Seventeen give their hearts to Christ in La Sierra baptism

  Adventist Culture   Archaeology+Religion  

On a balmy Friday evening in late spring, 17 individuals gave their public testimony of lifelong commitment to Christ during La Sierra University’s annual end-of-school-year baptism.

Assistant Chaplain Martin Corona baptizes Daman Uppal during La Sierra University's June 5 baptism. (Photos by Natan Vigna)
Assistant Chaplain Martin Corona baptizes Daman Uppal during La Sierra University's June 5 baptism. (Photos by Natan Vigna)
Assistant Chaplain Linda Biswas baptizes Alejandra Najarro during La Sierra's end-of-year baptism. Najarro also served as senior class president.
Assistant Chaplain Linda Biswas baptizes Alejandra Najarro during La Sierra's end-of-year baptism. Najarro also served as senior class president.
Musicians perform and lead singing prior to the June 5 baptism on La Sierra's Founders' Green.
Musicians perform and lead singing prior to the June 5 baptism on La Sierra's Founders' Green.
Kendra Haloviak Valentine, associate professor of New Testament studies with the H.M.S. Richards Divinity School, prepares to baptize Catherine Kent.
Kendra Haloviak Valentine, associate professor of New Testament studies with the H.M.S. Richards Divinity School, prepares to baptize Catherine Kent.
Chaplain Sam Leonor prepares to baptize Martiene Macias during La Sierra's June 5 baptism.
Chaplain Sam Leonor prepares to baptize Martiene Macias during La Sierra's June 5 baptism.

The event was held on Founders’ Green on June 5, in a baptismal pool built into an outdoor stage area. Dozens of family members and friends of those baptized gathered on the grass under sprawling trees, sitting on lawn chairs and blankets to witness the occasion. La Sierra University Chaplain Sam Leonor, assistant chaplains Martin Corona and Linda Biswas performed the baptisms as well as Kendra Haloviak Valentine, associate professor of New Testament studies with the H.M.S. Richards Divinity School.

Adrian Cortez, a security officer at La Sierra University aiming for a career in criminal justice, was among those who made public their commitments to Jesus. Cortez, in response to a questionnaire from the university’s Chaplain’s Office, said he found Jesus irresistible because of “His never-ending love” for the world and His sacrifice to save humanity. “If I had to choose one thing, I would say how He truly leads by example, and how He is truly a hero. …you have Jesus, who in this case is the boss or higher-up, [who] came down to Earth as the god to save us. That is something I have not seen anybody but Jesus do,” said Cortez. 

The questionnaire for baptismal candidates asks several questions designed to shed light on the candidates’ interests, future plans, and their feelings and views about their Creator.

“I find Jesus’ love and forgiveness irresistible to not accept,” wrote Summer Nichole Johnson. She plans to be a nutritionist and registered dietician who works with children. “I love the fact that I talk to Him anytime and anywhere. It’s like having a best friend who is there for you twenty-four-seven and you don’t even have to call Him.”

Alejandra Marcella Caceres Najarro, La Sierra University senior class president and senior health science/health care management major was also baptized, with about 15 friends present, including some who were among the baptismal candidates. Her family watched a broadcast of the event online and traveled to Riverside a few days later for Najarro’s graduation on June 14.

“The moment that stands out so vividly in my memory is standing in the baptismal tank with Pastor Linda Biswas and Pastor Sam Leonor. I had a feeling of love and bliss that filled every bit of me. That kind of emotion will stay in my heart,” said Najarro. 

In addition to several short-term overseas mission trips, Najarro served for a year as a student missionary and head nurse in Pucallpa, Peru providing medical care to local communities, including assisting with baby deliveries. 

“I had decided in my heart years ago that I want to follow God where He will take me -- Perú, Nicaragua, or here. And I want to now share it with those I love,” she said of her decision for baptism. “I have decided to follow God.”

Assistant chaplain Corona describes the moment when he and a student are standing in the baptistery as one of “surreal joy that is like no other experience,” he said 

“Every time I have an opportunity to study and baptize a student I am reminded that the Spirit of God is at work at La Sierra University and that today God continues to invite people to Himself through the person of Jesus Christ.”

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