DBU REPORT 6 For more information about stories included in News & Notes, go online to dbu.edu/news. STEPPING INTO NEW LIFE Sam Jones’ Baptism at the Pool of Bethesda Family, friends, teammates, and coaches gathered at the Pool of Bethesda on the DBU campus to witness the baptism of Women’s Soccer goalkeeper Sam Jones. Together, they watched a servant leader follow through in faith, leaving her old self behind and resting in the knowledge that God has control of her future. This life-changing moment not only moved Sam but also everyone standing around the Pool of Bethesda as she publicly declared her faith in Christ. Throughout her life, Sam longed for perfection in everything she did, striving to feel good enough. Although she sensed something greater was missing, she struggled to understand what it meant to trust someone she could not see. That mindset began to change when she stepped onto DBU’s campus. “It felt like I had been wrapped in a big hug that wasn’t going to ever let go,” she recalls. Sam was quickly surrounded by Chapel services, Bible studies, Christ-centered classes, friends, and mentors who consistently encouraged her to grow in her faith and learn more about God. In this pivotal season, Sam shares how the Lord used every relationship and experience to soften her heart and draw her closer to Him. After accepting Christ, she discovered a new peace, no longer feeling the pressure to be the perfect person the world expects her to be. “Seeing the beautiful life God already had planned out for me,” Sam says, “I felt the weight lifted off my shoulders because I knew God was in control.” DBU Head Women’s Soccer Coach Marcus Wood highlights how Sam has continually been a servant leader, leading first through her actions. “She is reliable and consistent,” he shares. Coach Wood describes her as someone who seeks to serve others and sets an example of what it means to live as both a leader and a follower of Christ. Surrounded by her coaches, family, and teammates, Sam felt deeply loved and supported. “I felt completely covered in love, God’s love and the love of the community He placed around me,” Sam shares. Hoping to encourage others through her story, Sam prays this moment will strengthen someone else’s walk with Christ. “If even one person sees my baptism and feels inspired to take the next step in their own faith,” she says, “then every part of this journey is worth it.” Starting an organization is not easy, but when fueled by a passion to serve the Lord, it becomes possible. Dallas Baptist University senior Glen Veasley combined his creative gifts and trust in God’s guidance to launch Group Projjject, an organization that brings DBU students together through creativity. Glen discovered DBU during his senior year of high school, leading him to enroll in 2021 with a focus in photography. Drawn to a Christ-centered community where he could grow creatively and spiritually, he became involved across campus, serving with Student Life, Broadcasting, as a freelance creative, and now as a photographer with the Communications Department. “Anything creative excites me,” Glen says. “I enjoy exploring different areas of the fine arts.” Glen shares that “DBU gave him the space, support, and mentorship to embrace that heritage and grow into the creative that God has called him to be.” Wanting to leave a lasting impact, he explored multiple ways to serve the Lord, including Bible studies, a Christian clothing brand, and street evangelism, yet none fully aligned with his strengths. During his senior year, Glen discovered his passion for creating meaningful experiences through his role as a Resident Assistant, organizing events such as a lemonade stand and a hall-wide thrift shop for students. “Through those experiences, it became clear that I had a passion for creating spaces where people could gather, connect, and express themselves creatively,” Glen says. That realization inspired Group Projjject, an organization created to unite students and local creatives. “At our core, we are for the students and for the creatives,” Glen shares. Launched in summer 2025, the organization’s name reflects individuals coming together, with the three J’s intentionally pointing to Jesus and the three days He spent in the tomb. Group Projjject’s leadership team hosted their first official event in fall 2025 in the Mahler Student Center, featuring more than 25 vendors, live performances, and a canned food drive benefiting the North Texas Food Bank. Glen is grateful for how DBU has shaped his faith and leadership and credits mentors, organizations, and peers with laying the foundation for Group Projjject. He prays it will continue building Christ-centered community long after he graduates. “I truly believe God is calling us to think bigger, create boldly, and serve creatively,” Glen shares.
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