This June, among the caps, gowns and flowers, was a never-before-seen fixture at any Livingstone Adventist Academy (LAA) graduation: a baptismal tank.
Corey Bronson, a senior graduating from the Salem, Ore., school, took the opportunity to study for baptism this winter and spring with campus chaplain Eddy Darisme following a week of prayer last fall. Cards were distributed to all students, grades five through 12, asking if they were 1) wanting to join Bible study, 2) wanting to renew their commitment to Jesus and 3) wanting to be baptized.
“I had thought about baptism before and was planning on getting baptized sometime soon, so the cards provided an opportunity for me," says Bronson.
Bronson loves to read, and Darisme commented on how refreshing it was to study with someone who brings a lot of thought to the study. “Throughout our times together, probably the best thing for me has been the privilege of watching a life being transformed,” says Darisme. “There is no doubt in my mind that Corey loves Jesus and that his commitment is one that is deeply rooted in who he is. I felt so blessed to be a part of his journey.”
Darisme studied with Bronson for the months leading up to the end of the school year. They even met more than once a week to really dig into the Word.
Bronson described his walk with Jesus: “The best thing about following Jesus is his forgiveness. By all accounts, I deserve to die the moment I sin, and, indeed, in a world without a plan of salvation, instant death would be preferable to a life of sin. However, Jesus offers hope and forgiveness, hope that one day I may live a life without sin and be forgiven. Immortality, although wonderful, is only a minor benefit compared to sinlessness, and is only beneficial if it is combined with a relationship with God, in the way He made us.”
Regarding his choice to dive into a relationship with Jesus during graduation weekend, Bronson says, “It was a good weekend in regards to timing, as my baptism Bible study took almost right up until graduation weekend and because there would be many people there, including some of my family.”
Corey Bronson (left), graduating senior, took the opportunity to study for baptism this winter and spring with campus chaplain Eddy Darisme (right) following a week of prayer last fall.
Corey Bronson exchanges his graduation gown for a baptismal gown.
Corey Bronson and Eddy Darisme, chaplain, just after “diving in” for Jesus.
