Scary Incident, World Views Class & Encouraging Dorm Parents: Graduating Student makes Decision for Christ

“God, if you’re real, please help me!” 19-year-old Peter* silently screamed as 5 youths surrounded the car he was in. One of them held an open switchblade.  

“Suddenly, a police car showed up and stopped. I froze in confusion,” Peter says. I told the police everything was fine and they left. The 5 around me seemed to respect that I hadn’t said anything, so they let me go and went away.” 

This was now January of his Senior year, his 4th at Black Forest Academy (BFA). He was taking a World Views course that had really sparked his thinking. His Dorm Mom, Mama Kruse, was also walking alongside him during his time at BFA. “Peter always wanted to pray. He was very respectful. You could tell he was someone who wanted to walk with integrity,” she notes.  

In the months following the car incident Peter knew that professing Christ was a serious and big decision. As he approached graduation, he knew he had to face important life choices. During Covid, half of the school’s students had to leave. This sudden change in routine, encouraged Peter to think about God’s plan for his life and God’s purpose for him. 

He told Mama Kruse that he wanted to find a church. She challenged him with “What are you waiting for?” Then on Senior Sunday (the last Sunday the graduating class is all together) at Black Forest Christian Fellowship, Peter decided it was time to be baptized. To go public. He was leaving for a new country shortly to begin a new chapter. He told his Mama Kruse about his decision first. 

“I was baptized in the river that afternoon, following the regular Sunday service. Peter explains, “My Dorm Dad, Papa Kruse, actually went in the water with me. An Elder led the short service and I gave a testimony.”  

Today, Peter has moved to another country and is attending an international college. He is also active as a member of a church in his new city. 

*Name has been changed