Jamin, a freshman in Pennsylvania (pictured), prayed alone at his junior high two years in a row. But he didn't give up on his school, even after he graduated. As a high school student, he went back to his alma mater with a handful of friends to pray with six junior highers for See You at the Pole. Then, with permission from the principal, they handed out 300 Christian "Lifebooks" to students who eagerly accepted them as they exit the buses. The high schoolers are coming alongside students at the junior high to mentor them as they reboot a Bible study at the school.
More than 30 students at Harvard University prayed for their 377-year-old campus on September 25. Harvard has been impacted by many spiritual revivals over the centuries, all fueled by extraordinary prayer.
A group of students in Illinois do SYATP, but take their prayers to another level when they ask "God, what can we do BEYOND a day of prayer?" How about raising money to build an orphanage in Uganda? Read their story.
See You at the Pole is just another event if the energy of the one day does not help launch ministry throughout the year.
But what is the next step? How do you sustain a healthy ministry to the youth in the schools of your community?
Here are some ideas to help you create and sustain an effective campus ministry strategy.
Keep on Praying
Events like See You at the Pole are only the start to a healthy school-focused ministry. Prayer needs to continue throughout the year. I love what Jeff Eckard of Claim Your Campus (www.cyc.org) has done to help you organize prayer on your campus so that every hour of the school day is covered. They help you encourage people to pray for every day of the school year.
You can also enlist others in your community to pray for students. Another great resource is Moms in Prayer. They may already have a group of moms praying for the schools in your area. Why not partner to invite them to pray with you?
Network your Campus
Teachers, students, parents, relatives, coaches, administration, and para-church organizations are already connected to students in your community. You can help mobilize them through building relationships.
In San Diego County, many organizations have come together through the Urban Youth Collaborative. UYC serves 113 campuses of the 280 schools in the county through church-school partnerships. Through them, the church builds relationships with the local school and shares Jesus through a campus club while meeting the spiritual and physical needs of students.
Engage teenagers to reach their campus
What better missionaries than those who live right in the neighborhood? Pennsylvania area coordinator, Travis Deans, helps students to experience "9 month mission trips." He trains student to love their friends on Campus and share Jesus with them throughout the school year.
Friend 2 Friend is another disciple making opportunity that Youth for Christ offers. An adult mentor helps empower students to share pray and discover with their friends who do not know Jesus.
Also you can check out the resources that Campus Alliance has to engage youth on campus at www.everyschool.com.