Hundreds of students attended Christival, a three-day chapel event organized by Palm Beach Atlantic University’s spiritual development team. The event, which has been held since the 1980s, took place in the Rubin Arena and featured worship, music, and messages focused on Christian community and faith.
Josh White, a Christian recording artist and lead pastor at Door of Hope Church in Portland, Oregon, spoke at the event. He addressed the importance of openness and confession in a Christian community and discussed how to find joy with Jesus at the center of one’s life. “Even on your worst days, God is crazy about you,” White told students during one of his talks. He also shared personal experiences, including the loss of his mother-in-law, to illustrate how faith can help people endure challenges.
Music was led by Harborside Music, a worship band from Harborside Christian Church in Safety Harbor, Florida. Several members of the group are alumni of Palm Beach Atlantic University. The band performed songs such as “I Trust God” and introduced students to their original song, “Make Way.”
Students described the event as encouraging and uplifting. Amalia Rimes, a student at PBA, said, “I was really encouraged by the message, because it was so amazing to see someone who is going through a trial, yet has so much joy, which only comes from the Lord. The worship part of it was a sweet reminder of what heaven may look like someday with so many people raising their hands together. That was one of my favorite parts.”
The tradition included activities such as a free T-shirt toss featuring this year’s chosen Bible verse, Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The final night ended with students participating enthusiastically in music and worship.
Alyssa McKnight, a junior at PBA, said, “I think Christival is a great tradition at PBA, and I have gone all three years I’ve been here. This year’s Christival was moving with amazing sermons and worship.”
Highlights from Christival are available to watch on YouTube.
