Another headline. Another mass shooting. This week there have been two, including one on the campus of Michigan State University. Seemingly, our country is devolving into uncontrolled violence and hatred. But wait. There was another headline from this week. Did you see it? It also involved an event on a college campus, but this time it’s in a small town in Kentucky, and instead of making us fear for the future of our country, it has us encouraged and believing all is not lost. Here’s the headline: “A nonstop Kentucky prayer ‘revival’ is going viral on TikTok, and people are traveling thousands of miles to take part” – NBC
In case you haven’t heard about what’s going on at Asbury University in Wilmore, it started back on February 8th with a typical Christian service that, as of the time of this writing, has not stopped. There have been people from all over coming to observe and participate in a good ole-fashioned revival with repenting, praising, singing, and praying. Many of those who have attended have returned to their hometowns and are starting similar gatherings. It’s spreading like wildfire thanks to, of all things, social media. Tik Tok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook are full of postings using the hashtag #asburyrevival. We oftentimes malign social media as causing the social issues we see in our young people today, but here it is being used in a very positive way.
Something else that struck me by this movement is that it started with and is being led by college students, most of whom are Generation Z. Perhaps you are like me and have shaken your head and said, “I just don’t know about this next generation”. We wonder how the future of our country is going to pan out under the leadership of today’s youth. Looking at what’s happening at Asbury and now at many other locations, it seems we have less to fear. These young people are showing us that they care deeply about their relationships with Christ and with one another. They’re turning away from the darkness of this world and standing out as lights in their communities. The impact they are having will be felt not only in the days and weeks to come, but also years down the line. There is hope!
As KY Taste Buds, we strive to always highlight what’s good in Kentucky. We believe this spiritual revival most certainly falls into this category. By highlighting it and sharing it, we hope to play a small part in this movement. Let us not become numb to the horrible headlines and news stories we see. There is real hurt and evil in the world, and we must do all we can to promote the positive people and places in our beautiful state. Won’t you join us in praying for this revival, the participants, and those who are fighting the good fight?
If you are interested in experiencing the revival for yourself, you can click here for the updated schedule and other resources for those seeking spiritual guidance. If you have been yourself, please share with us your thoughts and experience; we would love to hear from you!