Harvest Blog

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

"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 play in providing financial help, or just rooting us on in the heavenly realm! Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 1 2:3 Friends, I am so excited to share with you an email I recently received. Here’s the text: I just wanted to thank you and the church for this amazing bed! It’s much appreciated, please thank the church. If the church ever needs some volunteer help please let me know or if you are aware of any safe women who may be living in their cars, trying to avoid truck stops/shelters etc… who might be in need of a clean, safe place to shower, please feel free to pass on my email/phone number and my home is open to them. I dont have much to give or offer but I do have that! :) I don’t know about you, but it makes me want to cry. It reminds me of the account of Mary taking her most precious possession and sharing it freely with Jesus. The woman who sent the email? Her most precious possession is arguably a safe place to live and call home. Her willingness to hold it loosely, to open it up to other women who also need someone to see them and love them – goodness that gets me! Thank you for being a part of these stories. God is so GOOD! Some More Sticky Notes: Miss B: We are helping her with some apartment applications so she can get into a stable living environment! Miss R: We were able to help her put down a deposit for a new apartment for her family. She and one of her kiddos is disabled and so having the extra funds really helped stretch their very tight budget! Unnamed Man: The staff at the thrift store was able to gift a homeless man find some warm, dry shoes this past week! Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby