We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. (1 Thessalonians 2:8) Friends, I usually try to use the space in these newsletters to share a ministry win, a current struggle, or something that conveys the heart of what Harvest Youth is working toward. This month though, I thought I'd take a quick detour and share a family update. Your support allows our family to continue to serve with Harvest and I thought a personal update was in order! Aaron and I have both served with Harvest for over 20 years. It is incredible to me how God took people who were socially awkward and extremely introverted and grew us into people who don't mind standing in front of people to share the good news of the Gospel. We have both been working hard in our "areas" of ministry. Aaron has really taken the focus of the thrift store to serving our community and being the public touch point of Harvest. I have been working on growing Harvest Helps and figuring out best practices for making sure this ministry is serving our community well. And something must be going right - we now have national non-profits sending clients our way for help! Our kids (all 8 of them!) are thriving this year! They all had roles in their homeschool group's Christmas play and made the cutest angels, shepherds, Mary, and speakers. They are all also involved in AWANA and it has been so fun to see them memorize scripture and being to learn how to apply it! Talk about making my momma heart happy! I was able to take a few of them with me recently to pick up a food donation and then deliver it to another local mom and it was exciting to involve them. They know we work for a ministry, but for them to see what that (sometimes) practically looks like was so fun! It's also a blessing to have boys with some muscle to help me move the heavy boxes! We have been in a season of refining. I think God has been using some medical issues for Aaron and me to cause us to remember to slow down and turn to Him. (And I'd love prayers for complete healing!). But more than that, I am overjoyed God continues to show up, in the most unexpected ways, and just continues to show me over and over how good He is. Thank you for letting me ramble, brag on my kids, and share my heart. God is so good and I am thankful we are on this journey with you. Please feel free to send me an email (Beth@HarvestYouth.org) if there are any ways we can serve or bless you and yours. Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

“Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV) Dear Friends, As the new year begins, I’m reminded of God’s faithfulness in every season of our lives. The year behind us was filled with blessings, challenges, and opportunities to grow in our walk with Him. In the words of the Apostle Paul to the Philippians (above), this is a season to reflect, to release, and to renew. We can let go of the weight of past mistakes, the fear of the unknown, and even the pride in past accomplishments, choosing instead to focus on the hope and promises that lie ahead. The new year offers a blank canvas for God to paint His purpose in our lives. As Isaiah reminds us, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).” No matter how uncertain the road may seem, God is already making a way for us. He is the God of new beginnings, breathing life into the dry and weary places, and calling us into deeper trust in His plans. This is a time to prayerfully seek His guidance and commit to living out His will with courage and faith. As we move forward, let us set our hearts on the eternal things of God. The distractions and busyness of life may try to pull us away, but we are called to live with intention and purpose. May we encourage one another to grow in faith, love our neighbors deeply, and reflect Christ in all that we do. Let us enter this year filled with expectancy, knowing that the God who has carried us this far will lead us into greater things for His glory. May this year be a time of renewal, restoration, and spiritual fruitfulness as we walk in the grace and love of Christ. Together, let us press on, trusting that His mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness never fails. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby