A Moment That Says It All
There have been so many turning moments lately that it’s becoming hard to capture them all without posting every other day.
But this one — this one feels worth slowing down for.
It was simple.
It was small.
And it said everything about what we’re trying to do.
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
— 1 John 3:18 (ESV)
A Familiar Face in the Cold
At our Welland table, we’ve gotten to know a young woman who has recently found herself living on the streets.
She’s kind, gentle — and every week, she’s there with a bright smile and her collection of small stuffed animals, her stuffies.
She doesn’t ask for much.
She just shows up, smiles, and talks to whoever takes a moment to notice her.
Last week, one of our young volunteers — Lydia, just sixteen — connected with her. They spent most of the night talking, laughing, and simply being present with one another.
There wasn’t much to offer that night beyond food, warmth, and prayer. But something far deeper was happening — two hearts meeting in the middle of the cold, both created in God’s image, both reflecting His love in quiet ways.
“So God created man in his own image… male and female he created them.”
— Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
A Simple Act of Kindness
This past Wednesday was bitterly cold.
The wind cut through every layer, and yet our team showed up like always, unpacking supplies and setting up the table.
As we worked, I noticed Lydia walking toward our young friend.
In her hand was a small crochet animal she had made just for her.
When Lydia handed it over, our friend’s eyes lit up.
She hugged her tightly, and in that embrace — two young women, close in age but worlds apart in circumstance — I saw something holy.
It wasn’t just a gift being exchanged.
It was dignity. It was friendship. It was the love of Christ made visible.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you.”
— John 13:34 (ESV)
The Table’s True Purpose
Standing there, watching that moment unfold, I realized something.
That — right there — is the whole reason the table exists.
Not programs.
Not numbers.
Not logistics.
Just people, loving people.
A sixteen-year-old caring enough to remember a soul in need, having the presence of mind to create something with her hands, carry it through the cold, and give it away.
That’s the gospel at work.
That’s discipleship in real time.
“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
— Matthew 25:40 (ESV)
A Final Word
We can’t always fix the circumstances our guests face.
We can’t always provide what they need most.
But we can do this — we can see them, pray for them, and remind them they are deeply loved by God.
And sometimes, love looks like a handmade crochet animal, a simple gift that says,
You matter. You’re seen. You’re not forgotten.
The main purpose of the table was fulfilled that night — and it came through the hands of a sixteen-year-old who chose to care.
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)
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