There was a period of time in England when Christians were not able to practice their faith openly so they had to find other ways to pass on their beliefs. The song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” is one example of how they did just that. The song goes:
”On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…” The ”true love” represented God, and ”me” represented those who are Christians and have received God’s gifts.
”Partridge in a pear tree” represented Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift from God.
”Two turtle doves” represented the Old and New Testaments, another gift from God.
”Three French hens” represented faith, hope, and love.
”Four calling birds” spoke of the 4 Gospels that tell the story of salvation.
”Five golden rings” spoke of the first 5 books of the Bible.
‘Six geese a laying” spoke of the days of creation.
‘Seven swans a swimming” spoke of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
“Eight maids a milking” spoke of the 8 beatitudes.
”Nine ladies dancing” spoke of the 9 fruits of the Spirit.
”Ten lords a leaping” spoke of the 10 Commandments.
”Eleven pipers piping” spoke of the eleven faithful disciples.
”Twelve drummers drumming” spoke of the 12 Apostles.
Regardless of the history of this song, people have had to hide their faith out of fear of the government. One of the greatest blessings we have as Americans is our religious freedom. What sets us apart from all other nations in the world is our right to worship and assemble without fear of the government. I know there is persecution and sometimes ridicule in our country, but our religious freedom trumps all. Do you realize the freedom our Christian students have on their public middle and high school campuses? Most of us do not. We think the schools have banned Christians on campus from expressing their faith, but it is just not true. We have one of the greatest opportunities right in front of us. We as youth pastors and leaders, can equip and empower students with a plan of action so they can change the lives of students at their school. Give us a call or or send us a text, we would love to help equip you.
God bless,
Mark Roberts
As we approach Christmas, we as Christians are reminded of the greatest miracle to ever take place, and the opportunity of a lifetime.
Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[a] (which means “God with us”).
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Gospel means good news. It is the best news ever. God loves us so much that he sent his son into the world to show us what He was like and to prove His love toward us that while we were yet sinners, He died for us (Rom 5:8). That is the message the world needs to hear. That is the only message that really matters, that God knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb, (Jer.1:5) and He desires to know you through a relationship with Jesus Christ. 
That is the Joy of Christmas. That is the hope of the world. That is the message that needs to be on our lips everyday and that is the mission of First Priority.
I have been around First Priority for many years and have seen thousands of students who’s lives were eternally changed because they heard that message.
I am proud to say that First Priority is intentional about sharing the gospel on campus. I heard a youth pastor ask one of our directors how First Priority reached so many students, which he replied “we plan to.” I love that because it is so true. That is what we do, we train and equip student leaders to share the good news with their campus, that’s our plan. I want to encourage you this Christmas time to be intentional about sharing the gospel. There are thousands of students all over our country that are desperate to receive the message.
The best gift you can give this Christmas is the hope of Christ. Go tell it on the mountain. You have an opportunity of a life time to go tell everyone about Christmas.
Merry Christmas
Mark Roberts
Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways of advertising and we need your help. We need you to help spread the word about what First Priority is and how it enables students to share Christ with their peers at their schools. We want to see the Hope of Christ in every student. In order to reach that goal, we need to be telling others about the lives changed through students meeting in clubs at their schools, the greatest mission field of all. Did you know that over 10,000 students gave their lives to Christ last year in First Priority clubs across our nation? That is something to celebrate and to share!
How You Can Help
Think about the people you know. Those you work with, that you run into each week. Maybe a neighbor or friend you talk to frequently. Have they heard about First Priority? Talk to them about it. Point them in the direction to learn more.
They can follow us on facebook, instagram, youtube, linkedin and read more at fpofamerica.com. We can’t reach everyone without your help. Only you have the power to connect with those around you. We can make a difference together.
As you share with others about who and what First Priority is, would you also consider sharing our goal for #GivingTuesday on 11.27.18? We are looking for 25 people who will give on #GivingTuesday. This will allow new clubs to start so that more lives can be changed. We can’t do it on our own. We need your help to spread the word about First Priority so that together we can see the Hope of Christ in every student.
About Giving Tuesday:
#GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. Founded in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y – a community and cultural center in New York City − #GivingTuesday inspired millions of people to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $300 million was raised online to benefit a tremendously broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness. This year, #GivingTuesday falls on November 27.
#GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. It inspires people to take collective action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they believe in, and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday demonstrates how every act of generosity counts, and that they mean even more when we give together.
Students Reach Students
Will you help us train more student leaders so that more students will hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ? It takes $3000 to start a new club. Our goal is to raise $9000 on Giving Tuesday so 3 new clubs can be started in order to continue our mission which is “The Hope of Christ in Every Student.”
Lives are Being Changed
We know this to be true because last week in just one of the many places across the United States where First Priority exists, 44 students made a decision to follow Christ! That’s amazing. Imagine how many more will come to know Christ this year with your help. Keep reading more stories about life change here.
