Cross Culture on Campus

The Dawson Family Newsletter January '12

2012-01-29T16:49:00.010-05:00

Hi, everyone,

Two weeks ago at one of the C3 school clubs we read Luke 6:46-49. Then we asked the students what does Jesus ask us to do. One student said, "He asks us not to be ashamed of Him." I then asked how do we not be ashamed of him here at school. The student responded, "Well...just by coming to C3 is one way. Everyone knows that this club is about Jesus."

The student's response reminds me how C3's presence sends a message. C3 gives students, like this one, an opportunity to represent Jesus no matter how scary that can be for a teenager. C3 also give those students who don't know Jesus a place to be discipled and see what it means to represent Jesus at school.

Thank you for your prayers and support. You truly make a huge difference for C3 and all of the students we serve at the 10 campuses, like the student mentioned above.

Blessings,

Adam, Elizabeth, Jilas, Aidan, and Jeremiah Dawson

East Chapel Hill's Act of Kindness

Seven students at East Chapel Hill passed out 125 free cups of hot chocolate last Wednesday during lunch. They put bible verses on each cup and served their peers with a smile. You could hear students say things like, "Oh, the Jesus Club is giving away hot chocolate!"

Prayer Requests

1) Please pray for the C3 students at the 10 campuses: Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham Tech,

East Chapel Hill, Hillside, Homeschool, Jordan, Kestrel Heights, Middle Creek, and Riverside. Pray for changed lives.

2) Please pray for additional student and adult leaders to be called to C3's work. Leaders change everything.

3) Pray for open doors at the remaining campuses in the area, including all of the area middle schools. Pray that C3 leaders develop at each of the remaining campuses.

Picture Above: The Dawson Family Christmas morning 2011.

The Dawson Family's December Newsletter

2011-12-08T09:59:00.010-05:00

C3 Supporters,

Merry Christmas! This is such a great time of year. God continues to use C3 and change students' lives.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Sean, who saw a C3 meeting going on and decided to walk into the C3 room, asked "What's this?" I told him it is a Christian club that welcomes everyone. He immediately responded, "Well, I'm Jewish." I assured him that we welcomed everyone and would love to discuss who God is with him. He stayed. At the end of the meeting, after not saying much, he said he enjoyed everything and would be back. The next week he returned and informed us again that he's Jewish and asked if that was okay. Once again, we assured him that he is always welcome. This time he asked a lot of questions about who Jesus is, why did He die, and what is the Trinity. As the bell rang to go to class Sean looked at me and said, "I believe all of that. I believe everything you talked about." Stunned, I had Sean reiterate what he meant and he spoke about how Jesus is God and the savior of humanity. Filled with gratitude, Sean wanted to bring fried chicken to share with everyone at the next C3. So he did. The next meeting we ate friend chicken and reflected on the forgiveness of Christ. What a beautiful--and age appropriate--picture!

As always, thank you for your support. C3 is going strong at 9 schools and looking to train more leaders. We have more leaders than ever and it seems God wants to continue to add more. Please pray for God to call his leaders and to bring more students into the ministry.

Have a great Christmas season,

Adam, Elizabeth, Jilas, Aidan, and Jeremiah

Features

In November, C3 brought in guest musicians, Mike Murray and Taylor Maxwell, to 6 of the C3's. They connected with 70 students through their music. Each song had a story about life as a follower of Jesus. The students asked the two musicians questions like, "How do you follow Jesus as a teenager?". Also, just for fun, the picture to the right is Adam dressed up as Captain America with two C3 students.

C3 students' "Act of Kindness" this month is passing out candy canes with the attached card, displayed left. These acts prove beneficial in helping the students share their faith with their peers, which is a huge deal for most teenagers. Please pray God continues to lead and embolden our students to be disciplers.

You are invited to the C3 Banquet!

2011-05-16T11:48:00.003-04:00

You are cordially Invited to

The Fourth Annual

Cross Culture on Campus

Banquet & Fundraiser

to Honor God’s Work

in the students and schools

Please join us

Friday, June 3, 2011, 6:30pm

at Grace Church

200 Sage Road, Chapel Hill, NC

Please RSVP to C3@gracelife.com by May 23

Family & Friends are welcome to attend

Dinner served

Formal Dress Recommended

Contact Adam Dawson, 919.264.1539, c3@gracelife.com

Click here to RSVP via Facebook.

Click here for the online RSVP form.

The Dawson Family's April Newsletter 2011

2011-04-12T11:43:00.005-04:00

Hey, everyone,

During this past month, we've had tons of new students attending our clubs hankering for meaning. One student in particular, who we will call Lance, kept challenging me about Jesus being Lord and Savior. Lance came to C3 claiming to be a Christian but stating that Jesus was no more than a role model. Lance believed that he could pay for his own sins through reincarnation and just trying harder. He also said that the bible wasn't to be trusted in the least. Lance kept coming back to hear about the good news despite the fact that we lovingly proclaimed the truth of the Gospel without compromise. He even brought friends! Students like Lance need to experience the real love of God through Jesus. Please pray with us for Lance and his classmates.

We are pleased to announce the 4th Annual C3 Banquet, June 3, 6:30pm, at Grace Church of Chapel Hill to raise funds for C3 and celebrate what God is doing through our students. This is a wonderful time to hear about the changed lives and help support our students. You can register for the event here for free. A gourmet dinner will be served.

I want to challenge you to join with us and invite your friends and family to the banquet. If you live out of town, I want to challenge you to pray and ask God on our behalf to continue to guide and direct us in pastoring our city.

Thank you for your support. Your prayers and contributions are blessings, encouraging, and a powerful witness. It is a pleasure to labor with you for the sake of the Gospel.

Your friend,

Adam

February Financial Update
94% received of Monthly Goal ($4,000)

March Financial Update
76% received of Monthly Goal ($4,000)

Prayer Requests+Please pray for open doors to minister the gospel at Cedar Ridge, Durham School of the Arts, Riverside High, and Northern High.
+ Please pray for more leaders to train. Pray that they become discipelers with a passion for the gospel and students.
+ Please pray for the students who we are discipling. Pray that they grow and flourish in Christ.

Dawson Family's January 2011 Newsletter

2011-01-31T20:51:00.004-05:00

C3 Supporters,

We saw God continue to change lives this month in our city. At one school, students explicitly began to share their addictions, their struggles, and their sins with each other in a life-giving way. During this time, one student sheepishly looked at me and said, "This Christmas, when my dad gave me a present, he said, 'This gift doesn't mean I still love you.' " and then the student asked me, "Why did he do that?'"

This student was broken. His dad did not give him the love he desperately needs, but his Heavenly Dad does. The C3 student leader of this school prayed all of last year for this despairing student to give his life to Christ and, now, he finally has. He is experiencing the love of our Savior heal and redeem his brokenness. Jesus is good.

Our C3 students have a burning vision to see more students discipled and grow in their faith. It is amazing to see our core

group of about 50 students not sit idly by, but reach out to their peers through acts of kindness, invitations to the club, and local youth groups. They are using their lunch periods to give away candy to show Jesus' love in a way high-schoolers can receive. They are praying for friends that they have never prayed for. They are listening to God more while worrying less about their stuff. Our students are growing and maturing in Christ.

Thanks for your prayers and support. God is changing the lives of the people involved with C3 and using them to spread the gospel.

We are blessed to work with you,

Adam, Elizabeth, Jilas, Aidan, and Jeremiah

January Financial Update

61% Received of Monthly Goal ($4,000)

Prayer Requests

1) please pray for steps toward implementation of vision to reach every high school and middle school in the area

2) please pray for students to mature in Christ

3) please pray for financial donor campaign to raise financial support to 100%

4) please pray for C3 leaders to train

Dawson Family December 2010 Newsletter

2010-12-31T12:25:00.004-05:00

Hey, everyone,

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas; we certainly did. The whole month of December has been great for C3 and the students we serve. We increased our number of students reached through outreaches from last month and had great conversations along the way. Here is just one of the stories from the 20 school visits this month.

I brought pizza to a school lunch to celebrate Christmas and talk about the meaning of Jesus being born. Firstly, I gathered the 10 students that I knew in the cafeteria. The students, in turn, gathered about 20 more of their friends for "pizza and talk about Jesus". Then, the 30 of us circled together and I started to ask them about who Jesus is. We read Isaiah 9:6 where Jesus is called "Mighty God" and "Everlasting Father". Many of the students expressed surprise that Jesus is God. So we read John 1:1-4 where Jesus is clearly God's son and God himself. We discussed how Jesus being God affects everything in our lives. After answering a lot of deep questions I prayed for the students, inviting them back to C3, church, and to speak with me more personally.

