09/25/2026
THE JOY OF BAPTISM
The start of a new school year is always exciting. Scholars learn new routines and procedures, while teachers build relationships—some familiar and some brand new. As chaplains, we experience that same sense of anticipation as we begin serving our schools and getting to know new scholars, families, and staff.
On September 14, Chaplain Aaron Schultz had just finished leading a staff devotion during morning circle when Ms. Dauden, Semper's sixth-grade teacher, approached him with an exciting request. "My scholars really want to get baptized, but they don’t want to do it in front of the whole school during chapel. Is there a way we can do it privately in our classroom?”
Over the following week, they made plans, talked about the importance of baptism, and prepared for a special afternoon together. Then, on September 21, Chaplain Schultz held the first baptism event at HOPE Semper.
"As soon as I walked into the classroom carrying my portable baptismal bowl, it was obvious that the Holy Spirit was already at work. The sixth-grade scholars were giddy with excitement as they sat in their seats, eagerly anticipating the blessing God was about to give them through baptism.
We spent time talking about what baptism means—not simply as a special ceremony, but as God’s gracious gift through which he connects us to Christ, washes away our sins, and gives us new life as his children. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.
Thirteen scholars were baptized that afternoon.
One after another, each scholar received the blessing of God’s forgiveness and the promise of new life in Christ. And after each baptism, the classroom erupted in applause and praise. The joy was contagious.
But God wasn’t finished yet.
Ms. Dauden had also asked to be baptized herself. What a powerful confession of faith—to receive the same gift of baptism alongside her scholars and to publicly confess her trust in Christ in front of the very students she teaches each day.
Baptism isn’t just for children. It is God’s gift for people of every age, a visible reminder that our salvation does not depend on what we do for God, but on what God has already done for us through Jesus.
When Ms. Dauden was baptized, the classroom exploded with even more joy and praise. You probably could have heard the celebration from across the street!
What a beautiful reminder that the gospel can take root anywhere—even in a sixth-grade classroom. God’s Word was at work, the Spirit was moving hearts, and thirteen scholars and their teacher were blessed with the assurance of God’s promises in baptism."
To God alone be the glory!
