Harvest Blog

" 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

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. 21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. (Proverbs 14:20-21, NIV) Friends, “I’m not sure how they let themselves get in that position in the first place.” If we haven’t all said it out loud, we’ve probably all thought it at some point about someone. I know I have. The Lord has been graciously working on my heart to respond with mercy instead of judgment, but it’s been a long process. Part of that change has come from seeing just how many people truly need help — and how deeply grateful they are when someone simply listens, sees them, and cares. These verses struck me today because sometimes what hurts even more than hardship is loneliness. Worse than feeling like the world is stacked against you is feeling invisible. For many of the people we serve, poverty isn’t just about money. It’s a cycle that is incredibly hard to break. The mom who doesn’t have transportation can’t hope to get a job without a bus pass. The dad trying to provide can’t work without childcare in place. The payday loan that fills empty bellies tonight comes back next month with crushing interest, digging the hole deeper. Our goal is simple: to see people as people. To serve them as dearly loved children of God. To make sure they know they are seen and valued. Breaking cycles of poverty also breaks cycles of loneliness and shame. A moment of kindness restores dignity. It builds trust. And sometimes, it opens the door to an entirely new future. Thank you for being the kind of community that moves toward people instead of away from them.  CELEBRATIONS!!! Ms C – Food help for two sisters and their combined 8 kiddos. Ms J – Help with an AES bill so there aren’t disconnect threats. Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

"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) Dear Friends, My wife and I recently had the opportunity to take a cruise on a Windstar ship. One phrase stayed with me throughout the trip — their motto: “180° from normal.” It’s meant to describe a travel experience that intentionally moves away from the typical and embraces something different. As I reflected on that phrase, I couldn’t help but think about how perfectly it describes the life Jesus calls us to live. Following Christ has never been about blending into the patterns of the world around us. In fact, Scripture consistently reminds us that believers are called to live differently — to think differently, to love differently, and to respond differently. Where the world encourages self-promotion, Christ teaches humility. Where culture often celebrates division, Jesus calls us to reconciliation. Where fear and scarcity dominate the headlines, we are invited to live with faith, generosity, and hope. In many ways, authentic Christian living is meant to be 180° from normal. At Harvest Youth Ministries, we witness this transformation regularly. We see young people discovering their identity in Christ instead of in labels placed on them by others. We see volunteers showing up faithfully, choosing service over convenience. We see supporters like you investing in lives not for recognition, but because you believe in God’s work of restoration and healing. These moments may not look “normal” by the world’s standards — but they reflect the upside-down, Kingdom-centered life Jesus modeled. Thank you for being part of this mission. Your prayers, generosity, and encouragement help create spaces where young people encounter a different way of living — one marked by grace, purpose, and transformation. Together, we are helping raise up a generation that is unafraid to live 180° from normal. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

" Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, NIV) Dear Friends, As followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet, reaching out to those in need with love, compassion, and generosity. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger gestures of service, every opportunity to help others is a chance to reflect God's love. Sometimes, we may feel that our efforts are insignificant, but even the smallest act - an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a listening ear - can be used by God in powerful ways. He calls us to be faithful in whatever way we can, trusting that He will multiply our efforts for His glory. At Harvest Youth Ministries, this is at the heart of what we do through all of our various ministry outlets. We believe that serving others is not just an action but a lifestyle that demonstrates the love of Christ. Whether it's through providing practical help, offering a shoulder to lean on, or simply being present for someone who is struggling, we embrace every opportunity to make a difference. But our work doesn't stop at meeting physical needs - we also seek to pray for people and share the gospel whenever God opens the door. True help is not just in what we can do for others, but in pointing them to the One who can truly transform their lives. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This is literally the verse that inspired me when we founded this organization. Let us continue to walk in faith, always looking for ways to bless those around us and bring the hope of Christ into their lives. As Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." May we always be ready to serve, pray, and share the good news, trusting that God will use us to make an eternal impact for His kingdom. As always, thank YOU for the part you plan in providing financial help, or just rooting us on in the heavenly realm! Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV) Friends, The week before Christmas I felt like my email inbox was mocking me. There were so many open Harvest Helps requests for large amounts of money. I honestly didn’t know what to do. While I didn’t want to let anyone down, I couldn’t commit to any of the needs either. I sent emails to three different women saying, “Funds are low right now, but I am praying for a miracle.” After I sent those emails, I posted the needs on Facebook, prayed that God would work it out… and then I walked away. Friends, God provided. A friend donated the exact amount (to the penny!) to cover multiple bills, and others gave as well—the total just kept rising. When I was able to tell these women that God, through His people, had seen them and provided for them—goodness—that is not something I will forget anytime soon. There were tears. There was prayer. There was hope. Thank you for that! Please be in prayer that we would never be so foolish as to believe any of this happens because of our own doing – but only because He goes before us and does more than we could ask or imagine! CELEBRATIONS!!! Ms J - Rent & utilities help after loss of an infant child. Ms Q - Utilities help after the loss of an infant child. Ms H - Rent help after sudden job loss (and after having just moved out of homelessness) Ms K - Utilities help after disconnect notice. Ms. T – Rent help after health issues. Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby