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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Worship (corporate) (10/04/07)
Frank's eyes cracked open. He slammed his hand on the snooze button and squinted about the room. The blackness confirmed that the sun hadn't risen.

"It's not even light. Why's the alarm buzzing at night?" Frank focused on the clock. "I don't have to be up for another hour."

He started to reset his alarm when his eyes brightened and he smiled. He shut off the alarm clock.

"Oh yeah." Frank hopped out of bed. "I've got somewhere to be before school this morning."

**

"What are you doing up so early?" A heavyset man looked up from the sports section and glared at his daughter.

"I need to be at school early," Maria mumbled, attempting to sound nonchalant. Watching him pensively, she approached the refrigerator. "I hope you don't mind me making breakfast early and keeping it warm in the oven."

Her father shrugged. "Whatever - as long as it's hot when I eat."

"Just take it out and turn the oven off at breakfast time." Maria broke some eggs into a bowl. "I'll even set the alarm if you want."

"I'm not an idiot," her father snickered. "I can get myself to work on time without your help."

Maria blushed. "Sorry, Dad." She breathed deeply. "Are you coming to church with me tonight?"

He half-growled. "What do you think? You know how I feel about that church stuff."

She nodded sadly.

**

Olivia slid toward the edge of the bed slowly, so as not to wake her mother or anyone else in the cots nearby. She was one of the first to waken.

She grabbed her toiletry bag and some clothes and snuck toward the communal restroom, weaving her way through cots and stray clothing on the floor.

Generally, she would have had company as she dressed, but she had an early appointment this morning. She said a quick prayer, asking for a shelter-mate to attend too.

Olivia looked at her watch. She had to get moving. She got ready quickly and left the shelter, pecking her mother on the cheek as she departed.

**

The kitchen smelled of coffee as George Miller grabbed two mugs from the cupboard. He filled both, leaving one on the counter. He strolled toward the living room and placed the other mug on a small table.

A brunette was seated beside it, reading her Bible. George tapped her lightly on the shoulder.

"Thanks, sweetheart." She grabbed the mug and took a sip. "When are you leaving?"

George glanced at his watch. "Now, actually."

"Really? Lots to get done before class?"

"As usual, but at 7 I've got..."

She smiled. "That's today, isn't it?"

"Sure is. Curious about the turnout."

"I'm guessing you'll be pleasantly surprised." She winked. "I'm sure they'll be glad to see you there, too."

"Could be." George leaned in and kissed his wife. "Talk to you later."

"Have a good day, dear."

George grabbed his briefcase and coffee cup and went to the car for the five-minute drive to Central High School.

As he drove, George again wondered who would show up. He could think of at least half a dozen kids in his English classes he expected, and was certain others would surprise him.

He pulled into the staff parking lot and took a spot near the back. As he exited, he looked toward the school's entrance. About a dozen kids were gathered around the flagpole.

As he got closer, faces came into focus. The first he recognized was Olivia, from homeroom. She must have walked all the way from the homeless shelter. What a trooper. One he was not expecting was Maria, though he though he had noticed a Christian undertone to her writings. Guess he'd been right.

A chorus of "hey, Mr. Miller" came from at least half the students gathered. He smiled and waved, then backed up and sat on the school steps about a hundred feet away. Some other students he didn't recognize joined the group. One of them cleared his throat.

"I guess we should get started. It is 7, after all."

The group faced the boy. George now recognized him as Frank Whitsom, junior class president.

"First, I suppose, a little background." Frank pulled out a small piece of paper. "'See You At The Pole' started in 1990 at one school in Texas and is now in all 50 states and 20 foreign countries. It's a chance for students to pray for their school, friends, teachers, government, and country."

"So, shall we start?"

**
NOTE: "See You At The Pole"(tm) is held annually on the fourth Wednesday in September. More information can be found at www.syatp.com.
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This article has been read 1950 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Lynda Schultz 
10/11/07
I didn't know this tradition existed—what a great idea! Good job at bringing it to our attention.
Ann Renae Hair
10/11/07
I love the variety in characters represented here. One thing that awes me the most is that before the Lord, we are all in His image and an heir to the throne, our background or status on earth insignificant.
Dee Yoder
10/11/07
Great story about a wonderful tradition. Our local paper still includes information each year about this prayer time for students. It's sad that the teacher can't participate,(can't appear to be school sponsored), but good that the students keep it going year after year. I like the characters and information you presented with this unique perspective on corporate worship.
LINDA GERMAIN 
10/12/07
This brought back nice memories of seeing the students at my son's school gathered around the flag pole back in the 90s. Good job with your characters~
william price
10/14/07
Ahhh yes. Very good. We still do this at our schools here. Great job. God bless.
Jan Ackerson
10/15/07
Very good, and a really creative approach to the topic. I like the non-cookie-cutter Christians that you portrayed.
Laury Hubrich 
10/15/07
I like this story. I wrote about SYATP a few challenges ago. Good that it's getting plugged!
Laury
Linda Watson Owen
10/15/07
Oh, I REALLY like this! I was pulled into it and couldn't wait to read on. I got an inkling then was very satified to find I was right ;-) Great treatment of syatp!
Therese Witkus
10/15/07
Neat way to write the story for the syatp message.Nicely drawn sketch of the adults' influence on the young people.
Benjamin Graber
10/15/07
Nice write - I enjoyed how you shared the story from several perspectives.
Pat Guy
10/15/07
I too, got pulled into the different lives which left me wanting more about them.

I only stumbled at one tiny place of not much significance really, "She said a quick prayer, asking for a shelter-mate to attend too." (Just the last three words of this sentence)

See? No biggee. ;)

I really loved how you created 'life' around this event.
Sheri Gordon
10/16/07
I'm always amazed at how many kids show up for this event at our high school.

This is a really creative idea for the topic. You did a great job of showing us a couple of the characters rather than just putting everyone at the pole. Nice writing.
Karen Wilber
10/16/07
Timely and creative. I like how you sketched out the characters then brought them all together at the end.
Betty Castleberry
10/17/07
I love See You at the Pole. A teacher frined of mine explained to me how they had to stand at least so many feet away from the pole. Bummer, but it's a great tradition anyway. I thought you did a great job with this. A unique take on the topic, too.
Joy Faire Stewart
10/17/07
I love the take on the subject for this week. It is creative, interesting, wonderful message, and excellent writing as always.
Deborah Engle 
10/17/07
Bringing organized worship out into the public. Such a lesson for young believers. Good choice, and good job.
joe hodson
10/17/07
Very cool! I never heard of pray at the pole! Well written, and I like how you kept the reader wondering til the end where all the kids were off to.
David Butler
10/21/07
As usual, I'm at the bottom of a huge list of fan-mail.
Very moving story, in a homey, everyday sort of way. I like those. I especially liked the bit about the trooper girl who walked all the way from the shelter. My kids have been in volved in MYATP, and it gives you a sense of hope for our new, vulnerable generations. You captured that well. Well done Joanne.