January Letter From the Missionary

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

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

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

+ 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

+ 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).