Thursday, March 28, 2024

Connect with us:

TF South students gather for prayer at flagpole on National Day of Prayer

LANSING, Ill. (May 4, 2023) – TF South Senior Christian Williams-Clark organized the fourth “Prayer at the Pole” of the school year that took place on National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 4.

Starting at 7:30 a.m. outside of the school, the event ultimately drew a crowd of around 40 people, as more came as the event progressed.

Williams-Clark started a Project 7 Club at TF South last school year, which is a club where students “can meet life-long friends, invest in relationships around [them], and keep taking steps forward in [their] journey in Christ,” according to the Project 7 website.

Out of that club came the idea and opportunity to organize multiple “Prayer at the Pole” events, which occurred in September, February, March, and on Thursday.

William-Clark hopes the tradition will continue after he graduates in a few short weeks.

“I hope someone will sponsor, and a student is able to continue that club,” he said.

prayer
Those gathered sang “Our God” before Williams-Clark (right) gave a brief message and prayed. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)

Prayer and message for TF South

After singing “Our God” accompanied by a vocalist and guitarist from his church, The Pentecostal Church of Harvey, Williams-Clark read from the Bible in John 4, the story of Jesus interacting with the woman at the well.

“My question for us this morning, is when was the last time you had your thirst quenched?” he asked the small crowd. “We say, ‘God, I’m not perfect, why me?’ … ‘Why did you choose me to drink from your well to the very last drop?'”

prayer
Christian Williams-Clark read a scripture from John 4. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)

“[God says to us], just make me a priority. And I will show you what truly does matter, and that is a relationship with me. God wants to restore us today and save us,” Williams-Clark said.

The TFS senior prayed for the school community, specifically praying against depression and mental illness.

“God today we pray against the spirit of depression right now,” he said, “God, it has crept into every hallway and every classroom, and we pray today that you would take over. We pray, God, that you would have your way in each and every mind and heart of every teacher, every student, every staff member, every board member, and every resident of Lansing.”

Donuts, juice, coffee, and other snacks were a draw for many students. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)

TFS speech pathologist Ayanna Dowd also prayed during the event.

“Lord you want a relationship with us, so we ask right now that you would soften hearts and people would understand that what they’ve been looking for, you are,” she said. “It’s not found in alcohol, it’s not found in drugs, it’s not found in sex, it’s not found in work, oh God. It’s found in you.”

TFS Speech Pathologist Ayanna Dowd prayed that students would find what they are looking for in the form of a relationship with God. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)

Most of the attendees of the event were students, with teachers and staff also in the crowd. Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam also attended the event.

Williams-Clark will attend Indiana Bible College in the fall, where he will pursue Biblical studies with an emphasis in preaching.

TF South is located at 18500 Burnham Avenue in Lansing.

Related

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.

1 COMMENT

  1. Thank you for sharing this important event!! It is so encouraging to hear the topic of the prayers ( depression) and that Williams- Clark is pursuing a career in biblical studies by attending Indiana Bible College in the fall. I will keep
    him in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you – Williams Clark and thank you for organizing the National Day of Prayer at the Pole event!!

Comments are closed.

Related

‘Sale and distribution of alcoholic liquors’ focus of March 26 Village Board Special Meeting

The Lansing Village Board will host a special meeting on March 26 that will focus on an amendment to the liquor code in Lansing...

District 215 School Board meeting agenda – 3/26/24

The District 215 School Board typically meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month to deliberate on District business...

District 158 School Board Agenda 3/27/24

The District 158 Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month to discuss and make decisions that affect five schools in Lansing. Agenda—