Students and community members hosted a prayer walk at Sweetheart Circle on March 5. The event brought together several organizations from the area for a night of worship and prayer.

The First Baptist Church of Statesboro, Connection Church Statesboro, Georgia Southern Cru, GSU Baptist Collegiate Ministry, and 88.9 His Radio were represented at the event.

While prayer walks at Georgia Southern began in 2016, this is the first since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The walks were initially held on Greek Row, but this is the first time a prayer walk was organized at Sweetheart Circle.

Tyler Martin, Communications Director for the prayer walk, spoke about her motivation to bring the tradition back to Eagle Nation.

“We just feel the students on this campus—they’re hungry for Jesus,” Martin said.

Before the service began, students and community members gathered at Sweetheart Circle, with some writing prayer requests on sticky notes and placing them on a board near the stage.

The event began with an opening prayer and scripture reading from Martin, who then introduced the worship band. After a few songs, Pastor Brandon Williams, Lead Pastor of Connection Church Statesboro, came up to give a brief message and prayer.

Following Williams’ prayer, attendees were given instructions to walk around Sweetheart Circle, stopping at various stations where volunteers could pray with them or for them. Attendees were also given prompts to guide their prayer, which included topics like the campus, the community, the world and gratitude.

With around 150 in attendance, including Georgia Southern President and First Lady, Dr. Kyle Marrero and Dr. Jane Marrero, the event brought dozens together with the goal of praying for the university and the area.