Happy New Year Friends!

Something about a brand-new year and a fresh, clean slate to make changes in our lives is so inspiring!

So inspiring, in fact, that many of us make New Year’s resolutions—resolutions to eat healthier, exercise more, read more, declutter our homes, and so on. I’ve made all of these resolutions (and more!) over the years. I remember as a teenager, our church would host a New Year’s Eve candlelight service, and my friend and I would talk through our resolutions and write them out. For some reason, flossing every night always made my list! It seemed I never could make it a consistent habit.

You’ve probably already made your resolutions for 2026, but I’d like to encourage you to make just one more. I guarantee it won’t add any hours to your day—but it still may be difficult. That resolution is to add some REST to your life in 2026. Not just physical relaxation, but spiritual rest: savoring quiet time with the Lord, stilling your heart to hear Him, and reflecting on His goodness in your life and the many blessings He has poured out on you.

We’ve taken the beginning of this new year to do just that. Looking back, we have been incredibly blessed in our ministry this past year. God has given us many new disciples who are excited to grow in their walk with Him, thriving Bible studies, and emerging young leaders who are ready to be launched into disciple-making of their own. He has brought lost and hurting people to us who were ready and open to receive the gospel, and He has also given us the best financial year we’ve ever had at Pathway Discipleship. We want to thank all of you for your prayers and financial support this past year. None of this would have been possible without faithful partners like you. Praise the Lord for His many blessings.

I know the Lord has prepared many good works for me to walk in during 2026, and I am so excited for what lies ahead. I also know that I cannot do all He has for me unless I am practicing true REST in Him. This next month, I will be on my first-ever sabbatical, and I would truly appreciate your prayers as I recharge and refuel for all God has for me moving forward. This sabbatical does not mean ministry will stop. I have trained young leaders to step in, and I will still be involved in a few key aspects of my ministry. However, my primary focus will be allowing the Lord to restore my soul and give me the rest I need so I can continue to care for, mentor, and train more and more people in the years ahead.

Would you please pray for a season of rest and growth for me as I begin this sabbatical? Know that I am praying for each and every one of you—that you, too, would find true rest and grow closer to the Lord in this new year.

With love,
Bill and Joy Gibson