You do not need a stage, nor a seminary degree, or a ministry budget to change someone’s world. Sometimes all it takes is a loaf of bread, a few slices of ham and cheese, and a willing heart. That might sound strange to begin with, but let me tell you how I got here—and why I believe this message is for you this new year.
Back in April, the Lord opened the door for me to move back to El Salvador in Central America. A few years before, I used to walk the same streets ministering to young people caught up in Satan’s grip of gang life. Back then, I would sit on the pavement beside men tattooed all over their bodies with weapons tucked in their pants, yet piercing eyes full of pain staring straight into mine. On the outside, they looked intimidating, and many had committed hideous acts. But beneath it all, they longed for something better—some of them for peace and hope, others for a way out, most for something they couldn’t even name. I got to see firsthand how Jesus could reach into that dark chaos and bring light even into the darkest of hearts.
Today, the streets in El Salvador look different. The gangs no longer roam and cause violence, and there’s a new sense of order. The government has successfully eradicated all of them. But don’t be fooled. The wounds of a nation do not vanish with its enemies. The hideous violence may have disappeared, but the fears and suffering remain. I see it in the drunkards collapsed beneath neglected bridges, in the women lingering in the brothels, and in the addicts wandering the streets like zombies yearning to escape hell.
Back in April, I visited a large neighborhood in the heart of San Salvador. I walked the streets, prayed silently, talked with a few people about the Lord Jesus, and returned home heavy. I wanted to do more--so much more. This is one reason I’ve moved back here. I began praying for the financial resources to open a full mission in the area and to buy a ministry vehicle. I was convinced this was the next step. But as I prayed, the Lord quietly asked me within my heart a question I wasn’t expecting:
“What’s in your hands?”
That question stopped me cold. I sat on a patio, pondering those words for a while. And I realized—I didn’t need to wait for a vehicle, mission building or for more. I had enough right now to begin.
God brought to my mind stories from Scripture—how He used whatever ordinary individuals had on hand. A shepherd’s staff, a sling and a stone, five loaves and two fish, a jar of oil. These were not impressive tools. They were simple items placed in surrendered hands. But that’s where the power was—not in the object, but in the offering to God.
I had a little cash—enough to buy bread, ham, and cheese twice a week. I had hands to prepare sandwiches. I had the strength to walk down streets. I had a willing heart. And I had the powerful good news of Jesus Christ. That was more than enough.
So, I started small. I bought groceries, made sandwiches, and rode a public bus to the center of town. I handed them out one by one. I looked each person in the eye, asked
their name, and offered to pray for them and tell them about Jesus. Some listened. Some didn’t. All ate. But every single one mattered. And Christ was lifted up.
Almost a year later now, a couple of days a week, I’m out on the streets doing just that—nothing flashy, just simple obedience. Passing out sandwiches. Praying with people. Teaching them the Bible. And giving them love and hope.
It might sound too small to matter. But I’m telling you--it matters deeply.
Too many Christians are waiting for the “right moment” to serve God. They think they need more money, more time, more support, more experience. But that’s not how the work of God functions. We do not wait until we are fully equipped to obey—we obey, and in the process, God equips us more.
So now I ask you the same question: What’s in your hands?
Maybe it's a kitchen and some groceries. Perhaps it’s a spare room in your home. Maybe it’s your voice, your testimony, your story—raw and real and ready to be shared. Maybe it’s your free Saturday to pass out tracts. Perhaps it’s time on your lunch break, or a phone call you have been putting off. Whatever it is, don’t wait.
Do not underestimate what God can do through a surrendered act of obedience.
Moses had a staff. David had five smooth stones. A widow had a jar of oil. Another gave two small coins. A boy brought loaves and fish. None of it looked much—until they gave it to God. And then? The seas parted. Giants fell. Multitudes were fed. Nations were changed. And the gospel of Jesus Christ was sent to the uttermost ends of the earth.
It’s not about the gift. It’s about the giver. It’s about availability. Faithfulness. Showing up with what you have, not what you wish you had.
And here’s the freeing part: The results are not up to us. They are not our responsibility. That burden does not belong on our shoulders. Our duty is obedience. Our responsibility is to be faithful. God is the one who multiplies. He opens hearts, moves mountains, and brings the harvest in His perfect timing. We plant. We water. He gives the growth.
If we’re always chasing something bigger, we will miss the power of doing the small things well. And very often, it’s those small things that shake the hearts of a generation.
So, I ask you one more time: What’s in your hands?
Do not wait for a mission trip to Africa, a pulpit, or a big social media following. Do not get stuck in the fantasy of “someday.” If you have Jesus Christ, you already have everything you need to start loving the persons in front of you.