Right after I finished and students were talking amongst themselves, a student ran up to me, let's call him Jimmy, and said, "I heard you were talking about Jesus. Please tell me what you said." He hadn't been there for the talk so we spoke about Jesus being "Mighty God" and "Everlasting Father". He asked about the need for God to become a man, why do we serve God, and the reality of hell. We spoke until the class bell rang. I invited him for further conversation and he said to me, "What you wanted to accomplish in this conversation, you did." After that, he ran to class so he wouldn't be late.

Thank you for your investment in these kids, in C3, and in my family. When situations like the one with Jimmy occur I thank Jesus for you and your support.

Happy New Year,

Adam Dawson

Financial Update

November: 69% of monthly goal of $4,000 received

December 46% of monthly goal of $4,000 received

Prayer Request

+ vision for C3 in 2011

+ Holy Spirit to fill and call thousands of teenagers

+ Jimmy and the 100 students like him to serves Jesus boldly and unceasingly

+ provision for family

Personal Update

Adam and Elizabeth are doing great. We are still looking for a house, hosting church groups, leading discipleship with adults and students. Jeremiah, 10 months, is crawling, pulling up, and yelling in accordance with Dawson Boy tradition. Aidan is speaking more intelligibly, including phrases like, "I love Buzz Lightyear" and "Who wants a cookie? I do!". Jilas loves superheroes and rightly believes that Jesus is the best superhero.

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Give. If you aren't a continual supporter of C3's ministry on the high school campuses, we invite you to join in. Our efforts are supported by Grace Church of Chapel Hill and individuals like you. Your donations go towards funding our full-time salary and supporting our family. E-mail us at c3@gracelife.com for more details or click here to give online.

Go. Volunteer with C3 to make a difference in the lives of high school students by giving your time, efforts, and talents. E-mail us at c3@gracelife.com for more details.

Share. Let others know about what God is doing through C3. Forward this e-mail. Share our YouTube videos. Spread the word.

Dawson Family November 2010 Newsletter

2010-11-30T20:21:00.004-05:00

Hi, everyone,

Thank you for your prayers last week as C3 students at Chapel Hill and Jordan High put their faith into action by giving away cookies and pizza to their peers. The students interacted with hundreds of their classmates and answered dozens of questions about who Jesus really is.

This month, one of our students, "Christina", took great strides in her walk with Christ. At the beginning of November, when asked "Why should I follow Jesus?", Christina responded "It really doesn't matter." Her "faith" was an opinion, not a reality. We have been praying with her, counseling her, and looking at scripture with her.

Now, Christina is seeing the reality of who Jesus is: Jesus is not just for some people, the gospel is not just some abstract knowledge, but knowing him is personal and powerful for everyone. She participated in our outreach last week and spoke with her peers about who Jesus really is. In the past couple of weeks, she has invited dozens of people to C3 who have come and participated. God is changing lives. God has changed Christina's life. Please pray for her. This is one of many similar stories at the 9 campuses that we are serving this semester.

We are so thankful for your financial and prayer support. Thank you all for teaming up; you are awesome. We thank God for you.

Blessings,

Adam, Elizabeth, Jilas, Aidan, & Jeremiah Dawson

October Financial Update

76% of Monthly Goal received

Prayer Requests

+ Please pray for Christina and all the students like her

+ Please pray for our continued success in reaching new students and discipling the ones God has given us

Give. If you aren't a continual supporter of C3's ministry on the high school campuses, we invite you to join in. Our efforts are supported by Grace Church of Chapel Hill and individuals like you. Your donations go towards funding our full-time salary and supporting our family. E-mail us at c3@gracelife.com for more details or click here to give online.

Go. Volunteer with C3 to make a difference in the lives of high school students by giving your time, efforts, and talents. E-mail us at c3@gracelife.com for more details.

Share. Let others know about what God is doing through C3. Forward this e-mail. Share our YouTube videos. Spread the word.

The Dawson Family's October Newsletter

2010-10-31T20:57:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone,

Thank you for your prayers and support. Our high school campus clubs are going strong and gaining more momentum than ever at the 9 schools we serve. This month, we have had many students bring their non-believer friends to C3 so they might also experience the life changing grace of Jesus. God is answering our prayers and changing lives.

Please continue to pray that God uses us to make disciples of Jesus. That is our mission. That is our passion. We also pray that God expands our influence and favor in the schools.

Congratulations are in order for Darnell Tayleor, C3's first staff member: he and Nikko King were married yesterday. Darnell has made such a positive impact on high school students and it is a pleasure to see his life filled with the grace of God.

As for the Dawson family, we are still house-hunting. Please pray the right one comes along and we nab it.

If you are interested in what C3 is doing on the high school campuses in North Carolina, there are 3 things you can do:

Go. Volunteer with C3 to make a difference in the lives of high school students by giving your time, efforts, and talents. E-mail us at c3@gracelife for more details.

Share. Let others know about what God is doing through C3. Forward this e-mail. Share ouryoutube videos. Spread the word.

Thank you for your support and prayers. Without God using us together, we couldn't do it.

Blessings,

Adam, Elizabeth, Jilas, Aidan, & Jeremiah Dawson

September Financial Update

77% of Monthly Goal received

The Dawson Family's July C3 Newsletter

2010-07-28T14:35:00.011-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Summer has been a great time for ministry, training, trips, and fun. Our family got the chance to vacate for two weeks this month. We travelled around Virginia from Richmond to Williamsburg to Virginia Beach for our first official family vacation. The boys had a great time swimming, going to 3 Children's museums, and mastering their first waterpark at the Great Wolf Lodge.

Ministry this summer has included overseeing our first two C3 interns, directing 9 week long summer day camps, taking students to a youth conference, going to a pastoral leadership conference in Birmingham, AL, helping lead a team on a mission trip to New Orleans, staying in contact with the students, and preparing for school to start August 25.

I just wanted to let you know that at our C3 banquet on May 21, one of our students committed her life to following Jesus. I had never seen a student decide to follow Jesus at a fundraising event before. Praise God!

Also, Luis Darnell Tayleor is officially joining our C3 staff part time this fall as Assistant Director. He will oversee our ministry to the Hillside High community and a future school group at a new location.

We are excited for the upcoming school year and our fourth year on campuses. Thank you for your faithful financial support and prayers. Together God is using us to change lives and advance His kingdom.

Blessings,

Adam and Elizabeth Dawson

June Financial Update

Received 70% of $4,000 per month goal

Prayer Requests

+ continued vision to lead and disciple

+ that students lives are changed by the gospel of Jesus

+ see new students flood Grace Church

+ lives changed through the ministry of our New Orleans trip

+ Darnell is used to reach the students of Durham County

+ the new school year brings hope and transformation for the students in the area

C3 stands for "Cross Culture on Campus". C3 is a christ-centered ministry to the high schools through Grace Church of Chapel Hill.

The Dawson Family's June Newsletter

2010-06-02T11:38:00.008-04:00

Hey Everyone,

We just finished up our third year ministering to teenagers on the high school campuses, so I thought it was fitting to send out the transcript of my talk at the C3 Banquet, May 21, 2010, as well as the videos we showed. Both help to capture what God has done this year through C3. So here it is:

This night is about thanking God, recognizing what he is doing, thanking all of the supporters for their prayers, donations, and care; and encouraging the students to continue to follow after Jesus and love him only. Thank you for being here. Thank you for all of your support.

This night marks 3 years of Cross Culture on Campus. C3 isn't another institution or good idea. It isn't a para-church organization or an excuse to give teenagers pizza. It is an extension of the student ministries of Grace Church through the students to the community that we love.

When I first said yes to be a missionary to high school campuses I had no idea what that meant or what I would really do. I didn't know what kind of reception the students at the school would give me and I didn't know what school Administrators would say. I didn't know that we would start clubs. I didn't know we would hold events. I didn't know I would love it.

What Cross Culture is today is only as powerful and useful as its purpose and it is only as good as it's ability to fulfill that purpose. That purpose is to love the Gospel of Jesus, live the Gospel of Jesus, and to give the Gospel of Jesus. This Gospel is what we base our lives on. It is that Jesus was crucified for our sins, was buried, and on the third rose again. That is good news.

What has happened is that we've started Christ-centered communities, or clubs or, even better known as, youth groups at Chapel Hill High, East Chapel Hill High, Pace Academy, Jordan, Hillside, and Kestrel Heights. We've even help out at times with communities at Woods Charter, Durham School of the Arts, and NCSSM. What started as pastoral visits and volunteering at these schools developed into these communities that meet regularly in order to teach students to love the gospel, live the gospel, and give the gospel.

In 3 years we have seen thousand of different students at our clubs, events, and youth groups. We have seen students commit their live to following Jesus. We have seen many churched kids start living their faith out when they had previously just been showing up.

