Harvest Blog

"I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten..." — Joel 2:25 (ESV) Friends, Recently my family returned home from a weekend trip to absolute devastation of our garden. Aaron heads up the gardening efforts, and this year he enlisted one of our boys, Isaac, to start some tomato seeds. He LOVES tomatoes and was all in on watching seeds sprout and caring for them. When we piled out of the car after our trip, it was clear that an animal, or family of animals, had enjoyed a small feast on the sprouts and starts we were hoping to harvest this year. Bean plants were reduced to stalks, tomato plants were completely eaten away, and even flowers were chewed down to stubs. It was frustrating. It still is frustrating. Something that had the potential to be beautiful ended up dry and lifeless. And, you guessed it, in ministry sometimes we have those very same frustrations. There have been people and situations that receive attention just like a garden—carefully planted, watered, tended, prayed over, and invested in. We celebrate signs of growth and begin to imagine what God might do. Then suddenly, circumstances change. People move away. Choices are made that break our hearts. Opportunities disappear. What seemed full of promise appears damaged or even lost. In those moments, it's easy to focus on what has been eaten away rather than on the One who gives growth, but what appears lost is not beyond God's ability to restore. While we don't always see the fruit immediately, we serve a God who specializes in bringing life from barren places, hope from disappointment, and growth from situations that seem unproductive. Thank you for partnering with Harvest Youth Ministries. Your prayers, encouragement, and support allow us to keep planting seeds of the Gospel, even when the results aren't immediately visible. We trust that God is at work, and will bring a harvest in His perfect timing. CELEBRATIONS!!! Mr F received a store voucher to make his home more comfortable and so he’d have the right items needed as he gains custody of his daughter. Ms S received some household items from an Amazon wishlist to make her home more suitable for her grandsons who are living with her now after the death of their mother. They are also receiving a mattress and bed frame so the boys can sleep comfortably and NOT on the floor! She says, “Praise Jesus!” Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Dear Friends, We often hear the expression, “Garbage in, garbage out.” While it may sound like a computer slogan, there’s an important spiritual truth behind it. What we consistently allow into our minds eventually influences our attitudes, our words, our decisions, and ultimately our lives. We live in a world overflowing with information. Social media, television, music, news, and endless online content constantly compete for our attention. Some of it is uplifting, but much of it fills our minds with fear, anger, temptation, and distraction. Scripture reminds us that our thoughts matter. Our minds are much like a garden. Whatever we plant and nurture will eventually grow. If we continually feed ourselves with negativity, impurity, and worldly influences, we shouldn’t be surprised when those things begin to shape our attitudes and actions. On the other hand, when we intentionally spend time with God, read His Word, pray, and surround ourselves with godly influences, our thinking begins to change. God renews our minds and gives us wisdom, peace, and discernment for everyday life. Paul writes: “””Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV) The question each of us should ask is simple: What am I feeding my mind every day? Just as our bodies require healthy food to stay strong, our spiritual lives require a steady diet of God’s Word. A few minutes spent reading Scripture each day can have a greater impact on our lives than hours spent consuming the voices of the world.  Truth in... truth out. God’s Word in... God’s character out. May we guard our hearts, renew our minds, and allow Christ to shape every thought we think. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” — James 1:5 (NIV) Dear Friends, “If any of you lacks wisdom…” One of the greatest temptations in life is to believe we can handle everything ourselves. When challenges come — financial stress, family struggles, uncertainty about the future, or simply the weight of daily responsibilities — our first instinct is often to worry, react, or try to force solutions in our own strength. Yet Scripture continually reminds us that God calls His people to approach life differently: prayerfully and humbly. At Harvest Youth Ministries, we see this every day. The young people and families we serve are often carrying burdens much heavier than anyone realizes. Some are searching for direction. Others are hurting deeply. Many simply need someone willing to stop, listen, pray, and point them back to the hope found in Christ. Real ministry happens when we slow down enough to seek God’s wisdom before our own, trusting that He is faithful to guide us through every challenge we face .As a ministry, we are continually learning to approach every challenge the same way — prayerfully and humbly. Whether we are helping a struggling family through Harvest Helps, mentoring young people, operating Harvest House, or simply listening to someone who feels forgotten, we know that lasting change comes from the Lord. We may not always know the next step, but we trust the One who does. Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support make that ministry possible. Because of faithful friends like you, we are able to continue serving young people throughout our community with compassion, practical help, and the message of the Gospel. