January 2026: A New Year!

Did January fly by for anyone else? Usually it feels like the longest month of the year… but I could have sworn yesterday was New Year’s Day. Oh, it’s just me? Okay then — we’ll carry on!

⭐ Eight New “Stars” Supporting Portal
We are excited to share that eight individuals and businesses have committed to sponsoring Portal 2:20 on a monthly basis! What a blessing to start the year.
In addition, we’ve received a few generous one-time donations. One individual has even offered to purchase pop for us each month — and we absolutely love that idea!
Not everyone is able to commit financially each month, and that’s okay. Snack and pop donations are always appreciated. Trust us — the teens will love you forever. 😊
Your generosity keeps the doors open and the lights on, and it allows us to continue creating a safe, welcoming space for local teens.

NERF WARS!!!
​On January 20th, we hosted one of the most anticipated events of the month — NERF WARS!
It was a huge success, and everyone had a blast. We kept the action contained to the big room so anyone who didn’t want to get hit by flying darts could relax peacefully in the café area.
Toward the end of the night, the volunteers decided to have their own battle — and the teens loved it. There was so much laughter! Eventually, everyone joined in for a giant free-for-all. Darts were everywhere, and no one was safe.
Safe to say… this event will definitely be making a return.

Volunteer “Portal Credits”
One creative idea we introduced this month was putting volunteer faces on special Portal credits.
Jason was the first featured face, and the teens thought it was hilarious. Some have even started collecting them! Rick was next — but his went so quickly that Beth is now in circulation.
Each volunteer’s credits are printed on a different color of specialty paper, making them unique and collectible. It’s been a fun way to keep teens engaged — and yes, even excited about staying for devotions and learning more about Jesus.
Sometimes the smallest ideas create the biggest smiles.

Growing Numbers, Growing Impact
If you know a teen between the ages of 13–18, invite them to come check us out!
We currently have 82 actively registered teens, and that number continues to grow each month. On an average night, about 20 teens attend regularly — sometimes more, sometimes less. Event nights bring in the biggest crowds, with our highest attendance reaching around 40 teens at one event.
We’re incredibly thankful for a building large enough to accommodate everyone without it feeling overwhelming — for teens or volunteers.

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🌱 Join the Mission This Month
​Because of what God is doing at Portal, here are a few simple ways you can help:
Because of NERF Wars…

• Donate a pack of Nerf darts (they disappear fast! 😉)
• Sponsor a future event night ($50 helps cover snacks & supplies)
• Volunteer at one special event this year

Because of our growing teen numbers…

• Become a monthly “Star” sponsor
• Provide pop or snack donations for one month
• Invite a teen to check out Portal

Thank you for being part of the story.

Thank you for standing with us and supporting this ministry. These teens are our future, and we are honored to walk alongside them during such an important season of life.
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Have a blessed month.

Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Reading Challenge: Romans 15:13 and Proverbs 16:3