Kentucky Campus Revival Ignites Faith: 8,000 Students Gather, 2,000 Embrace Christ

LEXINGTON, KY (February 12, 2025) — The event, part of the grassroots Unite US evangelistic movement, saw students respond en masse—yelling out confessions, streaming forward to altars, and taking the plunge in baptisms that lasted an hour and a half. According to CBN News, “Every time they are confessing their sin, they are yelling it out. They are responding to the gospel in herds. Like droves of kids are coming forward to receive Jesus.”

“It is only God,” added speaker Jennie Allen, founder of IF:Gathering, “There is a movement amongst students that you can't believe. And even when you see it, you can't believe it!”

Months of Prayer Prepare the Ground

Unite US administrator Tonya Prewett shared that local students led weekly prayer gatherings, even walking up to 42 miles in a single Saturday to pray over the campus. These were dubbed “Jericho Marches,” and she testified that they helped “walls come down last night.”

Voices from the Event

‍Abigail Robertson, on-site for CBN News, described: “I've never seen anything like what happened last night. Kids lining up to get baptized in 30-degree weather – it's truly amazing what's happening.”

Pastor Jonathan Pokluda, of Harris Creek Baptist Church (Waco, TX), who was baptizing students, said:

“All the aisles and the altars were just full of people. Literally thousands of college students came forward to give their lives to Jesus. My legs are sore, my arm is sore from baptizing people. And we say thanks to God. Praise be His Name.”

Broader Movement and Gen-Z Spirituality

Since its inaugural event at Auburn University in September 2023—where 5,000 students gathered and 200 were baptized in a lake—Unite US has drawn over 70,000 students nationwide.

This revival also challenges stereotypes about Generation Z’s spiritual apathy. UK junior Trosper Buchanan shared with LEX-18 (via Christianity Daily) that his generation values authenticity and vulnerability. “We’re just taught like this is what fulfills you… and then we… take it and it kills us, and we’re like, ‘Well… something’s wrong with me.’”

Dr. Sarah Baldwin, VP of Student Life at nearby Asbury University—which experienced a prolonged revival in 2023—observed that students are awakening to their God-designed identity and purpose.

Highlights of the Evening

• 8,000+ students attended at Rupp Arena
• Around 2,000 responded to the altar call and declared faith
• Spontaneous baptisms, despite 30°F weather
• Extensive “Jericho March” prayer walks (up to 42 miles)
• Bold, public confession and proclamation of faith
• Part of a national movement reaching 70,000+ students

Revival as Shepherding, Not Spectacle

From a Christian perspective, these responses echo Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” While the event’s emotional power is real, the movement’s core lies in faithful proclamation and prayerful preparation. Just as a good shepherd tends to each sheep, this revival highlights discipleship over performance.

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