The Asbury Revival, which started last Wednesday, has triggered non-stop worship gatherings since then. It sparked hunger and curiosity from fellow believers around the globe. Many have been looking up “Asbury” on the internet, keen to know more about the university. But the campus chaplain, JD Walt, who has been on the scene ever since, speaks up about the glory of God residing in the Hughes auditorium.
JD Walt
“Here is the most compelling evidence of authenticity for me,” JD says in a post written by his friend Pete Greig.
“The first picture (below) depicts the chapel immediately after the usual chapel service last Wednesday. Nothing impressive. Just another day,” he recalled.
Pete Greig. Asbury, facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10225723511329277&set=pcb.10225723538249950
He continued, “But then students, for unknown reasons other than the hand of God, began to come back to the chapel. They asked their professors if they could return— uncharacteristic to say the least—- and within a few hours, it was… the second picture below.”
Pete Greig, Facebook. Asbury. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10225723509209224&set=pcb.10225723538249950
“It hasn’t stopped since then— 24-7. People are coming here from all over the country and world. Last night we opened up four overflow buildings, and all were packed. Student groups from many campuses are here.”
The chaplain believes it is “clearly an outpouring of the Spirit.”
“History can define it as it will. It is extraordinary and yet nothing new,” he said. “Many of us have seen and experienced all that is happening here elsewhere. And yet none of us really have been in this kind of sustained move.”
Asbury Revival
Indeed, the Asbury Revival is on its eighth day today. And people are still coming from across the country. They are hungry for God. JD continues to describe what is happening inside the place of worship.
JD Walt. Asbury Chaplain. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10225723508769213&set=pcb.10225723538249950
“It [people’s hunger] is characterized by exuberant worship— empowered by the Spirit— led by students, no production whatsoever—- no screens or words projected—seemingly no song lists— they sing until the Spirit seems to give another song. There is a lot of prayer being led all over the house, there are testimonies given throughout the day. It is the holy love of God rising like a tide and rolling like waves.”
He added, “Jesus is the only celebrity here. No one even remotely considers the names of anyone in leadership here. They are not unseasoned just unknown. Incredible humility characterizes this whole move.”
And although the move has disturbed the system and life of the school, JD asserted that “no one seems to care” because there is a “vigilance of love supporting these students.”
Header image: Pete Greig, Photo of Asbury, Facebook. 16 Feb 2023. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10225723509209224&set=pcb.10225723538249950