Three years ago we started a community at Pace Academy with only 2 students. these 2 came every week and only these two. The teacher who allowed us to meet in her room wondered, "Why just 2?" So did I. But we take advantage of the students we have the privilege to disciple. One of these two is now graduating and going on to Bible College. He says he wants to be a missionary to High schools just like me. We thank God for that.

I happened to meet another student from Pace over a year ago at a lock-in C3 was hosting. Our meeting was not under the best circumstances. He was making out with someone and I caught them. Our first conversation was me asking him what he was thinking. But forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation is a powerful thing. He turned from those ways and other ways, I'm sure, and he became a leader at Pace. With a gift to evangelize and gather people, and the grace of God, he brought in 30% of the students, who developed a tight knit community. Before, when I was just meeting with two students that whole year, I thought I had no hope at that school. We thank God for that.

And this year we've seen some miraculous things. One student who at first said she hated religion and Christianity especially, started meeting with us. The distinction between following a person, Jesus, and following man-made rules, religion, speaks to her. We thank God for what He is doing.

Another student who called himself a Christian at the beginning of the year accepted Jesus just a couple of weeks ago. Deep down, He realized he wasn't following God the person. He finally saw the difference between what culture labels a Christian and the grace of Jesus that makes someone a Christian. We thank God for that.

At every school there is a lot to share. At Jordan High a C3 started this year with a core group of 8. Their views of who God is were challenged because that is one thing we do well. We go to where the students are, at their schools, and we ask questions like "How does Jesus have bearing on what you do in class? How does he affect what you think about, talk with your friends about? Why does He matter so much?" Lots of times we get awkward pauses to these questions, because they aren't the normal conversation topics, but, as I hope you can see, the students begin to seek Jesus throughout the day. Our hope is that the walls between lifestyle and loving Jesus break forever. In April, we hosted a field day where 150 students participated. We played classic field day event like 3 legged race and tug of war, but we did something my field days never did. We preached the good news, the gospel of Jesus, to people of every background and faith level. We thank God for that.

At Chapel Hill High, we have a core group of about 8 who pray, read the bible, and they pass out cookies. They give away cookies to the whole school with stickers that say, "God's love is like this cookie: awesome and free." Not only does it confront the students with the idea of God's love but with the reality of it, through cookies, a way that teenagers can actually understand. The students literally had professing atheists asking for "God's love". We thank God for that.

At East Chapel Hill, I was asked to be the campus Pastor for a new club called Youth Commission International, also known as YCI. I gladly accepted. One of the students who has been one of the most faithful attendees, is not a Christian. Doesn't go to church. But over the course of this year the gospel is penetrating his heart. He says that he now understands that God isn't impressed by what he does, but through His son Jesus. We thank God for that.

At Kestrel Heights, our core group continues to solidify and see God in every second of every day. We showed the "Blind Side" to the school and spoke about how we are adopted in Christ, similar to how Michael Oher was adopted by the Touhey's and equipped to do great things. The Principal thanked us profusely for doing this and everything else we do for Kestrel Heights. We thank God for that.

At Hillside we have a new campus leader, Luis Darnell Tayleor. He started this semester and has officially taken over leadership at Hillside. And he is coming on the C3 staff part time. That is an answer to prayer. A prayer many of you have prayed. We thank God.

To the students of these schools that are here I would like to say:

Hebrews 6:10-12:

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."

Don't stop. Becoming lazy is a danger for every Christian just like Hebrews 6 says. Sometimes we may feel like we've arrived, that we are good enough, and there is no need for following Jesus. We have the same need everyday. It is to follow our Lord and our Savior. He is our savior because we don't just need something, we need Him. He is our Lord because we always say Yes to him and repent of the times we said no.

Don't stop. You are here because you have ran after Him. He says "Anyone who seeks me will find me." That is music to our ears. Don't stop seeking Him. He is good and will make good on all of His promises. Don't stop. He's too great and He's made you too great for you to even think about stopping.

To all of my supporters I would like to say:

Thanks. There isn't a better phrase. Thank you. Your financial giving is what allows me to do what I do and provide for my family. Thank you. Your prayers for me and the students have been answered on so many occasions. I can look back at our newsletters this year and see how many times God has answered what I asked you to pray about. Thank you. I thank God for you. I thank God that we are partners, that this isn't a boss-employee relationship, that it is a partnership. Thanks for being my partner, our partner. For those who have given your time for C3. Thank you. You are a blessing and you all are making a difference.

Pastor DeWayne Watson is going to give those of you who haven't given to C3 yet a chance to do so at the end of the night. But now we are going to show a video that will allow you to hear from some of the students themselves. Keep in mind we've seen over a thousand students this year at all of our functions and we've had over 100 come to our weekly discipleship meetings. This is just a sampling. I hope you will get a feeling for what they experience and how God is using our partnership and these students to advance His Kingdom and make His name great. Enjoy.

C3 Schools Video

My family and I are supported because of the prayerful donations of others. If you haven't financially supported us recently, please consider doing so. For those who continuingly support: thank you. Together we are making a difference in the lives of teenagers for the sake of Jesus. Here's another video that we hope shows you just a little about how God is being glorified through C3.

Changing Lives Video

Blessings,

Adam

Prayer Request

+ summer preparation is Spirit led

+ each student living out commitment to Jesus

+ students discipling other students

+ guidance for C3's direction during the next school year

Financial Update

Percent of April Budget Raised: 100%

Monthly Budget: $4,000

Here is another fun video that we showed at the C3 Banquet: C3 Student Montage

The Dawson Family's May Newsletter

2010-05-18T09:39:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Last month a student came to a C3 lunch meeting with a peculiar look on his face. He had attended C3 all year. He participated minimally, but he was attentive and always winsome. I asked him how he was doing and he responded, "I got saved last night." He told me and the 15 other students at C3 that day that he went to a local youth group the previous night and publicly gave his life to Jesus. We celebrated and prayed for him. Later, I asked him what role did the ministry of C3 play in his dedicating his life to Jesus and he said, "It saved me."

I want to thank you for your ongoing support and prayers for my family and the ministry to the high schools. Because of our partnership we have the opportunity to be part of God changing lives.

Also, with the school year coming to a close quickly, this Friday, May 21, 6:30pm, we are putting on a banquet to help communicate and commemorate what God is doing in the lives of high school students. If you are available to attend the C3 Banquet, please e-mail me. Dinner is served and childcare is available.

Once again, thank you for your sacrifice and care. It is humbling and we thank God for you.

Blessings,

Adam Dawson

Prayer Requests

+ each student living out commitment to Jesus

+ students discipling other students

+ guidance for C3's direction during the next school year

Financial Update

Percent of April Budget Raised: 88%

Monthly Budget: $4,000

The Dawson Family's April Newsletter

2010-04-21T16:28:00.010-04:00

Hi Everyone,

This past Friday, C3 held a field day after school for Jordan High students. Our team of 12 adults and 6 students spent many hours putting up posters, planning the field day events, and putting together all of the supplies. We optimistically prepared for 20 - 60 students, hoped for at least 40 and prayed for as many as God would bring. To our joy and surprise, 150 students descended upon the field ready to compete in the egg toss, tug of war, dizzy bat, and other classic field day events. We were shocked and excited that 10% of the student population showed up considering we've averaged 7 students at our weekly meetings.

After the students registered, competed, and ate hot dogs and pizza, I had the pleasure of telling them about who Jesus is via the loud speaker system we set up. It was such an exciting opportunity to be able to share the Gospel. We will be doing follow-up with the students who registered for the event. I thank you guys for your support and prayers. Lives are changing because we are partnering in His name. Click here to see a short video of the event.

Also, the C3 banquet is less than a month away. On Friday, May 21, 2010, 6:00pm, you are invited to the 3rd Annual C3 Banquet and fundraiser. This is your chance to see the students, hear the stories of changed lives, eat gourmet food, and continue to partner with what God is doing on the high school campuses. Please RSVP by May 10th, c3@gracelife.com.

Thanks for all of your support and prayers,

Adam, Elizabeth, Jilas, Aidan, and Jeremiah Dawson

Prayer Requests

10 campus leaders to join our staff.
20,000 souls following Jesus in the next 3 years.
Students regularly attending C3 to decide to follow Jesus.
Deeper commitment to Christ for students at Hillside, Chapel Hill, East Chapel hill, Carrboro High, Pace Academy, Kestrel Heights, Jordan, Northern, Riverside, Woods Charter, Durham Academy, Middle College, Performance Learning Center, and Durham School of the Arts.

Financial Update

March Donations received: $2,536

March Update

2010-03-17T20:40:00.010-04:00

March Update

February and March have been excellent months. Elizabeth gave birth to Jeremiah Caleb Dawson on February 24 at 3:53am. They are both doing really well; thanks for all of your prayers. We participated in the 4 day missions conference at Grace Church that started on the next day, Feb. 25. The conference gave us the opportunity to share how God is using C3 to change the lives of teenagers. Click here for the video we showed at our booth.

