Asbury University is ending non-stop prayer meetings at its campus chapel in Wilmore, Kentucky, a revival that began Feb. 8 and drew Christians from around the world.
Interest in the spontaneous revival, fueled by video and pictures posted online, created overcrowded conditions and parking problems in the town of 6,000, sparking the decision to change the schedule, the Washington Times reported.
Asbury was expected to host its last meeting at 2 p.m. Monday, then go to specific gatherings at regular times for students and the public to gather and pray. The school announced limited schedule of prayer meetings will wind down Thursday, the National Collegiate Day of Prayer.
"This schedule is an attempt to recognize and steward this beautiful, historic moment of spiritual renewal while quickly moving toward a more sustainable campus experience for our students that fosters predictability, well-being, and continuity," Kevin J. Brown, the president of the university, said in a statement posted by WDRB.com.
"I have been so inspired and encouraged by the life-transforming renewal experienced by students and guests alike. I have seen men and women go far above and beyond in every way imaginable to accommodate our visitors so they can encounter the Lord on our campus. I have seen faculty and staff work between classes to bring order, usher lines, pass out water, and pray with students. I have had students share their desire to make space for guests to experience what they have.
"Never in my life will I forget this. Never in my life have I been so proud to say that I am a part of Asbury University."
Canaan Yan, a sophomore at Asbury, told WDRB.com that people from around the world have traveled to the campus.
"Because of this people's lives changed," Yan said. "I know Brazil, I heard somewhere in Asia, Europe. "Sometimes it can be a little hard for students because we are more used to having a small campus and having these spaces privately to ourselves, and now it has become more and more public. Sometimes it can get a little annoying.
"I feel as though maybe we were the candle and now we are just passing that flame on to other churches and other schools."
From Monday to Thursday, Asbury will livestream "limited portions" of on-campus services, the school announced.
Tom Phillips, an expert on Christian revivals and former vice president of crusades for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, told The Washington Times that the events at Asbury are notable.
"This is just a genuine work of God, a deeper work of the Holy Spirit, working through individuals' lives and changing them," he told the news outlet. "The difference between 1970 and today is social media."
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