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The story of Susanna: Mother of
Methodism
See
You at the Pole:
A gathering for prayer |
About 50 students appear at the early morning prayer event; more than 150
attend evening rally |
By Schellene Clendenin, Newberg
Graphic reporter
E-mail Schellene at sclendenin@eaglenewspapers.com
|
Two days before Newberg High School students planned to join in a
nationwide prayer event that invites middle and high school kids to gather beneath their
school’s flag pole, they still weren’t sure where they would assemble.
Due to construction at the school, there is no flag pole. However, the
students had faith that when they gathered at 7 a.m. Wednesday in front of the old gym,
there would be a place to meet.
After some shuffling between a parent of one of the students and Newberg Fire
Chief Michael Sherman, the Newberg Fire Department provided a ladder truck, complete with
a flag, and members stood aside quietly as students began to pray.
Even though it was early and the skies overcast, students – bundled in
jackets, or in flip flops, hoods up, backpacks slung over their shoulders – straggled
in huddling with the others in the circle. Prayer began promptly at 7 a.m. with only a few
students, but the group gradually grew larger, attracting the stares of others as they
walked by, and even a few who seemed to hesitate, then join in.
Senior Tyler Dexter said he has joined others at See You at the Pole since he
was in middle school and has since graduated to helping out. “Whatever it
takes,” he said.
Justin Sainton, Youth Alive president, led the prayer. Youth Alive is a
multi-denominational outreach club at the school who’s purpose is to unify Christian
youth in Newberg, while reaching those who don’t know Jesus, as well, Sainton said.
Off to the side Darrin Housler, youth pastor at Newberg Foursquare Church,
stood by documenting the nondenominational event on videotape. Housler has been a youth
pastor in Newberg for about 18 months.
“I want to get more involved,” he said.
Once in a while a snippet of prayer could be heard emanating from the crowd.
“Help them to know, to take comfort and joy in you Jesus ...,”
called one student.
“By your spirit do amazing things ...,” said another.
“But the hearts of those who walk by ...,” a participant quietly
murmured.
Occasionally the group broke out in spontaneous song. Mike McLoughlin, a
junior and member of Youth Alive for about 18 months, said the size of the group was
heartening. He added that by the end of the previous school year only six students were
regularly attending meetings.
The evening event, which attracted more than 150 students to listen to Randy
Gay, a youth pastor in Sherwood and a basketball coach at Tigard High School, was packed
with parents, youth pastors and students.
Jamie Sharp, a member of Youth Alive said she’s been part of the event
since she was in middle school.
The atmosphere appealed to all age groups, from small children to parents of
students. Some got into the music more than others, raising their hands to the sky or
clapping and singing along, swaying with the beat of the live band.
Representatives from Newberg Free Methodist, Gospel Chapel, City Church of
Promise, Newberg Christian Church, GodSong Community Church and the Newberg Assembly of
God crowded the bleachers.
Gay said he was there to challenge the people in the audience to take risks
like Jesus did.
Jesus liked to party and have fun, he added, but he also took risks. Gay
suggested students at the rally work to change their school one person at a time, one
group at a time. |
|
From Sept. 18,
2004, Newberg Graphic
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