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to trust the Lord - not just for answers, but for the wisdom and humility to follow wherever He leads. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4) Friends, Have you ever prayed for a truck? It may sound a little silly written out on paper, but the truck sitting over at the thrift store may very well be the most prayed-over truck in the city. As the thrift store grew and our ability to receive donations increased, the need for a larger, reliable truck became immediate. We were limping along with an older, smaller box truck, but it just wasn’t enough anymore. We prayed, searched, and waited. Then came the truck we now affectionately call Lazarus. This truck truly was an answer to prayer. Its larger size made estate clean-outs much easier and allowed us to condense neighborhood pickups into one day instead of several. It was also far more reliable—which, as the wife of the person driving the truck, mattered a lot to me! Then one day, Aaron went out to start the truck for pickups and heard a loud KNOCK… and then nothing. Now, I don’t know much about engines, but I know enough to know that kind of sound is never good. For the next few months, we rented trucks from U-Haul to keep donation pickups going. God continued to provide what we needed, but rentals cost the ministry extra money and added even more moving pieces to an already busy season. After months of staring at what had essentially become a very large billboard in the parking lot, Aaron decided to try starting the truck one more time, just to see what would happen. Wouldn’t you know it? It started right up. Not only did it start, but the engine runs even better than before. So now, this once-dead truck is lovingly referred to as Lazarus, because it reminds us that God can bring anything back to life. One of the sayings we live by around here is: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” We work hard to steward the resources God provides as wisely as possible, and having a truck that runs and is ready to go out into the community is not something we take for granted. So today, we’re praising God for this prayed-over truck, for His provision, His timing, and His faithfulness in even the small things. Sometimes ministry looks like sermons and big moments, and sometimes it looks like a truck starting when it shouldn’t. Either way, we’re thankful for the reminder that God is still working, still providing, and still bringing dead things back to life. CELEBRATIONS!!! Ms D is a mom with a small child who received rent help. Harvest was able to partner with mom and another organization to pay April & May’s rent. Ms A and Mr J both received bus passes. They are homeless and staying with friends while actively pursuing employment. These bus passes will help them get to interviews and find a job in the area! Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

" Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, NIV) Dear Friends, There are seasons in life when the weight of this world feels especially heavy. Families face unexpected hardship, young people wrestle with anxiety and loneliness, and many quietly carry burdens no one else can see. Yet in every season, God remains faithful. His Word reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1). At Harvest Youth Ministries, we have the privilege of seeing that truth lived out every week. We meet individuals who feel forgotten, discouraged, or overwhelmed, and we watch as the Lord brings hope through simple acts of love, encouragement, prayer, and practical help. Time after time, God proves that no situation is beyond His reach and no life is beyond His restoration. Because of your faithful giving and prayers, out ministry continues through programs like Harvest Helps, where we work to identify and meet real needs for young people and families in our community and solve them immediately - usually within hours! Sometimes that means helping with food, transportation, clothing, household needs, or connecting someone to resources during a crisis. Other times it simply means listening, praying, and reminding someone they are not alone. Through Harvest House, Second Harvest Thrift Store, and our ongoing outreach efforts, doors are always opening for meaningful conversations and opportunities to share the love of Christ. Thank you for being a part of this mission. Your support is more than generosity - it is a lifeline to many who need hope. Please continue praying for those we serve, that each practical act of kindness would also point hearts toward the healing grace and saving love of Jesus Christ. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

“The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” John 5:17 Friends, Sometimes a fundraiser is just a fundraiser, and a thrift store is just a thrift store. Over 18 years ago, we set out with a simple plan—to support the ministry by selling donated items and generating income. Yet how often does God take what we see as support work and turn it into something far greater than we ever imagined? Recently, I was sharing with Aaron how this time of year often feels a little slower with Harvest Helps—fewer requests, fewer meetings, fewer immediate needs. He responded by pointing out how the thrift store has actually been a hotbed of spiritual activity over the past few weeks. It was a good reminder of just how much ministry happens there every single day. One of our employees recently strengthened our volunteer program, and we’ve welcomed several individuals through “return-to-work” programs. These are people recovering from job-related injuries who volunteer with us while still being paid by their employers until they’re ready to return to their regular roles. At first, we simply saw it as a practical blessing—extra help easing our workload—and