Living YES!: Something New — Welcoming Dan & Shani Parotti

Thoughts from Judy

For I am about to do something new.See, I have already begun. Do you not see It?Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)

Since starting YES! in 2008, Wes and I prayed that with God's help we would build a ministry that would go beyond our dreams — and eventually land in the hands of others who could take YES! farther than we imagined.

Through a journey with a precious couple that we have partnered with in ministry and friendship, the YES! Board voted unanimously last year for Dan and Shani Parotti to become the next YES! Executive Directors at some point in 2025. This couple is the answer to our prayers!

During this transition year, as the Parottis raise their support, Wes and I are doing our best to support and encourage this wonderful couple who are truly a gift to YES!

Living YES!

Shani and I are excited to launch Living YES!, a monthly newsletter celebrating those making a difference for Jesus in life's second half—as well as younger individuals who cherish elder wisdom and relationships. We'll highlight stories that matter.

I want to start by giving a shoutout to Dan + Shani, now in their early to mid-fifties. For over a decade they have immersed themselves in the significant role elders have in advancement of the Kingdom. Here are some snapshots that will help you see why Wes + I feel so blessed about the future of YES!

Shani and I trust that Living YES! monthly emails will inspire you and others, as we together seek to honor Jesus with our whole hearts.

—Judy

Reflection from Shani

I have a special love for Judy's verse selection here.

Would you believe that Isaiah 43:19 is the very verse that the Lord impressed upon my heart before Dan and I said, "Yes" to YES! We felt a stirring in our spirits that God was preparing us for something new, and that it would mean stepping out of a place of comfort and into an assignment of deeper faith in Him.

After all the anxious praying and laboring over what could be next for us, we often chuckle now about how obvious it should've been that God was asking us to say, "YES!"

It seems that often times while we labor in prayer for God to reveal His will, we miss beautiful opportunities to steward what's right before our eyes. We are more excited than ever to follow God's lead for Young Enough to Serve as He expands the reach and impact of this ministry to older adults. And we couldn't be more honored to work with, and follow the footsteps of such wonderful, wise and loving mentors as the Wicks.

—Judy and Shani

Do you know someone in the second half of life who is making a meaningful impact for the Kingdom? We’d love to hear their story as we continue gathering inspiring examples. Please send to info@yestoserve.org.