Our goals were to share the gospel and connect people to Everlasting Church in the Bronx. Our team practiced our gospel presentations before leaving, and we had opportunities to share the gospel with several people, from a group of preteen boys to a Muslim owner of a Balkan restaurant.

And one person shared the gospel with me.

Before church on Sunday, Jaelyn and I asked Maria Sauceda, the 7-year-old daughter of the missionaries who planted Everlasting Church, which story about Jesus is her favorite. She thought for a moment and then answered the Easter story.

“I’m always sad,” she sad, her voice lowering to sad tones, “when Jesus dies because he didn’t do anything wrong. But then he comes back to life! And,” she continued, growing even more excited, “if we believe in Him, we will get to see Him one day in heaven!” As she finished, she jumped a few times for joy.

Maria’s quick review of her favorite story about Jesus wasn’t a rehearsed gospel presentation — but it was still a telling of the gospel. And it was impactful because I could see how much the Good News means to her.

The next time I have an opportunity to share the gospel, I hope I recall Maria’s enthusiasm and remember I have just as much reason to be excited about what Jesus has done for me.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16