Dear Family and Friends,
This update has two sections: a look back at 2025 and brief look forward to 2026.
THE THEME IN 2025 BECAME: WHEREAS YE KNOW NOT WHAT SHALL BE ON THE MORROW…from James 4:14
This verse has been one of our ministry calendar fulfillment verses since A Heart For Revival Ministries was founded. There have been little seasons where this verse was evidently lived out including the 2020 covid stretch, but the end of 2024 and all of 2025 has brought James 4:14 to the forefront of our attention. As I consider the past year, there are highlights as well as struggles mixed with much flexibility.
We successfully remodeled our home after our renters moved out, and then we moved back into it in February.
We had to navigate the ups and downs of my (Justyn’s) health, which led to many ministry cancelations. In an average year’s time we have between 55-60 different ministry events, but this year we finished with 22.
The ministry’s needs were well cared for through the faithful giving of monthly supporters, new supporters, one-time givers, regular event love offerings, and through several churches which gave a love offering even if we had to cancel a meeting due to health reasons.
We were blessed to minister in 4 “new to us” ministries, and God greatly blessed.
We have had many discipleship opportunities over the past year, and we have also taken many opportunities to share the Gospel through the Gospel golf ball, Gospel tracts, or during ministry events. May the seed of the Gospel be well received. May others water, and may God give the increase!
Through all the ups and downs of my (Justyn’s) health, I was also blessed to come through the “Broken-tooth-while-ninja-rolling-off-the-slide” incident in April, a nasal surgery in June which cared for 4 issues in my nasal passages, and the “Let’s-take-on-a-Suburban-while-riding-a-bike” incident in November. After reading all that, I’m convinced people will be determined to wrap me in bubble wrap for 2026.
There’s more we could say about 2025, but it’s time to rejoice as we look forward to 2026.
WE WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR. MAY GOD’S GOOD HAND BE EVIDENTLY UPON YOU!
As I ponder the year ahead, my mind rests upon Nehemiah 2:8, “…And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.” We all can attest to God’s goodness, but there are evident times in life where we understand on another level that God’s good hand is upon us. May 2026 be such as year as we lift up Christ and draw near to our God.
Please pray for the following requests where we seek to understand that God’s hand is evidently upon us:
Our health overall and wisdom in navigating the ups and downs that come with the health situations we are facing.
Lydia as she seeks to finish third grade.
Rachel as she homeschools Lydia and teaches 2nd grade online.
Our family as we travel to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and seek to stir believers toward a more zealous walk with God.
Our finances as we attempt to recover from 2025.
Eternal impact as we share the Gospel and plead for revival.
Here’s a look at our schedule for January and February of 2026 (* “new to us” churches):
January 4, 11, 18 | Rochelle, Illinois (Pulpit Supply)
*January 21-25 | San Diego, California (Revival)
February 1-4 | Eagle Pass, Texas (Revival)
*February 8-13 | Valley Falls, Kansas (Revival)
*February 26-March 1 | Lusk, Wyoming (Revival)
Our 2025 would have been even more trying without the faithful prayers, love and support from so many people. Thank you for your generosity. We know God has blessed you because of it. God bless you all!
Justyn, Rachel, & Lydia Smith ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
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