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Lecrae and Phil Wickham Surprise College Graduates During Virtual Graduation

Screenshot courtesy of Westmont Graduation 2020 on Vimeo

Lecrae and Phil Wickham Surprise Westmont College Graduates for Virtual Graduation

By Allyson Vannatta, Senior Writer

Westmont College recruited two popular Christian artists to perform for the graduates since their formal graduation was postponed.

Gayle D. Beebe, president of the Christian college in Santa Barbara, California, started the virtual celebration by assuring students that graduation will be rescheduled for the fall.

Then, she informed the graduates of a surprise concert featuring worship artist Phil Wickham and Christian rapper LeCrae.

Beebe said, “We do want to do something special to really honor and celebrate you and that is why we’re having a special concert with two distinguished Christian artists. This is really just to honor and celebrate you as you graduate, and it’s also an opportunity for us to invite in the entire Westmont family.”

Wickham was up first as he sang some of his popular worship songs for 20 minutes.

The singer said, “I love that in Jesus, even in the midst of grief, you know there can be joy. Even in the midst of loss and expectations being demolished, we can experience joy, and we can still say ‘thank you,’ we can still say ‘we trust you.’”

Lecrae performed after two graduating seniors spoke. The rapper used his time to deliver a sermon about faith.

“This is an important opportunity. Right now, we’re in some extremely challenging times and when Westmont called me and asked me if I would do this, I said absolutely, of course,” he said.

The rapper continued, “As Westmont graduates, if there was ever a time that the world needed you, [it] is now. So go out with audacious dreams, big hearts to change the world for Christ. You guys have got this. You’re gifted with talents that God has given you. So take it to the next level.

“Your graduation will never be forgotten, not just because you graduated during a time period when the world was looking for answers and looking for hope,” he added. “And who better to go out into the world and be beacons of hope in life.”

He concluded his time by singing his song “I’ll Find You.”

These two Christian artists have been staying busy during quarantine.

Movieguide® previously reported that Lecrae installed portable sinks in the Atlanta area for homeless people to have a way to wash their hands during the coronavirus.

Wickham has been active on his Instagram account sharing covers of popular worship songs like Cory Asbury’s “Reckless Love” and Hillsong Worship’s “O Praise The Name.”

It’s part of a series the singer calls Songs From Home.

He’s also been recording worship songs for his local church.

Watch their performances in the virtual graduation below.

Westmont Graduation 2020 from Westmont on Vimeo.

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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.