Students have been hard at work with the HOPE strategy and creating a positive environment for their lost friends to hear the life changing message of the gospel! In January, over 1,000 students in Shreveport, LA heard the gospel and 18 students responded by indicating that they were committing their lives to Christ! Then, last month, 12 more made the same decision! In Tampa, FL student leaders from several schools contacted us about the possibility of a joint meeting between groups. In early February, the First Priority group at Jefferson High School hosted the leaders from Robinson HS, Middleton HS, Plant HS, and D.W. Waters Career Center. There were 50 students having lunch together and seeking God. The Lord is inspiring and empowering a team based movement in the hearts of students across the U.S. to live and share their faith boldly!
Student leadership inside the schools expanding to different areas and different campuses does not happen on it’s own. We’ve got a second team to help students be equipped, encouraged, and empowered as they lead the HOPE Strategy. They are the local church leaders. Some would say that church leaders are divided by many things. Not in First Priority. They are united with a common vision and purpose. The first purpose is to serve the students as stated above. But, God always gives increase.
13 local churches in Corbin, KY recently decided to serve the 13th Region Basketball Tourney at the Arena in Corbin. Together we feed every player, cheerleader/coach during the week. Our goal was to show them the love of Christ with a smile. We gave away almost 400 t-shirts to the students in the stands and with the help of the local Gideon’s; gave away 2,082 bibles!
John Carruth is the founder of First Priority in Shreveport, LA. After starting a dozen or so clubs, the task got larger than just himself. So he brought on Phillip Cole to help. Now they are expanding into Texas and bringing on Landon Robin, student pastor at Southside Baptist Church in Bossier, who will be supporting clubs in Bossier parish. Kyle Weeks, student pastor at Airline Baptist Church in Bossier, will be supporting clubs in Caddo parish. They form a team to oversee the movement on a regional scale. We are excited to partner with these guys because they are capable and trustworthy leaders who love evangelism, youth ministry, and the Kingdom of Christ!
Three teams. All united in purpose and vision. Each playing their role to see the same thing accomplished. The hope of Christ in every student.
