Christmas to the Rescue!
Friends, after an autumn filled with election anxiety, tumultuous weather, and busy schedules, I am glad to inform you that Christmas comes to the rescue!
Over the matter of a few weeks, I traveled to Pocatello, ID; San Angelo, TX; Danbury, CT; Gilroy, CA; Vermillion, SD; and Tulsa, OK. I earned about 10,000 frequent flyer miles, but finally came home with back pain and a muscle tear. Time to retreat, to heal, to enjoy the snow and hot cocoa, work on a few pieces of music, work on a book—oh, and have some long conversations with God.
I’m sure you feel a bit like me: tired, tapped out, and in need of refreshment. As we approach the end of the year, there is no better time to rest and revisit our relationship to Jesus, the one whom we celebrate this time of year. Rest in Him this holiday season.
New Students, New Programs
YTI will begin its winter term in January with several new students in addition to its large fall class. Our professors are doing a fantastic job, investing serious time and effort into teaching and relational excellence. Additionally, YTI will hold its Catholic Lay Summer week this July, a great opportunity to partner with our Catholic brothers and sisters in south central Montana. YTI’s EQUIP program is launching in Great Falls in 2025 as well, and this is definitely good news!
Your Support Changes Lives
Christmas is the season of giving. It is when we reach out to our family and friends out of love. This season, let me encourage you to make YTI part of your giving priorities. With more students come more expenses and even more opportunities to send pastors and ministers into our nation and world. The only way that this can happen is if you give, and give regularly. The YTI faculty and staff are in the midst of their own giving program. We not only give time, knowledge, and wisdom to our students, but we also give of our financial resources. We know what a difference YTI can make, if it has resources. Believe me, you are more important than you think—your gifts will change lives.
In each of the faculty reflections in this issue of Inscribed, as well as the reflections of our Yellowstone Fellow, Norah Hager, you find the miracle of Christmas. We have truly given of our time, talents, and resources so that YTI can sustain its ministry. We pray that you will join us on this adventure.
Merry Christmas!
Dr. Jay Smith