January 2024 || Ministry Update

 

January 31st, 2024

A Heart For Revival’s Ministry Update

The mailed copies of our newsletter went out early today.

Our last update was sent on January 29th by email only since we were in Alaska.


Current Support Level: 48%


*GIVING STATEMENTS FOR 2023 WERE SENT OUT LAST WEEK. IF YOU GAVE ONLINE in 2023, YOU RECEIVED A GIVING STATEMENT BY EMAIL. IF YOU GAVE CHECK OR CASH, YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED YOUR GIVING STATEMENT BY MAIL BY NOW. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU DID NOT SO WE CAN GET ONE TO YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.


THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GENEROUS GIFTS IN 2023!

Printable Update

FRUIT ABOUNDING TO YOUR ACCOUNT


Philippians 4:16-17 “For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. [17] Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”


These verses reveal simple truths: God’s people gave. Paul went and preached because his needs were met by the faithful giving of God’s people. Then, God’s man revealed a proper Gospel focus: ”I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Isn’t it amazing to see through the lens of the Apostle Paul? Yes, he received gift after gift from this particular church, but Paul continued onward with the right perspective: each gift that was given represented an opportunity to have eternal fruit abound to the givers’ accounts. What a thought— and praise the LORD!


The Lord has blessed us over and over again with individuals and churches alike who have given with great generosity. We are extremely grateful for every gift, and we have the same desire for you that Paul desired for the Philippians…”fruit that may abound to your account.” We believe, that by God’s grace, this is exactly what’s happening through every gift that has been given…small or large. Every gift is a tremendous blessing.


Here’s a recent illustration: In the Fall of 2023, one of our churches in Wisconsin graciously sent us a 5k check as a “seed fund” and “just in case” we were looking to upgrade our vehicle. We were thrilled! BUT, that’s not were the story ends. In December 2023, two separate checks came in to the ministry which totaled $67,000. Hallelujah! A portion of this giving will allow an upgrade to a larger vehicle because we are running out of space in our current vehicle as we travel more and more. We are still looking to keep with a good gas mileage vehicle, and are leaning towards a minivan. So, please pray for God’s clear guidance with us. He is, and always will be, our Great Provider. All glory to God.


On top of all this, the Lord blessed us with a new supporter and an increase of support from a current supporter. This takes our monthly support level to 48%. God knows our needs (as mentioned above) whether we have 48% a month, 100% a month, or (like it was back when we started traveling and had) 0% a month. He is our Great Provider!


Just when you thought your “blesser” had been blessed enough, to those who’ve given to A Heart For Revival Ministries, we want to close by listing a truth about the fruit that abounds to every giver’s account. Since the start of the year, the Lord has allowed us to see 6 souls come to Christ!!! Two of those are close to our family: 1. Our nephew (who came with his family to stay with us in Homer, AK during a revival I was preaching), and 2. Our daughter, Lydia! This was such a special time of answered prayer in our family! We had been praying and planting seeds, waiting for this harvest for a while now, and God graciously gave the harvest in His perfect time! We are thankful for all of Lydia’s listening to truths and her questions over the years. We can’t wait to see Lydia abound in God’s grace as she daily walks with HIM. Thank you for your prayers in this way!


This letter has been a little different than our normal listing of blessings, but we hope that you can rejoice with us over fruit abounding to accounts everywhere (and likely yours!). May it continue!


PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY-MARCH 2024

February 4, Belleville, Illinois

February 9-11, Lansing, Michigan

February 14-15,17, B.C., Canada over Zoom

March 10-13, Prescott, Arizona

March 17-20, Eagle Pass, Texas

March 31, Rasaca, Georgia


As we close this update:

Thank you for being interested in what God is doing with A Heart For Revival Ministries.

Thank you for praying for and supporting our family.      

Let’s purpose to delight in God and be a light for God in 2023.

Justyn, Rachel, & Lydia Smith • Proverbs 3:5-6

Above: We had a great start to the new year with Rachel’s sister and her family joining us in Homer, Alaska for revival. We will always cherish this week and this cabin stay as the two youngest in this picture believed on the Lord Jesus Christ during our stay here.

Above: A great youth conference in Seward, Alaska

Above: Justyn preaching during VBS in Kenai, Alaska

Above: Justyn preaching to the teens in Fairbanks, Alaska

Above: Rachel was blessed to sing and speak for a ladies event in Fairbanks, Alaska

Above: Rachel and her friend, Amber, enjoying the northern lights

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