Students at the various high schools have been giving away cookies to their peers as an effort to reach out to them and show God's love in a practical way. The attached picture was posted on Facebook by someone who is not affiliated with C3, which shows the positive effect the students are having among their peers and how it is spreading.

The sticker that is passed out with the cookies says, "These cookies are like God's love: Awesome and Free." One student who read the sticker made the comment, "God's love isn't free. You have to go to church!" This comment gave our students an easy and powerful opportunity to describe the gospel and who Jesus is, separate from any legalistic understanding we might want to attach to Him. Many students called the cookies, "Jesus cookies" and although some of students said that they didn't believe in God, they still wanted to "eat His cookies."

Financial update

+ Donations Received in February: $2,785

+ New Monthly Goal: $4,000

Prayer Requests

+ 10 campus leaders to join our staff

+ 20,000 souls following Jesus in the next 3 years

+ students at East Chapel Hill who regularly attend decide to follow Jesus

+ Jordan outreach on April 16/17 is beneficial to the community

December Newsletter 2009

2009-12-01T17:00:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Merry Christmas! It is hard to believe we are about to complete our 5th semester of high school campus ministry work. I thank God for all that He has done and for your prayers and support. Thank you.

This past week I asked a group of 9 of our C3 students from different high schools to anonymously give feedback on what they think about C3. This is some of what they said:

"C3 has helped me love God a whole lot more and appreciate what he's doing in my life." --Freshman

"C3 is an amazing group. It's a really good eye opener to what Jesus is and how you believe." --Senior

"It gives me something to think about and look forward to." --Freshman

"It makes me feel like He is closer." --Senior

"C3 has affected my life by me praying a lot more." --Freshman

"Awesome...My reason for Monday's! lol!" --Senior

"C3 has affected how I feel towards Jesus because I believe and trust him more." --Freshman

"[Because of C3] I have a stronger love for Jesus." --Senior

"[At C3] people pray for me and care for me." --Freshman

God is using C3 to make a difference!

Blessings,

Adam, Elizabeth, Jilas, & Aidan

P.S. Look forward to receiving our quarterly newsvideo at the beginning of January.

Donor Support

+ November Giving: $2,470

Prayer Requests

+ student leaders at Jordan, Pace, Woods, CHHS, and ECHHS continue to be bold in their faith and be on Jesus' mission at all times

+ work with other youth Christian organizations (YCI, Campus Crusades, FCA) to be more effective at the high schools

+ help with picking out name for boy (due Feb. 21)

+ expand Jesus' influence to Carrboro High, Northern High, Durham Tech, Lakeview, & Southern High

+ thousands of students come to know and serve Jesus

+ faithful in increasing fundraising efforts

School Visits Overview

+ Mondays-- Chapel Hill High & Jordan High

+ Tuesdays-- East Chapel Hill High & Kestrel Heights

+ Wednesdays-- Carrboro High (coming soon)

+ Thursdays-- Pace Academy & Hillside High

A Contemporary Revision of Acts 17:16-34 for Cross Culture on Campus

While we walk through the halls of school, we become greatly distressed to see that our hearts are full of idols and self-righteousness.

Our world-views clash and some ask, “What are these Christians babbling about?” Others remark, “You seem to be advocating something that not everyone believes. How dare you?”

People said this because the good news about Jesus and the resurrection was being explained.

People then gathered at the C3 meeting, where they asked, “May we know what this teaching is that you are presenting? You are holding some strange ideas and we want to know if they are true.”

All the students spent their time doing what pleased them and listened to what they wanted to hear.

Someone stood up at the C3 meeting and said:

“Students, I see that in every way you are very religious, even those of you who say there is no god. For as I walk through the halls and look carefully at your objects of worship, music, friends, sex, sports, belonging, pride, money, religion, education, I find everyone of you devoting yourself to something or someone. Everyone is worshiping something with their life. Now with what you worship, your entire life, I am going to proclaim who gave you life, sustains your life, and is your life.

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands or in the things you desire and work for. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own rock stars have even said, 'We are his children.'

"Therefore since we are God's children, we should not think that the divine being is like songs or sports or religion—an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject." At that, the person continued the C3 meetings. A few people became followers of the true God and believed He sent His only begotten son to become man and reconcile the creation to the creator.

November 2009 Update

2009-11-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

Dear Cross Culture on Campus Supporters,

October was a fabulous month for C3 in the high schools. We continue to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-21) to the hundreds of students we see every week. We have been in 7 different schools this month on a regular basis and our constant presence on the campuses has continued to draw more and new students; we saw 30 brand-new faces at our meetings this month.

As C3 looks to the future, we are actively seeking out and training new adult leaders to begin leading some of our campus groups so that our ministry can continue to grow and thrive. By school-year's end I hope to have at least 3 of our established groups facilitated by strong Christian adults who God can use to uniquely minister to the students and train even more student leaders.

This month we had guest speaker Darnell Taylor come and share his testimony with our student groups. He grew up in inner city Chicago and he found himself in prison at age 19. He called out to God there and God faithfully responded by transforming Darnell, who began serving Jesus during his time in prison and has been faithfully doing so ever since. Regular students and newcomers alike were truly affected by his story -- the most common response to Darnell and his visit was "awesome!".

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

In Christ,

Adam Dawson

919.264.1539

adamcdawson@gmail.com

crosscultureoncampus.com

C3 Christ-Centered Communities

Monday

Chapel Hill High School--lunch

Jordan High School--after school

Tuesday

East Chapel Hill High School--lunch

Kestrel Heights School--after school

Durham Technical Community College & Middle College High school (coming soon)

Wednesday

Carrboro High School--lunch (coming soon)

Northern High School--after school (coming soon)

Thursday

Pace Academy--lunch

Woods Charter School--lunch

Hillside High School--after school

C3 Donor Report

Adam Dawson is completely support by donations

October Donations Received-- $2,086

Our Monthly Goal is $3,000

Prayer Requests

The 20,000+ high school students in the area to follow Jesus
More students to engage in our Christ-centered campus communities
Christian students to disciple peers and show that Jesus is Lord through their lifestyle
God's guidance, encouragement, and direction in fundraising goals and efforts.
Provision for Elizabeth, Jilas, Aidan and our baby girl (due Feb. 24)

Our next C3 Newsvideo will be sent out January 1, 2010.

If you haven't joined our support team, but would like to, go here.

c3 October News Video 2009

2009-10-01T00:56:00.000-04:00

[Below is the transcript of the video]

Hey Everyone,

With our third school year well under way, we are seeing God work in the hearts and lives of students. New communities at Carrboro and Jordan are gearing up and our established groups at Hillside, Kestrel Heights, Pace Academy, Chapel Hill High, and Woods Charter are thriving. Pace Academy, a charter school of about 100 students, has averaged a weekly attendance of 20 students this first month. Our Pace Academy C3 student leader, Andres Villegas, has seen a dramatic change in his classmates through our Jesus-centered community.

Andres describes the affect C3 has had on Pace:

"I think right now God is moving in people's hearts and minds. I think he is doing something big. He's changing people's lives. And He is really, really trying to change all of Pace Academy. Not only students, even teachers. He's really trying to show himself off at Pace Academy. Just the other day I was having a conversation with a friend; he feels like God is moving in his heart, for real. Definitely I see that there has been a lot more attention on God, even if it is negative or positive. A lot more attention on God. A lot more attention on Jesus. I guess you can say people are asking me about Him. People are asking me about Jesus Christ. And people are definitely asking me about the difference between a relationship and a religion."

You can see Andres' personal testimony at C3's youtube channel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaoKrM171Wo

We continue to see administrators and teachers welcome us despite the difficulty other christian organizations have in this arena. So, thank you for your continued prayer support. Keep praying that more opportunities open for us to minister and share the gospel.

Currently, we have over 20 students in regular discipleship and are asking Jesus to bring more so this generation will confront their culture with the Cross. Please ask with us. Also, we are still looking for more C3 leaders who are called to go to high schools campuses and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray that the right people step up and join with us.

Thank you for your continued financial support. It makes a huge difference in the lives of the teenagers we minister to. In August, 24 supporters donated $3,000 and in September, 23 supporters donated $2,130.

This fall marks a big athletic landmark in Dawson family history. Jilas has joined an under 4 soccer league and I am the coach. It is a true joy trying to organize 3 year olds.

Aidan is walking and laughing everywhere and Elizabeth and I are preparing for our third child, who is set to arrive February 24.

Also, I am excited to announce that on October 18, I will be ordained by the Grace Church overseers and elders.

