February/March Update 2025

Written By Holly Bollinger
 

Dear Friends,

The past two months have been filled with ministry, mission, and meaningful moments. I am excited to share some highlights with you!

A Story of Impact

Pablo Groves of Georgetown leads our 1-35 corridor network. He grew up in a challenging environment but has since devoted his life to serving his community. He connects churches, shares Christ while giving haircuts, and impacts lives through the gospel. Despite his passion, he often felt alone in his mission, surrounded by many who did not share his fire for Jesus. After attending our gathering in Hico, he shared these words:

"I don’t need the mic, but I love preaching. Use me. Direct me where you need me. God’s doing big things!"

Ministry & Events Recap

  • Global Youth Strategy – Manila, Philippines (Upcoming in September)
    I have been invited by NxtMove to represent North America in Manila, where I will strategize with key youth leaders from the 11 global regions. Together, we aim to change the trajectory of Christianity for the next generation.

  • Dare2Share Presidents Gathering – Naples, Florida
    It was an incredible honor to speak alongside Greg Stier and Lee Strobel. Carol and I had a wonderful time connecting with the Dare2Share team, and we enjoyed an intimate concert with the Newsboys.

  • Working in Partnership:– Burleson, Texas
    I had the privilege of helping facilitate the Claim Your Campus National Prayer Gathering (even while in Florida). I am especially grateful to my dear friends Don Brown and Debbi Neal for hosting and supporting our leaders.

Accelerate Texas: Moving Fast, Reaching Far

This initiative mobilizes youth leaders to spark a spiritual awakening. Grounded in Matthew 9:35-38, our strategy is built around key principles:

  • Prayer is our fuel.

  • Collaboration and evangelism serve as the accelerator.

  • Technology functions as the turbocharger.

  • Disciple-making operates as the transmission.

  • Celebration provides the momentum to keep moving forward.

Recent “Acclerate” Conferences

  • March 6 – Houston, Lanier Theological Library

  • March 27-28 – Hico, Tri-Rivers Retreat Center

Both events brought together over 100 key leaders to equip and encourage leaders, and strategize for a state-wide spiritual awakening among students in Texas.

  • Meeting with Matt Hanson in Fort Worth (National Rite of Passage Council)
    I had an exciting conversation with Matt Hanson about a nationwide father/son discipleship strategy through Aion Path. This initiative has great potential to impact families across the country.

  • Intown Mission Trip, Houston area – March 9-13
    We partnered with Overcoming Obstacles and American Ninja Warriors Jared Greer and Grant Kiningham to serve in Five Oaks, Third Ward, and Spring, Texas. Here are some of the incredible results:

    • 22 people gave their lives to Christ.

    • 33 individuals recommitted to faith.

    • 650 people heard the Gospel.

    • 70 people actively engaged in mission work, led by student missionaries and co-leaders Taylor Johnson, Zoey Dixon, and Chloe Melton.

  • PACT Youth Pastor Training
    We were honored to host the national director of PACT at our Spring Network gathering. Momentum continues to grow as we equip the next generation of youth leaders.

Personal & Family Updates

  • Saying Goodbye
    This past month brought sorrow as I mourned the loss of my dear friend, Michael Wallace of Burleson. He was a faithful servant of Christ, youth leaders, a mission partner, a volleyball buddy, and most importantly, a devoted husband and father. He will be deeply missed.

  • Unexpected Home Repairs
    A power surge damaged most of our HVAC system. While this was not something we planned for, we are trusting God through the unexpected.

  • Writing & Discipleship Projects

    • I had the privilege of writing the foreword for a new book by Dr. Scott Stripling and Nathan Keller. Special thanks to Blake Quimby for making the connection.

    • I am currently updating Barry St. Clair’s discipleship books to make them more relevant for Gen Z.

    • I also wrote two new Bible studies for Interlinc based on songs by Trip Lee and Toby Mac.

Thank You for Your Prayers & Support!

Your prayers, encouragement, and partnership mean so much to us. We are grateful to be on this journey together and look forward to seeing what God has in store in the months ahead.

For Prayer:

  • Vision: A spiritual awakening in Texas that spreads across the United States and beyond.

  • Strategy: Raising up a mighty army of leaders and young people who passionately pursue Christ, share His story in the power of the Holy Spirit, and develop true multiplying disciples. 

  • Mission: Ensuring every school has a ministry and every community has a gospel-advancing network.

Blessings,
Rick

Thank you all again for your love and support. 

 
 
 
 
Holly Bollinger
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January Update 2025