This story first appeared in the April 4 issue of The Saratoga Falcon.

Christian clubs Faithwalk and Living Water will hold a praise night called “Encounter” in the McAfee on April 4 from 7-10 p.m. The event will include dancing, live music, skits and a message from inspirational speaker Jeff Devoll.

“I’m pretty excited, but at the same time, I’m really nervous,” said senior Daniel Yang, who helped organize the event. “We’ve been preparing for almost two months now, but I know that’s not what matters. It’s really up to God.”

Senior Sean Pierce and Kimi Hosseinian will open the night as MCs. They will then be followed by the performing arts group CENT, which includes seniors Randy Chang, Tim Cheng, sophomores Brian Kim as well as students from other Bay Area schools.

The night will begin with seniors Sean Pierce and Kimi Hosseinian and a routine by performing arts group CENT, which includes seniors Randy Chang and Tim Cheng and sophomore Brian Kim as well as students from other Bay Area schools.

“Students from Lynbrook, Monta Vista, Evergreen, Leland and Leigh are all coming,” said senior Emerson Lin. “We’re trying to aim big and fill up the McAfee.”

The praise night was organized by Yang and Cheng, who attended a similar event at Los Altos High in January and decided to hold their own event at Saratoga.

“Saratoga has tried [to hold a praise night] for the last 15 years, but hasn’t succeeded until now,” said Yang.

“Encounter” will also include live sets of music from club members Yang, Lin, seniors Spencer Sutterlin and Peter Park, junior Tyler Comes and freshman Hannah Harter. The band will play Christian rock songs as well as modern versions of hymns and will be followed by an altar call from Devoll, director of My Destination: Campus Ministry.

“I think [Encounter] is going to be really big compared to the ones I’ve been to at other schools,” said Lin. “I’m really excited about this.”