"Jesus Loves You" - Los Angeles Mission Trip Story 2025

Tuesday as we were driving, we began praying that the Lord would open doors for us to share the hope of Jesus. We asked Him to lead us—to help us see the people He sees and speak the words He gives.

Not long after, we noticed a group of people on the side of the road selling items from a little sidewalk stand—just a tent and a few handmade things. We felt prompted to stop and talk with them.

The first woman we approached smiled and handed us a pamphlet. The front of it said, “Jesus loves you.” I smiled back and said, “We’re actually out here doing the same thing—telling people about Jesus and the hope we have in Him!”

We asked if we could pray for her, and she quickly said yes. As we began to pray, she lifted her hands and joyfully said, “Hallelujah!” Right there on the street corner.

We were so deeply encouraged by her. Physically, it was clear she struggled. She didn’t have much—limited mobility, few resources—but she was using what she did have to spread the name of Jesus in a broken city. No microphone. No platform. Just her faith, her hands, and her corner of the world. It reminded me of the passage in Mark 12:41–44. Jesus watched as many rich people gave large offerings at the temple, but He pointed out the woman who gave two small coins, saying: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43–44) - written by Lauren Strickland