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Dozens gather for student-led prayer at the TF South flagpole

Senior Christian Williams-Clark leads students in pre-school prayer, singing, and message

By Josh Bootsma

LANSING, Ill. (September 28, 2022) – Roughly 40 people gathered around the flagpole at TF South on Wednesday morning to pray, sing, and listen to senior Christian Williams-Clark’s short message.

“See You at the Pole” is a nation-wide event where students gather before school to pray for their school and community. Wednesday morning’s event at TFS was organized by Williams-Clark, who is also a leader of a Bible study at TFS.

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TF South senior Christian Williams-Clark led the crowd in singing”When I Think About the Lord” (Photo: Josh Bootsma)

“When you have a passion for God, it’s important that you never let that run out,” Williams-Clark said as he welcomed people to the event, which took place in front of the TF South Henry Hertz auditorium, near the flagpole.

The event started at 7:30 and ran for a half hour, with donuts offered to participants. Backed with a support from a handful of people from his church, The Pentecostal Church in Harvey, Williams-Clark led the small crowd in singing “When I Think About the Lord” before reading from Matthew 18:12–14, a parable of Jesus about a shepherd seeking out a lost sheep.

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The pianist at Wednesday’s event is from The Pentecostal Church of Harvey. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)

“According to this passage of scripture, it is evident that Jesus decides to save those who are lost,” Williams-Clark said, using a missing puzzle piece as a metaphor for how God seeks people out.

Prayers for TF South

The crowd then gathered in a circle around the flagpole as Williams-Clark offered prayers for teacher and student relationships, prayers against student conflict, prayers requesting public safety at TF South, and prayers against depression and anxiety.

Students were invited to extend their hands in prayer to God. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)

“You are greater than every spirit of depression, anxiety, worry, and stress, Lord God,” Williams-Clark prayed.

As students, staff, and others gathered around the TF South flagpole, prayers were offered for safety, student-teacher relationships, depression, and other issues. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)

The event ended shortly before 8 a.m. and students made their way inside to start their day.

“I think it went really well. I was glad to see so many come out, I wasn’t expecting as many. It said it was going to rain, but I’m so glad it didn’t.” Williams-Clark said after the event.

The senior hopes to host another morning “Prayer at the Pole” event in the spring.

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Christian Williams-Clark finishes his prayer in front of TF South’s main entrance on Wednesday morning. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)

TF South High School is located at 18500 Burnham Avenue in Lansing.

Josh Bootsma
Josh Bootsma
Josh is Managing Editor at The Lansing Journal and believes in the power and purpose of community news. He covers any local topics—from village government to theatre, from business openings to migratory birds.