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See You At The Pole draws students to prayer at WBHS
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · October 01, 2015


A dozen West Branch High School students, a teacher and a pastor gathered Sept. 23 in front of the building for their school and community.


Junior Claire Bridges organized the local See You At The Pole event, which started about 7:30 a.m. and lasted about 10 minutes.

West Branch United Methodist Church Pastor Alexis Williams facilitated the event, which included people praying out loud and in silence.

Williams prayed for students who are “hurting,” and those who have little to eat outside of school.

“We ask that you show us their needs so we can help with our actions and our words,” she said.

She also, through her prayer, asked God to provide the participants and others “hesitant” to join the prayer event for courage “to live out their faith with actions.”

Williams asked that students would be inspired to show compassion and to share, but not in an off-putting manner, “to extend Your love” to others.

Bridges said this was the first time she hosted a See You At The Pole event after Williams suggested she take the step. The junior set up a Facebook page to invite anyone who wished to join.

With just a couple of days’ notice, the turnout was about what she expected, she said. Williams said the turnout was “amazing.”

“It’s great to see these kids here,” she said.

However, while Bridges said she knew all of the students who participated, she did not know all shared her faith.

“I hoped people would see that church isn’t the only place to witness God and turn to God,” she said.

Williams and Bridges said they hope to see SYATP return, and Williams said there are current freshmen who appear willing to take over once Bridges graduates. Williams said she hopes people realized “it is not just a United Methodist Church” event.

Williams thanked the students who came and encouraged them to share their faith.

“Take time to pray,” she said. “I know how difficult it can be to be a Christian student. It takes courage to be seen.”

Bridges and Williams said the 7:30 a.m. time might need to be reconsidered. A couple students and staff passed by beforehand, saying they wished they could join by had an early class or other commitment.

See You At The Pole started in 1990 and grew into a global week of prayer during the week of Sept. 20 through Sept. 26. The national prayer date was Sept. 23 and next year’s is already scheduled for Sept. 28, also a Wednesday.