Harvest Blog

“When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ 21then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22And the Lord showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes. 23And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers. (Deuteronomy 6:20-23, ESV) Friends, Not long ago, one of my sons wrote a story where he woke up with super-speed powers, entered a race, and—of course—won a million dollars. But what came next in his story stopped me in my tracks: he wrote that he gave the money to “the Harvest charity” to help people. It meant so much to see his young heart reflecting what he's seen and heard. He’s heard Aaron and me talk about the ways we get to serve our community through Harvest, and he's even tagged along to help with projects himself. That simple story reminded me just how much our kids—and the world—are always watching. Deuteronomy 6:20 says, “When your son asks…” Not if. When. If we live lives that truly reflect God's goodness, people will ask why. Why do we live the way we do? Why do we serve and love others? I especially love verse 23: “He brought us out from there, that he might bring us in…” What a powerful reminder that we aren’t just saved from something—we’re saved for something. We’ve been brought out of sin and into abundant life. That’s what Harvest is all about. It’s our way of walking alongside people in our community, serving them with love, and sharing the story of a God who still brings people out—and brings them in. Thank you for being a part of it! Some More Sticky Notes: Ms S - Received groceries, clothing, and household supplies for herself and her three children Mr W - Received household items and furniture  Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." (Galatians 5:1, NIV) Dear Friends, Earlier this week, I stood near the edge of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia—where Roman ruins meet mountain cliffs and the world feels impossibly wide. My sons and I had just come from canyoning in Slovenia, climbing waterfalls and diving into clear, cold pools, when one of them looked over and said, “Dan would love this!” Dan, one of my other sons, is currently in basic training with the U.S. Air Force. As I write this, he’s learning the meaning of duty, service, and sacrifice. And as we mark Juneteenth this week, I find myself reflecting on freedom—the kind hard-won in both the body and the soul. Juneteenth reminds us that even long after a declaration of freedom is made, it can take time for truth to arrive at every doorstep. The Emancipation Proclamation had been issued two and a half years before the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, heard they were free. Delay didn’t make the freedom less real—it made it more urgent. That gap—between what’s promised and what’s lived—is something we all know. In Christ, we are declared free. Free from sin, free from shame, free from earning love we’ve already been given. But how long does it take for that truth to reach every corner of our hearts? It’s easy to get tangled up in shame over our past, fear over our future, or pressure to perform for God’s approval. But like those waters in the mountains, God’s grace keeps rushing toward us—even when we don’t feel ready. Juneteenth reminds us not only of what has been broken in our world, but what has been healed. What was once stolen, God is restoring. What was once silenced, God is amplifying. His gospel is still announcing freedom to captives—then, now, and always. So wherever you find yourself this week—whether in celebration or struggle—remember: you are already free in Christ. Let that freedom reach deeper. Let it ripple out to others. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. (Ephesians 3:20) Friends, Last month, I hesitated to include all four sticky note stories at the bottom of my newsletter—I had a moment of panic. What if next month is slower and I don’t have any stories to share?! But y’all… last month’s newsletter highlighted the overwhelming number of people in the Dayton area who need help—and then God showed up in a big way. In addition to regular funding, we received another generous donation specifically designated for Harvest Helps, allowing us to serve even more people! What a blessing it was to write down their names, fill out their sticky notes for my wall, and tell them, “Jesus loves you.” Aaron reminded me there would always be people who need help and people who want to help. It was a timely reminder to stay the course! Please join me in praying for this month’s Harvest Helps recipients and ask God to continue pouring out His blessings on the Dayton area. Right now, we’re working to meet needs related to transportation, housing, clothing, and food. Hopefully, those are the names I’ll be sharing with you next month! Some More Sticky Notes: Ms V - Received clothing needed for her grandson Miss L - Trafficking survivor who needed a bus pass and clothing Ms B - Received a car payment and a grocery order Mr A - Received some personal hygiene items Unknown - Received clothing to meet an immediate need Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) Dear Friends, Have you ever asked, “Why is this happening to me?” or “Why do the righteous suffer?” If so, you’re not alone. This question echoes through the ages—from Job’s cries in the Old Testament to the quiet prayers of believers today. Jesus never promised us a life free from hardship. In fact, He said quite the opposite: like in John 16:33 (above). We often expect that doing good should shield us from pain. But Scripture reminds us that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence—it’s often where His presence is most deeply felt. The Apostle Paul, who endured beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks, wrote: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed... struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) Why does God allow suffering? Sometimes it’s to refine our faith, to draw us closer to Him, or to allow His glory to shine through our weakness. Other times, we may not understand the reason this side of heaven. But we can trust that our pain is never wasted. Jesus Himself, the only truly “good” person, suffered more than we can imagine. He was betrayed, beaten, and crucified—not because He deserved it, but because He chose to bear our burdens. His suffering brought us salvation.  So when trials come, remember: you are not alone. Christ walks with you. And though this life brings sorrow, it also brings hope—hope anchored in the One who overcame the grave. