Words of The Lamb magazine

&&Sometimes one meets or hears about a person, and they make such an impact that their face or story will always be remembered. Otis Parker was one of these people, has changed my life. He has surprised everybody. I just want to make people aware of what is going on and what’s happening.

Otis Parker was a pretty normal guy. He played the trumpet in the school band. He wore glasses and looked kind of awkward, like most kids in junior high. He was starting to forget that girls had cooties, and he started “hanging out” with his friends instead of “playing” with them. But there was something different about Otis, my friend. There was something that just stood out about him. That became evident to me on September 17.

&& Started in the 1989-1990, See You At The Pole began when students from Crestmont Baptist Church youth group in Burleson, Texas gathered participated at a Burleson High School (in the present day location of Kerr Middle School) lunchtime prayer group; well over one hundred students from Hughes Middle School also met for prayer.

Many ninth graders assembled for a Disciple Now Retreat one weekend in April 1990, then after they prayed for themselves they decided to pray for others at the home of a local pastor and at Hughes Middle, Burleson High and Crowley High that Saturday night. This See You At The Pole group grew out of the BCMA/Burleson Ministerial Alliance operating in the state.

SYATP is when students meet annually at their campus’s flagpole to meet, worship God and pray together in the spirit of revival, fellowship, brokeness and repentance. It is a ground up grassroots movement that is student initiated, organized and led. Publicly praying on See You At The Pole Day, held on the fourth Wednesday in September, reminds everyone of God’s rightful influence in each one of our lives and that He has a purpose for everybody. SYATP is with the National Network of Youth ministries, a Global Day of Student Prayer.

Each year has a theme grounded on passages of Biblical Scriptures; it takes place during the Global Week of Student Prayer. Frequently praying in support of the students, like minded adults gather around to and at their work places, churches, city halls and other locations. In another meeting that April the Texas State Baptist Convention’s director of Youth Evangelism shared that something would happen to empower the students after the Youth Evangelism summer camps. In that June in Reunion Arena at the Youth Evangelism Conference the See You At The Pole Concept was explained to a wider audience. Word spread to a couple of other states with Student Discipleship Ministries becoming a center for campuses in the first year.

In in several states on one thousand and twelve hundred schools, forty-five thousand pupils had prayer in the front of their schools for the country, their schools, their parents for students and for others on Wednesday, September twelfth, nineteen ninety at seven AM. In it’s second year SYATP went international. Locally there are no “official” sponsors for the event; at each campus students take the initiative and lead the prayer rallies; some campus recognized organizations and groups may make See You At The Pole an official event or activity of their respective clubs.

&&It was 6:00 A.M., and it was way too early for me to be awake. But I was, along with millions of kids around the world. I sleepily got ready for school and headed out the door late, as usual. I can’t wait to go where I belong. I was supposed to be at the flagpole at 6:30 to meet the other See You at the Pole leaders, I am so proud of these guys. Special thanks to outstanding staff. Blessed to work with and learn from these amazing educators! Team is the best of the best! There are so many that keep me sane, and speak sense into me! Loved this morning!

As I came up to the school at about 6:45, I saw at least 10 kids around the flagpole already, loved seeing students. They spent beautifying the front of the school! They’re so ready, sharing passion for capturing kids’ hearts; can’t capture minds until have their hearts!! I ran up to the other leaders and reviewed who was going to do what and when; I’m a doer, I played a vital role and assisted. I was so excited! The group increased as the singing, praying, and Bible reading went on, they played and cheered.

We just clung to God’s word and were surrounded by prayer warriors who were able to support us. I get relief from my anxiety. It’s important, I think, to find people who can be with you and encourage you and who understand what you are going through. We met so many people while we were there that made us appreciate what we do have.

It’s really helpful. The final headcount was 126. It was a lot to take in; it was the best day yet! Lots of things! That was really good for a school as small as Sumrall, a real gem. I’m grateful for community; encourage others. Makes it more serene, more alive. I am excited to work collaboratively. I really enjoy the people, the kids. They definitely bring me joy, very very important to me.

The kids learned so much, this is great. I absolutely love every day. I enjoy being around people and helping when needed. Got home at 10am I tired? Yes. Would I do it again? Yes. I’m really lucky to love the people I work with. I love these so much!!! No matter how the day might go, we always find something to laugh about. Makes all the difference in the world, showing support.

&&That night, I went to church excited about what God had done in my school that day. My youth director made the whole youth night focused around SYATP thanks to a great message, so many wise words! We all shared stories about how things went at our schools and how the numbers of people had been. I support it, great job.

A few guys from my church had gone to a few of the schools and filmed clips from the morning’s activities (I will watch my own story). The crowds of students from these schools were so impressive. It was amazing that that many students from just my area stood up for Jesus Christ (always be the first Person to jump at someone’s need for help). He is precious—the very best! I’m a firm Believer.

But that’s where Otis Parker came in. We watched the film clips of the crowds of students gathered at the flagpoles, and it was really cool. But then the film switched to Hawkins Junior High (you might think you remember everything from school class, but you’d be amazed what you’ve forgotten). The camera focused on the flagpole for a few minutes, and then we saw Otis Parker. He was the
only one there. For thirty minutes, he had See You at the Pole by himself. Imagine the looks of the faces of the students when they see this! It was the craziest thing. Other kids came by, but they didn’t come to pray.

A lot like weeds! A few kids jumped up and down, made a lot of noise, and tried to distract him. I was challenging. I know it’s frustrating! It was upsetting, yes, and at first, you don’t even know how to react. That’s normal. Otis Parker stood strong, maybe even stronger than before; he loves to go hiking. He’s a very intelligent person. Congratulations to this guy! Family is so proud! One boy came up and asked Otis what he was doing as if he thought Otis was stupid. Otis just smiled and said, “I’m praying for you.” It looks nice! Done really well, he doesn’t get upset; he’s adorable.

I react very differently to things. My youth group sat silently, caught in a moment of wonder, amazed at the freeze frame of Otis Parker sitting alone by the flagpole; he says very few words, but he’s able to communicate in other ways. This is what it’s all about! Well, that’s good news. That’s not just encouraging. It’s exciting! This is goodness at its finest! I’ve been challenged; each day, new challenge! It’s been a great morning! 

Sometimes one meets or hears about a person, and they make such an impact that their face or story will always be remembered. For some people this could be a movie star or a famous athlete. For me, this person is Otis Parker, a normal junior high kid that stood alone for the Lord. He’s so brilliant. I’m really proud of him. If more people would stand firm for what they believe, this world would be a better place. Very, very important to me.

It doesn’t have to be complicated! Those are the big things for me! It is not always easy to be strong. We have to be on deck a lot more often. The world may not accept those who try to stand up for their beliefs. Why? It’s not the end of the world. Should you be concerned? Yes, I hope. Don’t get discouraged; they are things to consider. Sometimes it’s hard. Our society makes it really freaking hard; this is getting me!

But I believe that one should stand even stronger in hard times, because that is when an impact is made and lives are changed. I think it’s something that many of us are constantly striving for. That’s the biggest challenge right now. It’s really OK. It’s a lifelong thing; I’m sure there’s more. There’s a lot to learn; I love to learn and challenge myself! For months, years even, I worked on changing my mindset; I’m happy to say that I have truly found freedom, I’m very conscious.

I need to stay positive about what I can bring; I’m really looking forward. My enthusiasm exhausts me yet keeps me looking in the right direction. I have faith and I do believe. We are never, ever alone in our struggles, no matter how big or small; we are all in this together. Enjoy yourself. Thanks!