Harvest Blog

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

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5, ESV) Friends, January is a beautiful time of starting over, starting fresh. We see so many people right now making New Year’s resolutions, starting new routines, and determining to do things differently. Y’all, I am determining to do things the same…sort of. What an amazing year it has been connecting with people in our community on a personal level. There is something about looking a person in the eyes that says, “You are seen, as a PERSON. Not as a problem to be solved or a case to be closed, but as a human being who has deep needs and wants and who probably never wanted to be in this situation.” My resolutions this year? 1. Continue to see people as people, not projects. 2. Pray for as many people as possible – planting spiritual seeds while physical needs are met. 3. Continue to pray for wisdom as needs come in, so funding is stewarded well. 4. Share the wins and the prayer requests – there is strength in numbers! 5. Be thankful for each opportunity to remind people they are seen and loved. CELEBRATIONS!!! Unnamed Man – Laundry Gift Card! Ms C – Groceries for her family! Ms G – Bus Pass! Ms T – Amazon Wishlist Items for coats, cleaning supplies and more!! Ms B – Groceries for her family! Ms J – Utilities help! Ms K – Help with Rent! Ms S – Household items! Ms L – Laundry gift card & detergent Ms C – Bus pass! Ms A – Bus pass! Ms V – Groceries! Ms A – Bus pass! Ms S – Bus pass! I cannot wait to see what 2026 holds in this space and share more stories with you! Glory to God! Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food. If one of you says, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:15-16 (NIV) Dear Friends, One of the core convictions of Harvest Youth Ministries is that faith requires action. Words of encouragement are meaningful, but Scripture reminds us that love becomes real when we meet actual needs in tangible ways. The world doesn’t change because we wish someone well. It changes when we roll up our sleeves, step into someone’s struggle, and help them take a step forward. This is exactly what your partnership empowers us to do throughout the Dayton area. Through Harvest House, young people facing instability or crisis find more than a temporary solution—they find safety, support, and caring adults willing to walk with them. And through Harvest Helps, we compassionately meet practical needs for families—food, transportation, clothing, household essentials, and other vetted assistance that lifts burdens and restores hope. Each situation is handled prayerfully and personally, never as a transaction but as a ministry opportunity. But meeting physical needs is only part of what makes this work meaningful. Because of your support, we also have the privilege of sharing the Gospel, encouraging young people with the hope of Christ, and praying with them in moments when they desperately need to know they are not alone. These spiritual conversations often become turning points—reminders that God sees them, loves them, and has not forgotten their story. Your generosity allows our faith to become more than words. It becomes compassion in motion—faith with hands and feet. As needs continue to grow and more families reach out, you make it possible for Harvest Youth Ministries to respond with wisdom, discernment, and Christ-centered care.  Thank you for investing in work that demonstrates the love of Jesus in both word and deed. Because of you, young people and families in our community are experiencing the Gospel lived out: not empty wishes, but faithful action. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

“[they] did not honor God or give thanks....” Romans 1:21 (NIV) Dear Friends, Lately I’ve been reflecting on how easily our hearts drift when we stop practicing gratitude. Scripture warns us of this. In Romans 1:21, Paul says that when people “did not honor God or give thanks,” their hearts became darkened. Ingratitude isn’t just a moment of forgetfulness — it slowly reshapes the way we see God, ourselves, and the world around us. When we stop giving thanks, our hearts grow restless. Fear replaces trust. Complaining replaces worship. We start to believe we don’t have enough, or worse, that God isn’t enough. Gratitude is the antidote — a spiritual anchor that restores joy, softens our hearts, and brings our focus back to God’s faithfulness. Even one moment of recognizing His goodness can recalibrate everything. We see this all the time in the teens and families we serve. When they identify even a single blessing — an answered prayer, a caring friend, a moment of peace — hope begins to grow again. Gratitude opens the door for God to work in their hearts. And so today, I want to thank you. Your prayers, support, and generosity help us continue sharing Christ’s love with youth who desperately need it. Because of you, lives are being shaped by the hope found in Jesus. Without you, and God’s love, we can do nothing. As we move forward in this season of “Thanksgiving,” may we all choose gratitude daily — keeping our hearts tender, joyful, and attentive to God’s goodness. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” (James 1:7) Friends, I was over at the thrift store recently and overheard a customer chatting with the cashier as she checked out. The conversation was full of gratitude as she shared how many times she’s been able to find — and afford — beautiful things there. What a blessing for me to hear! One of the goals of Second Harvest is to provide our community with quality (and beautiful!) items at reasonable, affordable prices. Mission accomplished. Of course, there is always more to it, isn’t there? God has been so faithful this past year to remind me how He loves to give us good and perfect gifts, beautiful things if you will. He delights in showing His love in ways we could never imagine. I’ve seen it when a friend texted, “God said this was the one — do it right now,” after an urgent rent request was posted online. I’ve seen it in gifts of household basics and warm coats stacked high in my office for a momma of eight who is starting over with almost nothing. I’ve seen it in a grocery pick-up that fed a family for a week. I’ve seen it in bus passes, appliances, kitchen tables, shoes… and as I type this, my eyes fill with tears remembering each of these moments and how we were able to say, “And also — Jesus loves you.” YOU made that possible. Thank you for being part of the beautiful things God is giving our community — gifts that reflect the generosity of Jesus Himself. Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby