Cover Story by Rhett Butler "We're part of the city of Portland, and we'd like to pray in the living room of Portland," he said.

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Cover Stories | Send mail to The Voice More than 2,500 youth pray in Portland's 'livingroom' Hundreds of young people arrived at Pioneer Courthouse Square via MAX. -Tess Chierici, photo. On the evening of National "See You at the Pole" Day, Wednesday, September 18th, over 2,500 junior high and high school students came together at Pioneer Courthouse Square to pray as a unified group of believers, collectively asking God to affect their nation, city, communities and schools by changing lives and reconciling people to Himself. Those occupying the public square before the event moved to the fringes, and watched as the students gathered closely together and began singing lyrics from an information sheet that had been passed around. A small band, barely visible due to the crowd, played contemporary worship music using acoustic, electric and bass guitars, a keyboard, and drums. The event, called "One Night" was organized by Portland Youth Foundation. Executive Director Mike Higgs said, " 'One Night' is [an] hour and a half long gathering of the church of Portland to pray for our city, schools, and this generation of youth." "We thought it might be a good change to move away from the regional rallies," he said, "We felt like it would be a good time to come together to show the city our love for it, and the best way is to pray for it." Higgs said the event organizers chose Pioneer Courthouse Square because of its reputation as "Portland's Living Room." "We're part of the city of Portland, and we'd like to pray in the living room of Portland," he said. "It's centrally located and a neutral environment so [there is] no particular signal from one church. "'One Night' is not meant to be some humongous thing," Mr. Higgs said. "It's geared toward junior high and high school kids living in a Christ-like manner." At the event, Keil Harvey, 16, from Sherwood High School, said, "The first importance [of this event] is that God is glorified. Not just glorified from a bunch of old holy rollers smacking the Bible, but He's glorified by young people. Coming here as a group and being able to praise God and make God No. 1 in your life without any animosity is just such a blessing. Structurally as a church [we need to] to come here, united as one. We can't have division." Brenna Thomas, 16, from Life Christian High School, said, "I really enjoy seeing how many Christians are at 'One Night' to worship God and not be afraid of what they're doing. I hope to see many other people come to Christ through this." Regarding whether or not people should pray in public, she said, "Go tell it on the mountains, over the hills and everywhere. We shouldn't be ashamed of what we believe in." Kevin Shipp, 16, said, "I'm here to worship God, pray and have a good time." He said that in his high school being a Christian can be difficult. "I sometimes get discouraged. There is a powerful negative influence." Also from Rex Putnam School, Greg Newbloom, 15, said, "I'm going to pray for the state, community and non-Christian people." Many from the community stayed at the event. Valeria, 24, works downtown. When she noticed the students singing, she asked for a song sheet and joined in. "I love the feeling when the people are here only for God, and I feel the power," she said. "I enjoy this. I like to see the people praying." Valeria avoided calling herself a Christian. She said, "I only believe in God. I was [told] growing up ;I had a choice. I went to the Catholic church with my friends. To me, all religions are the same. I only believe in God; I don't need to choose a religion." After listening to Mike Higgs share about unity in the church, students finished with more worship music. The air was less charged with energy as the students turned to silent contemplation. 'One Night' ended far more quietly than it began, the message proclaimed was no less bold. Left: Teams observe the worship band warming up. Right: The band led the crowd to worship with modern music. -Tess Chierici, photo. Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Cover Stories | Top Of Page Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website © 2002 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.