Students interested in community service with a Christian focus can look to the Baker Ambassadors as a way to get involved and have fun with faith.
The Baker Ambassadors, who are sponsored by Minister to the University Ira DeSpain, meet every other week to discuss upcoming events and to plan schedules.
DeSpain said the Baker Ambassador program offers many opportunities for students to reach out to people of the community, as well as their peers.
“This program not only offers spiritual growth, but also a chance to see the outcome of helping someone. We just basically act as a big support group for one another,” DeSpain said.
Senior Laura Heiniger said she loves to see the faces of people after they have been helped, and she enjoys the positive outcome doing service projects brings to the community and campus.
“Ambassadors are not only Christians on campus, but (have) a serious responsibility on and off campus, as well as beyond.” Heiniger said.
In addition to community service events, Baker Ambassadors visit churches around Kansas, have recreational games, raise money for charities, conduct Chapel services and hold such holiday activities as a Halloween hayride and Christmas caroling.
To be involved with Ambassadors, students must have sophomore status, a grade point average of at least 2.5, a written recommendation from a person on the Baker campus and an interview for the position. Since Baker is affiliated with the Methodist church, some might think becoming an Ambassador requires a student to be from a Methodist background; however, a wide variety of religions are encountered among Ambassadors.
This year 30 members comprise the Ambassadors, and no set number limits how many people can join.
DeSpain said he encourages everyone to help with the community service projects and students can e-mail him with any questions or requests for more information.