Feature photos provided.
On Wed., Sept 23, students across Oklahoma woke up just a little earlier than their usual time to gather at their school flag poles. To an onlooker unaware of what See You At The Pole (SYATP) is, this might seem like a group of students celebrating their country, and in a way that’s not far from the truth. These students aren’t celebrating an earthly country; they’re celebrating a Heavenly Kingdom.
Millions of students across the United States and in 63 other countries have taken part in SYATP, which began 35 years ago started when a group of students, following a retreat weekend the year before, followed through on the conviction to pray. Soon, the word spread and a world-wide movement began.
Every year, students gather around flagpoles toward the end of Septeber to pray for family, friends, schools, communities and more. Often, the event goes beyond the school grounds. Many groups use the event as a springboard to host post-event rallies for the community where students gather to celebrate, testify and share the Gospel. Through the Cooperative Program, Oklahoma Baptists were able to partner with students and churches to provide funding to help support the events.
“I’m grateful that Oklahoma Baptists can partner with churches and students across our state today for SYATP events,” said Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer. “Thank you, Oklahoma Baptist churches, for your generosity to give through the Cooperative Program!”
At 8 a.m. on Sept. 23, Oklahoma Baptists asked users to submit photos of their community SYATP events. By 9 a.m., multiple users had replied with photos showing hundreds of students gathered around their school flagpole, heads bowed in prayer and fellowship.
These gatherings are not just opportunities for students to lead outward, but also for those looking to see the faithfulness of students. It serves as a picture for what disciple making looks like-empowering students to carry the light inside themselves to the outside world.
