It started with ominous signs around campus reading “Feb. 15. Donald L. Tucker Civic Center” and ended with hundreds of students being baptized in the Westcott Fountain. No one would’ve expected thousands of students from the No. 2 party school in America to show up for a chance to experience the gospel. They were proven wrong.
Unite US was started to unite college students “to lift the name of Jesus” at different college campuses. On Feb. 15, this movement came to FSU. Recovering from a post-Valentine’s-Day sugar rush, thousands of students from Tallahassee and the surrounding communities flocked to the Civic Center for an unforgettable night. Attendees were in for a life-changing night of worship and inspirational messages at Unite FSU.
Local churches were tabled at the entrance, and those who weren’t plugged into a campus community could chat with FSU campus ministries like Cru and Navigators. It was a refreshing collaboration of Tallahassee’s religious organizations and a unique opportunity for young adults to surround themselves with other Christians in a way that Tallahassee has never seen before.
The night began with an opening word from Maia Mae Huff, host of the In This Together podcast, and an incredible time of worship led by Passion. Singing their original songs “I’ve Witnessed It” and “The Lord Will Provide,” the arena was brought to praise and tears. The overwhelming excitement was both beautiful and infectious.
Worship was followed by incredible messages from the lead pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church, Jonathan Pokluda, and New York Times best-selling author, Jennie Allen. Pokluda stuck entirely to his script, preaching a new message on the gift of salvation. Allen was more interactive, being tied up with colored ropes live on stage to represent how unresolved hurt can become a stronghold.
At the end of the evening, Allen and Pokluda did an altar call, inviting anyone who wanted to surrender their life to Christ to the front of the stage. Students came in hoards, swarming the floor and leaving the lower and upper bowl seats nearly empty. It was a sight to see the thousands of young adults lifting their hands in praise and rejoicing with their friends.
In an impromptu decision, Pokluda announced the leaders would be hosting spontaneous baptisms at Wescott Fountain, ending the event at the Civic Center and starting a new one a few blocks away. Students rushed for a chance to get baptized while their friends celebrated an incredible night and crowded around the fountain to watch. Bystanders and others passing by were in for a treat. Hours later, people were still being baptized in the Westcott waters.
Regardless of religion, Unite was a powerful night. For one evening, thousands of college students came together with a common goal and desire for something different. Jennie Allen reposted a video from the night on her Instagram feed, saying, “This is them singing and dancing on the way to spontaneous baptisms.”
One comment under Allen’s post read, “If you couldn’t hear what they were singing you would think it was a different kind of party! That’s how you know the Spirit showed up! Jesus is a Noles fan!!”
This isn’t stopping with FSU; Unite US is heading to the University of Alabama on March 27 and then the University of Georgia on April 3. College students are coming together like never before to experience something extraordinary. Per usual, FSU is in the middle of every great movement.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest!