Echoes of Eternity

I am filled with eager anticipation as we step into the 2025-2026 school year together. First Priority North Carolina District 1 is expected to launch more clubs in more counties than ever before. Why does that matter? Because it means more students will have the chance to hear the gospel—many for the very first time. Thousands will encounter Jesus this year!

Feeling the weight of that incredible opportunity has led me to spend a significant amount of time in prayer. As I’ve prayed, God has given me a simple phrase to set the tone for this new school year:

“What we do now echoes into eternity.”

Whether you are a Student Leader, Campus Coach, Teacher Sponsor, or Adult Leader, the work you are doing in First Priority has eternal significance. The way you pray for your club, prepare for your meetings, greet a student at the door, or extend an invitation to a friend—all of it echoes beyond today into eternity.

What a beautiful invitation! To be a part of something so much greater and so much bigger than ourselves. This is important work, friends, and it is worth giving our very best.

As you prepare for the year ahead, I pray you feel both the joy and the healthy weight of this opportunity. I’ll leave you with the challenge from Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:58,

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 

Thank you for joining this mission that echoes far beyond today.

With gratitude and expectation,

Rachel Gardiner

Executive Director, First Priority NC District 1