Thank you for your continued support of my ministry through your prayers and donations. We are truly blessed. Without us joining together we couldn't make this great impact in the lives of teenagers. If you haven't joined in with what C3 is doing, we invite you to. Go to www.crosscultureoncampus.com and GIVE. Click on support to donate to C3 today.

GO...click contact us and find out how you can give your time in changing the lives of high schoolers.

And SHARE. Send this video link to friends and family to spread what Jesus is doing on the high school campuses.

Blessings,

Adam

September 2009 Newsletter

2009-09-03T10:29:00.003-04:00

Hey Everyone,

I cannot believe summer is over and that school started two weeks ago. My ministry at the schools has started and we are positioned at 6 campuses to help every teenager love Jesus.

I want to apologize for not sending an official update since last April. This year I will send out a brief newsletter e-mail every month and send out a newsvideo quarterly, so such a gap in communication will not happen again.

Thank you so much for your continued support and encouragment. I am delighted to say that for the past 4 months my ministry has been 100% funded. More importantly, the last school year ended exceptionally. We led an outreach event that ministered to over 500 students with 4 young men committing their lives to Jesus. Plus, since our last newsletter we've seen 3 more students from our campuses commit their lives to Jesus for the first time. Not to mention we are training dozens of students every week to bring their culture to the cross!

Elizabeth and I are also very happily expecting our 3rd child in February. Jilas just turned three and is starting little soccer this fall and Aidan is now 15 months old and finally walking. Our family is continually encouraged by your prayers and support.

We look forward to this school year with great anticipation and hope in what God will do through us on the campuses. Once again, thank you for joining in with us.

Blessings,

Adam

P.S. The picture is me rapping to a youth club in Chisnau, Moldova, July 19, 2009. I helped lead a team of 19 to Moldova and Transnistria this summer.

June 2009 News Video

2009-07-01T10:24:00.001-04:00

April 2009 NewsVideo

2009-04-15T18:49:00.003-04:00

December 2009 News Video

2009-01-01T14:13:00.000-05:00

Adam Dawson's October Newsletter/Newsvideo

2008-10-20T10:55:00.004-04:00

Letter from the Missionary

Hey Everyone,

With the first quarter coming to a close,
I have seen student leaders hold their first outreach
and have begun meeting on a fourth high school campus.

Since school started, our weekly communities have spread from about 15 people on average to 50 people,
still meeting together to deal with life issues in the light of the Truth.

Half of these students are not Christians--but they keep coming back.

Student leaders led their groups in giving away pizza, water and snacks to their teachers and peers.
The students explained that these gifts were in response to the greater gift they received from Jesus--life.

Besides in-school meetings,
C3 offers free tutoring every Wednesday to show who Jesus is in a practical way.
This is held 6-7:30pm at Grace Church for all students in the triangle.

We thank Jesus for your prayers and support. God has used you to bless my family and the students I minister to.
Thank you.

In Him,

Adam

Student Profile of the Month

Name: Jamar Evans

School: Hillside High

Grade: 11

Age: 16

Click here to watch Jamar's interview.

School Profile

School: Chapel Hill High School

Students: 1439

Christian Groups: 1

Student Leaders: Meghan Gay & Maria van Aalst

CHHS Bible Study meets every Monday at Lunch

Prayer Requests for CHHS: boldness for Christian students to live the life they are called to; students are shown the truth and receive it; that people understand life is about a relationship with the creator of the universe.

Quick Facts

+ Yearly Support Received: 12.6%

+ Monthly Support Pledged: 47% of $3,000 per month

+ October School Days: 20

+ October School Visits: 16

Prayer Requests

+ we continue to train student leaders well.

+ students gain confidence and boldness in Christ.

+ all of the students who are part of our on-campus communities have a relationship with Jesus

+ my family continues to be provided for.

September Newsletter

2008-09-15T15:15:00.012-04:00

Letter from the Missionary

Hey Everyone,

Welcome to the 2nd year of Cross Culture on Campus! We have started the school year with a lot of momentum; school has been in session for 3 weeks and we have already started clubs at 3 schools. We have specific plans to start up 3 more Christ-centered communities by November.

Over 20 students are stepping up as leaders and seeing the vision God has for their lives. It's great! We've already reached hundreds of students through our after school clubs and events.

We are continuing our donor drive and hope to be at 100% funded by November. Please check out our latest C3 donor video here.

Also, if you would like to join the C3 prayer team please e-mail C3@gracelife.com with Prayer team in the Subject line.

The Grace and peace of Jesus Christ,

Adam

"School Profile of the Month" and "Student Profile of the Month" will return next Newsletter.

Prayer Requests

+ continued ease and interest in getting Christ-centered communities into the schools.
+ increased interest in volunteer support

+ students Christ-centered vision for change in their schools erupt
+ continued health and well-being of Jilas and Aidan

Quick Facts

+ $3,067 of $36,000 received since Aug. 1

+ Aug. School visits: 4

+ Aug. School Days: 5

Personal Note

Elizabeth and I are excited for what this new year will bring to C3 and to our family. It is a wonderful parallel as we are continuing our new journeys of being a missionary to these students and becoming a family of four.

Adam Dawson's June/July Newsletter

2008-07-15T13:03:00.016-04:00

[Top] Handing out bracelets to students at a Peruvian school.

[Bottom] Speaking to a Church congregation in Chincha, Peru.

Letter from the Missionary

Hey Everyone,

The mission trip to Peru was awesome. I was given many opportunities to speak and serve at the schools in Chincha, Peru as well as a prison there. My C3 experiences flowed naturally into a sincere interaction with this new group of kids and I really could see the broad scope of God's vision for the world's youth. [Click here to view my Peru Mission Trip Video]

After coming back for a few days, I left for War Cry, the Grace Church International youth summer camp. I was a small group leader there and I also taught a 3-part seminar on the world's perception of Jesus contrasted with a true, Biblical perspective. [Click here to view my WarCry Recap Video]

August 25th is the start of a new school year and financial year for Cross Culture on Campus. I want to thank everyone for the amazing support that we received this past year that has kept our family going. I will be continuing to do fundraising while I go into schools and we will hopefully be starting off with 5 school groups this year!

For future support you can mail gift to Grace Church with my name in the memo line or you can now give online by going to Grace Church's website. Instruction for online giving are at the bottom of this newsletter.

For Him,

Adam

[Left] A crowd of students who responded to Adam speaking

by praying, acknowledging Jesus is Lord and Savior.

[Right] Adam interacting with the locals.

__________________________________

Prayer Requests

+ energetic and smooth start to the school year.

+ continued favor with school administration and faculty with the C3 presence.

+ spiritual, physical, and emotional rejuvenation for our family.

+ students at Hillside, Jordan, Chapel Hill, East Chapel Hill, Riverside, Pace, and DSA boldly share Jesus with their peers and form Christ-centered communities at school.

__________________________________

The Student Profile, School Profile, and Quick Facts will return next month.

__________________________________

Directions for C3 Online Giving

1. Go to Grace Church's website, gracelife.com, then the "Resources" menu, then "Online Giving" or click here.

2. Create an Account or Log-in.

3. Fill in the Online Giving Form.

Give to "2. Mission & Ministries; 2. Adam Dawson"

You have the options of how often you give, e.g. Monthly, quartlery, one-time, etc.)

You have the option of how you give (e.g. electronic debit, Visa, Mastercard)

E-mail me at C3@gracelife.com, if you have any questions or call my cell at 919.264.1539.

May/June Newsletter

2008-06-09T16:20:00.007-04:00

Letter from the Missionary

Hey Everyone,

The school year is officially over. I conducted over 100 school visits, interacted with hundreds of students, and, by the grace of God, was used to change the lives of high schoolers for His glory.

We held our first annual C3 Banquet/Fundraiser on May 30. Students from the schools I minister to, their families, and C3 supporters came out to recognize the work God is doing in the students and on the campuses. We had a blast. If you want to check out the videos we showed at the banquet, click here to go to our YouTube site.

I cannot believe my first school year of ministry is over. I thank Jesus for you and your support. Without your prayers, donations, and assistance, God could not have used this ministry to bring high schoolers to know Him. I am looking forward to all of the ministry God has for me this summer and in the upcoming school year.

On a personal note, my second son, Aidan Elijah Dawson, came into the world on May 17. Elizabeth and I are quite pleased with him.

In Christ Alone,

Adam Dawson

P.S. Check out our new website at www.crosscultureoncampus.com

Below is the video, "Faces of C3"

________________________
May/June Student Profile
Student Name: Jessica Foskey
Age: 17
Grade: 11
School: Kestrel Heights
Tell us about yourself: “I like to read, write, and I love to play cards. I also like hanging around my friends, but I don't like to hang around a lot of people or talk that much.”

1. Do you serve Jesus Christ? Why or why not? If so, how did you come to trust in him? IF NOT, what or who do you put your trust in?
“No, I don't. Actually, I don't believe in anything. I'm an atheist.”