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) Dear Friends, Have you ever noticed how God has a way of placing people in your path—often when it's least convenient? A neighbor with a flat tire. A coworker who seems withdrawn. A stranger who shares just a little too much in line at the store. It's easy to see these moments as interruptions… but what if they are invitations? With the realization that God is either in charge of everything, or He’s in charge of nothing, the people you encounter just can’t be accidents. People are placed in our lives with purpose—by a God who orchestrates everything for His glory and your growth. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us (above). Sometimes meeting needs is big—like helping someone move, giving financially, or stepping into a mentoring relationship. Other times, it's small—an encouraging word, a listening ear, or a silent prayer. But no act of kindness, done in Jesus’ name, is ever wasted. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus was often "interrupted." A bleeding woman reached for His cloak. A desperate father cried out for healing. A tax collector climbed a tree just to see Him. In every case, Jesus stopped. He saw the person, not the inconvenience. And He met them where they were. If we’re to walk as Jesus walked, we too must learn to slow down, to look around, and to listen for the Spirit’s prompting. That nudge you feel to call someone? Do it. That person you keep running into? Ask them how they’re really doing. You may just be the answer to someone’s prayer.  God uses people to reach people—and you never know when your obedience could be the turning point in someone’s life. When we remain open, available, and responsive, the ordinary moments become extraordinary. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25:40, NIV) Friends, Driving down I-35 has become a routine part of my day. Along the way, it’s impossible to miss the tents lining the road or the people at nearly every exit holding signs that read: “Need Help,” “Hungry,” “Homeless.” Honestly, there are times I just want to keep my head down, avoid eye contact, and continue on with my day. It’s not that I don’t care. It’s the feeling of being overwhelmed. There are so many people in need that I sometimes don’t even know where to begin. A friend recently asked if we knew anything about “the man on the corner,” and Aaron and I both responded, “Which one?” It's become such a common sight, and that reality is heartbreaking. So where am I going with this? There’s a quote I’ve shared before, often attributed to preacher Andy Stanley: “Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.” That line has stuck with me. I know we can’t provide food or housing for every person in need—even just in Dayton. But I also know that refusing to help one person simply because we can’t help them all doesn’t make any sense. That’s where Harvest Helps comes in. We don’t have a multi-million dollar budget, but when applications come in, we do our best to thoughtfully evaluate each one. Sometimes, something as simple as a gas card can be life-changing—and that single act of support can ripple out into the wider community. Each of the names on the “sticky notes” is one person who has been seen and loved because of your generosity and given hope for another day. Thank you! Some More Sticky Notes: Mr R - Given one time rent help so he wasn't evicted! Miss C. Single mom given a gas card so she could continue to work! Miss S - Given help with a car payment so she didn't lose her transportation! Mr S - Given a gas card and food box when he missed a paycheck due to injury! Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27, NIV) Dear Friends, During a worship service last week, I sensed the Lord was talking specifically to me. Every time I tried to pass it off as silliness, the same message came back, again, and again, and again. So, I whispered, "Is this for me, Lord?" The feeling I received was overwhelming. I haven't stopped thinking about it since. As believers, we are called to walk closely with the Lord, being sensitive to His voice and direction. Yet in our busy lives, it can be easy to miss His whispers. How do we cultivate a heart that is tuned to the Holy Spirit? God primarily speaks through His Word. The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the more clearly we recognize His voice. The psalmist reminds us, " Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105). We also need to create space for stillness. The Holy Spirit often speaks in the quiet moments. In 1 Kings 19:12, Elijah hears God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. When we quiet our hearts through prayer and reflection, we make room to hear the Lord's guidance. Also, we've got to consider that prayer is not just all talking to God. It is also listening. When we pause and ask the Lord to speak, He often places a thought, a Scripture, or a sense of direction on our hearts. Jesus tells us in John 16:13, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth." So we need to be still at times, and wait as the Holy Spirit nudges us in various ways - through conviction, a sudden thought, or even through other believers. It's important to test what we hear against Scripture and seek confirmation in prayer. When He speaks, James 1:22 tells us to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only." Then, when we sense the Lord's leading, we step out in faith. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17 Friends, This week, I had the joy of taking my oldest daughter to the BMV to get her temporary driving permit. As we walked in, I told her she was in charge—she had to tell the clerk what she needed, answer their questions, and handle the process herself. She looked at me in (joking) panic and blurted out, “What if I forget my name?” I assured her I wasn’t going anywhere, and if needed, I’d be right there to remind her. She did great, and now… well, be a little extra cautious on the roads! This moment, while hilarious, reminded me of something deeper. My daughter had confidence because she knew I was there with her. She wasn’t alone. But what about the people who don’t have that? I recently spoke with a woman who shared how she’s been abandoned—estranged from family, let down by friends, and dismissed by people who once cared. She feels unseen, unheard, and forgotten. Walking with someone through life isn’t always easy. It’s often messy, uncomfortable, and even inconvenient. But that’s what makes it matter. People don’t just need someone when life is good—they need someone who will stay when things get hard, when mistakes are made, and when the road feels impossible. Who in your life needs to be reminded they’re not alone? Maybe send them a quick text. And remember, we’re here to walk with you too! Some More Sticky Notes: Mr. W - Needed electric bill paid to keep lights on for himself and his two teen children. Miss J - Local 16 year old who requested we send her a Bible! Ms. C - Emailed asking for prayer while she was in the hospital! Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby