Harvest House

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, NIV) Dear Friends, When we think of forgiveness, it is easy to picture small slights-someone cutting us off in traffic or speaking a careless word. But the gospel calls us to something far greater. A striking example of this is Erika Kirk, who made headlines yesterday for extending forgiveness to the man who murdered her husband. Her response shocked many, because forgiveness is not about excusing wrongs, but about entrusting justice to God. Forgiveness does not deny the pain or diminish the loss; instead, it opens the door for God's healing presence to enter. As Jesus Himself taught, " For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14, NIV). At Harvest Youth Ministries, we often meet young people who carry wounds of betrayal, rejection, and loss. Stories like Erika's show us that no hurt is beyond God's redeeming love. As we walk alongside those we serve, we point them to the Savior who forgave His executioners and offers that same grace to all who call on Him. May we all be known as a people who embody this radical forgiveness - in our homes, in our workplaces, and in our communities. In doing so, we shine as living witnesses of the transforming power of Christ's love. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:3-4, NIV) Friends, When I hung up the phone with my new friend Ashley the other night, I knew I wanted to tell you all about her. With her permission, I’m sharing a bit of her story. Ashley lost her job as a caregiver after an injury at work and spent the next year and a half homeless—part of that time living out of her car, the rest at a local shelter. Eventually she was placed in housing, and a local church group helped cover her first month’s rent and deposit. She told me she had been earning income through DoorDash and Uber, but with her car broken down she hasn’t been able to work. She also no longer has transportation to her medical or counseling appointments. Later in our conversation she mentioned that her food supply was running low. She could have listed many other needs, but one statement really stood out to me: “I don’t like asking for help but right now in my life I just needed to work for help so I can get back up on my feet.” (sic) What Ashley asked for was simple—a bus pass. With a bus pass she could get groceries and attend her appointments. It would give her flexibility with employment. Transportation would help her meet her own needs and regain independence. We “met” via Zoom for the first time, and even during that conversation she was trying to figure out ways to help another woman experiencing domestic violence. She also referred a friend to us who needed a bus pass. Her heart cares for the people around her. Ashley asked for independence and because of your support, she received that bus pass, prayer, and hope for tomorrow. Thank you! Some More Sticky Notes: Ms A – received a bus pass & independence!! Mr W – received first month’s rent coming out of homelessness! Mr S – received one month’s rent after missing work Ms J – received beds and a couch after resettling after domestic violence! (Sleep in Heavenly Peace donated the beds!) Ms L – received furniture from the thrift store after homelessness! Ms R – received a bed set from the thrift store!  Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby