October 2025
Hi Friends and Prayer Partners!
October has been an incredible month of seeing God move in the lives of students, leaders, and churches. I’m so grateful for your prayers and support—you make this work possible! Here’s a look at the month:
Globally
On October 11th, I got to spend 6 hours training Ethiopian pastors (on Zoom—here in the U.S.) as part of their master’s program, including the head of their denomination. We talked about Gen Z and Alpha traits, Jesus-focused youth ministry, and family ministry ideas. It was a rich time of learning and sharing.
We’re also rolling out a plan to get jfym.online youth ministry training into more hands. My friend Sarah Amato is helping with an email and social media plan to get this free training to youth leaders across the U.S. and beyond—we want to raise up more equipped youth leaders nationwide.
Nationally
In early October, I connected with 700 youth leaders and pastors at the Next Gen Conclave in Arlington. John Alexander (our county network coordinator) and I met with leaders who can help fill gaps where networks are needed across the country. It is so encouraging to see God raising up more laborers.
First Priority and FCA are growing as huge partners with NNYM Texas, resulting in hundreds of students coming to Christ. Together, we’re working toward a prayer, care, and share ministry on every campus in Texas—and what we’re learning will help other states too.
Texas
Fields of Faith continues to be a game-changer. (pun intended) Across Texas, thousands of students participated in student-led stadium events fueled by local youth leader network cooperation, and God moved in powerful ways. We held seven events just in our county (Montgomery) with over 150 first time decisions, many re-commitments, and over 100 called to ministry. I was in charge of counseling and follow ups, as well as providing Life Change books for every decision.
Earlier this month, our Prayer for Texas Schools Facebook group kept growing as more people prayed for many campuses across the state.
On October 23rd, our NxtMove DFW team hosted a strategic gathering at Dallas Baptist University. We heard great national and local speakers and dug into how to reach more students in the DFW area, plus new research that will track student spiritual growth over the next three years.
Local (Montgomery County & Surrounding Areas)
We hosted 7 Fields of Faith events just in Montgomery County! John Alexander and I helped lead planning for Conroe ISD and coordinated counseling. At Woodforest Stadium, 15 ministries from our network came together for a block party, and Dave Edwards shared the gospel, resulting in 117 total decisions, 22 called to ministry, and 30 first-time commitments. God is moving in amazing ways.
Our Campus Connections team is doing exactly what we’ve trained them for: praying, counseling, and sharing with students. They’re also helping launch First Priority clubs on campuses with Ashley Jones. We've seen 16 students come to Christ so far. Our local high school band crushed it at their contest. Carol and I loved seeing our Campus Connections team shine in a new way!
Also, we got to take some Five Oaks (our outreach ministry) students to a gospel hip-hop concert in Houston with Andy Mineo. These moments are always worthwhile as we disciple students. Taylor Johnson, my small group co-leader, has been faithfully leading this ministry for over 8 years. We’re so blessed to serve alongside him.
On October 18th, I got “served” on Declaration Serve Day at my church, where leaders are blessed for their service. It was a refreshing reminder of how much we are supported and loved as we serve others.
Prayer Requests
Nov 8–9: Pray for high participation in the Global Evangelism Training through Dare2Share. We’ll host ours at Generations Church on Nov. 9 from 2–5 PM.
Pray for our Fields of Faith follow-ups, campus ministries, and First Priority clubs.
Pray for student leaders and volunteers as they disciple peers and step into ministry opportunities.
Our area was hit hard by a powerful storm system. We'd appreciate your prayers for everyone affected and the strength as we help our community recover and repair our home as well.
Recommended Reading
Some of you have asked about my articles on the NNYM site. Here they are:
Not by me, but about See You at the Pole.
Gratefully,
Rick
Thank you all again for your love and support.
