Brian Baker
Walking into Brian Baker’s office, the first thing I notice is the large window overlooking the most frequented path on campus.
It's the one that leads from The Wyrtzen Center, where class is held, directly to (of course) the dining hall.
on Youth Ministry, Family, and His Word of Life Journey
Even though the afternoon is a brisk and playfully windy one, I can still see a few students bundled up and hurrying along to ministry, friends, or maybe even the Page Center for Student Success, which is exactly where Brian’s office is located. It’s the perfect spot to welcome whoever might happen to pass by. Welcoming others in is something Brian excels at. Though he was born and raised in Illinois, his nearly 17 years spent in North Carolina as a Local Church Missionary, and then as a Regional Coordinator have lent themselves to a slight southern twang and an easygoing air about him. It’s clear to me why he seems to be able to laugh with any group, whether it’s staff, students, or even parents.
As we sit down to chat, I ask Brian about how he came to know Jesus, and his face lights up.
“You know, I grew up in a great home, and I actually came to know the Lord at VBS when I was about eight years old. As I got older, I was a typical teen... I strug- gled to live for the Lord, and sports became my main focus in high school. But, during my junior year, I was introduced to Word of Life and came to The Island.” His tone becomes more earnest before he continues, “It was my first time seeing what the Christian life could be... I saw the joy of the Lord in a real way. I dedicated my life to the Lord that summer, when I was 17 years old.”
By Bree Hayden
5
The Experience
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