During these hard times for the humanity, with the ongoing pandemic which claimed many lives and left millions to struggle make ends meet as businesses close down, as well as with the most recent killings of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, it seems that we all need to get closer to God through prayer.
Thousands of students from schools nationwide and beyond gathered together before the morning classes on Wednesday to pray in unison for the annual “See You at the Pole” event which first took place 21 years ago.
This year’s theme was: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. – James 4:10.
What an AWESOME morning for Byrnes FCA and See you at the Pole!!! Thank You Coach Henderson for the great words!!! pic.twitter.com/auGOqMDf1T
— Billy Anderson Jr (@BandersonBilly) September 23, 2021
Many of the students spoke of the reasons why they joined the event. Freshman Faith Eilertson from Croatan High School in North Carolina said: “There is just so much going on in our country and in our leaders. It’s so important that we pray for our country. The leaders need wisdom because they are facing so many situations.”
Another student, freshman Brody Weihrauch, spoke of the importance of the prayer. “We need to gather around and pray because this country has done so much for us. I’m praying for the students and the country. I’m praying for our military because of Afghanistan,” he said.
Beautiful sunrise for FCA’s “See You At the Pole” this morning. ❤️🦅🏀 pic.twitter.com/ZpJDtmuGqS
— Ursula Hill (@CoachUrsulaHill) September 22, 2021
Other schools whose students joined the prayer are Shelby Valley High School in Pikeville, Kentucky, and Tyler Legacy High school in Tyler, Texas, among the many.
Students attending these schools, including Collier Fuller, a sophomore, told WYMT-TV: “It makes me feel like I have a connection to everybody in this room, or everybody in the circle while I’m praying.”
Freshman Lillian spoke to KLTV-TV and explained that it helps him and the rest of his classmates to put God into their hearts and the school system.
Some of our JBMS students chose to participate in nationally recognized See You At the Pole. #BeBOLD #syatp pic.twitter.com/LcLhCRP4LB
— Jim Barnes Middle School (@JimBarnesMS) September 22, 2021
Student-athletes at Copperas Cove High School in Copperas Cove, Texas, were given a break from football practice so that they could be part of the annual event which brings everyone closer to one another.
“It makes me feel a lot closer to them, to be honest,” football player Aleczander Patterson said as reported by Killeen Daily Herald. “I know a lot of them probably have struggles in their life that probably they need to ask God for … it just means a lot to see them open up like that and show who they are.”
Another football player at the school, Caleb Newberry, added that “See You at the Pole” is an opportunity to spread God’s word and the message of Christ.
This morning, we gathered together across the country to stand in prayer and glorify God! Thousands of students stepped out and shared their faith in their schools. #SYATP 🙌👏🙏✨🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/A0HYbR8gJN
— LifeMission Church (@lifemissionKS) September 22, 2021
This truly is a nice way of uniting the students in their faith and spreading a message of love.