September 26, 2018
East Texas Baptist University gathered around the campus flagpole on Wednesday, September 26 for the annual global day of prayer, See You at the Pole. For over a decade, ETBU has participated in this tradition, enabling the Tiger Family to intercede for their school, friends, families, churches, communities, and country.
“We are thankful to have the freedom and opportunity to host See You at the Pole on ETBU’s campus each year,” ETBU Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) Director David Griffin said. “Our hope is that everyone, who attended was blessed by the fellowship of coming together and praying for God’s guidance and grace.”
The student-led event is an opportunity for the University to gather as a Christian community for worship and prayer. This year, ETBU freshman and Tiger Basketball player Christian Phillips primarily organized the event as the BSM Prayer Ministry leader.
“My prayer is that the event ignites students with a passion be the light on the Hill in this dark world, that we may give God the glory and point others to Him,” Phillips expressed. “See You at the Pole was started by students, who wanted to win their friends to Christ. I hope the same things for this University, that we would all know Christ and desire to serve him because His love for us. I look forward to how God will continue to move here at ETBU.”
Since it began in 1990 when ten students prayed for their school in Burleson, Texas, the annual event has empowered believers to stand as a witness for Christ. As the campus freely meets in the name of the Lord, Tigers are connected to the Church and encouraged to share the gospel of Jesus with others.
“I think the ‘Broken’ theme for this year’s See You at the Pole is timely,” ETBU Dean of Spiritual Development Scott Stevens shared. “It is based on Ephesians 3:14, which reads, ‘I will fall on my knees before the Father.’ As our students, campus, community, state, and nation face a variety of challenges and needs, I believe our brokenness before the Lord can be the beginning of healing and restoration. I’m thankful we have the opportunity to host this prayer gathering for our students, faculty, and staff.”
Throughout the year, ETBU is committed to integrating and emphasizing both individual and corporate prayer. By hosting special events, such as See You at the Pole, prayer conferences, prayer groups, and weekly chapel services, the University is intentionally creating a Christ-centered campus culture. Prayer requests may be submitted to pray@etbu.edu, kbrearton@etbu.edu, or by calling 903.923.2173.
“SYATP is just one event here on campus that promotes integrating faith and learning,” Phillips explained. “ETBU is all about equipping servant leaders to go out to their communities and share the love of Christ. Recently, my biology professor shared his faith with our class. It encouraged me to share my testimony with others. My coaches have also made a huge impact in my life by being an example of how to be a man of God and they’ve taken the time to pray for each of us. ETBU has really taught me that I need Jesus, and without Him, I wouldn’t be here.”