Students Hear From Kristan Hawkins and Ruslan KD During Convocation

Students heard from pro-life activist Kristan Hawkins Jan. 22, while author and YouTuber Ruslan KD came to speak Jan. 24 on Liberty’s Convocation stage. 

Wednesday’s Convocation began with an original song by the School of Music’s Halle Harper, which was sung by the student group, Vessel. The song, “God’s Children Aren’t for Sale,” spoke out against the evil of human trafficking and child abuse and promoted the value of human life in Christ. 

With this event taking place on the anniversary of the now-overturned Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling, Chancellor Jonathan Falwell segued into highlighting the sanctity of human life in defiance of the widespread practice of abortion. Guests from Lynchburg’s Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center were then honored for their contributions in aiding young pregnant women through one of the most difficult periods of their lives. 

Next, Hawkins took the stage and began her speech by pointing out what she described as a significant issue within the pro-life movement. She expressed that there is often not enough being done by those who oppose abortion due to the problem’s difficult nature. By detailing her own grueling experience on the frontlines of pro-life activism, she reminded students that fighting for what is right is rarely an easy task. 

“All of those difficulties have become a bit of a metaphor for me for the pro-life movement today,” Hawkins said. 

She continued by focusing on the fight at a state level, where, despite relative national success, pro-abortion laws are still being passed. Hawkins also stressed that due to the victory in overturning Roe v. Wade, some pro-lifers have wrongly adopted the notion that little more can be done to abolish abortion in the United States.  

Hawkins emphasized there are a variety of ways abortion can still be tackled; she said everyone’s unique skills and abilities are useful in finding a solution. Hawkins admitted that while there is not one effortless answer, students should continue to join the fight however they can.  

“I liked how she tied the current pro-life movement with past social movements since there is so much we can learn from these comparisons,” junior Stephen Lewis said. 

Hawkins spoke of how American women fought long and hard to establish their right to vote, referencing Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul, who boldly campaigned for their cause despite significant societal pushback. Though the path will be long and difficult, Hawkins reminded students that anything is possible with God’s help. 

Hawkins ultimately encouraged students to contribute, despite their background or reservations, in a way that utilizes their unique skills, abilities and ideas. She affirmed that defending the value of life is a spiritual battle worth fighting for. 

Next, to kick off Friday’s Convocation, students were treated to a sneak peek of “Don Giovanni,” an opera brought to life by the School of Music. The show’s director, Samantha Miller, a professor of voice, explained that the opera was reimagined for 2025, in order to better relate to students. She hoped audiences will learn to hold fast to biblical principles through the values communicated through the opera. 

Following the “Don Giovanni” announcement, President Dondi Costin took the stage to further encourage students to attend a performance of the opera. He also highlighted the Midnight Mayhem hockey game scheduled for Jan. 24 and recognized the more than 1,000 students participating in the March for Life, which was happening at the same time in Washington, D.C. 

Next, Ruslan KD began his message with a metaphor about the Cola Wars, which took place during the 1980s, involving a business conflict between Pepsi and Coke. When Coke reimagined their flavor as “New Coke” it was met with swift public rejection. Ruslan used the example of Coca-Cola’s failed innovation to motivate students to reject changes to the Christian faith for the sake of greater social appeal. 

“So instead of keeping the flavor and changing the world, we’ve changed the flavor and lost the world,” Ruslan said. 

Instead of giving into fear, Ruslan told students to courageously proclaim the unfettered gospel. He went on to explain how statistics reveal an increasing interest in Christianity and recommended that Christians respond with the full biblical truth. 

Ruslan also encouraged students to make a greater practice of confession and finding community. By speaking about trauma in his own life, he hoped students would learn from his scars and be able to confront their own personal issues. He explained that connecting with godly community and confiding in a trustworthy person can have massive benefits for hurting and broken people.  

He ultimately shared his desire for students to live in a way that glorifies God and to serve as a testimony to unbelievers. As God’s instruments in the world, Ruslan said adopting God’s ways through his Word and applying them every day is the only sure way to stay within his will. 

“It was great to see how down-to-earth Ruslan was at Convo and how he spoke to us about confession being a key note in our walk with Christ,” junior Isaac Gutierrez said. 

Anderson is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion.