Students at Western Kentucky University woke up to a biblical reminder chalked on their school’s sidewalks. Seventy Christian students from multiple Christian ministries on campus coordinated chalking the entire Gospel of John across campus from Monday night into Tuesday morning. The project was initiated by Baptist Campus Ministry (BCM), Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), and Hilltopper for Christ (HFC). The effort, which involved writing 879 Bible verses spread out over 21 chapters, took around two and a half hours. The groups did ensure to get university approval before chalking the campus.

BCM Vice President Luke Alford stated the group was inspired by other such projects that have occurred across other universities. An account on TikTok called “Gospel Chalk Movement” features similar events taking place during 2024. “People look for answers in a lot of different things, and I think it’s really good to have answers right in front of them,” Alford said. Elijah Vaughn, BCM’s serve team coordinator, hoped the effort would help people to see Christ. “I want [the WKU community] to see Christ in all that we do,” he said. Jenna Kittrell, a self-identified non-religious student on campus stated the project “probably took a lot of time” and described it as “pretty.”

“The main reason for us doing this ultimately is to spread the good news, or the Gospel. We live in a time when there is a lot of uncertainty and confusion in the world around us, especially in a college setting full of a bunch of people still figuring out how to be an adult,” Alford told Fox News . “I firmly believe that the Bible has the answer to these questions, especially in the Gospel of John.” Despite some negative comments on Yik Yak, a college app, student and BCM leader Rachel Harwood stated the group was still able to use it as a Gospel opportunity. “The next day the BCM had a table and chalkboard set up to talk to students and get their opinions. This was a great way to verbally share the Gospel with students,” she said.

In the wake of several high-profile revivals across campuses like Asbury and University of Ohio, BCM President Cameron Shaw stated he believes there is more openness to the Gospel. “I personally definitely see an openness to Christianity. Maybe some others might feel differently in a different part of the country,” he said. “But I do see more of an openness to faith in general. How we would put it, some seeds [are] being planted.”