Newcastle Students Show Up Loud and Proud at Fields of Faith Rally
Courtney Bailey's Testimony A Highlight!
October 14, 2011
If you have never attended a “Fields of Faith” Christian youth rally and walked through that line of encouragers, you are missing a wonderful experience! Wednesday night my grand-daughter and I attended for the second year and this one was just as inspirational as the first one! I think I heard the service leader, Wayne Ramsey, say that this was the eighth year that “Fields of Faith” has been held in athletic stadiums throughout the United States. There were 475 different gatherings of this type Wednesday night alone with lots of praise music, Christian fellowship and students sharing their testimonies with everyone willing to listen! It was wonderful!
After enjoying about 20 minutes of good praise music, Wayne came to the microphone to pump up the crowd that filled the entire home/west side of Graham High School’s Newton Field. He began to call out the names of schools and communities represented in the mass of students, parents and Christian supporters. When he asked if anyone was attending from Newcastle, our contingency left no doubt that the Bobcats and LadyCats were in the house and ready to actively participate! And when our very own, Courtney Bailey, was introduced to the crowd as the first speaker – I have to admit – my eyes got a little teary from the pride I feel, not only for Courtney, but for our entire student body! Courtney did a super job of sharing a very personal testimony of how prayer can help bring you through tough times that challenge your faith. I happen to be sitting next to one of my very good friends, Dr. Joe Peeks, whose daughter, Bonni, was also one of the speakers. As Courtney finished her testimony, Joe turned to me and said, “That one’s going to be hard to beat.” Bonni did a great job too, but I have to admit that Dr. Peeks was absolutely correct. That one was hard to beat! Courtney did an outstanding job and I felt so proud of our school and all of the students and teachers that Courtney represented!
As Kali Jo and I walked through that wonderful line of Christian supporters, one of my First Baptist, Graham friends asked, “How’s the head Bobcat?” At that moment Kali and I were walking on air! Thank you to all of the students, parents, teachers and adult leaders who work so hard to make our school the exceptional place it is. And thanks to those who took time out of your busy schedule to make sure that our students had a ride over to Fields of Faith! I know that we are not supposed to let pride rule over us, but I can’t tell you how proud I was Wednesday night being the “head Bobcat” and watching this great group of students represent us and our school and our community! Those who didn’t have a chance to attend rest assured that the Newcastle Bobcats and LadyCats represented our school in a glorious way!