2. What is the purpose of your life? Why were you born?
“My purpose, I believe, is to protect people who needs to be protected, hopefully I was born to be a cop.”

3. Who is Jesus? Is He important to your life? What is the relationship between God and Jesus?
“He is someone who made a sacrifice for his people although they didn't deserve it.”

4. Do you enjoy God? If so, how do you enjoy God, what about Him do you enjoy, and do you enjoy Him more than anyone/anything else? IF NOT, why not and what do you enjoy most in life?
“It's not that I don't enjoy him. I just don't believe in him. I find all religion to be interesting, but none are really for me. I just enjoy life.”

5. Do you recognize that you are a significant person? What about you makes you significant?
“I don't think that I'm really a significant person. The world is too big and there are more important things out there in the world.”

6. What happens to you after you die? How do you know?
“No one knows.”

________________________
May/June Quick Facts
April/May Visits: 33
April/May School Days: 40
2007 – 2008 School Year Donations Received: 55% of $3,000 per month goal

________________________
May/June Prayer Requests
+ God prepares Adam for ministry this summer and for the school year
+ New opportunities to minister open up in the schools
+ Receive 100% financial supporter
+ Jesus is glorified in every aspect of the C3 ministry
+ God continues to bring students to know Him and totally serve Him

________________________
Summer Update
Summer is packed full of ministry and preparation for the upcoming school year. I am leaving on June 23 for 8 days to help lead a team of Cross Culture Student Ministry students in a humanitarian, evangelistic outreach to the people of earthquake ravaged Chincha, Peru. I am teaching a workshop to high schoolers on Jesus July 7 – 11. I am directing summer camps for ages 5 – 18 through Grace Church for 6 weeks of the summer. And I am finding financial supporters for C3, working on our new website www.crosscultureoncampus.com, setting up ministry at the high schools, recruiting volunteers, meeting with school officials etc. God bless you.

April Letter from the Missionary

2008-04-15T12:08:00.015-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Four students at four different high schools newly professed a relationship with Jesus Christ last month through C3's ministry. Praise God! Let me tell you about one of these:

At the beginning of our after-school meeting, one girl said that she was going to hell. She admitted openly that she did bad things, continued to do bad things, and didn't see an alternative. I gave her the good news about Jesus. She said that she wanted this relationship with Jesus, to rely on Him, not herself. She realized that she personally couldn't live up to the standard of goodness, but realized Jesus had and that He could transform her. She knew Jesus wasn't asking her to work harder to follow the “rules”, but He was inviting her into a life giving relationship with Him.

I am looking forward to ministering to students and schools during the last two months of this school year and am blessed by your support and prayers.

Special Announcement: I would like to invite you all to the First Annual C3 Banquet to celebrate what God has done through students and C3.

Please join us

Friday, May 30, 6:30 pm
at
Grace Church of Chapel Hill
200 Sage Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Please RSVP to C3@gracelife.com by May 16

Dinner Served

Blessings,

Adam Dawson

April Student Profile

2008-04-15T12:04:00.002-04:00

Student Name: Anonymous
Age: 12
Grade: 6
School: Kestrel Heights
Tell us about yourself: “I live with my mom and I have a great life and I have two brothers.”

1. Do you serve Jesus Christ? Why or why not? If so, how did you come to trust in him? IF NOT, what or who do you put your trust in?
“I do trust Jesus because he made the world and humans. That is why people say anybody is God’s son or daughter.”

2. What is the purpose of your life? Why were you born?
“Because Jesus made me be born.”

3. Who is Jesus? Is He important to your life? What is the relationship between God and Jesus?
“Jesus is a living god and He’s important to everybody, but some people don’t trust god/Jesus.”

4. What are questions that you have about being a Christian? What are your questions about life in general?
“Why is Jesus so important to everybody?”

5. Do you enjoy God? If so, how do you enjoy God, what about Him do you enjoy, and do you enjoy Him more than anyone/anything else? IF NOT, why not and what do you enjoy most in life?
“Yes, I enjoy God, but not as much as everyone else.”

6. Do you tell others about Jesus and share with them the life that He alone gives? Why or why not?
“No, because I don’t know Jesus that much.”

7. Do you recognize that you are a significant person? What about you makes you significant?
“Being a good person in school in 6th grade.”

8. What happens to you after you die? How do you know?
“I go to heaven.”

9. What are some things you want to change in your life? How can they be changed?
“To not get in trouble.”

April School Profile

2008-04-15T12:03:00.002-04:00

School: Jordan High School
City: Durham, NC
Grades: 9 - 12
Students: 1,829
Website: http://jordan.dpsnc.net/
Christian Groups: 1 (FCA)

April Quick Facts

2008-04-15T12:02:00.001-04:00

+ March School Days: 20
+ March School Visits: 17
+ 73% of $3,000 per month financial goal

April Personal Update

2008-04-15T11:59:00.001-04:00

Elizabeth and I are excitingly waiting to meet our new son. Doctors say we will meet him around May 16. We have moved into a 3 bedroom house—Jilas loves the stairs. Despite the school year ending, my summer is filling up fast. I am conducting a workshop at a summer youth camp, leading a group of high-schoolers on a mission trip to Peru, directing summer day camps for children ages 5 – 18 (go to gracecamps.com for details), and preparing on-campus ministry activities for the next school year.

April Prayer Requests

2008-04-15T11:58:00.000-04:00

+ God continues to open doors at the schools for next year
+ All of my interactions with students lead them to Jesus
+ Grace and protection for those who have recently come to know Him
+ Summer plans glorify Jesus and further His work through me
+ Continual provision for my family

March Letter from the Missionary

2008-03-04T19:15:00.011-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Last Wednesday at “The Real” (the weekly Hillside meeting), we had just finished our opening prayer as two new girls sat down. We began to read verses where Jesus describes himself, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

At this point, one of the girls paraphrased this statement, turned to her friend and said, "Whatever happens between us, I want you to stand firm with God. Jesus is the only way." The girl continued to open up, crying. She became pregnant last November and "lost" the baby last month. Her mother kicked her out of the house and has not let her return.

Another student, who came weekly to "The Real" last semester, and whom I had been mentoring at that time, returned for the first time in two months. He soon confessed, "I've been running from God."

While these students revealed their hearts, a non-Christian teacher and two other students sat amazed.

Two Christian teachers and I counseled and prayed for the students. We not only spoke of forgiveness through Jesus Christ, we spoke to their individual situations and to the new creation Jesus makes them.

Our Heavenly Dad continues to bring students to me that need Him. He brought me a student from a home that believes gods inhabit everything, e.g. the rivers, the trees, etc.; a student who cuts himself; girls in a lesbian relationship; the religiously proud; unbelievers who are curious about Jesus; and students labeled "disabled" who are looking for people who love them and a place to belong. While there backgrounds and concerns are varied and vast, they are all struggling with the same familiar and substantial issue – they are seeking an identity in the world. Please pray that these students come to find their identities in the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Thank you for all your support,

Adam

(left) Adam baptizing Kai Bauer. (middle) Students from "The Trinity Club". (right) Student from Hillside.

March Student Profile

2008-03-04T19:12:00.004-05:00

The student for the following profile asked to be anonymous.
Age: 15
School: Anonymous

Tell us about yourself: "I’m the oldest of three and my parents are divorced."

1. Do you serve Jesus Christ? Why or why not? If so, how did you come to trust in him? IF NOT, what or who do you put your trust in?
“I’m an atheist. I have my own god. I want to learn about Jesus.”

2. What is the purpose of your life? Why were you born?
“To me there is no purpose of life.”

3. Who is Jesus? Is He important to your life? What is the relationship between God and Jesus?
“Jesus is a god to some people. Jesus is god’s son.”

4. What are questions that you have about being a Christian? What are your questions about life in general?
“What is being a Christian about?”

5. Do you enjoy God? If so, how do you enjoy God, what about Him do you enjoy, and do you enjoy Him more than anyone/anything else? IF NOT, why not and what do you enjoy most in life?
“N/A”

6. Do you tell others about Jesus and share with them the life that He alone gives? Why or why not?
“N/A”

7. Do you recognize that you are a significant person? What about you makes you significant?
“Sort of. I’m the only me.”

8. What makes someone a Christian? Describe who a Christian is. Is it important to be a Christian? Why or why not? How does a person go to heaven?
“Not sure.”

9. What happens to you after you die? How do you know?
“You go into nothingness.”

10. What are some things you want to change in your life? How can they be changed?
“Personal.”

March School Profile

2008-03-04T19:09:00.001-05:00

School: Kestrel Heights Charter School
City: Durham, NC
Grades: 6 - 12
Students: 415
Christian Groups: 1 (Trinity Club) We meet every Tuesday, 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm
Teacher's Prayer Requests: that teachers would remain open to the idea of having a Christian club, that more students would become interested in learning more about Jesus, that students would study hard for their up coming EOC tests so the school can gain a better rapport with the state, and that the school's charter would be renewed for more than 2 years.

March Quick Facts

2008-03-04T19:08:00.001-05:00

+ C3 students I Baptized: 1
+ January School Days: 18
+ January School Visits: 15
+ February School Days: 20
+ February School Visits: 15
+ 73% of $3,000 per month financial goal

March Prayer Requests

2008-03-04T19:06:00.002-05:00

+ Our students know, love, and worship Jesus
+ God continues to reveal Himself, guiding the teachers, students, and me
+ God uses us to create solid Jesus-centered communities at each school
+ Elizabeth continues to have a healthy, happy pregnancy
+ The Holy Spirit continues to counsel me as I am interacting with these students on more levels.

January Letter From the Missionary

2008-01-23T14:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.

This is an amazing time for my ministry; I am seeing young people serve Jesus boldly. Here is a brief snapshot of what is going on:

Junior Kai Bauer (right) and I started the first Christian group at Pace Academy in Chapel Hill in its history on Jan. 16; eight students attended.

Wednesday meetings at Hillside in December and January continued to welcome new students. Our regular attendance is about 5 students and 3 teachers.

Tuesday meetings at Kestrel Heights are building a Christ-centered community. Five students have attended almost every meeting and new students stop by every week.

One of the 11 schools I visit for lunch is the Monday bible study at Chapel Hill High School to support its founder, senior Aaron Simpson (left), and his group of about 10 students.

I've been in the schools more and more as I am able; since we are hovering around 73% of our financial goal, I am still spending a significant portion of time on that aspect of the ministry.

I have recruited 12 volunteers to help with campus ministry, so we can be a constant presence at all 23 schools in the area. In addition, Johanna Burbridge is leading the prayer team for this ministry. Please e-mail me at adamcdawson@gmail.com if you would like to be part of the prayer team.

As you can see, God is pouring out continual blessings onto this ministry – I've been blessed beyond what I could even ask! Thank you for your continued support and council. Please contact me with any questions, comments, and prayer requests.

Be Salt,

Adam

January Student Profile: Jimmy Woods

2008-01-23T13:59:00.000-05:00

Age: 17
School: Hillside High School, Durham
Tell us about yourself: “I'm athletic, spiritual, positive, strong, always keeping my head up.”

1. How did you come to serve Jesus Christ? Why do you serve Jesus Christ?
“When my parents told me about him. I feel that it is the right thing to do.”

2. How has Jesus changed your life?
“I always know I have to live life a positive way. He helped me to better myself and to recognize how fortunate I am to be here right now.”

3. Who is Jesus?
“Jesus is the son of God.”

4. How is it difficult to be a Christian at Hillside High School?
“It's not really that hard. All I do is believe in myself and know that I'm a Christian and know that I am going to represent myself as a Christian.”

5. How do you enjoy God? What about Him do you enjoy?
“I enjoy... that I know I'm praying to somebody. That He's our God and he answers our prayers.”

6. What are some questions you have about being a Christian?
None.

7. Do you tell others about Jesus and what he has done? Why or why not?
“No not really, because sometimes it might be offensive towards people.”

8. What do you like about "The Real"?
“I like that [at the] Real you...are able to express your ideas and know why things happen.”

9. What would you change about "The Real"?
“Get more people.”

10. What is a dream that you have?
“I want to become the best actor.”

11. What is one thing you have learned that you would like to share with others?
“That God wants us to be role models and positive people and believe His word.”

12. What is the purpose of your life?
“The purpose of my life is to enjoy it in a good way, and live it to the fullest.”

13. Do you recognize that you are significant? What about you makes you significant?
“Yes, I feel that I am important, and a strong, smart being.”

15. Are you looking forward to achieving something great in the future or are you achieving something great now? If you are looking forward to being great, why aren't you achieving greatness now?
“Yes. In the future I am, because I am learning the little things to get me there.”

January School Profile: Pace Academy

2008-01-23T13:55:00.000-05:00

Students: 120
FYI: Pace Academy, which stands for Partnership Achieving Community Education, formed in 2004 and is the only charter school in the state that focuses on preparing the students for occupations, instead of a 4 year college. Pace is geared toward students who lack the personal motivation or ability to do well in a standard high school, as well as those who simply enjoy being in small classes. About 70 students have a learning disability, autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Prayer Requests: the transforming Spirit of our Lord fill every person at Pace; the students who are struggling with addiction and disabilities be restored; the teachers be continually strengthened and show Christ's love.

January Quick Facts

2008-01-23T13:50:00.000-05:00

+ December School Days: 14
+ December School Visits: 9
+ January School Days (So far): 12
+ January School Visits: 8
+ 73% of $3,000 per month financial goal
+ Church Speaking engagements: 3

January Prayer Requests

2008-01-23T13:45:00.000-05:00

+ Students at Hillside, Kestrel Heights, and Pace Academy serve Jesus Christ
+ Favor with parents, administrators, and teachers
+ 100% of financial goal
+ Christ-centered communities at all 23 high schools
+ Student and adult leaders raised up
+ health and protection for Elizabeth, Jilas, and son-to-be (due date is May 16).

December Letter from the Missionary

2007-12-13T10:18:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

I thank God for all the support you continually give me and my mission.

In November, I challenged students to think about the purpose of their lives. A lot of students said either they had no purpose or they didn't know what it was yet. For these students, Christianity feels like a set of rules to follow. As we pursue Jesus, we find that He is what we need and that our purpose resides in the incarnate God. I gave a message about this on Nov. 6 to the high school students of Grace Church. Click here to listen.

Here is a snapshot of what else happened in November:

We started a weekly club at Kestrel Heights. The student leaders are excited and taking initiative to represent Christ well at their school.

“The Real” at Hillside is attracting new students and teachers every week looking to discuss spiritual matters.

Regular visits with specific students at school lunches has helped show them that they are cared for, and they feel Christ's love seeking them out.

In His Grip,

Adam

December Student Profile: Blair Tyson

2007-12-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Age: 18
School: Hillside High School

1. How did you come to serve Jesus Christ? Why do you serve Jesus Christ?
“My family taught me about Jesus. I serve him cuz he's the only one that can save me.”

2. How has Jesus changed your life?
“Jesus showed me that he really exists and that miracles really happen.”

3. Who is Jesus?
“Jesus is the son of God and savior of us all.”

4.How is it difficult to be a Christian at Hillside High School?
“It isn't difficult when you let everybody know.”

5.How do you enjoy God? What about Him do you enjoy?
“I enjoy God because he lets me talk to Him like I know Him and He understands.”

6.Do you tell others about Jesus and what he has done? Why or why not?
“Yes, because I think my friends should know what I believe.”

7.What do you like about "The Real"?
“You can be yourself and you don't have to hide who you are.”

8.What is a dream that you have?
“My dream is that hopefully I will have a car, a home, and a steady income and not be stressed about where it all comes from.”

9. What is one thing you have learned that you would like to share with others?
“Jesus can change how you are.”

10. What is the purpose of your life?
“I'm not sure yet.”

December Quick Facts

2007-12-13T08:59:00.000-05:00

69% Funds raised of $3,000/month goal
Jan. 6 is the first volunteer meeting for C3
High School Worship Event planned for mid-March

December Personal Update

2007-12-13T08:58:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is looking forward to a wonderful Christmas season! Elizabeth, Jilas, and I visited Kansas for Thanksgiving, but are staying in Durham for Christmas. Jilas is 16 months old on Dec. 9 – he's learned a few baby signs and loves asking for “more” of everything. Elizabeth will be 20 weeks pregnant on Dec. 27 and we will find out the sex of the baby then – we're hoping for a boy or a girl. I've been really enjoying working full-time on my ministry, and I am excited about the Christmas season.

December Prayer Requests

2007-12-13T08:57:00.000-05:00

+ God continues to bless and show himself to the students and teachers
+ Finding a bigger place than our 1-bedroom apt. for our growing family
+ Personal strength and devotion to God's will and plan
+ Protection and blessing for our family and ministry
+ Healthy pregnancy for Elizabeth and baby

October Letter from the Missionary

2007-11-01T13:07:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,

October was full of fresh faces and continued growth. I had the opportunity to interact with so many wonderful students and to see God working in their lives. In my growing weekly discussion group at Hillside we are examining how our faith works, who God is, and who we are. A student who got in trouble with the police asked, “Why do I do these things?” During these conversations I have had the opportunity to help explain God's purpose and plan for each student through Jesus Christ. Also, I am having surprising face recognition among many students in the 10 schools I visited.

