This past Wednesday, September 23, thousands of local students participated in this year’s See You at the Pole™ (SYATP) in person and virtually. Millions of students were involved globally. Before school, students joined together at their school’s flagpole in prayer for their friends, school, city, state, nation and the world. Many lives were touched, changed and challenged by one of the nation’s largest prayer movements. First Priority and SYATP are celebrating 30 years this school year! Due to the pandemic, many students participated virtually or off campus this year. Some schools have not returned to school full-time so they plan to hold their SYATP gathering at the end of October. We are expecting thousands more to participate during the alternative date of October 28.
This year’s SYATP theme was “Return, Restore, Revive” and the scripture verse was 2 Kings 23:25 (MSG) – “There was no king to compare with Josiah—neither before nor after—a king who turned in total and repentant obedience to God, heart and mind and strength, following the instructions revealed to and written by Moses. The world would never again see a king like Josiah.”
During SYATP, we receive numerous testimonies of how God moved in our schools and through our communities. We hope you’ll take just a moment to read a few incredible testimonies below:
“It was such an encouraging experience to be able to worship and pray for wisdom for our leaders as we are going through this time of uncertainty.” – Anna Claire, First Priority Student Leader, Vestavia Hills High School
“I am extremely proud of the way the student leaders planned this event and prayed passionately for their peers, school, families and our country. All the students in attendance were extremely respectful and did a great job of practicing social distancing.” – Larry Haynes, Oak Mountain Middle School Principal
“I think this year’s See You at the Pole was the best one we have had since I have been at OMMS. We were concerned about how we could make it work this year with our COVID protocols, but once again I was reminded that if we put our trust in God He will work out all the details. It was such a blessing to see our student leaders pray for their classmates, teachers, school and community.” – Jeff Renfro, First Priority Teacher Sponsor, Oak Mountain Middle School
“I love our See You at the Pole Rally! Each year our students lead the event in worship and sharing the Gospel with their peers! Multiple churches and schools come and worship Jesus together in unity! I’m thankful to partner with First Priority’s vision to empower students to share the Gospel effectively! Be sure to check out the HOPE Strategy provided free of charge for students to use to impact their campus; It is awesome!” – Philip Walker, First Priority Campus Coach/Area Representative
Click here for more information about the First Priority HOPE Strategy Philip is referring to above.
Please take a moment to check out a great SYATP news article and many other great articles from The Alabama Baptist here, and Birmingham Christian Family Magazine here.
Thousands of students also participated in SYATP rallies held across the state on the evening of September 23. There were countless decisions made for Christ on this momentous day. During this important prayer event, students were encouraged to humble themselves in prayer and seek the face of God.