God is always working in the hearts of university students throughout the campuses of America. But there are times when the Spirit’s work intensifies, leading to campus awakenings. To read about these times of spiritual outpouring is to be inspired, challenged, and filled with hope. Are we in the early stages of a holy outbreak on our campuses today?

Many Americans heard about the Asbury Revival which began on February 8 last year, and it was certainly the most notable in terms of garnering attention. But it was not the only significant outpouring on a college or university campuses.

A February 27, 2023 report from Regent University, a Christian school, began with these words: “As revival moves to college campuses across the nation, Regent University students, faculty, and staff are experiencing a miraculous move of God. The Holy Spirit is stirring hearts, prompting repentance, and pouring out spiritual renewal on the Regent University campus and surrounding community.”

Again, this was one example among many.

Many Eruptions

A December 2023 report noted that, “Lee University, a private Christian college in Cleveland, Tennessee is 250 miles away from Asbury University, but students from this small school felt compelled to take part in what was taking place and it began a movement of revival on their campus.”

And this: “An impromptu baptism at Auburn University in Alabama started with one student wanting to be baptized but grew to roughly 200 people who decided to give their lives to Christ.

“In September, Hundreds of students made a public declaration of their new life in Christ by dipping in a lake near Red Barn as spectators watched in awe.”

And this, all from 2023: “One organization reported in March that God was also moving powerfully among the country’s historically black colleges and universities, also known as HBCUs.”

Gig ’Em, Ags

Also mentioned in the report was the Texas A&M campus in Corpus Christi, Texas. “In February, Michael Fehlauer, the lead pastor of the New Life Church  …  posted videos to social media that showed baptisms being performed in a public fountain at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.”

In August 2023, Pastor Fehlauer (whom I know as Mike) texted me to let me know that at the opening school rally, about 10% of the student body of 11,000 showed up for the outdoor service, with many responding to a call to repent and believe.

I have been to New Life Church in Corpus Christi twice in the last two years, witnessing for myself what is taking place in their midst, as a growing army of young people flocks to the services.

Last week, Pastor Mike texted me again with even more exciting news. I asked him for further details, which were sent to me by Tarik Whitmore, the church’s young adults/college pastor. Here is some of what Tarik sent me on August 30:

“Last night on August 29th, 2024, we had our annual outreach event on the campus of our local University: Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

“We saw close to 1,500 students in attendance. The message was preached out of Isaiah 6 highlighting the Conviction, Cleansing, and Commissioning that follows a genuine encounter with God.”

Did you catch that? They had almost 1,500 students, which represents almost 14% of the entire student body. That is quite a turnout! It also represents an increase of several hundred from last year’s big event.

Testimonies

He continued,

This was followed by testimonies from students and former students — sharing how God saved them, set them free, healed them physically, and is now using them to change the lives of others.

As the altar was opened, there was an invitation given to profess faith in Jesus through water baptism, receive prayer for healing and receive prayer for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

In other words, this was not a superficial call to invite Jesus into your life to make you prosperous and happy, which is a false and misleading ‘gospel.’ Instead, it was a call to surrender, a call to transformation and spiritual empowerment, a call to make a new beginning.

Tarik writes,

We saw many touched by the power of God — spontaneously weeping and trembling — several as they were coming up out of the waters of baptism.

The night continued with students and young adults sharing testimonies in real-time of salvation, healing, deliverance, and being filled with the Spirit.

There were 62 water baptisms in total.

That means 62 students on the spot made a public profession of faith through water baptism.

Discipleship Now

You might be wondering what happens to these students afterwards. That’s a great question. But there’s a great answer!

Students that attended the event were invited into join small groups to receive discipleship and grow in community. Last year, we had 600 in small groups the week following this event. We expect to see even more this year.

And the report didn’t end there:

The night concluded with a commissioning of those who wanted God to use them on their college campus — all declaring ‘Here I am. Send me!’

So, those who have been touched will go and spread the fire. What a glorious report!

And once again, this was not the only report of its kind. This was posted on August 28:

A huge revival broke out at The Ohio State University over the weekend with hundreds of college students showing deep hunger for God as the new school year kicked off.

A team of student reporters from The Lantern newspaper reports the event was led by members of the school’s football team who preached the gospel before 800-1,000 people. Some campus ministries and churches helped to organize it.

This is really great news! Something really is happening on our university campuses. Let us pray that it will deepen and that it spread like holy fire across the land, with millions of students being saved, awakened, and transformed. It is time.

 

Dr. Michael Brown is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. He is the author of more than 40 books, including Can You be Gay and Christian?; Our Hands Are Stained With Blood; and Seize the Moment: How to Fuel the Fires of Revival. You can connect with him on Facebook, X, or YouTube.