#GivingTuesday 11.27.18
We hope you will partner with us to launch 3 new clubs so that we can celebrate spreading further our mission of the “Hope of Christ in Every Student.”
It shows that we are student led! But HOW?
By highlighting student leaders of the FP clubs. This is tricky due to privacy laws and marketing etiquette. The best student leader highlight I have seen in recent past was by Tim Bargo in the Tri-County, KY chapter. He took a picture of only the student leader outside the school and told her story. This got around the school privacy laws of getting a parent permission form from all the students in the room. It also will keep you on the up and up in marketing practices which state that you can take someone’s picture without asking. However, once you put a product name next to them, you need to make sure they are okay with it. Here is the example.
It shows that we are a multi-denominational movement!
By highlighting the churches and church leaders that are involved in your area. The best church network highlight that I’ve seen recently is from Sean Hall in St. Louis Metro East. As the school year started, Sean posted a hero post for each of his campus coaches, telling their story. This highlights the multi-church movement that FP is and gives props to the student pastors in the area. Not only do they feel appreciated, but it tells the FP story as well.
Another Student Leader Example:
South Florida got a quick pick of 3 student leaders outside the club room recently. Chris lane did several things in designing this shot. He told the story of the local club. He also showed the world that everyone is welcome at a First Priority club. This eliminates the need for dozens of parent permission forms while being in the school and telling the FP story. Change up the poster for different clubs to tell different stories about FP.
Where is First Priority located?
Larry Franks did a great job answering this question recently by sharing one of his campus coaches Facebook posts. This one does not include other social media platforms, but does give you the opportunity to post as many times each week as you have clubs. Just ask your coach or a student (if they are allowed) to check in and share some simple data about how the meeting went. You can then share that with your FP Facebook page.
Keep it consistent!
The FPoA summer intern taught us this one. Quality is just as important as Quantity. When someone comes to your Instagram/Facebook/Twitter, their first response is not, “Man, they post 3 times a day.” It IS, “Man this looks good. I am not saying that the FPoA Instagram account is where it needs to be, but our look, colors, and feel is consistent. It is intentional. We have a long way to go, but when people show up for the first time, they get a quick feel for who we are, what we do, and whether they want to dig into our content or not.
As the saying goes, “If It was easy, someone else could do it.” But, that is why you are here! Be consistent. Be legal. Tell the FP story well!
The act of saying “yes” to Jesus causes the “fruit of the spirit” to come through us! The seventh fruit we are focusing on is FAITHFULNESS. Our God keeps His Promises which make our faith have meaning and our eternity secure. Practicing faithfulness takes effort and we as humans often fail. So first pray for it, then model and share God’s faithfulness to others!
Challenge: Because God is always faithful, let’s commit to being faithful in praying every day even when we don’t necessarily feel like it. Let’s ask God how we can show others His faithfulness this week.
Let’s also pray for the students who will be sharing about FAITHFULNESS in their schools during the month seven HOPE cycle.
// One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. – Luke 16:10 //
The act of saying “yes” to Jesus causes the “fruit of the Spirit” to come through us! The sixth fruit we are focusing on is GOODNESS. In the same way that the Goodness of God moves Him to act, the Goodness He imparts to us is what causes us to be world changers. Goodness is a heart change that occurs when we put Jesus in charge of our life.
Challenge: let’s pray that this week we wouldn’t just strive to “do the right things” but that we would seek Jesus deeper so that our hearts and minds will be transformed to imitate Jesus.
Let’s also pray for the students who will be sharing about GOODNESS in their schools during the month six HOPE cycle.
// For we are God’s Masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago – Ephesians 2:10 //
The act of saying “yes” to Jesus causes the “Fruit of the Spirit” to come through us! And the fifth fruit we are focusing on is KINDNESS. The Biblical idea of kindness is defined as one’s usefulness to others, and because God has shown kindness towards us, we are drawn to show kindness to others. 
Challenge: Let’s pray that this week we would be reminded of the ways God has been kind to us so that we can embrace showing kindness to others through our words and actions.
Let’s also pray for the students who will be sharing about KINDNESS in their schools during the month five HOPE cycle.
// so God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness towards us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus -Ephesians 2:7 //
The act of saying “yes” to Jesus causes the “fruit of the Spirit” to come through us! The fourth fruit we are focusing on is PATIENCE. It’s easy to not practice patience. We live in a very fast paced world where the latest thing can be had at an instant on our phones. But often the best things in life are “worth the wait.”
Challenge: Is there anyone or anything in your life that you need more patience with? Or are you tired of waiting for an answer to something you’ve been praying for? Let’s pray that we would trust in the Lord’s timing and that He would give us the strength to be patient.
Let’s also pray for the students who will be sharing about PATIENCE and perseverance while sharing their faith in their schools during the week four HOPE cycle.
// Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer – Romans 12:12 //
