The Hug I’ll Never Forget
I first met Leon Holeman at a church community meeting for organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. As I sat in the choir loft, someone tapped my shoulder.
“May I give you a hug?” he asked, smiling.
“Why?” I asked, surprised.
“For years I came to Operation Care International’s Christmas Gift celebration,” Leon said.
“Your volunteers welcomed me with smiles. They washed my feet, gave me a coat, a sleeping bag, blankets, eyeglasses, and personal care items. But the greatest gift was that they told me about Jesus and prayed for me. You made me feel loved.“
Then he said something I’ll never forget: “I’m not homeless anymore. I have my own apartment, a car, and I sing in my church choir.”
That was nearly ten years ago. This past May, Leon invited me to his graduation. After years of perseverance and God’s faithfulness, he earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science. He still sings in his church choir and is now pursuing university teaching opportunities.
Watching Leon walk across that stage, I thanked God. What began with simple acts of kindness had grown into a testimony of transformation.
Leon reminds us that no one is beyond hope. Every smile, prayer, meal, and warm coat matters. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Because faithful friends like you chose to care, Leon’s story became one of redemption and grace. Today, countless others are waiting for someone to believe in them.
Will you help us reach the next Leon? Together, we can keep transforming lives one person, one act of kindness at a time.
Glory to God there is always hope in Christ. A hug may seem small, but in God’s hands, it can change a life. Go out today and hug someone. You may never know the eternal difference it makes.
