This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, January 2023

New Beginnings

By Dr. Jeff Padgett

Well, it’s that time of year again, when in a fit of optimism, many of us make grand promises to ourselves about what we are going to do in the New Year that we usually abandon about the second week in January.

This is typically the time of year to make resolutions. The dictionary defines resolution as “a course of action decided upon; a fixed purpose.”

Let’s look at some resolutions, and some commitments that will make a radical difference in our lives, if they are followed through. If you make four commitments that God in His Word encourages you to make, the start of 2023 could become one of the most significant events in your life.

1. COMMIT YOURSELF TO FORGET YOUR FAILURES

Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting what is behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.” That advice from God’s Word has stood the test of time. I don’t know of any more relevant and practical advice for us at the start of 2023.

2. COMMIT YOURSELF TO GIVE UP YOUR GRUDGES AND OFFENSES

Colossians 3:13, “Bear with each other and forgive each other whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the LORD forgave you.”

Did you catch that challenge? God, in those words, is challenging us directly and personally to give up our grudges. That is what He means when He says to forgive each other whatever grievances you may have against one another.

3. COMMIT YOURSELF TO RESTORING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

God, in His Word, wants us to check whether our relationships are working correctly. Here is how the LORD issues that challenge in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

The critical phrase there is, as far as it depends on you. By using that phrase, God personally challenges each of us to do all we can to restore our relationships. The LORD wants you to do everything you can to restore any relationships that have gone wrong in your life.

4. COMMIT YOURSELF TO TURNING YOUR BACK ON YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS.

Romans 6:2, “Do not let sin control the way you live, do not give in to its lustful desires… we are no longer slaves to sin.”

That is the last challenge that will make this New Year genuinely significant for you, if you rise to meet it. When God says, “Do not let sin control the way you live, do not give in to its lustful desires…”, He is issuing the challenge to turn your back on your transgressions.

It all boils down to this: Will this New Year be just a calendar-changing event for you, or are you willing to rise to these challenges from God’s Word and make these commitments and so make it a life-changing event? This New Year will be something to celebrate if you’ll make forgiveness the heart of what it’s all about for you.

PAYH is excited to announce that two more young men have recently given their lives to Christ! A total of four young men had their lives changed in a matter of a few months. We give God all the glory and the praise!

PAYH + SEPC = A Successful 2023!

As 2022 comes to a close, PAYH looks forward to continuing our partnership into 2023 with SEPC. Thank you to all of your members who came out and invested in our young men through teaching, financial support, continual prayer, and encouragement.

Staff Spotlight

Victoria Shuman is PAYH’s Advancement Officer. She’s been a member of the PAYH family for ten years. You won’t find a more driven and passionate person for the ministry of PAYH, and she makes sure she meets, greets, and connects with people in and around the community. She’s an active part of the planning committee for the Chick-Fil-A Run, the yearly bike ride with the young men, and fundraising on every level. Her motto is “I need it done yesterday,” which shows you her level of determination to make things happen.

In addition, she was a key factor in our Giving Tuesday Campaign. The Youth Home set a goal of $50,000.00. Through Victoria’s tireless efforts, we were able to exceed that goal and raise $63,305.00!

Victoria is the wife of Mark Shuman, the Chief Operations Officer for Shuman Farms and a member of the Southeast Produce Council. They have two sons; Chapman, who attends the University of Georgia, and Mason, who attends Georgia Southern University.

We thank God for Victoria and all that she means to the PAYH family!

2023 Chick-fil-A Road Race

It is so hard to believe that the 2023 Chick-fil-A Road Race is right around the corner. It was an amazing last year with lots of fun for all ages. The proceeds go to benefit PAYH, Vidalia Heritage Academy, and WinShape Camps. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get out and get some exercise and make new friends in the community. We’ll see you at the finish line!

From all of us here at PAYH to all of you, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the peace of our Savior Jesus Christ rest on your home and in your hearts, as it does here at PAYH.