As we step into a new year, it’s natural to think about plans, goals, and next steps. Calendars fill quickly. Strategies form. Momentum builds.

But before Paladin moves forward into 2026, we are choosing to pause.

Not because we lack clarity about our mission.
Not because we are unsure of what lies ahead.
But because we believe the most important work happens before the movement begins.

Prayer must lead the way.

Posture Before Progress

Paladin exists to change the culture of sports — and that calling has never changed. What does require continual attention is the posture with which we pursue it.

Growth has a way of subtly shifting our focus from:

• Obedience to outcomes
• Dependence to self-reliance
• Faith to familiarity

Prayer recenters us. It reminds us that while we are called to reach forward in obedience, we are never called to carry the mission alone.

In this season, we are intentionally choosing posture before progress — trusting that God establishes the work when we commit it to Him.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

Reaching Beyond What We Can Manage

Every meaningful step Paladin has taken — every new community served, every leader developed, every family impacted — began with a willingness to reach beyond what felt fully manageable.

That kind of reaching requires faith.

It means stepping forward without complete certainty.
It means releasing control while remaining deeply responsible.
It means choosing obedience even when understanding comes later.

Prayer is what anchors that kind of faith — not as a last resort, but as the first response.

Why Prayer Shapes How We Move Forward

Prayer doesn’t replace vision — it guides how we pursue it.

As we pray, God aligns our hearts before He advances our plans. He refines motives, clarifies priorities, and prepares people long before opportunities become visible.

In this season, prayer is helping us focus on what matters most:

• Depth before scale
• Leaders before locations
• Obedience over understanding

These aren’t strategies. They’re convictions and they shape how Paladin will move into the future.

As we continue praying, we’re becoming increasingly aware that God often advances His work not through new programs, but through willing people who say “yes” before they see the full picture.

A Season of Intentional Prayer

Over the next several weeks, we are continuing in a focused season of prayer as we look toward 2026.

We’re praying for:

• Wisdom as we steward growth
• Humility as responsibility increases
• Courage to reach beyond our own grasp
• Clarity around the people God is raising to lead

We believe God is already at work ahead of us. Our role is to listen, trust, and follow.

How You Can Join Us

Our invitation remains simple and foundational: Please pray for Paladin in 2026.

Pray for the kids and families we serve.
Pray for the leaders who carry this mission locally.
Pray that Paladin would remain faithful as God expands our reach.

And for those who feel led, generosity is one tangible way many participate in what God is doing. Year-end and early-year giving helps ensure Paladin is prepared to serve well, invest wisely, and move forward with integrity.

Looking Ahead

This season of prayer is not a pause — it’s preparation.

In the weeks ahead, we’ll share more about how God is shaping what’s next and the leaders He is calling to step forward in faith. For now, we remain committed to reaching beyond our own grasp — trusting fully that God will deliver what only He can.

Thank you for praying with us, walking alongside us, and believing in a mission that changes lives through faith, community, and sport.