VOLUME 104
ISSUE 09
The Student Movement

Pulse

The Student Take on Week of Prayer

Interviewed by Anna Rybachek


Photo by Lydia Ruckle

Week of Prayer: three words that spell more chapel co-curricular credits, wacky schedules, and religious revival. With Ty Gibson as the speaker, the topics presented were bound to be interesting. Besides, the whole point of Week of Prayer at Andrews University is to benefit the students and provide them with spiritual food. But what were the students’ actual thoughts and experiences from the sessions?

“I expected a week of prayer would involve everyone getting together and listening to a speaker on a given topic each day. However, I did not expect the diverse style of music for every service, as well as the broad range of topics covered by Pastor Ty Gibson. Attending the meetings allowed me to get a glimpse of God I did not notice before. I especially resonated with the message on how God's character is on trial before the universe, and because of Jesus’s sacrifice and death on the cross, God’s character of love was vindicated before the rest of the universe, and Satan’s lies were exposed.” 

- Melody Pemberton (junior, history)

“Overall, the experience was positive. I enjoyed Ty Gibson’s sermons (and the co-curricular credit). He was a good speaker. He was well-spoken. I think he interestingly delivered his message, and I liked his flow. However, I don’t always agree with every week of prayer speakers, but you can always learn something from a person with a different perspective.”

- Spencer Fairbanks (sophomore, architecture)

“I enjoyed it; I liked how the message was to the point. I've heard Ty Gibson before, so it was nice to hear him again. I guess he is a pretty popular speaker. I appreciated him sharing his story.” 

- Mikhail Nisbett (senior, aviation)

“I thought that Ty Gibson was a fantastic and engaging speaker, and his central message throughout the week brought up central points often left unaddressed within the church. I attended all of the messages provided and thoroughly enjoyed the spiritual focus of the week and will be looking forward to the next week of prayer.” 

- Skye Standish (freshman, political science)

“I thought the speaker was really good, and he had an incredible way of engaging with the students. He showcased the points he was making very well. Overall, I enjoyed all of his presentations.” 

- Julia Orsborn (sophomore, physical therapy)

The students I spoke to enjoyed Ty Gibson as a speaker and appreciated his message and dedication. They seem to have gotten along with Week of Prayer—and the co-curricular credit was a great plus!


The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.