The Asbury Outpouring, One Year Later
Guest
by Major Paul Cain
For more than two weeks last February, the Asbury University campus was transformed—and the global effects of the event are still evident.
In February of 2023, a small group of praying students expanded to include an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 visitors from all over the United States and nearly 40 countries. They came to witness what is known among Christians as an outpouring—the moving of the Holy Spirit.
During this 16-day period, millions of others followed along on social media’s TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Students from Generation Z were especially drawn to the event, journeying to Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky., from more than 240 colleges and universities. Testimonies of new conversions to Christ, physical and emotional healings, broken chains of addiction, reconciliation, and deeper commitments to God were some of the immediate results among students and campus visitors.
In the days and weeks immediately following the outpouring, many Asbury students and faculty members traveled throughout the United States and to other countries to give testimony of what the Lord did in their lives.
So, what’s happening now? To answer that question, Major Paul Cain, director of The Salvation Army Student Center at Asbury University, asked students about their biggest takeaways from the outpouring, how it had changed them, and how it had influenced their summer ministries, as well as what changes they witnessed on the Asbury campus when they returned in the fall.
Christian Harris
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are, God is accepting of everyone— especially when you’re at your lowest and farthest from Him.
I am so much closer to God. I can help others find and accept God in a way I was never able to before. My heart is now prepared to accept God’s call on my life.
When I came back to school this fall, it seemed like everyone was so excited to be here. It seems much easier to connect with God during our chapel services.
Bobilyn Carr
God’s love is way beyond anything I could have imagined.
I am much more understanding of who God is. I’m striving to go deeper with Him. I am not satisfied with superficial faith.
I became more of a “love thy neighbor” person—not just in words, but in action.
People have become more open with their faith. Our time in chapel has become more lingering in God’s presence.
Lena Marlowe
The heart of God was clear to all, believers and nonbelievers. I realized how much God honors our obedience. My desire to love others has been accelerated. I am more open to be vulnerable and to be about God’s work.
I graduated in the spring and now am enrolled at Asbury Seminary. I’ve met students there whose lives and callings were changed because of the outpouring. As the outpouring was happening, it seemed that sharing our faith with others was so natural. That continued this fall. It just seems so natural to talk about God with whomever.
Michael Gilliam
We realized the importance of a relationship with God. We can worship in any setting such as in a beautiful building like Hughes Auditorium or outside on the green. Any place with God is sacred.
I have a deeper relationship with God. I now realize I have constant contact with Him, and I can always worship.
This summer, I began to see how God’s plans are so much better than our own.
Campus life feels more united. There really appears to be a better understanding of the need to create time for God.
Emma Bell
God’s voice has never been so loud to me and so many other students.
Since the outpouring, I have been open to hear and respond to God’s voice. I am striving to recognize the voice of God and act on it.
At camp [Paradise Valley in Tennessee], I was able to focus on the children who knew God. I recognized God’s work in their lives in the same way He was renewing and recharging the faith of the students back on campus.
People are still talking about the revival. We are all hoping for God to keep pouring.
Andrew Johnson
We are wasting time and resources on meaningless things. We must change our perspectives to see the way God sees.
I’ve given up things in my life that were harmful to me. I don’t even have any interest in them anymore. God took away the pursuits that shouldn’t have been there in the first place.
There was a huge incoming freshman class, and so many of them are eager to hear the stories from the outpouring. I think this semester, we share closer bonds, more openness, and more vulnerability among the student body.
Donovan Chung
After the revival, the campus felt like it was alive. It kind of felt dead before.
I was a counselor at Camp Grandview in Georgia. I was so much more patient with the children—it was a miracle.
Most people want to continue to get closer to God. There are more spontaneous gatherings [on campus] to worship and share testimonies.
Liam Probasco
It showed me how much that people are hungry for God. When He poured His spirit out, people responded. Not just here on campus, but all over the world.
I helped lead worship at our denomination’s camp meetings. The hunger for God led to more spontaneous worship. The young people were so much more serious about their faith.
The freshman class was not only larger than previous ones, but they also seem to be more aware of what God could be in their lives.
God shows up when He is welcome, and He is always welcome at Asbury!
Thousands of students came from around the country and around the world to Asbury’s Kentucky campus.
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