It’s October in the mountains of Montana. The leaves are turning colors and falling from trees. The smell of fireplace smoke is in the air. There are autumn and Halloween decorations springing up all over our neighborhoods. Football loyalties are evident across front porches through flying flags, and window dressings. It’s easy to get caught up in the seasons, especially the fall, isn’t it? In all of this beauty and change, it is crucial that we not lose sight of our call: we are difference makers. We bear the gospel, and are at the cutting edge of the Kingdom and its ministries. We do what we do because we responded to His call.
YTI is the only seminary in Montana, one of the fasted growing states in the union. Our Bible, theology, leadership, and ministry professors stand toe to toe with professors at much larger schools. We train young men and women for the cutting edge of Christian ministry in an increasingly secular nation. We minister to people in our community who, due to pain, frustration, and mistrust, are not affiliated with any congregation of the church. We love others until we share their pain and start to heal. Why? Because that is the example of our Master. This is why we do what we do.
YTI has been in existence for 12 years. It has not been easy. Funding is difficult. With the decline of the church in America, the advent of COVID, and the political turmoil of our nation, donors and foundations have held tightly to what they possess. Yet we have kept student costs low so that they will not leave YTI with debt. It is by God’s grace, and the faithfulness of a few, that we have been able not only to survive, but to grow.
If you are reading this edition of Inscribed, I hope you are one of our faithful donors and can see, and experience, the change that YTI is making in the lives of our students and the hearts of Bozeman. If you have yet to become one of our faithful donors, I ask that you prayerfully consider becoming one. You are not just supporting a “school” or “students”—you are supporting change in your communities. Our students come from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, Minnesota, Kansas, Texas, Arizona, California, Washington, and Montana. After they are trained and prepared, we are sending them back to change their culture, city, and state. When you donate to YTI, you are changing the world. Here is what you can do:
1. Pray for YTI. Pray for new donors; pray for our students and faculty
2. Donate. Every quarter makes a difference. Every $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 can create serious and lasting change in hearts and lives.
3. Send us students! Whether you are in Oklahoma or Ohio; Arizona or Massachusetts you know men or women who need what we can provide, and will thrive as learners and participants in the YTI community.
I personally pray for all of you on our Inscribed subscriber list; whether you receive this in the mail or via email, I remember each of you. As the holiday season is coming up, I hope you will sense God’s call to support YTI. We pray that you will partner with us as we seek to change our communities, states, nation, and world.
Grace & Peace,
Dr. Jay Smith