First Priority and See You at the Pole™ (SYATP) are celebrating 30 years this school year! The annual SYATP observance takes place on the fourth Wednesday in September. However, due to the pandemic, some schools weren’t able to observe SYATP last month. For those who weren’t able to participate then and are able to now, we are recommending SYATP Part Two be observed THIS Wednesday, October 28, as an alternative date. We strongly encourage students and adults to follow all applicable local school guidelines and mandates.
The purpose of SYATP nor the theme have changed, just the date and possibly the location for some. SYATP is about one simple thing – STUDENTS in PRAYER. Before school, students will meet at their school’s flagpole to pray for their friends, families, teachers, school, city, state and nation to God. SYATP is a student-initiated, student-organized and student-led event. Did you know that First Priority has been promoting and coordinating SYATP since the early 90’s? The picture below from 1993 at Vestavia Hills High School is what we believe was the first (or among the first) SYATP gatherings in Alabama.
“See You at the Pole this year will be like no other,” said First Priority Greater Birmingham Ministry Director Debi DeBoer. “Whether students are on campus or learning remotely, prayer will happen. As a nation, we need to return to the Lord and repent for present and past sins. Only then can relationships be restored and healing begin. Awaken our hearts, revive us or we can slumber and watch another generation be without hope.”
We have multiple resources available to students on our Web site including a planning guide, ways they can report their attendance numbers, and links to videos, the online SYATP store and multiple other resources.
THIS Wednesday, October 28, we encourage you to gather with your family, at your place of business with coworkers or even online and HUMBLE yourselves in PRAYER and SEEK the face of God and take part in SYATP Part Two. PRAY for friends, families, teachers, schools and our world.