I had the pleasure to participate in a lot of student led activities. Students at a morning fellowship at Durham School of the Arts want the worlds of faith and school to collide in their own mind, heart, and practices, so they formed this group to prevent their own compartmentalizing of their worldview. Also, a senior at Chapel Hill High School started a weekly Bible Study during lunch. I have visited their meetings on a regular basis and will continue to support them with prayer, food, encouragement, and whatever else they need. By the beginning of December I will be leading an after-school Christian group at Kestrel Heights Charter School in Durham. It is a blessing to see God raise up student leaders and give them a passion for the Truth.

I started a lot of solid partnerships with churches and organizations who also want to serve the High Schools. I am assisting the Young Life organization in connecting to Hillside High through off-campus clubs. I am meeting with area churches who have students at these high schools so that we may support each other to disciple our students and introduce others to the person of Jesus Christ. Connecting and working with other people and groups with a similar vision will show students the love that Jesus prayed for (John 17:20-23) as well as unity within the body of Christ.

We are starting plans for having a worship event at Hillside High School in March. I am working with the Gospel Choir Director and teachers to bring in area worship teams and speakers to inspire and mobilize the students to lead the lives God has called them to lead and to connect them with local faith communities. We are so excited about this opportunity.

My personal ministry development was marked by meaningful interactions and uplifting opportunities. I attended the John Maxwell Leadership Conference in Durham, a Grace Churches International conference, pastoral meetings, youth pastor meetings, and meetings with my mentors. I am learning a lot about growing in my faith, how I communicate that faith with high schoolers, and how to live it.

Also, I was a featured missionary at the Global Impact Celebration, October 25 – 28, held at Grace Church, along with 12 other missionaries from 5 different countries. This event helps people understand what missions are and what is currently happening across the globe. I explained what I do, what I am planning to do, and helped motivate the attendees to follow God's purpose for their lives. I received a lot of encouragement from how excited people are about my mission. Ten people volunteered to help out at the schools! [Click here to see the brochure for this event]

I look forward to what is in store for November. My goals are to continue recruiting volunteers and planning to train, manage, and use them in the schools. I will continue to move forward to start more active communities at the schools, as well as continue to raise financial support so we may reach our goal.

On a more personal note, Elizabeth and I are happy to announce that Jilas will have a brother or sister around May 16, 2008. We are all excited and cannot wait to be a family of four.

Blessings,

Adam

October Student Profile: Ryan Marcus

2007-11-01T13:06:00.000-04:00

Age: 15
School: Hillside High School

1.Why do you serve Jesus Christ?
“I serve Him because He is my Lord and Savior and without Him there is nothing possible for me.”

2.How do you enjoy God? What about Him do you enjoy?
“I enjoy God because He is beyond great and He can make anything happen if you just believe in Him.”

3.What are some questions you have about being a Christian?
“How can you approach God? How can being a Christian determine if you are saved or not if you don't follow some of God's amendments?”

4.Do you tell others about Jesus and what he has done? Why or why not?
“Not much, but the only time I did was when God helped me and my mom and dad get a new house in 1 week.”

5.What do you like about "The Real", [the Christian discussion group at Hillside High School]?
“I like how us students get a chance to talk about God within school and I like hearing other people's opinions on God.”

6.What would you change about "The Real"?
“Trying to get a lot more students to come.”

7.What is a dream that you have?
“I have a dream to be a bio-engineer and try to be in Nascar or MLB, but my biggest dream is to go to college.”

8.What is a story about yourself that you would like to tell?
“That I have a passion to do well in school and do something where I can change someone's life or have a job that would make my parent's proud but Jesus Christ also.”

[Note: The student profiles are unedited, uncoached responses to these questions. Also, this mission strives to teach and show students that Jesus is the Lord of our whole life, not just part of it, and make our thoughts, feelings, and actions conformed to Him, so we truly understand reality.]

October School Profile: Chapel Hill High School

2007-11-01T12:37:00.000-04:00

website: www.chccs.k12.nc.us/chhslevelone/
Students: 1439
Christian Groups: 1
FYI: last year CHHS was closed to visitors, but has been graciously opened to us this year from conversations Pastor DeWayne Watson has had with the new principal.
Prayer Requests for CHHS: new principal has grace with school board and CHHS board; boldness for Christian students to share faith openly and knowledge to do so; students are shown the truth and receive it; that people understand Christianity is about a relationship with the creator of the universe, not about observing a law.

October Quick Facts

2007-11-01T12:34:00.000-04:00

Presented Gospel to: 7 students
Volunteers who Signed Up for the mission: 10
Mission Newsletter recipients: 104
Financial Support Pledged for the Year: $24,730 (69% of goal)
Rap/Dance Battles Witnessed: 2
Questions Students Asked Me:
"Since there are so many types of people did we really all come from Adam and Eve or did God put all kinds of different people in different places?"
"My mom won't let me date a non-Christian because the Bible says don't be yoked with a non-believer but we are only going to kiss and hug. Is it okay to date a non-Christian?"

Prayer Requests for November

2007-11-01T12:33:00.000-04:00

+ Worship Event at Hillside develops
+ More leaders are raised up
+ We continue to have life changing interactions with students
+ Strong Christian communities are formed in each school
+ Salvation for the Lost
+ Provision for my family

September Letter from the Missionary

2007-09-30T22:14:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,

Well, the ministry is off and running! We have named the ministry I am doing "Cross Culture on Campus", also known as C3, and I will be its director.

September was very encouraging and fruitful in the local high schools. I visited 7 different schools and made a total of 10 visits, mostly during the lunch hour. This has been wonderful not only in reinforcing my relationships with the youth at Grace Church and their peers, but also in becoming a campus presence to the administration. One of my goals in these schools will always be to show Christ's love through acts of service -- something I've been able to do by helping out math classrooms at Hillside and cleaning up the cafeteria at Jordan. Another one of my main efforts during these visits is to minister to the youth directly. We've met with over one hundred students so far! Happily, with help from a student, we've even been able to start a lively Christian discussion group for believers and unbelievers at Hillside.

In these beginning stages I am still spending a good deal of time in the formative process. I meet often with the pastors at Grace (Pastor DeWayne has been an immense help) and with other high school-related organizations/people.

Presently, I still need to spend a good deal of time fundraising. As our numbers increase, I hope to be able to spend more of my days going into the schools and reaching students.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. I cannot wait to see what October has in store.

For His Glory,
Adam Dawson

September Student Profile: Tyler Thompson

2007-09-30T19:06:00.000-04:00

Tyler Thompson, a senior at Hillside High School, and I started a group called "The Real". Every week students gather after school and discuss topics that they don't broach during class -- from Jesus to tattoos. When asked why he helped to start this group Tyler responded, "I've seen the world...I want to reach out to the youth. I want to help save all the people I can."

Tyler has seen his brothers go to jail and been pursued himself by gun-toting gang members. As he felt himself being caught up in that lifestyle, he began looking for something real. Although he grew up in church, it had become routine for him. One day his mother came to him and said, "If nobody can help [you], then a man named Jesus can. Just give him a try."

"He changed me in a big way," Tyler said about Jesus. "I could have been dead...He changed my life by stepping in and giving me chance after chance...When the gang related stuff went down hill, I found the real understanding of Christ."

When asked what he likes about "The Real", Tyler said, "The growth capacity. People are starting to see how real it is."

"Learning about people and perspectives of Christ," he adds. "...learning how they were brought up...the stories of their lives...we feel what they go through."

September School Profile: Hillside High School

2007-09-30T18:49:00.000-04:00

Students: 1450
Christian Groups: 2 (The Real and Gospel Choir)
Demographics: 89% African-American
Students who receive Free/Reduced Lunch: 53%
Student:Teacher Ratio is 32:1
Concerns: Apathy, Cheating, Truancy, Low Performance, Perverse Sexuality.
Teacher Prayer Requests: the transforming Spirit of our Lord fill every person at Hillside

September Quick Facts

2007-09-30T18:01:00.000-04:00

Total School Days: 19
# of School Visits: 10
Support Raised: $1,500 per month
(43% of Financial goal)
Groups formed: 1

Our Mission Vision

2007-09-30T17:54:00.000-04:00

Our Mission Vision is (1) to deliver the gospel to all students, parents, faculty, staff, and administration for all Durham and Orange County schools, and (2) to promote and direct the unification of the Christian people within the above groups for His glory. Our goals for October: partner with other Christian groups like Young Life to further God's Kingdom, engage Christian Communities in 2 more High Schools, and raise 72% of financial goal.

Prayer Requests for October

2007-09-30T17:53:00.000-04:00

+ vision from God
+ salvation for lost students
+ discipleship for students
+ partnership with Christians
+ financial support

April 2009 NewsVideo

2004-09-15T10:23:00.000-04:00