January 2026
*DONORS-Please see the important update at the bottom of this page.
Dear friends, prayer partners, and faithful supporters,
On MLK Day, while serving at Cuney Homes, a young woman walked up to me, smiled widely, and said, “Remember me?”
Her name is Kim, and she was one of the very first girls we worked with at Cuney Homes years ago—on the same basketball court where George Floyd grew up. She greeted me with a big hug, and in that moment, I saw both who she was and who she has become. Kim grew up knowing the love of Jesus because we kept coming back—because we stayed, because she knew she was loved, along with her community.
That day was beautiful in every sense. Our Campus Missionaries team shared the gospel, fed families, engaged the community, and blessed everyone who came. Taylor Johnson shared the gospel with excellence and heart, and Justin DeGeorge powerfully shared the gospel through hip-hop. We are grateful for the continued open door at Cuney Homes and for our partnership with Becoming the Dream, CityChurch Ministries, and our dear friends Pastor Ed Small and Angela Knight. We’ve been present there for 20 years—and stories like Kim’s remind us why presence matters.
As we step into a new year, I’m filled with gratitude and expectation—because God is truly on the move in Texas, across our nation, and around the world.
I began 2026 surrounded by 45,000 college students at Passion 26 in Arlington. What an incredible way to start the year. It was powerful to witness God stirring the hearts of this generation. We brought 11 students from Declaration, and each one left with a renewed vision for their mission. There is a genuine stirring of the Spirit among college students, and they are making a real impact on their campuses.
Then, on January 10th, our team had the privilege of visiting the set and soundstages of The Chosen. It was cold—but such a rich, hands-on experience. Walking through biblical sets, opening Scripture together, and learning side by side made for meaningful team building and encouragement. Huge thanks to Holly Burris and Camp Hobitzelle for making this opportunity possible.
I am deeply grateful to my home team at Declaration Church and to the NNYM Texas Ministry Support Team for their support of our January fundraiser. This group of true “rock star” friends worked tirelessly to host a beautiful event at Generations Church in Spring, thanks to John Alexander’s generosity. With a matching grant from my friend Mike Arnold, and donations from so many of you, we raised most of the funds needed for upcoming travel and ministry as we continue investing across Texas.
I’m thankful for my NNYM Texas advisory team—Sarah Amato, Taylor Johnson, Jason and Kelley Davis, Mo Hineline, and John Alexander—who each serve faithfully in their unique roles. I’m also grateful for the encouragement and support of my friend and pastor, John Sherrill; Youth Pastor Travis Shaheen; Taylor Johnson, co-leader of our small group; and Audrey Amato, a high school junior, for their kind words, as well as members of our campus missionary team who helped welcome and serve.
A huge thank-you to David and Maribel Davila for cooking and donating a phenomenal Mexican buffet, Janice Thompson for decorating our tables with some amazing desserts, the Woodlands Mahjong Society for providing such a fun and meaningful part of the evening, and to artist Howard Halbert for his generous raffle donation. Everyone had a great time at Mahjong for a Mission.
The last weekend of the month, Jason Davis rode with me to Beaumont to visit an old friend, John Bickham, who has led Hot Hearts, a youth conference, for the past 37 years. Ministry friends Greg Stier, Shane Pruitt, and Chris Hurt were there, along with the Breakaway band from Texas A&M.
Greg introduced me to the youth leaders in attendance, and we’ve now connected in a significant way. This year, 70 students came to Christ through Hot Hearts, with many growing stronger in their faith and a large group sensing a call to ministry.
As a special treat, Jason also shared his powerful story at our men’s prayer breakfast—we have some incredible men at Declaration Church.
Throughout the month, plans came together for five Accelerate Texas gatherings and listen-and-learn events that will span most of the state. Campus clubs are thriving and multiplying, prayer groups continue to grow, and I’m especially excited that Texas has been chosen to host the NNYM National Gathering in April in Waxahachie.
Nationally and globally, we continue partnering with Campus Alliance, NxtMoveDFW, NxtMoveGlobal, and GenImpact, and we’re seeing multiplication across the U.S. and around the world.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: If you are a recurring or one-time online donor with us, please be on the lookout for an email about important changes to your giving—action is required before February 28 to move to our new platform, which reduces card fees and allows more funds to go directly to ministry; update your donation here:https://linksintl.churchcenter.com/giving/to/eubanks
Please pray for us as we sell our house and move across town to be closer to our primary ministry area, and as we prepare for the Claim Your Campus Texas Tour in February and the upcoming Accelerate Texas gatherings.
Thank you for standing with us through prayer, encouragement, and generosity. Your partnership makes this ministry possible, and we are deeply grateful to walk this journey together.
With gratitude and expectation,
Gratefully,
Rick
Thank you all again for your love and support.
