“If that were gunshots, I’d hide over there.”

This is a phrase I had never heard come from a 7-year-old’s mouth. It took me by surprise. The little girl who had been casually braiding my hair said this after hearing fireworks in the street.

Me and my husband work weekly in a small city that’s known all over Brazil for being dangerous. It’s known for gang violence, shootings in the street, and robberies. The area where we work is quieter than other neighborhoods, but that doesn’t mean it never happens. Every Sunday we go with our team into the neighborhood and bring the kids to church for a service just for them.

This specific little girl has been attending for the past few months. She was originally really cold with me, then one day she just decided that I was her favorite. I don’t know what her home life is like, but I’m grateful that we can be a light in her life.

When I was 16, I remember first feeling the call to Brazil. I remember it feeling so far away. I remember dreaming about what I would do and all the people who would be reached. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized it’s more about the one.

I could write about how we reach x number of people weekly. I could write all the big things we’ve done with King’s Castle. But at the end of the day, those numbers aren’t the most important things. What matters are the ones. The individuals that we cross paths with daily.

He sent me to the 7-year-old who just wanted to braid my hair. The 12-year-old who needs a listening ear. The 14-year-old who is hungry for God and just wants to learn more. And countless other “ones”. We all have ones in our lives.

Have you ever stopped to think about who your ones are? Maybe it’s the coworker that gets on your nerves. Your neighbor who has been going through a difficult time. The family member you rarely see. We’re surrounded by people every day.

Soon after I was called, I remember that I spent so much time thinking about the future that I forgot about the people around me. What would happen if we decided to intentionally love the ones who are in our lives right now?

As I sat with this little girl and let her braid my hair, I heard the Lord whisper, “If I only sent you for her, it would be worth it.”

Yes, we’re called to go into all the world, but your neighborhood is also part of the world. Our communities are waiting to hear about Jesus. They just need someone to tell them. You don’t need to preach to thousands. Just ask God for your one. He’ll show you who they are.