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A Humble “Hallelujah”: Notes from Spiritual Emphasis Week

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By Abbi Rinkenberger

Darkness cloaked the room. I stood with my eyes fixed on the lyrics on the screen. My hands were lifted, open. The soft strum of the guitar and the quivering of the piano and violin died out, but the voices of the students continued. In unison, we filled the air with worship, whispering words from Brandon Lake’s song Gratitude: “I've nothing else fit for a King / Except for a heart singing hallelujah.” I experienced a sense of unity and faith in that moment. While this experience occurred during the last night of SEW, the humility palpable in Brandon Lake’s lyrics mirrored the atmosphere of Spiritual Emphasis Week as students and speakers offered their voices, talents, and hearts to Christ. 

During chapels and night sessions, we had the honor of listening to speakers from Avant Life Church in Canada. In alignment with the theme of Pursuit, Ps. Sarah Graston guided us through the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son. She touched the audience with her vulnerability by relating the stories to her career and focusing on the purpose God has for us. 

Aidan Leong (12) conveys, “Pastor Sarah paralleled the parable of the prodigal son with her own life, which made the story feel very personal and meaningful to me as a listener.” 

Further, Limey Chhor (12) remarks, “My favorite part of SEW was the reminder that Jesus hasn't given up on me. Her quote says, “The moment you take a step toward Jesus, He'll come running toward you. You have a choice to go home or not.” 

In the evenings, Pastor Ben spoke about the kindness of God in reaching out to us and how we can reach our hands out to him in a posture of worship. 

Arielle McIver (12), an attendant at the evening sessions, comments, “One thing Pastor Ben said that stood out to me is that ‘God desires for the return of all His sons and daughters.’” The messages of the speakers carried truths that touched the students in different ways. 

On the final day of SEW, the evening session was senior-led. Seniors employed various forms of art to worship God that night. Through words, seniors shared their testimonies, reaching the audience with their vulnerability. Through an original song, Caleb Jun moved individuals with his raw lyrics and euphonious voice. Through movement, a small group of dancers led by Joyce Wan radiated grace as they danced to worship music. Humility pervaded these performances. 

At the close of the night, attendants stood in circles and prayed for one another. I appreciated the opportunity to receive and offer prayer for others. God’s presence pervaded Spiritual Emphasis Week, and I pray that, when the memory of SEW vanishes, we students will continue to offer Christ a humble hallelujah. 


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