The angel’s announcement to the shepherds was clear: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

This wasn’t temporary happiness or fleeting relief. It was joy rooted in the arrival of Jesus. This is the only joy that breaks chains.

We are living in urgent days. The world feels heavy with conflict, division, and uncertainty. It often feels like shadows crowding out every flicker of light. But Scripture tells us a deeper truth: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).

As we pause this week for Thanksgiving, our hearts are full. At Because Justice Matters, we’ve seen God’s goodness woven through every corner of our ministry this year. Looking back, we can’t help but give thanks for the countless ways He’s been moving among women, girls, youth, and families in our community.

There’s something powerful that happens when you step away from the day-to-day and immerse yourself in a space filled with worship, learning, and community. Every year, our team looks forward to the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) National Conference—a time to be refreshed, challenged, and reminded that God is at work in cities and neighborhoods all across the country.

But this year was extra special.

Every EdenMade Night begins the same way: with prayer. Our team gathers, connects, and intercedes for the women we will meet that night. It’s a rhythm of community - women supporting women, strengthening one another before we go. Usually, I serve on the intercession team, staying back to pray while others enter the clubs. But last week, for the first time since 2021, I joined the outreach team walking inside.

This September marks one year since our Bible Study first began, and we can’t help but celebrate God’s faithfulness. What started after nearly two years of prayer—asking God where, when, and how to begin—has now become a life-giving rhythm of gathering, studying, and walking with Jesus together.

Every August, students across San Francisco pack their backpacks and prepare for a new school year. For many, it’s a time of excitement: fresh pencils, new teachers, and a clean slate. But for the families we walk with at Because Justice Matters, the start of school often carries much more than supplies.

It carries the weight of trauma, the complexity of poverty, and the hope that this year might be different.

At BJM, we believe that education is more than just curriculum—it’s about restoring dignity and rebuilding opportunity. And that makes educational equity a justice issue.

This summer, our IGNITE high school and college students stepped away from the busyness of city life and into a week of freedom, fun, and faith-filled encounters with Jesus. For many of them, this was more than just a trip out of San Francisco—it was a chance to breathe deeply, rest fully, and be reminded that they are deeply loved by God.

When we think about mentorship, we often focus on the technical skills we can teach, the knowledge we can impart, or the goals we can help our mentees achieve. But sometimes, the most powerful moments of growth and transformation happen not in the dance studio, but in the spaces where we teach courage, confidence, and connection.

You don’t have to look further than our youth group to see the power of a spark.  Aptly named Ignite, high school students gather weekly for community, devotions, and prayer.  It’s your typical youth group night. 

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, filled with wonderful memories. I was born in Colombia, where we like to joke that Christmas begins on November 1st and doesn’t end until January 10th. The lights, the food, the laughter, the dancing, and the time spent with family and friends make it truly magical. But if there’s one thing my family taught me about Christmas, it’s this: the value of hospitality and generosity.

At our annual winter dance showcase, Mia stood backstage, feeling the weight of her nerves settle heavily in her chest. This was her first time performing in front of an audience, and she could barely catch her breath. Weeks of rehearsals had led to this moment, but the fear of making a mistake felt insurmountable. Her hands trembled as she stood among the other dancers, all of them ready to take the stage, but for Mia, the idea of stepping into the spotlight felt like a mountain too steep to climb.

Another beautiful summer arrived and another opportunity for summer camp came with it. Laughter echoed through the trees, friendships bloomed under starry skies, and every challenge turned into a victory dance. That’s exactly what our incredible group of young people experienced at this year’s summer camp!

If you’ve been watching the news for the past year or so, you know San Francisco is in a strange state right now. There are narratives of crime, recession, vacancy, and hopelessness.

And yet, God is at work here.