Local Expressions
I am Second attended EDGEFEST this year, a premier alternative rock event in the Dallas area, and offered free rides home to those who needed it. There were no strings attached, no fee, just a simple gesture that helped save lives.
Helping dozens of would-be intoxicated drivers catch a safe ride home via a taxicab, the movement helped people realize what living Second is about. Funding and support came from people like you and even new I am Second fans who attended EDGEFEST. The concertgoers who chose to take the free cab ride received information on how to learn more about www.IamSecond.com, and from there, they would find the life changing stories of others who have discovered the power of Second. People who caught a free ride included young adults, teens, one of the concert’s performers and even an entire family!
More change is coming, and it starts with you as part of this movement. Leave us a comment on your thoughts about the catch a free ride effort, then share this blog post with others! How does this inspire you to get out in the crowd and do something small that makes a big difference?
Follow the Movement | Join the Conversation
Report from Daniel, a youth pastor in Little Elm, Texas.
When I was first asked to take over the student ministry in my church, our Senior Pastor told me “When the youth get activated, the whole church will get activated.” I didn’t completely understand how true that statement was until a couple of weeks ago.
In December 2011 we launched our first I am Second youth group. It didn’t take long for our students to get behind the groups. A few weeks after our first group launched, six students told me they wanted to take I am Second into their public schools. So in early 2012 we launched I am Second in our local Junior High and High School. Soon 35 new students had joined those school groups.
We now have 8 groups. Each group caters to different types of people. About 30 kids have joined our youth group because of groups our students are doing outside the church.
One group amazes me because they consistently have over 25 kids attending each week. This group has inspired the parents to get involved. Each week 4-6 of the parents team up to host the group and provide dinner.
The whole church is getting behind these youth groups. For example, the parents are wearing I am Second bracelets and t-shirts. Their impact is spreading, too, for now we are finalizing a strategy to launch I am Second groups for the men’s and women’s ministries. Several new families have come to our church because their kids started coming to one of the Second groups.
After we train more leaders, we plan to expand the groups in the schools. The schools have given us permission to put up banners during lunch to get more exposure for the Second groups. So we’ll have an official launch soon when these new leaders are ready.
There is nothing more powerful than young people passionately telling others about what Jesus has done in their lives. Our Pastor was right. “When the youth get activated, the whole church will get activated.”
Chaplain Albert started an I am Second group in one of the pods (dorm rooms) at the Dawson State Jail in downtown Dallas, Texas. We were privileged and inspired to join them as he presented certificates to more than 25 brothers in Christ who had participated in 10 group sessions. In his humble orange jumper, one young inmate revealed, “Finally, I have something that my kids can be proud of their Dad for.” Tears welled in his eyes and his voice cracked with emotion. Hard time. Hard life. Hardened hearts penetrated by the grace of God.
Prison missionaries? Yes! Each is challenged to start their own I am Second groups as they are moved to other pods, and some to other prisons around Texas. The Spirit of the Lord will not be kept outside walls made by men. Pray for God to “grow them in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)
Connect with I am Second’s Xtreme Team working in prisons at http://www.facebook.com/iamsecond.lockedup.
All it took was some ingenuity, some donuts, and early risers for over 200 students to sign up for I am Second small groups at Garland High School in Garland, TX. Check out the photos: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=277102915635831&set=at.277099428969513.77820.219843554695101.778713842&type=1&theater.
I am Second is hosting a “Back to School” party at Hawaiian Falls in Garland THIS THURSDAY, August 18 from 3-9pm! For ticket information visit the link below!
www.facebook.com/iamsecondHFalls
The I am Second movement really shows up at the Texas Rangers faith concerts. This time its Mercy Me on Aug. 27th. Bring a friend this time an get discounts. The password is “Second”.
http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/schedule/promotions.jsp?c_id=tex&y=2011
We will have several events this fall including the River City Faith Fest on September 17 and the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival! We’ll need volunteers for these events who are comfortable explaining the I Am Second message and sharing their faith if the Holy Spirit leads the conversation to do so. If you’d like to volunteer, please attend our Volunteer Training on Saturday, Sep 10 at 10AM email tristate@iamsecond.com to register for the training.
I am Second will be out at Rock the Light all Labor Day Weekend with Special Speaker Chris Plenkenpol of I am Second speaking from mainstage on Saturday night. A great lineup of over 35 speakers and bands all weekend, includes; Switchfoot, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, Thousand Foot Crutch, Superchick, Building 429, Manafest, Maxmillian. A great family event; see the schedule and ORDER TICKETS below!
http://www.rockthelight.com/#tickets
The early returns are coming in–I am Second Student XP is a hit!. This Experience (XP) is strategic training for youth on how to start and use I am Second groups in their schools, plus how best to enjoy and leverage the entire I am Second movement in their life.
Starting first in North and Central Texas area, we expect this training to become widely available for churches (or clusters of churches) later this fall in both live presentations and printed formats.
Upcoming XP’s:
August 3, 2011 Still Water Community Church, Rowlett, Texas (stillwatercommunitychurch.org/students)
To express your interest in having a Student XP, contact us at: http://www.iamsecond.com/contact/online-request/
As I was perusing the online Evansville Courier & Press today, I came across an article about a Christian movement known as “I Am Second.” According to the article, I Am Second is an internationally renowned movement, but it has only begun to connect in the United States. Evansville, Orlando, and Dallas are the only cities to have experienced the campaign at this time…
Tony Dungy, Stephen Baldwin, Mike Huckabee, and FOX 7 Anchor Randy Moore talk about why they are Second and God is First. Randy shares his story about losing his wife Ann to cancer and how he continues to share her story of faith.
