April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
Baker's recipe: Make the most of God's gifts
You get the story of Sarah Baker, one of the most promising students to ever grace the halls of Saratoga Central Catholic High School -- and now taking the college world by storm.
No one is a better example of putting her faith to use than Sarah, a member of mission trips with an organization called Touch the World since she was in seventh grade, valedictorian of the Saratoga Central class of '01 and now a freshman at Gordon College. But it was her trip to Cuba in the summer of 2000 that was particularly remarkable. Here are her thoughts about what happened:
Q. Tell me a little about your trip to Cuba.
A. I was one of six teens and four adults. The purpose of our trip was to support the Christian Church in Cuba through construction work, providing supplies and, most of all, fellowship. We stayed in Holguin, at an Inglesia de Dios (Church of God) in the middle of the city.Because of the political tensions (this was right after the Elian Gonzalez affair), our work was confined to churches in the area. We painted several, and set foundations for both a brick wall and well at two different church compounds -- and we attended services every night. We came with hundreds of Bibles, clothing, toys and medical supplies, which we passed out wherever we went.
The exciting parts of the trip for me were interacting with the Christians of Cuba. They have so few material possessions, but they have a pure love, peace, and joy in Christ that was amazing to witness.
Q. Were you scared about the trip or excited?
A. I was definitely excited going into the trip. I knew it would be an amazing experience, and I couldn't wait to see what God had in store for me. I wasn't really nervous or scared because I knew that I was going where God wanted me, and the safest place to be is the center of His will.Q. Did the trip change anything in you, make you see things differently or inspire you to do more?
A. It changed my entire worldview and perspective on life. I realized how much materialism has affected the American church. In Cuba, the Christians have nothing but Jesus, but they know Him in a very real way. Jesus tells us, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free," and He also says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." The Christians in Cuba know the truth and their spirits are free in a way that those of many American Christians are not.The main thing the trip changed in me was that it brought me back to a place where Christ and only Christ was my life. I no longer see my life as a race to do better and earn more; I see my life as part of the bigger picture of God's plan for His church in America and around the world.
Q. How important is your faith in your everyday life?
A. My faith is extremely important in my everyday life. In fact, I would venture so far as to say it is my everyday life. I try to walk everyday in God's love and allow Him to use me to show His love to others. The time I spend in prayer and studying God's Word every day is a major source of strength for me as I face the rest of my life's challenges.Q. Do you feel your strong faith has had a role in your success, in terms of reaching out in the community, academic accomplishments and extracurricular activities?
A. Definitely. My desire to share the love of God with others is what has prompted me to reach out into the community, both locally and worldwide. My knowledge of His love for me has given me the confidence and motivation both to do my best in the classroom and to become widely involved in extra curricular activities.Q. Doing as well as you did in school is a huge accomplishment. What kept you motivated all through high school to do your best?
A. My family has had an important influence in my sense of motivation. I'd always been raised to do my best in everything, and they were always very supportive of me in everything I did. My faith also helps keep me motivated. I believe that any gifts and talents I have are from God, and it's part of my responsibility as a Christian to make the most of those gifts.Q. If you could give one piece of advice to the youth of today on the importance of faith in everyday life, what would it be?
A. The most important reason for maintaining strong faith and developing a personal relationship with Christ is that it brings meaning and completeness to your life. If you seek to truly know God and allow Him to guide your life, He will change you in amazing ways and grant you true freedom.(Author's note: My experience in interviewing Sarah and understanding her message has opened my eyes to how much of an impact God makes on you and the world around you, when you truly let Him. No task is too great and no accomplishment too small, when they are achieved with God at your side. It is said that you can achieve more in one hour with God than you can in a lifetime without Him. No phrase has ever rung more true than after listening to Sarah's words and letting her message reach my heart.)
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