[ a wordless connection ]

   on every outreach, you always expect to walk away from it with at least one transforming story, or some moment that touched your heart.

   this is mine.

  
   i was sitting with a couple of girls from my school, waiting for people to approach us asking for prayer. a few people had come and gone. i'd sat there, trying as hard as i could to hear from God some impression or words to give. but as it was, i was massively distracted and wasn't getting much of anything.

   it was getting close to the end of the night when an elderly lady walked over.

   as she sat down, i could feel the weight of her brokenness. heavy.

   she said that she was going in for a counseling session the day after and just wanted prayer that it would go well.

   so i prayed for her, words coming effortlessly. but at the end, i just sat wishing i could do more. so i asked if i could give her a hug. after hearing the translation, she nodded, saying "oui, oui."

   i stood up and walked over to her, expecting the usual embrace, smile, and walk away. but as i embraced her, i was completely overwhelmed by compassion and the weight of all the baggage she was carrying. i simply just stood there and rubbed her back, and we both began crying.

   it felt like we stood there for ages, who knows how long it really was.

   but it was just so powerful. 

   eventually we let go and she whispered "merci", smiled and held my hand, then slowly walked away.

   my hand reached up to wipe my tears away and i so struck by the way i was able to minister and love on someone so powerfully without needing a single word. all i did was just hug her and hold her.

   it's simple moments like this that can often be the most life-changing or eye opening. let's not miss them.