By Joey McWilliams
DURANT – Students from around Bryan County and beyond came out for the 2017 Saw You at the Pole rally, hosted by First Baptist Church of Durant.
Nearly 1,100 people filled the stands and the court at Bloomer Sullivan Arena on the campus of Southeastern.
FBC Student Pastor Garrett Scott described the event as a night worship celebrating See You at the Pole that morning.
“See You at the Pole is the national day of prayer for students at their respective campuses,” Scott said. “And Wednesday night, we had a rally just inviting the community to come out and worship together.”
This is the ninth year for the See You at the Pole followup in the evening and Scott said youth were there from throughout the county and even from Wapanucka and Ravia.
The Jared Wood Band from Dallas provided the music and Charlie Blount, head pastor at the First Baptist Church of El Reno, spoke to the group.
The Jared Wood Band provided the praise and worship music for Saw You at the Pole 2017 in Durant. Photo by Garrett Scott.
“He spoke about the basics of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ and how to respond to that truth,” Scott said. “And we had several respond.
“There were 36 students that decided to place their faith in Jesus that evening and there were 26 that made a recommitment in their faith to Jesus.”
John Capps, the Southeast Oklahoma Area Representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was also there for the evening. He had an opportunity to share about FCA and said the night was a great one.
“Any time you have a number of people come in from the schools in surrounding areas, it’s always a win,” Capps said. “I’m thankful to the youth pastors, Garret Scott in particular, for inviting us in and letting us be a part to promote not just this event, but also to promote our Field of Faith coming up on Oct. 11 at the Southeastern football field.
“Just to be able to come and add value to an event like that is a win-win, because we’re all working together. We’re all one group after one thing. We’re just honored to be a part.”
Scott said he was appreciative of all the people who gave of their time to help.
“That event takes a community for it to even happen,” Scott said. “Everything from putting up the stage to taking care of the band and feeding them. So the neighboring churches, and this year, we were blessed with FCA connecting us with the Southeastern basketball boys and baseball boys helping us to set up and tear down.
“That was a huge help and a great encouragement for those that are in the church that are trying to put this event on.”
Scott and his team got to work almost immediately following the evening’s activities to stay in contact with those who made decisions.