For Vishnu RJ, Mount Vernon Nazarene University offered far more than an opportunity to earn a degree. It has become a place where friendships deepened, people walked alongside him through important questions on his faith, and strangers became family.
RJ, an International Executive Studies (IES) student at MVNU, publicly professed his faith in Jesus Christ on 9 October 2026 through baptism at Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon.
“I’ve thought about it for years,” RJ said. “I am here today, not by chance. Everything happens for a reason.”
RJ grew up in another religion in Kerala, a state in southern India, often called “God’s Own Country.” Raised to love and respect people from different backgrounds, he developed friendships with Christians that sparked his curiosity about their faith. As he attended church and saw how faith shaped the lives of those around him, he became increasingly interested in exploring Christianity for himself.
“I have a lot of friends who are from different religions,” RJ said. “They are beautiful people. … I’ve been experiencing Christianity through them, going to church and everything.”
As RJ built relationships within the MVNU community, he found people willing to listen, answer questions and help him as he explored his faith. Tavaris Taylor, special assistant to the president of MVNU, recalled a conversation with RJ that led to this moment.
“Typically, when students come in my office, we have hard conversations,” Taylor said. “And we were having a hard conversation that turned into a beautiful moment.”
About a month before his baptism, RJ contacted Taylor and shared his desire to accept Christ. Taylor asked if he was ready to make that decision. RJ said yes.
“Then let’s do it right now,” Taylor recalled telling RJ.
RJ accepted Christ that day. As he prepared for baptism, he made a special request to MVNU President Carson Castleman to baptize him. With David Mills (vice president for spiritual life and church relations) assisting, Castleman was able to fulfill that request, making the experience a meaningful honor.
“I’ve had many privileges in my life,” Castleman said, “But this is one of the greatest privileges I could ever have.”
As he reflected on the importance of the moment, Castleman also offered a personal word of encouragement.
“We’re walking with you,” he said to RJ. “This decision today will be a decision that will change your life and those who come behind you.”
The day meant more to RJ than the baptism itself. Looking back, he began to see his decision to attend MVNU in a new light.
“I drove all the way here (from South Carolina) thinking, ‘Why did I choose here as my college?’” he said. “But all the way through, there were people called strangers that cared and continued to help me out.”
For RJ, those relationships have become something deeper. Among those who invested in him were Jose Oommen, professor of engineering, and Pheba George, director of the IES program.
“Today is a great experience,” RJ said. “I’ve been thinking about (accepting Christ) for a couple of years and I’m here with people I made relationships with. Now they are not just people. They are like family. So, this is even more special to me.”
“All I can say is thank you for being here, and thanks for praying for me,” RJ added. “It means a lot.”