‘Move of God’ at Univ of Georgia: ‘Countless’ Baptized, Thousands Unite in Name of Jesus
By Alex Murashko
A series of nationwide outreach events aimed at uniting college students in the name of Jesus continues to draw hundreds of young people to spontaneous baptisms as witnessed most recently at the University of Georgia on Wednesday evening (4/3/24).
Several thousand college students attend outreach event at arena on University of Georgia campus. “Countless” baptisms, according to a local news organization, were done in the back of pick-up trucks. (April 3, 2024) PHOTO: Unite US/Facebook
One of the speakers of the Unite US event at UGA, author and Bible study teacher, Jennie Allen, “encouraged the audience to be open to each other about the things they have been hiding in their lives,” The Red & Black, a local, independent student-run news organization reported.
As shared in the article, Allen asked the crowd at the on-campus arena: “The question I have for you tonight is: do you want to be free?” The response to her question as reported by Red & Black:
“In collective discourse that echoed through the stadium, thousands of attendees turned to each other and shared confessions. The night concluded in another song, and Allen invited those who wished to be baptized to follow them down the street where they had various pick-up trucks filled with water.
“Thousands poured out of the arena headed toward the parking lot in front of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house. The leaders of the event, Allen, [J.P.] Pokluda, [Josh] Moran and many more, helped attendees into truck beds, which served as makeshift baptismals. People openly confessed their devotion saying that they were ‘giving their life fully to God.’”
“Countless” were baptized, the local news outlet reported.
Allen, who has been a speaker at three other college campus outreaches, in which thousands of students gathered and publicly accepted Christ, and hundreds were baptized, told Think Eternity News via text:
“People keep asking us what is happening? How does this keep happening? They want a formula. I get it. I keep thinking the same thing. But we know in our bones, this is a move of God. We [pastors, ministry leaders] all have done the things we are doing now in rooms and this hasn’t happened. I believe we are watching the beginnings of the next great awakening. At least that is what we are all praying for.”
Organizers of the Unite US outreach state on their website that thousands of college students gathered at Auburn University’s Neville Arena on September 12, 2023, “with one singular focus–to lift the name of Jesus.”
“What began in Auburn, Alabama has continued to grow into a movement reaching college campuses across the nation,” Unite US states. Every Unite gathering has three main objectives:
SALVATION
For non-believers to hear a clear presentation of the Gospel in a welcoming environment. Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9
FREEDOM
For believers to know and experience true freedom from sin and burdens on their hearts. Galatians 5:1
COMMUNITY
For students to find community and discipleship through connection to local ministries and the local church. Ephesians 4:1-6
“Something is happening on college campuses,” J.P. Pokluda, who is the lead pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, wrote in a recent article he shared with Think Eternity News. “There are still the normal frat parties, sporting events, and final exam anxieties. There is also, dare I say, revival brewing. Students are tired of mundane faith sitting in the periphery of cafeteria visits and late-night benders. There is a movement of college students wanting to live out their faith. They aren't interested in just going to church on Sunday but following Jesus Sunday through Saturday. They are up late into the night worshiping and up early the next morning praying. They are walking their campus’ sidewalks and sharing the gospel with classmates.”
Pokluda:
“The momentum is only building. From Asbury to Auburn, then Passion [Conference] to Florida State, college students… They are wanting to follow Jesus. Universities are pregnant with revival… I want you to know God is moving in our country. I think it would be amiss if we didn't pause to reflect with gratitude on all the things He is doing in our midst.
“We should support these movements with our prayers and by sharing the stories of His goodness. Let's not argue over what a revival is and what it isn't. Let's just pray for it, celebrate it, and be a part of it anyway we can.”
Author and speaker Jennie Allen baptizes one of the thousands of college students who attended outreach event at the University of Georgia. The baptisms were done in the back of pick-up trucks. (April 3, 2024) PHOTO: Unite US/Facebook
Alex Murashko is a journalist and writing team leader for Think Eternity, a site for powerful faith content to help you live the fulfilled life in Jesus. Murashko is also founder of Media on Mission.
Connect on X (formerly Twitter): @AlexMurashko.