Author: Lindsey, serving on staff with Kaleo Missions in Portland. To submit a story or a photo for our Kaleo Missions blog, email blog@kaleomissions.org.

Throughout this entire summer serving with Kaleo it has been really laid on my heart that we as Christians are called to be ambassadors of Christ. We are all created in his image and we are should strive to live in that image. 2 Corinthians 2:15 “Our Lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God…” I love this verse because it perfectly describes how our actions and the way we love others should directly reflect from Jesus Christ. This is something I love telling my groups: “Put on the aroma of Christ.”

This week I had a powerful experience at our ministry at a day shelter for homeless men and women. I was put on cleaning duty around the eating tables. As I was cleaning under a table I ask a man who was sitting eating if he was having a good day. He said yes and asked me why I was there. I took this opportunity to sit down and talk with my new friend. We talked about life and struggles. We both had family who had terminal illnesses. We both shared the same beliefs and had dreams about the future.

By the end of our conversation he asked me if I was married and had children. At first I thought this was an extremely weird question but I simply told him no. When I told him that he looked at me strange. Then I told him I had just turned nineteen the day before. Then he told me something I hope I wont soon forget. He said that I was most mature nineteen year-old that he has ever met. He also said that exuded this sense of joy, happiness, and love for life and what I do. Later in the conversation he went on to explain that he could see how my joy came from being a child of Christ.

This is the best compliment I have ever received in my life and it came from a man I had known for an hour. The fact that I could even reflect God a little made me happy. God blessed me through that conversation with him. In conclusion this week was a blessing. I learned many things and I got to work with people who were filled with joy.

Serving on staff with Kaleo has been one of the most unique and powerful experiences I have ever been through. I thank God for allowing me to work here and met the people I have.