Mid-19th Century Dutch “Stations of the Cross” Paintings Dedicated

The News Magazine of HCU

HBU was honored to receive 14 “Stations of the Cross” paintings donated by Kim ’83 MA ’87 and David ’84 MA ’06 Balkum. The 14 unique, mid-19th century Dutch paintings depict the Passion of Jesus Christ. The University hosted a dedication reception in March, with a viewing tour of the paintings, which are placed in the Hinton Center, Atwood I, and the University Academic Center. The meaningful images are meant to inspire passersby with the saving message of Jesus Christ. For the Balkum family, HBU was a natural choice for the paintings’ destination. Kim and David’s children, Laurianne ’10 and Lesleigh ’13, and son-in-law, Josh Jones ’13, all attended the University and cherish their experiences growing in faith with HBU professors, mentors, and friends.https://hc.edu/news-and-events/wp-admin/admin.php?page=ellucian-file-manager-admin

David Balkum said, “The University’s founding verse, John 14:6, focuses our faith on Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. At the heart of the ‘Stations of the Cross’ is the solemn and introspective reminder that there was a cost, paid by another, to open the way, the truth, and the life to us. Jesus’ promise and prophecy, played out in these 14 distinct acts, is that, upon being lifted up, men will be drawn to Him, just as we are through these paintings. As we consider that cost, our hope is that this gift will continue to focus our hearts, souls, and minds on our Savior and His sacrifice.”

Photos: Courtesy Michael Tims / Houston Baptist University

Colette Cross, HBU Director of Discipleship, said, “We look forward to actively integrating this gift by the Balkums within the spiritual life commitment on our campus.” Students will answer questions about the paintings as part of Community Life and Worship (CLW) credits.

“Each day as students, faculty, and staff walk through the Hinton Center, Atwood I, and the University Academic Center to their various business, education, Christianity, humanities and fine arts classes, and see these paintings, our prayer is they will serve as an important visual reminder for all to remember that they are loved more than they can ever imagine,” Cross said. “We hope they’ll think of what it truly means to put into action Luke 9:23: ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me.’ By having these 14 paintings available year-round, they will serve as a constant reminder of the powerful love and devotion that the cross provides as we grow deeper in our faith and live in Imago Dei, the image of God.”