Asbury Community Serves and Grows During Spring Break

March 27, 2023

During the week of spring break, Asbury University students, faculty, and staff traveled to serve communities and grow in knowledge.

Moses and Emily Leininger led a group of students to help with flood relief in Eastern Kentucky.

“We helped with home repair for families who experienced floods last year in Floyd County,” Moses Leininger said. “It was powerful to see the resilience of the families in the face of such tough circumstances. As Christians, there are people hurting whom we are called to help in our backyard.”

Dr. Glenn Harden, assistant professor of political science and history, led students to the U.S.-Mexico Border at Del Rio, Texas, and Acuña, Coahuila.

“As part of my class on the Border, we had the opportunity to see the reality of it first-hand through speaking with Americans, Mexicans, and migrants,” Harden said. “It is one thing to read stories of migrants but another to speak with them face to face and play with their children. I was so proud of our students as I watched them share their testimonies, interact with migrants and members of the local communities, and care for each other.”

Many students traveled across the U.S. to share about the recent Outpouring in February. Ava Miller ’25 journeyed to Virginia to share about her experience.

“On Sunday, as I spoke to the congregation of Northstar Church, I saw the eagerness of people to hear of God’s movement in radical ways,” Miller said. “My heart was encouraged as I heard story after story of people’s experiences with the Holy Spirit and God’s movement. I left knowing God’s people are ablaze with the Spirit and will walk forward in new trust.”

Asher Braughton ’24 shared his Outpouring story in Pennsylvania.

“Being able to be a witness to other churches, communities, and organizations about the life-changing experience that was the Asbury Outpouring has been such an encouraging and life-giving opportunity,” Braughton said. “I have been able to see how this Outpouring of the Spirit was not just an isolated event, but rather a worldwide movement of God’s people crying out to him with such a burning hunger for Jesus.”

Rachel Ferguson ’25 traveled to Trigg County in Kentucky to share her Outpouring story.

“One of the most important things I learned in sharing about the Outpouring this past weekend was to leave the results of our sharing to Him,” Ferguson said. “God only asks that I share what He has taught me. Surrendering to Him gives me peace and freedom.”

Rev. Greg Haseloff, associate dean of spiritual life, offered insight into how students have grown this semester.

“This Outpouring of God’s love in their lives in February compelled students to share and witness to what God has done – and go to many churches, colleges, and other gatherings where there is a hunger to hear testimonies,” Haseloff said. “Students who have been uncertain about public speaking in the past have found trust and courage to share their testimonies. Each person grew in their confidence that Jesus was with them and speaking through them.”