What happened at See You at The pole 2014
This morning FaithPoint was a part of the 2014 See You at the Pole (SYATP) at Urbana Middle School. This is a ministry event where students gather all around the nation to pray for their fellow students, teachers, administrators, and other staff. This, like many SYATP mornings, was chilly. However, FaithPoint was there offering up hot chocolate, donuts, oj and other breakfast treats that kept the students warm while praying for the school.
One of the students said, “I wish I had something to warm me up out here.” Right then one of the other volunteers was able to offer him a warm cup of coco. It was such a blessing to see these young people join together with the goal of being a light to their school. We prayed not only that those who enter into the school might know the grace of God, but also that the students might have the courage to act with integrity and do what is right rather than what is easy.
What FaithPoint did:
As I mentioned we were able to provide breakfast (donuts, granola bars, orange juice, and other breakfast carbs) along with hot chocolate for the students, Fellowship of Christian Athlete leaders, and other school staff. While the breakfast stuff was much appreciated we were also able to let our community know that there are others who car
Why a bit of food is so important
Providing the refreshments for this morning was more than just free food. Rather it created a place and experience where students felt welcomed in and comfortable. Without something hot to drink there would have been many more shivering teens. For Many of these students it was their first encounter with See You at the Pole. All of them had to come to school about 30 minutes earlier than normal and this meant a whole shift in their morning routine, and maybe no breakfast.
So sure, we did primarily sugar the students up before class, and I am okay with that. I am particularly okay with that if our hospitality lead to them telling friends about their experience and being willing to come back and invite others next year when we are able to do it again.
The cost to us was about $35 in food, an early morning for those who served and perhaps a chilly nose. However we were able to minister to 35 students an 10 or so adults. Way to go FaithPoint!!!
See YOU At the Pole Next Year