As February came to a close, Star Rock Ministries got the chance to touch down in Houston, Texas. Houston has been growing into a hub of partnerships and key community members that have a major heart for what Star Rock Ministries is doing both across the nation and specifically, right there in Houston.

Board member, Geoff Blum, who you have read about in last year's newsletter, hosts an annual Fireside Chat to bring SRM awareness, support, and education to those around him. Will Cumby, a youth pastor in SE Houston and longtime partner of SRM, has joined these fireside chats to speak on the impact that SRM has had on kids throughout the east wards of Houston. As Ron Eckert, Executive Director, finished up travel arrangements to join Geoff for the Fireside Chat, a narrative unfolded that was much bigger than either of them could have hoped for.

At 6:00 AM the day before the Fireside Chat, in the dark of Katy, TX, Geoff loaded up his truck and headed east to Marshall High. Pastor Will Cumby has been serving this community of East Houston for over 20 years, mentoring young teens, developing youth programs and establishing Stronger- Manhood Camp, a urban camp for at-risk teenage boys who have often experienced deep father wounds. One of the many things Will does to empower and encourage young teens in the east wards is to show up in their schools, like every Wednesday morning at 7:05AM to Marshall Highschool to lead morning prayer and devotions with high school kids.

Well, Ron and Geoff were not going to miss the opportunity to travel to and come visit the communities that Star Rock Ministries is serving. Star Rock Ministries believes wholeheartedly joining the communities, serving alongside urban leaders, and empowering the incredible work that is already happening in these local urban ministries. That is why at 7:05AM, Ron and Geoff found themselves in the midst of roughly 40 high school students getting pastored and shepherded by Will. Will shared these reflections on instagram the following week when unbeknownst to him, Geoff showed up again the very next Wednesday: "It's one thing to spend time but when you intentionally invest your energy, the rewards are outstanding! Grateful for my friend Geoff for surprising us at MHS morning prayer! This surprise really made a difference in my morning. I appreciate friends who do more than just spend time with me but invest their energy, effort, and ideas into helping reach this generation of youth!"

While it is always a joy to have Will and one of his high school students join Star Rock Ministries at the Fireside Chat, it was such an important experience for Ron and Geoff to join them in their own community, learn from their ministry and come alongside them in their very own neighborhood. That's what Star Rock Ministries is all about.