Asbury University Student Shares Emotional Story About Regaining Christian Faith Amid Revival

There has been a revival at Asbury University which has attracted Christians and unbelievers from all over the world.

Asbury University Christian Revival may be closing, but still, students show their love for God, pray, worship, and share tales of how the modest school in Kentucky altered the lives of many individuals for the better.

During the university’s Collegiate Day of Prayer, a Thursday evening session that was predominantly attended by those under the age of 25, one such experience was shared. The occasion serves as a suitable capstone to two weeks of visitors coming from all around the world to Hughes Auditorium in Wilmore to attend prayer services.

Senior Gracie Turner said that she did not originally take part in prayer services as much as other pupils. Turner had stopped being a faithful Christian for a long time.

She recalled going to church as a child in the country with her family. She was a devout Christian who adored attending church. She occasionally stood up to address the group and offer a passage or testimony.

Yet when her cherished great-grandmother passed away from cancer in 2019, her faith was subsequently tested. There was a problem inside the family, and arguments and strife followed her passing.

I had to witness the removal of my great-grandmother, whom I adore so much, said Turner. This took place a month before Turner arrived in Asbury.

“I was always so excited to come, but everything here was related to religion. And at that point, the only person I could think of to blame for my anxiety, depression, and sadness was God, she said seriously. “I was really angry with Him.”

She used to miss her home and cried every day. Turner genuinely thought she would never be able to find her community, despite frequently using the word “community” in her sentences.

Turner remarked, “I came to Asbury and the only time I prayed to Him, I just said, ‘Lord, it would be nice if you didn’t wake me up in the morning.‘”

She resisted all religious activities for three years. She merely sat with her head elevated during chapel while others prayed. Turner made no sound at all, including no singing or praising.

Turner remembered that Chappelle felt alone on the first day of the resurrection this month, but also that Chappelle’s classmates felt obligated to complete mandates every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. She observed that some individuals were remaining behind and thought about doing the same, but she had physical therapy and school to attend.

Turner sobbed uncontrollably while receiving therapy and informed her trainer of her deteriorating mental state. She had recently been hurt, and she thought she had reached her breaking point. She also got a message from her friend at the same time.

“Come to Hughes,” it said.“Something is happening”.

She didn’t give it much attention, but when she entered the auditorium, she saw people sobbing, lying on top of one another, and participating in a group prayer and worship.

Turner discovered something while she was in the rear that day. It began with tears and ended with a prayer. Turner sobbed and prayed. She spoke to God for the first time in a long time, and God responded.

“It felt like God was telling me that this is what you’ve been missing,” she said.

Turner sagged in her chair and acknowledged her need for sleep. Turner was content. Turner discovered something even more unexpected: community.

She woke up a few days later with the resurrection still fresh in her thoughts. She cried, worshiped, and prayed once more in the auditorium’s light. Turner quickly realized that she had been there for five hours after the time had passed.

The people on stage asked if anyone wanted to share their testimonies at one point.

“I’m not the best speaker in public”, Turner said, “I detest being in front of the camera. “I detest speaking in public, even if it’s only one individual. Nonetheless, I had the impression that God was asking me to get up.

She proceeded slowly from the front of the room to the podium, there were a thousand faces there that she was unfamiliar with.

“For the longest time, I resisted God. I wasn’t a believer. And I just kept thinking that all these people are going to hate me. Because they’re all here for God and I’m here to tell my story,” she said.

But as Turner finished her testimony, the crowd began to pray, hug and cry for her. As she returned to her seat, people reached out to hold her arms.

Turner said, “People were telling me you don’t know how many lives you saved with that testimony.”

According to Fox News, Turner’s perspective changed as a result of this occurrence. She became aware of the possibility of vulnerability when experiencing loneliness, isolation, and grief. Turner found it satisfying to share with others how she has been feeling for the past three years.

The next Friday, her Tennessee-based cousins made the trip up to the revival. She couldn’t recall attending school, but perhaps that was all part of God’s plan. She admitted to him that she wasn’t sure if she would get in, but soon she found herself in the hall and sitting close to the stage.

Reverend Zach Meerkribs began by asking, “If anyone wants to repent and come back to God, now is the time to do so.”

Turner immediately stood up as soon as she felt something or someone pulling her without actually touching her. She realized that she was the first one to stand up. People started clapping and many others also stood up.

Her cousin went over and held her hand. They started walking towards the altar. She repented during the revival, Turner was also baptized.

Turner said, “I feel so much better. I feel like I’m at peace now. I feel like my anxiety and depression are so much better because now I can talk to God and give it all to Him.” ” “I realized I’m not alone and for the last three years, I felt like I was alone. And all I know is that He’s right behind me.”

But, like many of her peers, Turner cautioned against the idea of ​​tying the power of faith to the stained glass windows of Hughes Auditorium or the cobblestone walkways of Asbury University. For seniors like her, it’s time to take on jobs and careers and hope the small-town story inspires a resurgence on other college campuses and parts of the world.

“It’s not about Asbury,” Turner said. “It’s not about Hughes. It’s about God working and changing lives. I mean, He changed my life.”