Every Little Effort

Since the beginning of the mission year, every Tuesday and Wednesday, I would walk by and greet a young man. Without a fault, he would keep to himself, continue to play his speaker, and just keep walking without acknowledging us. The months passed by, and still I greeted him whenever we crossed paths, hoping he would be open, even if to just a cup of coffee. Every week, I greeted him, and nothing. Still I hoped that one day, we’d be able to share a cup of coffee, an exchange of hello, maybe even to be able to know him by name. 

I walked by, said hello, and silently prayed for him. My heart filled with hope every time I saw him. Although we wouldn't have much of an interaction, I was happy to just know he was okay. 

The last Mercy Night in May, eight months into the Mercy Mission year, God revealed his presence. I saw this same young man, and as we started approaching him, I gave the group the little schpeel I gave every time: “This young fellow doesn't usually respond but I always say hi anyways.” 

As we got closer, I said hello and offered a cup of soup. He paused his music and turned off the speaker. I was stunned. Then he said hello and said yes to the cup of soup. Inside I was bursting in joy: he finally said a word! I introduced myself and then he introduced himself as Jeremy—I finally knew him by name. I could pray for him by name. I could greet him by name.

Manuel, a volunteer at Mercy Night, continued the conversation. I could feel God poring love into Jeremy through his conversation with Manuel. I could also feel the love being poured into Manuel. They were both so patient with each other. It was a moment filled with patience, love and immense hope. 

Such a small interaction was HUGE. Every hello before this moment, every little prayer said, every little effort made, finally led to this moment of community and love, to him being known by name. God works through every small effort.

~Lillianna Chavez