural aspects are routinely assessed and addressed by the NSCA trained chaplain for all encounters.
The student's parents were consulted. Parental consent and input was attained. Parents attended the baptisms. The School Chaplain offered to meet with and include the family's spiritual leader if they so desire.
Generally speaking, some students may not otherwise have access to established spiritual care. Perhaps the family is new in town. Perhaps the student will be the one to initiate spiritual context for the entire family!
The first particular baptism request unfolded at the service of Chaplains Cory Gardner and Lorena Garza. Lorena, Campus Chaplain and Bible Club Sponsor of a high school, finds it an honor to serve students who have come to Christ and are growing in their faith!
One young lady, among the JrROTC students, recently assisted Chaplain Lorena Garza at their annual Freedom Call Ministries Rally. At the end of the rally, while cleaning up, Chaplain Garza ran into this student and noticed she had tears in her eyes. Chaplain asked her what happened and she replied; “I gave my life to Christ, I will never be the same!”
Although this student had faithfully and energetically attended the Team United for Christ Bible Club and had been a joy to the group; what came next was unexpected to the chaplain. The student told Chaplain Garza that she wanted to be baptized!
After confirming protocol details, Chaplain Garza asked her colleague Chaplain Cory Gardner (who is also a Pastor) if they could use his church for the baptism location. Chaplain, Cory graciously hosted the baptism! The student and family were thankful for school chaplains who met her spiritual needs.
At another school, Chaplain Matthew Daniels was approached by a student who wanted to get baptized. She had been attending a student-lead voluntary Bible study at the charter school that began early mornings prior to the morning bell. This student repeatedly sought out Chaplain Daniels requesting that he baptize her.
At the request of over twenty Bible study students, the chaplain agreed to hold a fifteen to twenty minute Bible study regarding baptism and what it means. Thereafter, a teacher and one of the parents also requested to be baptized!
With parental consents, an after-school-hours baptism was arranged in conjunction with Brooke of Life Christian Organization. The parents, grandparents, a local pastor as well as the community at large attended the baptism. Not only were the students and families appreciative and flourishing, other school campuses heard about it and are expressing the desire to have chaplain care at their schools.
The three NSCA chaplains actualized the completeness of the students' desire to act out their faith as they realized there is more to life than only physical and emotional wellness. The spiritual impact is positive for the holistic care of the students, faculty and the entire community.
The National School for Chaplains Association is thankful for the above-mentioned school systems and the other school districts who are utilizing NSCA trained chaplains. Gratitude also goes out to all who support NSCA to make chaplains a ready resource at school where children spend most of their time. Your help places spiritual care at the point-of-impact to avoid missed opportunities. Society needs hope and the students are our future! Please consider making an end of the year gift.