Unite US Movement Reaches Pittsburgh

A ministry, rooted in universities, took its first step further north on Wednesday night. The gathering was marked by a significant spiritual outpouring, reminiscent of past events.

At the Petersen Event Center in Pittsburgh, thousands of students attended the Unite US rally, where many made commitments to their faith and participated in baptisms that extended into the early hours. This movement, which kicked off at Auburn University in the fall of 2023, has expanded rapidly, drawing around 50,000 students across various campuses in just two and a half years. Up until now, their reach hadn’t extended beyond Cincinnati.

Normally a hub for basketball, the Petersen Events Center transformed into a vibrant space for worship, sharing testimonies, and evangelism on this particular night, with the Unite US events offered at no cost.

“Tonight, hundreds of people made a commitment to fully embrace Jesus, and we saw baptisms at the University of Pittsburgh,” Tonya Prewett, the visionary behind Unite US, shared on Instagram. “Something new keeps happening at every campus. It was incredible to witness so many being physically healed! We couldn’t stop baptizing until well past midnight, and the testimonies are just flooding in!”

She noted, “The altar was packed.”

Like many successful events, social media played a role in promoting the rally, with local athlete Mason Heinchel encouraging fellow students to join.

Jonathan Pokulda, a pastor and author who spoke at the rally, expressed his gratitude to Prewett, not just for the powerful happenings he observed but also for launching the initiative in 2023.

“When my friend Jennie Allen and I were invited to Auburn, I had no real expectations,” he reflected on the inaugural Unite US. “Everything came together in a mere six weeks, but looking back, I realize it was built on years of sincere prayer. Tonya put her heart into seeking hope and healing for others, walking through campus, feeling that God intended for her to take action.”

He added, “And now, we’re witnessing this unfold, not just in Auburn but across universities nationwide… her prayers are being answered.”

Pokulda mentioned a video capturing numerous students moving to the floor, making their commitments. “This illustrates what happens when prayer is answered,” he said, emphasizing the movement’s foundation in prayer.

He drew a parallel to Pearl Goode, who prayed before Billy Graham events, noting that while many know of Billy, few recognize Pearl’s contributions. “The unseen faithfulness, those quiet acts of obedience… they can lead to powerful movements of the Spirit. Thank you, Tonya, for interceding for this generation.”

Upcoming Unite US events are scheduled at Florida State University on March 31, Sanford State University on April 8, and Oklahoma State University on April 28.