UPPERROOM opens the event with a cover of “Awake My Soul” by Hillsong Worship on Sept. 22. The band played seven songs throughout the night. Photos by Griffin Pilcher
Unite US, a nationwide worship movement, came to Firestone Fieldhouse on Sept. 22 for Unite LA — the first college-specific revival movement on the West Coast.
The event included Gospel messages from guest speakers and music from UPPERROOM, a Christian worship band. College students from across Southern California were invited to attend for free.
“Events like this truly bring a lot of students together and fosters a community,” said Lance Uch, Rockwell Towers Spiritual Life Advisor (SLA). “The speaker would have a certain message that truly convicts your heart, and I think that’s what Unite did for me.”
Worshipping Alongside Students
UPPERROOM began their two-part worship set with “Awake My Soul” and a medley of “Rest On Us” and “God’s Not Dead (Like A Lion).”
Hope International University senior Kyle Zarate said “Pour My Love On You” was the highlight of his night because of the song’s emphasis of pouring out one’s love until there is nothing left to give.
“It’s such a sad song,” Zarate said. “But also a super intimate song where you are giving everything to God.”
Hundreds of students from over 15 Southern Calif. colleges fill the floor during UPPERROOM’s worship set. The band also played “Give Me Jesus” and “Great Are You Lord.” Video by Jordan Baquiran
Hope International University senior Darrin Bagby said he appreciated the hours each attendee intentionally chose to spend worshipping in God’s presence.
“It’s beautiful that we can all come together for three hours, we can ignore all the things we might not want to deal with at that moment,” Bagby said. “We can choose community instead, choose to be around other people, even if it’s strangers — everyone that is there is with me as a brother and a sister in Christ.”
The Message
Madison (Madi) Prewett Troutt, daughter of Unite US Founder Tonya Prewett, spoke about spiritual sleep and accountability. Her message focused on Revelation 3:3 and emphasized the importance of combatting apathy and blindness to habitual sin.
“When [Madi] was talking about finding those people to help keep you accountable, that really spoke to me,” Uch said. “Really trying to lean on the people that bring me closer to God and allow me to be vulnerable with them so that we can better each other and build each other up.”
Grant Troutt, husband of Madi Troutt, preached about a calling that he said all believers have to persevere from Jude 1:20-23. Grant Troutt also stressed that baptism is not an “end” state but rather a new beginning.
“I enjoyed the way they spoke about how important it is to have your faith be nurtured after the big steps of getting baptized and finding a local church,” Uch said.
Seniors Shalom Montgomery (left), Pixel Editor for Pepperdine Graphic Media, and Logan Delgado (right) welcome Unite LA attendees with signs and wristbands outside Firestone Fieldhouse on Sept. 22. Tonya Prewett founded Unite US in Sept. 2023 in Auburn, Alabama for the purpose of salvation, community and freedom.
Prewett discussed three significant matters that she said affect a person’s soul: unforgiveness, sin and walking in their God-given purpose.
The Gospel messages concluded in prayer, where students closed their eyes and sat or kneeled.
“We all were able to get down on our knees and pray,” Uch said. “I saw a lot of people be vulnerable and do that.”
Closing Worship and Baptisms
UPPERROOM’s closing worship set included “Give Me Jesus,” a medley of “WASHED” and “Lace Up Your Boots (Spontaneous)” and an encore of “I Thank God.”
“One of my favorite moments was getting to see my friends from across the bleachers and then going up, singing and dancing with them,” Uch said.
Students lift their arms in worship on the Fieldhouse floor Sept. 22. Attendees were able to purchase Unite US merchandise, which included blue hoodies with “LIVE HOLY” written on the back, as well as shirts, crewnecks and hats.
The event concluded with baptisms at the Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool, where 19 students chose to give their lives to Jesus, Holly Reed, assistant director of Student Ministries, said.
“I think that because of tonight, there is more of a zeal, more motivation, to live out a Christian life,” Zarate said.
This story was copy edited by Haylie Ross.
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Contact Jordan Baquiran via email: jordanisabel.baquiran@pepperdine.edu