News

We are now on our way to New York City for our 5th Annual Mission Trip. Throughout the week, our team will be sharing the love of Jesus through street evangelism in both Brooklyn and across the city. We ask that you please continue to keep us in your prayers—for guidance, protection, and boldness to share the gospel. Thank you for all the love and support that makes trips like this possible. We look forward to returning with stories of all that God has done. The Walk Youth...

What does the New Orleans mission trip mean to me? We are so incredibly grateful for everyone who helps make these mission trips possible. One story that really stood out to me from this week was about a woman named Denise. She was elderly and clearly in need of help, yet her spirit was full of joy. When she saw me, her face instantly lit up—she recognized me right away. I had actually met her last year and prayed with her then, so it meant the world to me to see her again. Her strong...

In Luke 10, Jesus visited Mary and Martha. Martha was busy with preparations, but Mary sat at His feet and listened. Jesus said she had chosen what was better. That picture came alive for us yesterday. At the laundromat and later at Cherokee Homes, we slowed down, prayed, and spent time with those in front of us. Along the way, God showed us how He weaves things together. Someone we met earlier in the day was unexpectedly connected to another person we prayed for later across town....

Why did God bring me here (Bigstuf 2025)? I truly believe God brought me on this trip to show me that I am not alone when I have doubts and fears. I used to feel guilty and lonely, but these speakers made me realize other people feel this way too — and that God is not mad at me; He still cares, hopes, and loves me. Darkness does not have to rule my life, and there should be no fear of the future because I put my trust in God. I now know that my purpose and identity should be found in Christ...

We Need Your Financial Support For 21 years, God has allowed us to operate with no salaries and no debt—something almost unheard of in the nation. We say this humbly: we are not aware of another organization our size that has done this. Sacrifice starts with us. Our students also live that out—helping prepare, clean, and serve so ministry happens without staff. Because of these sacrifices, nearly every dollar given goes to ministry, discipleship, and missions. This year...

We are so thankful for the parents and community who trust us with their students and support what God is doing here. Because of you, students have a place to gather every week to open God’s Word, talk about Jesus, and grow in their faith. Since school started in August, we’ve already met together 10 times — 9 in small group Bible studies, and 1 in local Sunday morning street evangelism. On a regular monthly basis, we also give students opportunities to put into practice what...

Celebrating 9 Years of Building 229! Nine years ago, The River Church entrusted Building 229 to 1NeedNow, Inc. (The Walk Youth Group). This building’s story stretches back more than six decades—built in 1960 by Temple Baptist, passed to The River in 2007, and gifted to us in 2016. Though these churches weren’t formally connected, they were bound by a shared faith in Jesus and trust in His Kingdom work. Generations before us prayed, served, and gave faithfully, not knowing how God...

This past weekend we had another incredible opportunity to gather with our middle school students for our 6th Annual Lock-In! It was a time full of community building, laughter, worship, and an impactful lesson about the importance of community—how God created us to live out our faith not in isolation, but alongside others who encourage and strengthen us. The truth is, students are going to form community somewhere. Our hope is to provide them with a Christ-centered community of...

We were riding in the van on Sunday when we noticed a group of people gathered on a porch. As we got closer, we realized it was a church. Curiosity led us to approach, and to our surprise, they welcomed us with open arms, drawing us into the warmth of their fellowship. One of the leaders quickly told us she wanted us to meet the pastor. When the pastor came out, her face lit up at the sight of us. With tear-filled eyes, she embraced us tightly. Through her emotion, she shared that her...

This past Sunday we celebrated the start of our 21st year of ministry! It was such a blessing to hear powerful testimonies from students who served on our New Orleans mission trip this summer. We’ve included several pictures in this post, but the first two tell a special story: one from this past Sunday, and one from 21 years ago when we first took seven students to BigStuf. From those humble beginnings to today, God has been faithful every step of the way. By His grace, we continue to...

6th Annual Middle School Lock-In When: August 23–24 (Saturday–Sunday) Time: 7 PM – 10 AM Where: Building 229–229 Clark Rd For: 6th–8th grade Cost: $20 (cash, check to 1NeedNow, Inc., or Venmo @oneneednow) – you can bring money with you tonight or Venmo Food Item to Bring: • Boys: snack item (Rice Krispies Treats, Chips, Goldfish, Cookies) • Girls: breakfast item (Pop Tarts, Honey Buns, Muffins, Assorted Donuts, Mini Cinnamon...

Yesterday, our students showed up and worked hard for nearly four hours to help us get ready for our 21st year of ministry. They moved couches and bunks to sweep and vacuum underneath, organized the game and t-shirt cabinets, deep-cleaned the kitchen and bathrooms, filled soap dispensers, moved mattresses and carpets, and even hauled off junk to the dump. It was amazing to see their hearts to serve—no complaints, just a willingness to do whatever needed to be done. We’re so grateful for...