Building Bridges to

Reach and Serve

Impacting Our Community

In the "Great Commission," Jesus commanded his followers to "Go into all the world..."  (Matthew 28:16-20).  Sadly, most churches and Christian organizations do just the opposite.  Most do "outreach" by developing various programs designed to "draw" people to their particular building or group.  At Harvest Youth Ministries, we take the "go" in the Great Commission literally.  Whether it's creating spaces where teens enjoy congregating, developing and pushing devotionals that strike at the roots of issues in modern culture and point to the Truth's of Jesus' words, we "go" into their world, hold out our hands, provide physical/spiritual help when & where we can, and then we share the Gospel.  Harvest Youth Ministries (HYM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1997 do just that....  to reach-out and serve unchurched young people. Our mission is to offer real hope in a dark world as we meet the practical needs of our neighbors.


Harvest Youth Ministries comes alongside teens and their families as theywork to break cycles of poverty, unemployment, abuse and more.

Harvest Youth Ministries

Our Mission:

To fulfill the Great Commission by bringing consumable pieces of God’s Word directly into peoples lives and by creating non-threatening environments for investigating the truth of Jesus’ birth, life, and resurrection.

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Our Programs

Harvest House
Harvest
House
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Harvest Helps

Harvest

Helps

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Thought 4 Today
Thought
4 Today
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Second Harvest Thrift Store
Second Harvest
Thrift Store
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Harvest Blog

Read about news, updates, thoughts and more!

By Elizabeth Kilby January 5, 2026
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5, ESV) Friends, January is a beautiful time of starting over, starting fresh. We see so many people right now making New Year’s resolutions, starting new routines, and determining to do things differently. Y’all, I am determining to do things the same…sort of. What an amazing year it has been connecting with people in our community on a personal level. There is something about looking a person in the eyes that says, “You are seen, as a PERSON. Not as a problem to be solved or a case to be closed, but as a human being who has deep needs and wants and who probably never wanted to be in this situation.” My resolutions this year? 1. Continue to see people as people, not projects. 2. Pray for as many people as possible – planting spiritual seeds while physical needs are met. 3. Continue to pray for wisdom as needs come in, so funding is stewarded well. 4. Share the wins and the prayer requests – there is strength in numbers! 5. Be thankful for each opportunity to remind people they are seen and loved. CELEBRATIONS!!! Unnamed Man – Laundry Gift Card! Ms C – Groceries for her family! Ms G – Bus Pass! Ms T – Amazon Wishlist Items for coats, cleaning supplies and more!! Ms B – Groceries for her family! Ms J – Utilities help! Ms K – Help with Rent! Ms S – Household items! Ms L – Laundry gift card & detergent Ms C – Bus pass! Ms A – Bus pass! Ms V – Groceries! Ms A – Bus pass! Ms S – Bus pass! I cannot wait to see what 2026 holds in this space and share more stories with you! Glory to God! Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby
By Pastor Jim Kilby January 5, 2026
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food. If one of you says, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:15-16 (NIV) Dear Friends, One of the core convictions of Harvest Youth Ministries is that faith requires action. Words of encouragement are meaningful, but Scripture reminds us that love becomes real when we meet actual needs in tangible ways. The world doesn’t change because we wish someone well. It changes when we roll up our sleeves, step into someone’s struggle, and help them take a step forward. This is exactly what your partnership empowers us to do throughout the Dayton area. Through Harvest House, young people facing instability or crisis find more than a temporary solution—they find safety, support, and caring adults willing to walk with them. And through Harvest Helps, we compassionately meet practical needs for families—food, transportation, clothing, household essentials, and other vetted assistance that lifts burdens and restores hope. Each situation is handled prayerfully and personally, never as a transaction but as a ministry opportunity. But meeting physical needs is only part of what makes this work meaningful. Because of your support, we also have the privilege of sharing the Gospel, encouraging young people with the hope of Christ, and praying with them in moments when they desperately need to know they are not alone. These spiritual conversations often become turning points—reminders that God sees them, loves them, and has not forgotten their story. Your generosity allows our faith to become more than words. It becomes compassion in motion—faith with hands and feet. As needs continue to grow and more families reach out, you make it possible for Harvest Youth Ministries to respond with wisdom, discernment, and Christ-centered care.  Thank you for investing in work that demonstrates the love of Jesus in both word and deed. Because of you, young people and families in our community are experiencing the Gospel lived out: not empty wishes, but faithful action. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby
By Pastor Jim Kilby December 4, 2025
“[they] did not honor God or give thanks....” Romans 1:21 (NIV) Dear Friends, Lately I’ve been reflecting on how easily our hearts drift when we stop practicing gratitude. Scripture warns us of this. In Romans 1:21, Paul says that when people “did not honor God or give thanks,” their hearts became darkened. Ingratitude isn’t just a moment of forgetfulness — it slowly reshapes the way we see God, ourselves, and the world around us. When we stop giving thanks, our hearts grow restless. Fear replaces trust. Complaining replaces worship. We start to believe we don’t have enough, or worse, that God isn’t enough. Gratitude is the antidote — a spiritual anchor that restores joy, softens our hearts, and brings our focus back to God’s faithfulness. Even one moment of recognizing His goodness can recalibrate everything. We see this all the time in the teens and families we serve. When they identify even a single blessing — an answered prayer, a caring friend, a moment of peace — hope begins to grow again. Gratitude opens the door for God to work in their hearts. And so today, I want to thank you. Your prayers, support, and generosity help us continue sharing Christ’s love with youth who desperately need it. Because of you, lives are being shaped by the hope found in Jesus. Without you, and God’s love, we can do nothing. As we move forward in this season of “Thanksgiving,” may we all choose gratitude daily — keeping our hearts tender, joyful, and attentive to God’s goodness. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby
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