“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” - Romans 10:14-15
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Dear Friend of SDEA,
This year has marked me in ways I never expected. I’ve walked through deep and personal loss—my nephew’s life was tragically cut short, I said goodbye to one of my closest friends, and I’ve faced some health challenges that have reminded me just how fragile life really is. In the midst of it all, I’ve found myself more aware than ever that time is short. Eternity is real. And the urgency to share the hope of Jesus has never burned brighter in my heart.
These moments of loss have not driven me to despair—but to deeper dependence on the Lord. They’ve stripped away distraction and reminded me of why we do what we do. The Gospel isn’t just good advice—it’s the only hope we have in life and in death. When everything else shakes, Jesus remains. And if there was ever a time for us to proclaim that boldly and without hesitation, it’s now.
That sense of urgency has fueled everything we’ve done this year. We’ve preached to thousands, witnessed lives transformed, and watched the Holy Spirit move in ways that only He can. Through it all, the mission has stayed the same: to see people encounter the living Christ and step into the eternal life only He can offer.
As you read through this Year in Review, I pray you don’t just see what we’ve done— you see what God has done through all of us, together. Every number is a name, every name is a soul, and every soul matters to Jesus. Thank you for standing with us. Let’s not slow down now. Let’s run with urgency, with passion, and with hearts fully alive in the Gospel.
10,000
than
people across two nights heard the Gospel this July through UNITE: Charleston.
STRENGTH TO STAND CONFERENCE
15,889 In Attendance 1,510 Decisions
657 Called to Ministry 568 Churches Represented 15 States Represented
A Heavenly Sound | 1 Kings 19
From the opening session of STS Conference, to the final worship set, God’s still, small voice cut through the noise of culture and distraction. This year’s theme, A Heavenly Sound, was nothing short of life-changing. Held once again in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the event brought together nearly 16,000 students from across the region for a powerful encounter with the presence of God. Through messages, worship, and moments of prayer, students were reminded that God’s voice still leads and calls.
The atmosphere at STS Conference was electric yet reverent, and the Spirit of God moved in unmistakable ways. We saw students lean in, worship deeply, and respond boldly to the voice of Jesus. Many made first-time decisions to follow Christ, while others experienced renewal and fresh direction for their lives. It wasn’t hype—it was holy. There’s something truly unique about this gathering every year, and this time, it felt like heaven touched earth. A Heavenly Sound wasn’t just a theme—it was a reality we’ll be talking about for years to come.
“STS is an amazing event that my youth group looks forward to each year! It’s amazing to see how God moves within the lives of the students at this event. Being a part of thousands worshiping Jesus together is a small glimpse of what we can look forward to as born-again Christians!
I started going to Strength to Stand with my girlfriend’s youth group (who is now my wife!). That was the first time I’d ever been in an environment as electric as that. It was absolutely incredible!
Fast forward a few years, I felt like God was calling me to youth ministry at this same church. So, naturally I wanted the same opportunity for my students to experience God in the mountains of Tennessee with thousands of people worshiping together. There is no doubt that the Holy Spirit is moving in mighty ways during STS when we all depart for home. That’s one thing I tell my students, is to take that energy and excitement back home. Because when you’re fired up for Jesus, He can work out amazing things through you!”
Several churches have brought groups annually to Conference since 2002!
Sam Merchant, Mt. Philadelphia Baptist Church | Cordova, AL
Scott interviewing U.S. Senator James Lankford at Safe at Home Oklahoma City.
Over 7,000 people attended SAH Oklahoma City!
SAFE AT HOME
This year, we proudly brought back one of our biggest ministry HITS – Safe at Home. This powerful outreach combined the excitement of baseball with the life-changing message of the Gospel, creating a unique evening dedicated to sharing Jesus with the lost in Oklahoma City. We witnessed hearts open to the message of Christ, lives transformed, and a renewed sense of hope for those in the stands. It was more than just a game — it was a glimpse of eternity in a ballpark.
We had 7,762 people in attendance and 71 decisions for the Lord! Praise God!
A Ministry Trade School — For the Called. For the Church. For Today.
STRENGTH TO STAND INSTITUTE
What began just a few years ago as a bold step of faith has grown into one of the most impactful initiatives we’ve ever launched. We created the STS Institute to help fill a growing need in the Church: practical, ministry-minded training for the next generation of leaders.
Already, Institute graduates from past years are serving in churches across the country — many have even been invited to join longterm staff teams. The fruit speaks for itself: the STS Institute is working. Our students are making a real difference in the Kingdom.
Today, we’re seeing that vision come to life. Our current class includes 29 passionate students, pursuing four different ministry tracks, all with one goal — to serve and strengthen the local church. Their hearts are on fire, and we’re filled with anticipation for how God will use them.
What began as a response to a ministry gap has become an essential priority — one that we pray will continue to shape SDEA and the Church for years to come.
Placement is a strong headline of ours. Justin Willingham, one of our former STS Institute students had never experienced a church over 150 before beginning our program, and now, he is in his second residency term at one of the largest churches in Kansas City – Lenexa Baptist!
The STS Institute is raising up and training the next generation of Student, Children, Worship, and Media Ministers!
“Everyone in leadership in the Institute speaks with genuine compassion. All the teachers feel incredibly personal. Their attitude encourages participation, and you can’t help but to lean into what God is doing.”
Christian Henderson, Children’s Ministry Track
“The STS Institute has already been so much more than I could have hoped for. It’s the first time I have ever been excited to keep up with everything I am learning in class. All of our instructors are so one-on-one. I’ve never been in a group of people with such gifts and passion to grow.”
Jenna Montgomery, Worship Ministry Track
STRENGTH TO STAND CAMP
1,200
John 4:10: “Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you the LIVING WATER.”
