BELTON, Texas— Hundreds of students gathered inside a large white tent in the middle of campus for the 25th annual spring revival at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) this week. This year’s theme was “Called by Name,” and Shane Pruitt, who serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB), was the featured speaker. Jimmy McNeal and Austin Stone Worship led worship for the April 8-10 three-day event.
“Revival 2024 has seen more than 100 students respond to calls to salvation, rededication, and repentance. In addition, 29 students accepted a call to serve in ministry leadership roles,” said UMHB’s Dean of Spiritual Life and University Chaplain Jason Palmer. “Students have been uniquely responsive to the Holy Spirit’s conviction during this year’s revival.”
Isaiah 43:1, revival’s key verse, says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Pruitt kicked things off by saying, “There are currently eight billion people on earth today, but yet, he knows your name. He’s calling you by name.”
He went on to say, “The question tonight is – do you just acknowledge the presence of a higher power, or do you believe in Jesus so much that you trust Him with every ounce of your life?” Pruitt added, “Whatever it is – whatever God calls you to tonight – the answer is yes! So tonight, we’re saying, ‘God, whatever you’ve already done in our lives – thank you. And whatever you’re calling us to – we say yes!’
The second night of revival brought some excitement when a thunderstorm rolled into Belton moments after the service began. “A thunderstorm was no match for 1,000 college students determined to meet with Jesus. They just moved from the tent to Walton Chapel, worshipped acapella, and responded in large numbers to a call to repentance delivered without a microphone – like the Church has done for most of the last 2,000 years. The simplicity of the Gospel was on display and it was beautiful,” said a post on the UMHB Spiritual Life Instagram page.