we thanked God for it. But, in true God fashion, He wasn’t finished. What we initially saw as a logistical blessing has become something far greater. During their time at the store, these volunteers are consistently exposed to the gospel. We don’t hide the faith behind what we do—we’re open about the “why” of both the store and the ministry. Sometimes we can answer their questions directly and share the gospel clearly; other times, we simply look for ways to quietly love and serve them, demonstrating God’s love in action. Imagine showing up to work and finding people praising the Lord, confessing sin, and encouraging one another. This happened just last week. Imagine hearing about someone who had walked away from the faith now running back to Christ. Imagine being asked to pray with someone by the dumpster because they’ve heard, “those people love Jesus.” Ministry is all around us—and God is inviting us to join Him in it. CELEBRATIONS!!! Ms. C – Received household items after moving from a shelter into a new home with her kiddos! Mr. B – Received rent after being out of work due to health issues and hospitalization. Ms. L – Received groceries for herself and her six kiddos after losing her job. Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?" (James 2:15-16, ESV) Dear Friends, In the book of James, we are given a simple but challenging picture of what real faith looks like. (See James 2:15-16 above). It's a question that cuts straight to the heart. Faith was never meant to stop at words. It was always meant to move - to act, to serve, to step into the needs right in front of us. I find myself reflecting on that passage often, because it so clearly describes the kind of ministry we are called to be. We are now in our 28th year, and the need for the gospel has never been stronger. Some of you have been faithfully giving and praying with us for all of those years, and I want you to know how deeply grateful we are. I am proud of much of the work we are doing together at Harvest Youth Ministries. Through our Second Harvest Thrift Store, we not only provide affordable clothing and essentials, but also offer job training and meaningful employment - helping individuals build confidence, develop skills, and take real steps forward. Through Harvest House, we give stability, safety, and care. And through Harvest Helps, we step into urgent situations with practical assistance - meeting real needs in real time. Just this week, we were able to help pay bills for a former thrift employee who recently suffered a stroke and is still in recovery. Moments like that remind us that this work is not theoretical - it is deeply personal. None of this happens without you. Your generosity turns compassion into action. Your prayers matter deeply - and when those prayers are paired with giving, they become a powerful force for change. Together, we are living out what James describes - not just offering words of encouragement but delivering hope in tangible ways. Thank you for being part of a ministry where faith is not only believed - it is lived! Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

“Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive to Babylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to their own town, 2 in company with Zerubbabel, Joshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum and Baanah): The list of the men of the people of Israel:” (Ezra 2:1-2) Friends, I always feel a temptation to skip over lists of names in the Bible. Reasonably, a quick scan usually gives us the information we need in those more detailed sections. But every once in a while, I like to slow down and let some of the names roll around in my mind… Rehum, Baanah, Mispar. I have no idea how to pronounce them, so I give them my own pronunciations and start wondering about who they might have been. What were their days like? What were their roles in their communities? Who were they? They were real people with real lives, doing the work God had set before them. Last night, Aaron and I had the opportunity to share about Harvest at our local church. They are planning to host a clothing drive for the thrift store, and we were able to share a little bit about the heart behind the ministry. Afterward, I chatted with a few people, including Mrs. W, who told me she had been donating for years and reads these newsletters. (Hi, Mrs W!) Of course, my awkward response was, “Well, then we’re basically best friends!” For a long time, I was the one who put these newsletters into envelopes, sealed them up, and dropped them off at the post office. I became so familiar with the names on that mailing list. Even though I didn’t know most of them personally, I knew they were real people who cared enough about Harvest to support the work. Just like those names in the Bible were real people, so are the people who quietly make ministries like Harvest possible. Every donation, every bag of clothes, every prayer, every person who chooses to care about the needs of others — they all matter. Their names may not appear in a list in Scripture, but they are known to God, and their faithfulness makes a difference in the lives of the people we serve. And sometimes, when I see those names or meet someone who has been supporting the work for years, I am reminded again that ministry is never the work of just a few people. It is the quiet faithfulness of many.  CELEBRATIONS!!! Ms L – Received Second Harvest Thrift Store, store credit so she could get a couch, making her home more comfortable for herself and her five children. Ms B - Received help with gas and electric bills, as well as some counseling resulting in payment plans with both companies so her family will be able to cover the bills going forward! Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby