As young people, students today are constantly challenged with adversity. Students are constantly faced with trials like anxiety and depression. At times, being a teenager feels like a constant downward spiral. In these times, students need each other to lean on more than ever. Students need a community to back them, and support them. This Wednesday morning at 7:00 am, students will gather together to show their support to one another. See You at the Pole has been around for a while. Upper Deer Creek Youth Pastor, Roy Lanten, was asked some of the history behind “See You at the Pole” and said, “SYATP started in 1990 in the tiny town of Burleson, Texas with five students who had a passion for their classmates to know Jesus.” This event may be over thirty years old.
When it came to getting students excited about this event, students joined for a pre-rally at Walton Christian Church. Galveston First Baptist Youth Pastor, Tyler Yeakley, was asked about See You at the Pole pre-rally and said, “The pre-rally brought students from within five different youth groups from all over Cass, Howard, and even Miami counties. This is what our student body should be encouraged by, and should continue carrying throughout the school year. I’m so proud of the students who attended Sunday evening’s pre-rally, and I look forward to Wednesday’s SYATP prayer time.” Tyler was also asked how he hopes to get students excited for this event and he said, “I think word of mouth and social media are always great ways to promote events like See You at the Pole. However, simply building relationships with the students and being a presence in their lives as well as sporting events, marching band competitions, and other extra-curricular activities are just as important throughout the year.” Tyler was finally asked if he thinks there will be a good turnout and he said, “I look back and realize our schools did not have this event for many years. Therefore, I am happy with any turnout that promotes unity within the student body. We encourage our students to be bold, and share the Word of God, especially in such a divisive world.”
The hope of this event is to bring people together and show them the love of the Lord. Youth Pastor, Roy Lanten, was asked what impact he hopes this leaves on students and he said, “It helps students show their faith to their classmates, teachers, and administration. It gives them opportunities to worship at school and helps students break down barriers between youth groups and denominations to unite as the big C church.” Roy was asked how long this event took to prepare for and also who helped put this event together and he said, “At least six months of prep (time) and prayer goes into putting together this worship event. All area youth pastors, leaders, and students. (assist with planning the event)” When asked what the big hope of this event is, Roy said, “My hope is to see students unite and worship the Creator as one.”
As students, it is time for us to come together as one and be the community we all long for. When students feel like they are in the lowest of lows or even the highest of highs, they can remember the moment when their world seemed much smaller and all they focused on was the flagpole in front of them and the people around them. This event will help bring students together and encourage them to show their love of Christ together. Hope to see you there!
