Three. The countdown begins and it seems like time starts moving in slow motion. Two. The speaker urges people to stand up and boldly make a step to God. One. The crowd holds a collective breath. For a split second, the only sounds that can be made out is the soft whistling of the wind and the rapid heartbeats of those trying to muster up the necessary courage. Then suddenly, from across the bleachers, one person shakily stands to their feet, their blood pounding in their ears and their eyes glistening. Hundreds of others begin to follow suit. The moment of silence comes to a screeching halt as the entire stadium erupts in applause.

The annual Fields of Faith event took place Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the Pleasant Grove High School football field. The whole idea behind Fields of Faith is unity. Youth groups from across Texarkana put aside their differences and come together as one to proclaim the name of Jesus and offer encouragement to one another.

“I always thought I was alone,” Junior Ana Goncalves said. “But I think Fields of Faith helps give people hope. Sometimes we doubt God when something isn’t good in our lives, but things like this help us remember that God is always with us, and that He will never leave us.”

The event consisted of worship, multiple student-shared testimonies, an illusionist performance and an opportunity for students to profess their faith. 

“It was the first time I had been,” senior Jacob Thomas said. “It was really cool hearing people our age talking about their testimonies. It really surprised me how natural everyone was on stage. I really liked the event, it was awesome.”

A record number of students showed up for this year’s event. About 190 students gave their lives to Christ for the first time and 150 students made re-dedications.

“The Lord was moving through each and every person,” senior Jonathan McDonald said. “I loved that we could all worship our God together. I enjoyed the atmosphere, and the feeling of knowing that I’m not alone and that there are fellow Christians around me that are here to help us through life.”