Last Christmas, during our outreach to people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion, we had the privilege of meeting Lucia* and John*. They had recently immigrated to Spain with their two young children. They carried with them a simple hope. They wanted to build a better future. But the reality they encountered was much harder than they expected.

During that outreach we served snacks, sandwiches, hot chocolate and warm cloths as Christmas gifts. Jitu shared a message of hope in Christ. We listened to their stories and shared the hope in Christ. We also prayed with them.

Lucia came forth, curious about who we were and what we do. She then shared her story and asked for prayer for their situation. Their immediate need was warm clothes for winter.

They had no winter clothing.
No steady work.
No support network.
And all four of them were living together in one small rented room.

We invited them to our neighborhood Christmas celebration, which was the very next day. Again she asked questions about our faith and doctrine. We gave winter clothes for her and children. Her husband John was skeptic and nor-believer in God.

We invited them to become part of our ongoing community programs. Through our weekly food distribution and care group gatherings, we got to walk alongside them. During these moments, Lucia began opening her heart to God. John remained cautious at first, but when the family joined our Alpha Course, something began to shift. Hope was waking up.

Over the next months, we watched God gently rebuild their lives.
John found a small job that provided some income. Lucia said, ” we want to go to the same church as yours”. They started regularly attending our Church
Their children started attending Sunday school and blossomed in the church community.
Lucia found work as well—and eventually John secured a stable job as a courier driver.

The turning point came a few weeks ago. Lucia called us and said: “With God’s mercy and your help, our family is now stable. We would like to step back from the food distribution program so another family can get support. Thank you for standing with us during our most difficult time. We will never forget it.”

Her words were filled with gratitude—and with purpose. A simple act of compassion at Christmas opened the door to transformation that changed a family’s future.

This past Sunday, we reminded them, “God has brought you to this nation to be blessed. Moreover, you are here to be a blessing.”
Tears filled their eyes—because those words were true. Today, Lucia and John are no longer merely receiving; they are growing, serving, and shining. Their story reminds us why we do what we do.

Because mercy matters.
Because community restores.
Because hope multiplies And Gospel Transforms !!