Last winter, my husband and I volunteered with YWAM (Youth with a Mission) in Tijuana, Mexico. One of my favourite ministries within that organization was with Zona de Esperanza ( Hope Zone). This was a rough outdoor lot in the heart of the city, outfitted with simple playground equipment, two foosball tables, a climbing wall, and other outdoor toys. Every Tuesday afternoon I would go with a group of YWAM students for “family day.”

I had volunteered to help in the Art class. We were supposed to interact with the children. At first, I couldn’t see how that was possible. After all, I didn’t speak Spanish! How could I communicate with them? At first, I just watched. The young leader always had a discussion with the eager students before she presented the art project for the day. Sometimes I would ask someone what she had said. Gradually, I became more familiar with the language. The leader explained that she had asked a question. The students would give their names and answer the question in turn as they went around the circle. I got brave and started formulating my own answer. “ Mi nombre es Alice. Mi animal favorito es…” , for example. By doing this, I began to feel a bit more connected to the children.

On my last day at Hope Zone, the leaders broke out a new box of coloured chalk. Soon the rough concrete floor was covered with artwork of every kind. I squatted down beside a little girl who had drawn a large colourful heart. Immediately, she moved away. Oh no, I’ve scared her off. But she was bringing me a little chair to sit on! “Gracias !” So I sat beside her, and tried to think what to say next. I managed to tell her that her heart was pretty. I wondered why there were holes in it, though. Then I noticed that she was drawing people within each hole. “Tu familia ?” I asked.

“Mi abuelita.” (my grandma). I didn’t get the whole story until our ride back to the Base. Apparently, the holes contained members of her family who had died. She carried these people in her heart. That way, she would always be connected to them.

The Bible is full of connections. The shepherd in John 10 has formed a connection with his sheep. “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:3b, 4 NLT) Jesus added to this statement: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10:14 NLT) We can follow someone with confidence if we feel connected to them.

The staff at Hope Zone have formed connections with the children and their parents who attend Hope Zone. In this safe, welcoming atmosphere the children become ready to receive higher truths about the God who loves them and wants them to connect with Him.

That’s an interesting point to consider when we think about evangelizing people. A connection is a good foundation for receiving the life-changing truth of the gospel. Lets’ be sure to build those connections before we can reach others.

Lord, thank You that You are our shepherd and that we can be connected and feel safe in Your care. Help us to form connections with those who also need to be in Your care. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Alice Burnett
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada