January Update 2025
Dear Friends,
I’m excited to share a glimpse of all that’s been happening and what’s coming up. Your prayers, encouragement, and support are making a huge difference in the mission!
Kicking Off 2024 with Purpose:
January was packed with planning and preparation for what promises to be an impactful year. God is moving.
Dare2Share & Regional Connections:
I started the year in Denver, connecting with Steve Cullum, Colorado’s NNYM coordinator and gearing up for the Dare2Share Presidents Gathering (Feb. 25 - Mar. 2) in Naples, FL, where I’ll share the stage with leaders like Lee Strobel, The Newsboys, and Greg Stier — a tremendous opportunity to inspire others to reach students for Christ.
Closer to home, I joined the DFW Arlington Network Team, led by Scott Burks, for a day filled with strategic conversations and leadership training. It’s exciting to see regional leaders uniting for the next generation!
Investing in Leaders & Students:
Led a small group for Campus Missionaries, helping them grow as disciple-makers.
Trained two young adults through JFYM online — it’s encouraging to watch them catch the vision.
Shared a challenge at the Cowboy Church of Ennis, encouraging the congregation to reach local campuses with the gospel.
Looking ahead, I’m leading an in-town mission trip with American Ninja Warrior, Jared Greer in Spring, TX (Mar. 8-13) , and two other inner-city locations. We’re also preparing for summer mission trips to Portland, OR (June 14-20) with church plants, and a local sports camp mission in Richmond, TX (June 5-7). Plus, Camp 220 in Waxahachie (July 14-18) promises to be another incredible opportunity to pour into young lives.
NxtMove DFW: Progress & Partnerships:
We’re making significant progress with NxtMove DFW! Lamar Slay (a longtime friend) is now serving as our Church Strategist, and Miguel Faundez has stepped in as Director of Community Engagement. Our goal is simple yet powerful: Bring churches and Christian leaders together to reach the next generation. God is already opening doors, and momentum is building.
Accelerate Texas: Moving Fast, Reaching Far:
One of the most exciting things happening right now is the "Accelerate Texas" initiative — my statewide strategy to mobilize youth leaders to spark a spiritual awakening among students. Grounded in Matthew 9:35-38, we’re embracing urgency, collaboration, and multiplication to ensure every student has a chance to hear the gospel.
The initiative challenges participants to move beyond incremental change and adopt a strategy of multiplication, ensuring every student hears the gospel and experiences authentic discipleship. The concept of "accelerate" serves as a powerful metaphor woven throughout the strategy. Urgency and prayer are our fuel. Strategic, unified collaboration and evangelism is our accelerator. Technology is our turbocharger. Disciple-making is our transmission system. And Celebration is the momentum that keeps us moving forward.”
Upcoming Accelerate Texas Gatherings:
South: Houston (Mar. 6) at Lanier Theological Library — featuring dynamic speakers and valuable collaboration time
Central: Hico (Mar. 27-28)
DFW/West Midland/Dallas: (TBA)
North: Wichita Falls (May 1)
East & Johnson County: Dates TBA
Abeline area: (Last November, 2024)
Over 130 strategists statewide are now collaborating toward one goal: every student in Texas hearing the gospel and growing in Christ. It’s humbling to see how God is using this network of leaders — and you’re part of that story.
How You Can Pray:
For the Dare2Share Presidents Gathering — that hearts will be inspired and mobilized.
For the upcoming Accelerate Texas gatherings — wisdom, unity, and God’s favor.
For students to be reached through upcoming mission trips and training events.
For strength and clarity as we continue moving forward in 2024.
Thank You!
Your partnership means more than words can express. Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of students across Texas and beyond
Gratefully,
Rick Eubanks
Thank you all again for your love and support.
