HPU: Resurrection and revival

The Mike Romero Band performing at Howard Payne University. (Photo: Ryan Mason/Facebook)

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As we approached our observance of Resurrection Week at Howard Payne University, we began to prepare our hearts and minds.  On our spring break mission trip, we saw and realized the importance of praying for specific things.  So, a group of students decided to set up prayer times at the Baptist Student Ministry to pray specifically for our guest speaker and worship band.  

kim lilley garner130Kim GarnerWe always have seen great success and good participation during our special services, and it is always something that we look forward to. Our prayer group met throughout the week before and was really intentional to include others on the campus. We spent time praying for the speaker, Mike Satterfield, and the worship leaders, the Mike Romero Band. We prayed to see revival on our campus. Many of our students have been passionate this semester about wanting to see revival and great things on our campus. 

The week started out awesome. Mike Satterfield discussed the story of the woman at the well. His presentation was very interactive, and he made a point to include the students and relate to them. He showed students God is reaching out to them and wanting to meet them right where they are. We just have to reach out and say, “Give to me” to receive all the things God wants to do in our lives. The message really hit home with me, as well as some of our students. 

That afternoon, we hosted a hang-out time in the BSM with the speaker and band. We had a large turnout, and they were great about sharing their heart with students. Throughout the week, the band and speaker were intentional about being on campus and meeting students. It was so neat to see them interacting.  

The last night of services my director and some of our seniors took the group out to dinner to hang out. The speaker and the band both asked what we needed from them and how could they make the last night intentional. We discussed the issues on our campus—that many of our students don’t step out on faith and are very casual in their relationship with God. That night during the response time, the students were challenged to step up and be real. We saw the altar filled with students praying together and truly worshipping. 

It is so easy for many of us to be complacent and just enjoy programs and Bible studies in our own little bubble without really stepping out and claiming our faith. 

We have been able to have great conversations throughout the week and look forward to follow-up. 

Kim Garner is serving with Go Now Missions as a campus ministry intern at Howard Payne University.


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