This summer, we hit the shores of Panama City Beach with churches from across the region for a weekend of fun, connection, and purpose during STS Camp. Centered around the theme Living Water, we unpacked what it means to find true life in Jesus — the only source that satisfies. From high-energy team challenges to
powerful Gospel moments under the sun, students experienced both joy and transformation. It was a weekend that reminded us all that the message of Jesus never stops changing lives.
Living Water
Scott Dawson and the speaking team of Hunter Dawson, Noah Herrin, Thomas Beavers and others challenged 1,200 students around the theme of Living Water — how Jesus is the only One who satisfies our deepest longings.
STRENGTH TO STAND MISSION
In the days leading up to UNITE Charleston, STS Mission laid the groundwork through a powerful mobilization of students from over 20 churches across the region. This multi-day outreach experience equipped young people to boldly share the Gospel, giving them hands-on training in evangelism and real-time opportunities to put it into practice throughout the city of Charleston. From beaches and neighborhoods to downtown streets, these students stepped out in faith, engaging strangers with the love of Jesus and personally inviting them to the UNITE event.
Mission teams had nearly 1,000 encounters with individuals sharing the grace of Jesus.
STS
Mission Outreaches
UNITE: CHARLESTON
One of the most powerful moments of the year was UNITE Charleston, an unforgettable evangelism event held in July at the RiverDogs Stadium. With over 10,000 people in attendance, the atmosphere was electric with worship, unity, and expectancy. The night featured powerful performances from CAIN, CeCe Winans, Chandler Moore, and Hulvey, who each helped lead the crowd into a deep experience of worship and hope. Most significantly, 1,034 individuals made spiritual decisions for Christ—marking a monumental move of God in the city. UNITE: Charleston was a glimpse of revival and a reminder of what’s possible when the Church comes together in faith.
This young man who came forward with his father was one of 1,034 spiritual decisions in Charleston.
“I was an encourager which means I was in the outfield ready to pray over anyone who came forward to accept Christ or recommit or whatever their decision was. I had a girl come up to me who was probably twice my age, which was a little intimidating. But she said she had plans to end her life that night. She had a building picked out and a window picked out that she was going to jump from. She said when she came to UNITE, she felt the Lord take over her life, she felt every word Scott said, and she felt the Lord’s presence during worship. She kept saying she wanted to be a part, wanted new life in Christ, and she felt a peace she’d never felt before.”
Zoe, Parkway Baptist Church | Auburn, AL
Scott sharing the hope of Jesus at one of SDEA’s church partners, Lenexa Baptist Church in metropolitan Kansas City.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
1,357 Decisions Scott Dawson
3,311 People Engaged 229 Decisions STS Communicators STS Communicators
20,357 People Engaged
Scott Dawson
Hunter Dawson Will Roberts Spencer Thomason Jeff Lovingood
STRENGTH TO STAND WORSHIP
STS Worship had an incredible year marked by growth and impact! They released “Who Else – Live from STS Conference,” capturing the sound of a generation passionate about worshiping Jesus.
STS Worship served at many student weekends in the spring, led worship at over 10 student camps this summer, and ministered at 33 events across 6 states— touching more than 35,000 young people this year alone. Beyond the stage, they developed valuable content to resource church worship teams and began coaching and developing worship leaders to strengthen worship culture in their own communities.
STS Worship has remained committed to creating spaces where students can encounter the presence of God.
STRENGTH TO STAND NETWORK
500 student pastors equipped and encouraged
Strength to Stand Student
The STS Network has become a lifeline of encouragement and practical support for nearly 500 pastors across the country. This monthly resource is designed to engage, equip, and encourage pastors right where they are in their ministry journey. Through consistent content—blogs, short videos, real conversations, and Zoom discussions—we’ve created a space for pastors to be poured into as they continue to pour into others.
The Student Pastor Advisory Team, a group of 18 dedicated student pastors from various churches commits to attending at least one of our student outreach events annually. Their role is simple yet invaluable: to observe, engage, and provide honest, constructive feedback so our events can continue to grow in excellence and impact. Their wisdom and perspective help ensure that every outreach we host is as effective, relevant, and impactful as possible for the next generation.
The
Pastor Advisory Team at the SDEA Evangelism Center in Birmingham in April of 2025.
Danny Gordon President Advisor Advantage Marketing
Doug Harris
President Harris Enterprise Group
Donald Harrison Consultant
Rock Financial, Inc.
Robert R. Hutson, Jr.
Co-Founder & CEO
Diversified Energy Company
Dr. Jimmy Jordan
Retired Veterinarian
Founder Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic
Terry Kilpatrick
Past President
Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc.
Former Chairman
The Alabama Trucking Association
Former President
The Alabama Trucking Foundation
Pamela Kirkland
Retired Executive Assistant to Senior Pastor FBC Jonesboro, GA
Roger Moss
Real Estate Developer
Moss Developments
William Oswalt
Judge of Probate, Retired Fayette County, AL
Dean N. Parker, Jr.
Chairman & CEO
Parker Capital
Clay Pirkle
Director of Operations
Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service
Owner
Pirkle Farms
Cliff Sims Founder C.D. Sims & Co
Terry Smith CEO & Owner
Edgar’s Bakery
Rusty Williams
President & CEO
Utilities Technology Council
GIVING
Send a check: Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association PO Box 59405 Birmingham, AL 35259
Give online: scottdawson.org/give
Text to give: Text the amount you want to give to (205) 512-2521
Give stocks, bond, or mutual funds: scottdawson.org/stocks
Facebook: Strength to Stand and Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association
Instagram: @strengthtostand and @sdea1987
YouTube: Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association
If you want to be assured about our financial accountability, we are a member of the Evangelical Council for Financlial Accountability, Scott Dawson Evagelistic Association is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
