After several years under contract with Pepsi, Lipscomb is now a “Coca-Cola campus” as announced this Tuesday during the Gathering in Allen Arena.
James Franklin III serves as the CEO for the bottling company and spoke to the student body about his commitment to Lipscomb. After he showed a video highlighting his son, James Baak, and his trip to South Sudan, he invited the Coca-Cola Polar Bear to the stage alongside Vice President of Student Life Josh Roberts.
Together they told the crowd about the several Coca-Cola sponsored events happening on campus soon.
Baak is the founder of SMARD, Solidarity Ministries Africa for Reconciliation and Development. SMARD’s mission is to empower women and children of South Sudan by educating them and giving them the freedom to find confidence in themselves.
Born and raised in South Sudan, Baak dealt with great turmoil as a young boy and told the story of how he had to flee to Ethiopia.
“The travel in length was Nashville to Denver,” he said.
At first, Baak wished to return home. However, it was after a dream featuring a man in white clothing, giving him a bible and telling him to fight onward that he found Christ.
After gaining an education and becoming a pastor, Baak went back to his home country of South Sudan and planted a church while helping other churches there reach their maximum potential.
He said he hopes that his mission will continue to touch others and raise awareness surrounding the women and children of South Sudan.