A group of Hillsdale students gathered at the Phi Sig Pavilion Oct. 18 to spend the morning walking and praying around campus.

Freshman Christian Brossa said the walk had a “huge positive impact” on the rest of his day.

“I usually start the day in prayer, but to be deliberate about it, to be intentional about what you’re praying about, and to do it with other people — I think most importantly — gave a great springboard for the rest of the day,” Brossa said. 

After opening in prayer, junior Paul Bwamiki, one organizer of the event, led the assembly to the steps of Central Hall. He asked different members of the group to pray over the college staff, as well as for the protection of the various classroom and office buildings on campus. 

Once they prayed over the classroom buildings, the group walked to the library, where an attendee prayed for the enriching of the hearts and minds of students within. The group then prayed over the Grewcock Student Union and and that those inside those inside would be nourished in body and in soul.

For the sake of time, the group then split into two and went to pray for the men and women’s dorms individually.

After completing the walk, participants reconvened at the Phi Sig pavilion and joined hands in a prayer circle to close the event. Bwamiki handed out index cards, asking participants to write an encouraging note on them and give them to people they didn’t know.

During the walk, Brossa volunteered to pray for wisdom in leadership from the college administration to the national level. He prayed for the stability and preservation of the country and that those in power would turn their eyes to God. 

Bwamiki said he believes the violence and unrest across the country was a factor in his conviction to put the event together. Earlier in the semester, he had a dream late at night of someone doing violence against others, and prayed about what it meant. 

Bwamiki said he felt God calling him to gather people in prayer for Hillsdale and for the country at large.

Around 90 people signed up for the walk, with a turnout of roughly 30 attendees.