(NewsNation) — A Christian revival at University of Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium drew thousands after a “Fill the Stadium” mission set out to restore faith among America’s youth.
The star-studded event featured performances from Grammy Award winner Chance the Rapper as well as religious artists like Chandler Moore, Kari Jobe and more.
Chance the Rapper’s drummer “Stix” says Chance’s faith inspired him to perform at the event.
“I just think his (Chance the Rapper’s) faith in Jesus Christ, his love for the Lord and just our artistry being able to take us here and all over the world is a true blessing,” Stix told NewsNation.
The event appeared to have roughly 20,000 to 30,000 people in attendance, University of Oklahoma’s student paper reported. More than 86,000 were expected to attend, with event organizers telling the OU Daily that tickets were sold out within days of announcing the event’s headliners.
Attendees started lining up for Saturday’s event as early as 3 p.m.
“We’ve just been seeing what God has been doing through everybody, through revival, and we’re just so excited to see what God is going to do because there are going to be so many people in there and we believe God is going to do huge miracles,” said Kaylynn Tresler.
Tresler says she was inspired to attend the event after seeing the two-week student-led revival at Asbury University in Kentucky.
Pulse Ministry’s founder, Nick Hall, told NewsNation he believes the current American culture is driving young people to turn to their faith. Pulse Ministry had been organizing the event since last fall.
“I think this generation, they’re looking for something real, they’re looking for something powerful. And Jesus is the most powerful, loving, invitational human being. The son of God, he changed the world. And I think this generation is looking for Him,” said Hall.
In the past year, more than one-third of 18- to 25-year-olds say they believe in a higher power, according to a recent survey of young adults.
That is up about one-quarter from 2021, with many attributing the surge in faith to the pandemic.
A new Pew Research study also says 20% of Americans in the same age group say they attend religious services monthly.
Nathan Wong, an organizer for the event, told NewsNation he hopes the event will bring hope and unity to the community.
“I hope that this night is a night of unity for the city, for Norman, for the campus…but I really hope that it’s just glorifying to the lord, glorifying to God – and just be a moment for everyone to come together to hear a message of hope,” Wong said.