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'See you at the Pole' offers prayers for students, teachers, each other
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Published: September 26, 2008
Under the gently waving American flag at the Lowe's YMCA, 15 people gathered Wednesday morning to pray for students, teachers, administrators and themselves at what organizers hope will be the first of many annual "See you at the Pole" gatherings.
The event was organized by the YMCA and Peninsula Baptist and aimed at homeschoolers, from pre-school to college age, said Connie Byers, the administrative director at the YMCA.
"We wanted to bless all of them for the upcoming school year, as well as pray for children who go to public schools," she said.
Byers said the objective was to protect the kids from influences such as drugs and alcohol that might go against Christian beliefs.
David Simon, minister for Peninsula Baptist, was on hand to read scripture and coordinate ceremonies held at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
"I've ministered to very small youth groups before, and I think it's important to show kids who may feel like they're the only Christians left in the community that they're not alone, and they have more fellow followers than they realized," Simon said.
"I think this is the whole meaning of 'See you at the Pole,' to take a stand for God and to create fellowship. It's nice to know others out there support you, are praying for you, especially in a time where it may not be the popular thing to do."
Homeschooled students and their parents read scriptures from Noah, Abraham, Joshua and Paul that emphasized the need to connect with God, no matter how hard it seemed at the time. Then the group prayed for those present and leaders, both in the community and nationwide.
"I pray that God helps guide you, that all of you learn lessons you will need in the future, and that we will help build the Christian leaders of tomorrow," said Simon. "I hope you can make this community and country a better place."
Eric and Marion Marcy chose to bring their three children, Ailis, Liam and Eric Jr., to the ceremony to "show them the importance of prayer," Eric Sr. explained.
"We came before God to ask for certain things and express our needs, and as Christians, it is our privilege and responsibility to do so."
Marion was pleased with the turnout.
"I loved that the teens were so bold and read scriptures during the ceremony," she said. "I know they spoke from the heart and most of them are so shy on a regular basis. I commend them for speaking in public."
A friend of the Marcy's, Kelly Gibson, heard about the event through the e-mail chain the home-school group has and brought her two kids, Argia and Travis.
"I was happy to encourage the students and lift them up to the Lord," she said. "It was wonderful to let them join 'See you at the Pole' and speak so freely with their peers. I hope they do it again next year. I would love to be a part of it."
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