Three young men chose to began their year well by enrolling in Narrow Gate. Chris of Minooka, Ill.; Logan of Louisville; and Zack of Thompson's Station (pictured from left to right) began their Foundation experience on Tuesday, January 17th. Please pray for them as they journey with God and each other in this new chapter of life. Please also pray for all our staff, students and Board of Directors as we steward the lives entrusted us.

At this beginning of the year and throughout 2012, may we all have the courage to do what these young men have done: take a look at our lives, allow the Holy Spirit to highlight areas in which we can grow, and take steps toward God and His purposes for us.

Last week, Narrow Gate's Intern, Jim, began a nine-week stay at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C., one of the nation's leading blacksmithing schools. The rest of Narrow Gate's staff had the opportunity to take him to school and, while there, tour the campus, which offers training in various folk arts. While there, Jim will serve the school as a work-study participant, allowing him to perform basic work functions such as grounds maintenance in exchange for taking classes in blacksmithing. Once he finishes his studies, Jim will return to continue leading and training our students in the Narrow Gate blacksmith shop. Congratuations to Jim for this fantastic opportunity, and we can't wait to see what God teaches you while you are away! If you'd like to learn more about John C. Campbell, please visit www.folkschool.org. To receive a brochure about Narrow Gate's metal shop or other artisan shops, please contact Allie Davis.

Happy New Year! What better way to start 2012 than to get involved in your community and serve others? We at Narrow Gate believe each of us exists on this earth to be a servant and, as Paul says in Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." If you are looking for ways to serve, we'd love for you to serve within our ministry, and we're ready to facilitate your participation.

If you would like to volunteer at Narrow Gate but have not filled out our Volunteer Sign-Up Form, please CLICK HERE. Melissa Smith, our new volunteer coordinator, will then be notified of your volunteer preferences so she can schedule times for you to serve. Melissa has also put together a calendar with specific dates scheduled as group volunteer days for cooking, cleaning, and landscaping/gardening, so please email her at Melissa@narrowgatefoundation.org to receive the calendar. Once you receive and review the scheduled dates, if you know you would like to and are able to participate, notify Melissa so she can plan accordingly. Feel free to email Melissa with other questions or with other ways you would like to serve, and here's to a great year of helping young men find vision and purpose for life!

Merry Christmas from everyone at Narrow Gate! We pray that during this time you enjoy time with loved ones, worshipping Jesus for the sacrifice He made when He took on flesh so one day we might know Him. May He fill your hearts with joy, love and peace. If your family is looking for a way to bless others during this time and would like to gift an item to Narrow Gate, check out our Christmas Wish/Needs List, then contact Allie Davis to set up deliver or pick up. We also welcome holiday treats and eats, and you can contact Allie with desires to bless the guys this way, as well. Thanks for remembering the young men who come to our property to seek the Lord and His purposes for their lives!

Narrow Gate's newest three students began their journey on Tuesday, November 8th. We welcomed Joel of Henderson, Texas; Caleb of Columbia, Tenn.; and Ryan of Franklin, Tenn. This week they'll spend Thanksgiving away from their families as they will still be in the Foundation phase, during which they choose to only communicate with family via letters. Please also pray that they will feel loved by their new family in Christ during our Narrow Gate Thanksgiving celebration. Praise God for the  willingness of all our students to sacrifice so many pleasures, comforts and even some communication with friends and family in order to press into God and listen for His still, small voice during this season of their lives!