See You at the Pole
Event Slated for Sept. 25
By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter
GRAPELAND – On Wednesday, Sept. 25, students from across the nation will gather around flag poles located in front of their educational facilities to participate in an annual event known as See You at the Pole (SYATP). This year’s theme is, “IF.”
According to the SYATP website, “It’s about one simple thing—Students in Prayer.”
While there are many opportunities to unite in prayer with your friends, the SYATP has designated Wednesday, Sept. 25 as the global day of student prayer. At 7am local time, students around the world will meet at flagpoles to pray for their schools.
There is also the Global Week of Student Prayer, which runs from Sept. 22 until Sept 28. During the week-long event, public, private and home school students are encouraged to pray in unique ways, places and times throughout the seven-day period.
The SYATP event had its origins in 1990 when “… a small group of teenagers in Burleson, Texas, came together for a Disciple Now weekend. Little did they know that God was about to move in power. On that Saturday night, the students were broken and burdened for their friends. Compelled to pray, yet not knowing exactly what to do, they went to the school flagpoles and prayed for their friends, schools, and leaders,” the SYATP website stated.
Now in its third decade, the SYATP event attracts millions of students every year on the fourth Wednesday of September to pray to God with friends in secondary schools and colleges throughout the community country and the world.
SYATP is simply a prayer rally where students meet at the school flagpole before school to lift up their friends, families, teachers, school, and nation to God. SYATP is a student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led event.
After the morning event, there will be an evening event called “Saw You at the Pole.” The event is for all sixth through 12th grade students and youth leaders in Houston County. Food and drinks will be provided at the First United Methodist Church of Crockett from 5:30-6:15pm. Then from 6:30-8:00pm, the main event will take place next door at the First Baptist Church of Crockett. Music will be provided by Sojourn and the guest speaker will be former NFL player and Rose Bowl champ (USC), Keith Davis. There will be worship, prayer, prizes, food, and fun!
Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].
