Harvest Blog

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

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus , the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2, Emphasis mine) Friends, What a year! I want so badly to sit and type up a Christmas card letter for you, long-winded Grandma style, about all the people who have been helped by YOU through Harvest this year. I can just imagine my Grandma sitting at her computer, lovingly picking out the words to tell everyone how proud she was of her family and the things that had happened that year. Since I can’t list names for privacy reasons, I want you to imagine with me the momma who got through the hard month and was able to feed her kids. There were so many grocery orders placed this year to help families through tough weeks or months. Take a minute to pray for the family who was living in a hotel. Celebrate for the man and his son who are in warm beds in their new apartment. Jump for joy over the woman who wanted a bus pass so she could make positive changes in her life. Consider the women who were able to come pick out clothing for their children and themselves when they left everything behind to flee to a shelter. Or how about the young woman who can get to work because multiple families came together to pay for her car repairs? Goodness, I’m grinning thinking of the woman who I was able to counsel while she made a lot of phone calls and was able to get her utility bill taken care of. We have created a special Giving Tuesday / End of Year Giving page with a list of needs we are starting to see regularly in our community. Your gift will allow us to have funds available when requests for clothing, groceries, bus passes, and other Harvest Helps needs are received. Toward the end of this year, we started getting referrals from some very large local organizations asking us to come alongside their clients and it has been such a joy to make those connections. I absolutely cannot wait to see what 2025 will look like and I am grateful you all are a part of the journey! Find that Giving Page Here Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" – Acts 20:35 (ESV) Dear Friends, As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to become absorbed in the traditions and festivities—gatherings, decorations, and the rush to find the perfect gifts. While these traditions bring joy, the true meaning of Christmas goes far deeper. Find a way to take time to celebrate the incredible gift of Jesus Christ, sent by God as an expression of His boundless love for us—Emanuel, “God with us!”. The birth of Christ in a humble manger reminds us of God’s desire to be near us, offering hope, peace, and redemption. This season calls us to pause and reflect on the profound truth that Christmas is not about what we receive but about God’s great act of giving His Son for the salvation of the world. Christmas also invites us to embrace the spirit of generosity that flows from understanding God’s love. Just as God gave freely to us, we are called to extend that same kindness and compassion to others. Generosity is not just about material gifts—it’s about giving our time, attention, and care to those who need it most. Whether it’s supporting a neighbor in need, sharing a kind word, or serving our communities, every act of giving reflects the love of Christ. This season is an opportunity to let our Christian generosity shine as a testimony to the real meaning of Christmas. In giving, we honor the One who gave everything for us, allowing His light to shine through our lives and inspire others to seek the hope found in Him. May His Peace abound in your home this Christmas Season! Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) (NIV) Dear Friends, We had a sad situation come up at our counseling offices this week. One young teen left a note where others would certainly find it. When it was found by another teen, he left a very troubling response. I can’t really quote the first note because of the profanity it contained, but essentially it communicated the person “hated life and hated everyone in her life” and there were some troubling images as well. The second teen can be quoted with some edits, although it’s not pretty: “Nobody gives a f—k you should kill yourself retard b—tch”. Although we are trying to figure it out, we still can’t determine who left the notes. What I CAN tell you is that I’ve been pondering the whole thing for days. Clearly the first note was a cry for help. The second may be a similar cry, although this could be nuanced. Why does anyone bully anyone else? Is it insecurity? Low self esteem? Were they looking for attention? Is this a case of “hurt people hurting other people?” as a learned behavior being acted out? In any case, what I can certainly say is there is a HUGE lack of empathy for others. Sure, a teen may not understand fully how their words or actions may hurt others or maybe their lack of empathy for themselves make it easier for them to target others. Generally though, I find it’s most likely due to family problems, trauma or mental health struggles and this is an unhealthy way to attempt to cope with it. At any rate, it’s a long way from our Lord’s command to “Love one another,” and I guess that part makes me kind of sad. And so our work continues… It’s hard to love other people if you first don’t acknowledge and “love the Lord your God”. It’s out of that love that all other love flows. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ Isaiah 46:9-10 Friends, I just got off the phone with the most infuriating company. I needed some basic answers, and their only response was I would receive an email when I received it. Seriously. I could feel my face heat up, my eyes began to tear up, and I could feel tension building throughout my body. In a blink though, I remembered God is not surprised by this! Is it a pain? Yes. Is it something that feels like it could be avoided? Yes. Will it get resolved? Yes. Then I had another thought. God was not surprised by my situation, but I wonder if He was “surprised” by how long it took me to remember He is in control. Because you know what? Everything I am working on daily does not surprise Him…ever. God is not surprised by… …the request for groceries. …the request for household goods for a single dad and his son. …the request for linens, groceries, and clothing. …the really big need for rent and stability. …the need for safe housing and reunification with family. …the dreams for the future of this ministry! None. Of. It. surprises Him. Only me. It only takes me off center and makes me remember God is the one who meets these needs anyway. He will get me the email. He will feed the hungry. He will provide comfort. He will see the unseen. And I get to be a part of it. And if you choose to, so do you! As we head into the last months of the year, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you of end-of-year giving. Donations received before midnight on December 31 st are tax deductible for this year. Prayer, though, can be given any time, night or day, and will count for eternity. Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) (NIV) Dear Friends, At my age, lots of things annoy me, but not many things surprise me! There are, however, a few that still find me surprised. At the top of this list is probably biblical illiteracy. Not biblical illiteracy of the world in general, non-believers, lay people in the church, new believers and maybe those who are new to the scriptures. I’m talking about real biblical illiteracy in the hearts and minds of those who claim to be “clergy” and long-time believers who say they are among the among faithful. A great, but also horrible example of this is often found with politicians. Sure, they’ll have a “D” or an “R” behind their names which points to their political party. Both sides of those isles, and also the “independents,” all have their issues, but when they start talking about what God thinks and what God wants is when I can’t help but lay on it on the scale of what we KNOW God thinks, wants and says in the Holy Scriptures. In the last week alone I’ve heard our President, an ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, and a Vice President who wants to be President all claim that God is not only fine with aborting children, but in some cases He’s all for it! Then, to make things worse, the media will find some “pastor” or “bishop” who will say “amen” to the nonsense. I do love it when the Lord urges a genuine God-fearing man/woman to bear true witness in the face of these lies. “One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree: The government, and certainly Donald Trump, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.” Kamala Harris “Dear VP Harris: I hear you make this statement all the time. Exactly what “faith” are you talking about when you say you don’t have to abandon it to support abortion? Are you talking about the Christian faith that says all babies are made in the image of God (Gen 1:26, that God places them in the womb (Jer 1:5) and that we should not take any life unjustly (Luke 18:20)?...” Tony Dungee Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? (Luke 14:28, ESV)