Seventeen Baptized at Aboriginal College in WA

Karalundi College, an independent Aboriginal boarding school in Western Australia, finished the second term with a big celebration as thirteen students, one senior staff member, and three community members were baptized on Sabbath, June 25.

According to Pastor Peniamina (Ben) Cowley, Karalundi chaplain, the baptisms are a result of the intentional spiritual focus on campus. “Every school program or event must focus on Jesus. From the week of study and week of worship to social events and sports, the focus was always on Him.”

Emphasis on prayer is one of several initiatives to help the 36 boarding students and 25 full-time staff grow spiritually. “As the saying goes, ‘more prayer, more power.’ Hence, why at every staff worship, we uplift two students in prayer,” Cowley added. 

The school also has a special prayer moment every day at noon, in which every person on campus must stop and pray. “We started this during the World Church’s 40 Days of Prayer. It was a success, and the staff has agreed to continue this practice for years to come,” Cowley explained.

Students and staff are also provided with many opportunities to learn more about Scripture and practice discipleship. 

“Bible studies are conducted every evening during school terms by the school chaplain [with] interested students and staff. We also conduct outreach programs in the Meekatharra Seventh-day Adventist Church and Wiluna Church every term,” explained Dr. John Corcoran, Karalundi principal.

“Our focus here at Karalundi College is to equip our students for the workforce and, most notably, to prepare them to be disciples of Jesus. The Holy Spirit has worked miraculously for Karalundi College, and no doubt in mind, big things are yet to come,” said Pastor Cowley.