CHARACTER.....
In my recent scripture reading I have paused to dwell daily on 2 Peter 1:3-11 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” As I was personally challenged to pursue these qualities fervently and deeply, I was also convicted that the character of the next generation is the center of spiritual warfare. This generation will be remembered for who they were much more than what they did. In a culture built around the “what” of life (what school?, what girlfriend/boyfriend?, what car? what phone? what sport? what career? etc...) those who decide to change the “who” they are becoming will stand out like a light in darkness. As I focus on the influence IMPACT can have on the next generation in 2010 I am committed to challenging them to become as a reflection of the divine power that has given them everything they need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
IMPACT GROUPS....
As school started back up this fall, some students were launching a strategy to influence their friends with the Gospel. IMPACT launched 4 groups in partnership with Grace Chapel in Mason OH and 3 groups with Southbrook Christian Church in Centerville, OH. Over 100 high school students are involved in these groups. All 7 groups are student led and adult mentored. These groups are finding success in reaching students with the gospel. One group from Southbrook won 5 students to Christ within the first three weeks of meeting! A few weeks ago I was preparing to share a message at a 1twentyone event and Ryan, a student from Southbrook, came up to me and said, “I just wanted to let you know, my ska band is starting to practice. We haven’t gotten into a routine yet, but we’re all excited to play together. I can’t wait to share the Gospel with them.” It was so encouraging to see the excitement and ownership of IMPACT in Ryan’s eyes. I look forward to sharing so many more stories of how these two IMPACT churches continue to bridge the gap between youth culture and the church.
As these groups continue to grow and influence youth culture, I’m excited to share that beginning in January I will be strategizing the IMPACT group philosophy with 2 new churches. The goal with both churches is to spend this Spring defining our strategy, targeting leaders, recruiting mentors, and launching our training plan. Next fall both churches plan to launch IMPACT as their evangelistic tool for their student ministry. God is truly blessing us with a harvest of youth pastors who trust our team and believe in our philosophy of student ministry.
1twentyone Experiences....
As most of you know, this summer Back2Back Ministries incorporated 1twentyone into the IMPACT ministry. 1twentyone creates experiential events for high school students with a mission to influence a generation to “live Christ with an eternal perspective” (Phil 1:21). This ministry is built on a “team” philosophy with youth pastors from Cincinnati and Dayton setting the spiritual direction for the experiences that are implemented by 1twentyone. My role is to lead this team and to direct the 1twentyone events.
This fall 1twentyone hosted “experience change”, a weekend retreat centered on engaging students in a renewed relationship with God. In the two weekends that EC was hosted at Butler Springs Christian Camp in Hillsboro, OH over 330 students and youth leaders were influenced by the Holy Spirit in life changing ways. The weekends were filled with confession, repentance, reconciliation, worship, prayer, and renewed passion for the vision God has for his redeemed. Students claimed Christ as Lord, rebuked their old lives, and committed their lives to a “new covenant” relationship with Jesus.
I’m currently working with the 1twentyone team to plan “Experience Influence” a Spring leadership training event for high school student leaders. In addition, I have been asked to speak at two conferences in March and will be sharing “The Princess Story” over a 3 week period at Beavercreek Christian Church in February.
Financial Update.......
2009 is drawing to a close and as it does, I am thankful for the provision God has blessed us with through the support of our friends, family, and advocates. As I take a hard look at our support for 2010 I realize that we are approximately $1200 per month short on our target income. Sara and I will continue to share our ministry with those around us in the hope of adding advocates to our ministry. We ask that you continue to support our ministry by your financial contributions as well as sharing this ministry with those around you. Please pray for God’s provision for us and our ministry as we seek to glorify His name in all that we do.
Our Family.....
We got away in December for our annual trip to Florida as a family. It was so relaxing to spend a couple of weeks together. We played, relaxed, and just enjoyed one another. We are blessed to have the opportunity to spend that great time with each other. Just before we left we found out that our unborn baby is a girl! Her name is Brinkli and we can’t wait to meet her in April!
Merry Christmas,
Chris, Sara, & Sunnie
Chris Cox
Director of IMPACT Ministries
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