“Through First Priority, we are able to impact students’ lives and I have seen kids accept Christ,” said John Mark, a First Priority student leader at Hueytown High School. “I have attended First Priority’s Leader’s Summit for the past four years and I have definitely been able to use what I’ve learned to reach my peers and get them to come to First Priority.”
There has been a Christian club at Hueytown High School since the early 1990s. Before the club became “First Priority,” it was BASIC (Brothers And Sisters In Christ…thanks for rescuing us!). First Priority Campus Coach and Board Member Michael Wallace has been heavily involved with First Priority at Hueytown High School for the past nine years. “I grew up in Hueytown and graduated from Hueytown High School, so this school is a special place for me,” said Michael. “I have invested in teenagers in this school like others invested in me. It is such a blessing to see God move in the lives of teenagers on a school campus.”
About 45 students attend First Priority each week at Hueytown High School. According to Michael, this club has some of the greatest and respected student leaders. “First Priority has been a steady and positive presence at Hueytown High School,” said Michael. “Within this ministry are some of the school’s greatest leaders. They are respected by students and faculty.”
Michael said this club has done several specific projects to reach students for Christ, but has primarily focused on Seek Week. This week provides an opportunity for Christian students to invite and bring un-churched, non-Christian friends to a non-threatening environment to hear a clear presentation of the gospel and provide them with an opportunity to respond to Jesus Christ. Michael said they have also given out Books of Hope, hosted rallies and made DVDs for upcoming freshman to spread God’s love and reach students for Christ.
Club meetings at Hueytown High begin with prayer and music and then continue with a devotion and announcements. On Thursday, March 29, First Priority Campus Coach Mark McClellan shared with students that “Nothing is impossible with God.” He said the sports brand Adidas’ slogan is “Impossible is Nothing.” He said this is God’s slogan. “It’s not easy, God is a God of challenge, but without Him we can do nothing” said Mark. He reminded students of John 15:5 ~ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Mark then told the story about Moses and how he thought it would be impossible to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. But, God did the impossible, said Mark. Then he reminded students about the people crying out in fear worried how they would cross the sea. But, God did the impossible. He parted the sea and the people were able to cross. “All through the Bible, God did the impossible,” said Mark. “The impossible is nothing, so go make it happen today.”
Students are believing Mark’s message at Hueytown High School. They aren’t letting fear or what seems to be impossible stop them from reaching their campus for Christ. They continue to trust God and spread His message.
“The power of Christ is unstoppable on this campus and any school campus,” said Michael. “It is a powerful thing when students walk with integrity and are not ashamed of the Gospel that saved them.”