“The Thorn” Creators, ORU Alumni John and Sarah Bolin, Discuss History’s Most Epic Story
Visceral, emotional, breathtaking… epic!
These are the words that describe “The Thorn,” an immersive show created by ORU alumni John and Sarah Bolin that has impacted over 1 million people in the last 25 years. Featuring powerful music, drama, aerial acts, movement arts, modern dance, and big visual effects, “The Thorn,” tells the story of God’s love for the world and the spiritual battle for all humanity. While serving as youth pastors, the Bolins came up with the show’s idea following their encounter with a teary-eyed 16-year-old girl.
“The girl’s arms were covered in cut marks,” Sarah said. “John told her, ‘You don’t need to do this; Jesus has already done it for you.’ After that, we felt compelled to show students the reality of the sacrifice Jesus made for their freedom while also showing the supernatural battle that goes on for the identity, choices, minds, and hearts of young people.
The Bolin’s ORU Experience
As storytellers, the Bolin’s are well aware of ORU’s impact on their own personal stories. John and Sarah came to the University after their siblings, seeking more than an average educational experience. At ORU, students are developed not only educationally but spiritually to be Spirit-empowered leaders of impact in their respective fields.
“There are so many great things about ORU,” Sarah said, “like the spiritual conversations, the community worship, and the Christian worldview from professors, “ORU definitely shaped our spiritual journeys and started our story together. We are grateful to ORU.”
Leaving a Lasting Impact Through the Arts
“The Thorn,” which has been touring the country, including a recent visit to ORU’s Mabee Center, has inspired audiences across America. The Bolin’s say that their goal is to draw every person--the audience and the performers--closer toward God. They want to give their artists the opportunity to use their professional talents for working in the arts and go on to support, collaborate, and create more opportunities together.
“God is drawing every person who encounters ‘The Thorn’ towards Himself,” said Sarah. “We want the message of hope, love, and freedom to stick with people long after the show experience. If people leave curious and wanting to pursue the Cross further, at whatever stage they may be, that’s a win for us.”
“The Thorn” will be touring the Northeast and the West Coast next Spring. For more information, please visit their website at www.thethorn.com.
UNIVERSITY BRIEF
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor's level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 150 nations (from 2019 to 2023) to be whole leaders for the whole world.
The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, the #1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.
ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- #2 in Most International Students
- #3 in Best Value
- #6 in Best College for Veterans
- #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West
For more information, visit www.oru.edu.