The UniteUS movement made its mark in Miami on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Watsco Center. The concert featured worship music from the JWALKERS band and Roosevelt Stewart Jr., a worship leader with Transformation Worship and ONE HOUSE. Guest speakers included Grant Troutt and Madison Prewett Troutt, and the night concluded with Tonya Prewett.
The free concert began at 7:30 p.m. for University of Miami students, drawing an enthusiastic crowd. Some attended as part of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM), directed by Andrew Fernandez.
The night opened with the worship song “Praise the Lord,” energizing students, who were on their feet singing and praising. The lead artist surprised the audience with a drone filming for an upcoming music video, debuting a new song in the process.
After the band, speaker Grant Troutt took the stage and shared how a career-ending hip injury halted his college basketball dreams and redirected his life. He recounted how a Bible his mom had packed for him became an essential part of his faith journey.
Troutt described how many athletes who may seem to have everything on the outside — money, championships and fame — were going through many challenges in their lives. Being around them and praying with them showed Troutt a new purpose.
Next, Madison Prewett Troutt, a former contestant and runner-up on Season 24 of “The Bachelor,” took to the stage and spoke about using her platform to inspire young people to find faith, hope and a supportive community. She emphasized accountability and the importance of connection, especially for college students navigating challenges.
“This is our 32nd campus UniteUS night, and we are so excited for the next one,” Madison Troutt said .
Madison’s mother, Tonya Prewett, closed the event by sharing statistics about Gen Z’s mental health. 73% of Gen Z consider themselves the loneliest generation, 42% have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and the generation has experienced the highest suicide rates since World War II.
Additionally, 34% grew up in single-parent households, while only 8% report reading the Bible regularly.
Tonya, founder of UniteUS, explained how she began the movement with a Bible study in Auburn, Alabama, that unexpectedly drew 7,000 students in one night. That moment, she said, became her mission to help young people find hope and faith.
Before the concert, Tonya met and prayed with students struggling with self-worth and identity, inviting them to the concert. Some later shared their testimonies and were baptized.
Afterward, students were able to purchase merchandise being sold, including hats, hoodies and T-shirts.
Outside, many students participated in a baptism, creating a sense of revival on campus.
“This was such a beautiful night; I really needed some encouragement,” said Farah Zureikat, a freshman studying political science.
“I really needed this midweek worship service; it’s uplifting and super powerful,” said Lorena Sills, junior and double major in Ecosystem Science and Policy and Public Relations.