Scholarship Winners
J. Sherman Pelt Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations 2026 Recipients
Minister Emmanuel Kwarf:
Emmanuel Kwarf is a passionate minister and evangelist originally from Ghana, West Africa. He holds a Bachelor of Education in Accounting from the University of Cape Coast and a Master of Arts in Ministry from the Ghana Baptist University College. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, where he serves as Vice President of the Candler Baptist Community.
After a life-changing encounter with the Lord in 2016, Emmanuel fully committed to the call of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. He served in several Baptist churches in Ghana, including Ahinsan Baptist Church and Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church. In 2019, he founded Jesus Events, a nonprofit mission organization that has reached thousands with the Gospel in Ghana and beyond. Emmanuel now serves as a Ministry Assistant at Amazing Grace Baptist Church of Atlanta, where he leads congregational prayers and provides spiritual support and guidance to church members navigating trauma and marginalization. By embodying the love of Christ, he strives to create a safe and welcoming space where the brokenhearted and downtrodden can find healing and hope.
Min. Lillian Carr:
Lillian Carr is a strategic communications professional, minister, and dedicated leader committed to helping organizations communicate with authenticity and purpose. A proud graduate of Hampton University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication with a minor in Leadership Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School with a concentration in Religion, Ethics, and Politics.
Lillian serves as an Associate Minister at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, where she is passionate about servant leadership, biblical teaching, and community impact. Guided by Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much will be required,” she strives to lead with humility, excellence, and a heart for service, using her gifts to make a meaningful difference in both ministry and professional settings.
Min. Jimmie L. Daniels, Jr.:
Jimmie L. Daniels Jr. is originally from Houston, Texas, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology. His research focuses on creating dementia-welcoming congregations that provide compassionate support for individuals living with dementia, their caregivers, and their families.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Divinity. Jimmie is a licensed minister at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Stockbridge, Georgia. Before answering God’s call to ministry, he spent more than 30 years in global supply chain management, where he developed a strong foundation in leadership and service.
His doctoral research is deeply personal, inspired by his experience as a caregiver for his mother. That experience has strengthened his commitment to helping churches become places of belonging, hope, and healing for individuals and families affected by dementia.
In addition to his ministry and academic pursuits, Jimmie is an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Through his ministry, scholarship, and community engagement, he is committed to equipping congregations to faithfully serve older adults, caregivers, and vulnerable communities with wisdom, compassion, and the love of Christ.
Category I – Seminary Students
Category II - Liberty Baptist Church-Atlanta Students
Alaina Jane Rearden:
Alaina Jane Rearden is a 2021 graduate and honor student of Woodland High School in Stockbridge, GA. She is currently attending Georgia Southern University majoring in biology with a psychology minor. She is on the Dean’s List and active in extracurricular activities. Her future goals are to complete medical school and become a successful doctor, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her aspiration is to own her own practice.