The Tent evangelistic series was led by the seventh and eighth-grade students of Ruth Murdoch Elementary School. Yet it was far more than simply a Ruth Murdoch/Pioneer event. The Tent serves as a powerful catalyst for connection, cooperation, and collaboration. Departments and individuals from across the Andrews University campus and throughout Southwest Michigan came together to support this ministry.

This year, The Tent took place from May 8–17. The theme, Fire and Light, considers how God is both the light that guides His people and the fire that refines them. It was inspiring to watch these young people seek God and invite Him to light their paths throughout the series.

God moved powerfully through the students involved in The Tent. Each day, they faithfully prayed that God would protect the meetings. Remarkably, this was the first year in the 14-year history of The Tent that there was no rain during the series meetings, and the wind we did have was not strong enough to knock down the tent. It was a simple yet meaningful reminder that God is attentive to the prayers of His children.

From audiovisual teams and prayer ministries to greeters, preachers, and musicians, nearly every aspect of the program was led by these young people. It was especially touching to see seventh- and eighth-graders walking among the attendees, asking how they could pray for them. Equally inspiring was watching the student preachers pour their hearts into their messages as they sought to share the truths of God's Word.

As God declares in Isaiah 55:10–11:

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (NKJV)

God's Word did not return void.

Each evening, the student preachers made a special appeal following their sermons. Attendees were invited to consider five important decisions, including committing their lives to Christ through baptism and beginning Bible studies with someone who could help them grow in Jesus.

Over the course of the eight-night series, 43 individuals chose to give their lives to Jesus through baptism. In addition, 49 people requested Bible studies. These decisions stand as a beautiful testimony to what God can accomplish through willing hearts who co-labor with Him.

The students poured themselves into this life-changing evangelistic series, and we witnessed God work mightily through them. Their dedication, faith, and willingness to serve were powerful reminders that God can work through people of every age to make an eternal impact.

I would like to invite each of you to join us in praying for these young people as they continue to seek God and follow His leading in their lives. Also, pray with us for those who have chosen baptism and Bible study, that they may grow closer to the heart of their Heavenly Father and be rooted in His love and truth. Lastly, please remember The Tent in your prayers as we seek God's direction for next year. 

Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support are making an eternal difference. Thank you for partnering with us to share the hope of Jesus through the Tent!