Fifteen minutes before the start of “The Response” on Saturday, a mass of believers began to huddle around the stage of the PMAC, their outstretched arms swaying to the music of a worship band.
When the rally kicked off at 10 a.m., the PMAC stands were lined with empty seats.
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s 2011 version of “The Response” in Houston drew in about 35,000 people, but Gov. Bobby Jindal’s event was far from meeting the PMAC’s seating capacity of 13,215.
“I thought it would be packed,” said New Orleans resident Jordan Paul. “I thought people would have to wait in the hallway. It just shows how many people don’t think this is big.”
Event spokesman Doug Stringer opened the event and called for Louisiana to “spark a revival across the nation,” before asking Jindal to give the opening prayer.
Jindal took the stage after leading a pro-life march across campus.
The governor gave his personal testimony during the event, telling the crowd stories about his grandfather’s death and his first Bible — a childhood gift from a friend who told Jindal he was going to hell.
Near the end of his testimony, Jindal spoke briefly on politics and uniting the nation.
“I’m glad when the candidates I support win elections,” Jindal said. “But we can’t just pass a law to fix what ails our country. We need a spiritual revival to fix what ails our country.”
Participants from the pro-life march came on stage while speakers addressed abortion, one of the many hot-button topics discussed during the event.
“I remember one lady said, ‘Abortion is almost like sacrificing your child on the altar of convenience,’” said Folsom resident Justin Lombardo. “That’s the same way I feel.”
Over the course of the event, the crowd was asked to split into groups and reflect on participant discussion. The groups prayed over and with one another.
Throughout the rally, speakers would deliver rapid-fire prayers on subjects like single mothers, Israel and orphans.
“You could see the people praying and breaking down, from the little kids all the way up,” Paul said. “It was God touching the nation.”
Protesters gathered outside the PMAC during the prayer rally, but Folsom resident Stephen Lombardo attributed the protestors’ different perspective on life.
Their signs and jeers didn’t bother Stephen, who instead offered to pray for the protesters.
“I don’t have anything against them,” Stephen said. “I just need to pray for them, and I hope they pray for me sometimes.”