Harley Paul (JR, Plains, Kan.) headed home to Plains, Kan., not knowing what was next. Having just finished her freshman year at Ottawa University, Paul chose to transfer, and she stopped at Tabor College. She made a campus visit on the same day she moved out of her freshman dorm.
Paul signed to join the Bluejay volleyball team that same day, opening the door to a life-changing decision.
Baptized as a baby, Paul was curious as to what baptism would look like as an adult.
Although Paul attended church sparingly before high school–often when she visited her grandmother in Texas–she chose Grace Community Fellowship in Hillsboro as her home congregation following a Tabor Sunday.
“I had never had a connection with God, and I wasn’t interested in that relationship,” Paul said. “Coming to Tabor, I was curious to learn more and have that relationship with Him. I asked questions, and after I talked to Ryan [Lee, Tabor campus pastor] about what baptism was, he gave me a few verses about baptism.”
Because of Tuesday night Bible studies with her teammates, Paul developed a foundation in scripture that she sought.
Paul spoke about the relationships she’s built with teammates Olivia Lazenby (FR, Mansfield, Texas), Ashley Spease (FR, Pratt, Kan.), and Kimari Downer (JR, Lauderhill, Fla.) as well as mentoring from Faith Nelson (SR, Wolsey, S.D.), Livia Ensz (SR, Salem, Ore.), and Julianna Maxfield (SO, St. Edward, Neb.).
Surrounded by a community that encouraged her faith, Paul began to see baptism as the next step.
The Franz Family Heritage Lobby in the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts was packed for her baptism on Nov. 2, as Tabor peers, personnel, and community members gathered to recognize the milestone.
“Even a year ago, I probably would have said, ‘You’re crazy,’” she said. “I couldn’t have imagined doing this, but I’m really happy it happened. God’s timing is perfect.”
Baptizing her were Ryan Lee, Tabor campus pastor, and Andy Wesner, lead pastor of Grace Community Fellowship.
“I honestly don’t have any words to describe it,” Paul said. “It felt amazing to see my worlds collide and for everyone to support me as I stepped out in faith and made such a big decision.”
Thanks to a phone call later that evening, she discovered the impact went even deeper in the Paul family.
“My grandma is buying my little brother his first Bible,” Paul said. “He has been through a lot and wants to better himself. My mom said being there and watching me make this commitment had him thinking.”
Kristen Hays, Ed.D., assistant professor of education, serves as Paul’s academic advisor. Working closely with her as she prepares for the classroom, Hays said she’s thrilled for this milestone in Paul’s life.
“Her baptism is a testament to her dedication to the Lord,” Hays said. “I’m excited for her as she steps into her journey as an educator with a heart awakened for purpose and grace.”