December 2025- A reflection on Blessings

As we close out the year, we can’t help but reflect on the many blessings God has poured out on Portal in 2025. We are sad to see this year come to an end — but we welcome 2026 with open arms and expectant hearts.God has been faithful, and we believe there are even greater things ahead.

Volunteers: A True Blessing
We cannot say enough about our volunteers.
They step in when someone can’t make it. They adjust when schedules change. They give their time, energy, and hearts to invest in teens — and that matters more than they know.
Becoming a volunteer at Portal requires an application, a background check, and following specific guidelines to ensure a safe environment for our teens. It’s a thoughtful process — and it’s worth it.
For the first time in a very long time… we are fully staffed.
Every shift is covered.
What an incredible blessing.
We are deeply grateful to our community members who have stepped up to serve. Your willingness to invest in the next generation speaks volumes.
​
⭐ “Star in Our Galaxy” Sponsorships
Our monthly sponsorship program — becoming a “Star in Our Galaxy” — is in full swing.
We’ve reached out to local businesses and friends, and several are prayerfully considering partnering with us. We are excited to see how God grows this in the coming year.
If you’d like more information about becoming a Star sponsor, please reach out to us or stop in during open hours. We would love to chat… if the teens aren’t too wild at the moment. (Just kidding. Mostly. 😉)

---

The Joy of the Season
During our final open nights before Christmas, something beautiful happened.
Teens began gifting one another small presents. At one point, we could hear excited yelling from across the building. One young lady had just received a giant stuffed dog — and she did not let go of it the entire night.
Moments like that — the laughter, the joy, the friendships — are what make Portal so special. Watching teens celebrate each other in such genuine ways is a blessing we never take for granted.

Noodles, Snacks & Full Rooms
Snack donations continue to be such a practical and appreciated way to support Portal.
One night we had 18 teens in attendance — and I believe 15 of them asked for ramen noodles! They love their noodles, candy, Little Debbie cakes, and pop.
These simple treats create opportunities for conversation, connection, and community. Something as small as a cup of ramen often opens the door for something much bigger.

The Reason We Celebrate
Christmas has come and gone, but the truth of it remains.
We encourage you to read Luke 2, reflecting on the birth of our Lord and Savior. Take in the precious words and remember that He is the reason we celebrate.
He is the Light, the Way, and the Truth — not just at Christmas, but in everything we do and every breath we take.


🌱 Join the Mission This Month
As we step into a new year, here are a few simple ways you can be part of what God is doing at Portal:
• Become a “Star in Our Galaxy” monthly sponsor
• Donate ramen cups, snack cakes, or pop
• Commit to praying weekly for our teens and volunteers
• Share Portal with one family who may not know we exist
Every prayer. Every snack. Every sponsorship. Every share.
It all helps plant seeds.
​

We pray that each of you had a blessed and safe Christmas and that your New Year is filled with hope and joy.
A Prayer for the New Year:
Lord, clean my heart and remove all my stress and sadness. Help me to be still and be full of joy. 
Amen.