Let that be enough.
And if you start walking in obedience today—yes, even with just a sandwich and a prayer—you might find yourself in the middle of a miracle.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
Back in April, the Lord opened the door for me to move back to El Salvador in Central America. A few years before, I used to walk the same streets ministering to young people caught up in Satan’s grip of gang life. Back then, I would sit on the pavement beside men tattooed all over their bodies with weapons tucked in their pants, yet piercing eyes full of pain staring straight into mine. On the outside, they looked intimidating, and many had committed hideous acts. But beneath it all, they longed for something better—some of them for peace and hope, others for a way out, most for something they couldn’t even name. I got to see firsthand how Jesus could reach into that dark chaos and bring light even into the darkest of hearts.
Today, the streets in El Salvador look different. The gangs no longer roam and cause violence, and there’s a new sense of order. The government has successfully eradicated all of them. But don’t be fooled. The wounds of a nation do not vanish with its enemies. The hideous violence may have disappeared, but the fears and suffering remain. I see it in the drunkards collapsed beneath neglected bridges, in the women lingering in the brothels, and in the addicts wandering the streets like zombies yearning to escape hell.
Back in April, I visited a large neighborhood in the heart of San Salvador. I walked the streets, prayed silently, talked with a few people about the Lord Jesus, and returned home heavy. I wanted to do more--so much more. This is one reason I’ve moved back here. I began praying for the financial resources to open a full mission in the area and to buy a ministry vehicle. I was convinced this was the next step. But as I prayed, the Lord quietly asked me within my heart a question I wasn’t expecting:
“What’s in your hands?”
That question stopped me cold. I sat on a patio, pondering those words for a while. And I realized—I didn’t need to wait for a vehicle, mission building or for more. I had enough right now to begin.
God brought to my mind stories from Scripture—how He used whatever ordinary individuals had on hand. A shepherd’s staff, a sling and a stone, five loaves and two fish, a jar of oil. These were not impressive tools. They were simple items placed in surrendered hands. But that’s where the power was—not in the object, but in the offering to God.
I had a little cash—enough to buy bread, ham, and cheese twice a week. I had hands to prepare sandwiches. I had the strength to walk down streets. I had a willing heart. And I had the powerful good news of Jesus Christ. That was more than enough.
So, I started small. I bought groceries, made sandwiches, and rode a public bus to the center of town. I handed them out one by one. I looked each person in the eye, asked
their name, and offered to pray for them and tell them about Jesus. Some listened. Some didn’t. All ate. But every single one mattered. And Christ was lifted up.
Almost a year later now, a couple of days a week, I’m out on the streets doing just that—nothing flashy, just simple obedience. Passing out sandwiches. Praying with people. Teaching them the Bible. And giving them love and hope.
It might sound too small to matter. But I’m telling you--it matters deeply.
Too many Christians are waiting for the “right moment” to serve God. They think they need more money, more time, more support, more experience. But that’s not how the work of God functions. We do not wait until we are fully equipped to obey—we obey, and in the process, God equips us more.
So now I ask you the same question: What’s in your hands?
Maybe it's a kitchen and some groceries. Perhaps it’s a spare room in your home. Maybe it’s your voice, your testimony, your story—raw and real and ready to be shared. Maybe it’s your free Saturday to pass out tracts. Perhaps it’s time on your lunch break, or a phone call you have been putting off. Whatever it is, don’t wait.
Do not underestimate what God can do through a surrendered act of obedience.
Moses had a staff. David had five smooth stones. A widow had a jar of oil. Another gave two small coins. A boy brought loaves and fish. None of it looked much—until they gave it to God. And then? The seas parted. Giants fell. Multitudes were fed. Nations were changed. And the gospel of Jesus Christ was sent to the uttermost ends of the earth.
It’s not about the gift. It’s about the giver. It’s about availability. Faithfulness. Showing up with what you have, not what you wish you had.
And here’s the freeing part: The results are not up to us. They are not our responsibility. That burden does not belong on our shoulders. Our duty is obedience. Our responsibility is to be faithful. God is the one who multiplies. He opens hearts, moves mountains, and brings the harvest in His perfect timing. We plant. We water. He gives the growth.
If we’re always chasing something bigger, we will miss the power of doing the small things well. And very often, it’s those small things that shake the hearts of a generation.
So, I ask you one more time: What’s in your hands?
Do not wait for a mission trip to Africa, a pulpit, or a big social media following. Do not get stuck in the fantasy of “someday.” If you have Jesus Christ, you already have everything you need to start loving the persons in front of you.
Let that be enough.
And if you start walking in obedience today—yes, even with just a sandwich and a prayer—you might find yourself in the middle of a miracle.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
