A WINTER ENCOUNTER AT MCDONALD'S

It was a cold winter day when I stopped by a McDonald’s for a warm meal. The snow was piling up outside, and the wind was biting. As I sat near the window sipping my drink, I noticed a man walk in—his face tired, his hands red from the cold. He carried a snow shovel and wore layers of worn-out clothes. It was clear he wasn’t just trying to keep warm—he was surviving. He approached the counter but hesitated—he didn’t have money. I quickly sensed he was looking for something hot to drink. Without thinking twice, I walked up and bought him a hot chocolate.

A CONVERSATION WITH NO DESTINATION

I moved to his table and sat down beside him. Our conversation had no script, no agenda—just two strangers sharing a moment of warmth. In his hand, he held a handmade pipe, used for smoking weed. Without shame, he showed me how he used it. He even offered me a try, which I politely declined. Despite his addiction, he was genuine and polite. I asked how long he had been using it. “Since I was 18,” he said. “And I’ve been homeless for over 20 years.”

OFFERING DIGNITY, NOT JUST DOLLARS

I gave him my cellphone number and told him to call if he ever needed help. I offered a few dollars— not as charity, but to help fill his hunger. He was so grateful. I also gave him a chance to earn a little by doing some on-call snow shoveling work around our building. He gladly accepted. He chose to remain in the streets, seeking what he called freedom from the pressures of life. I haven’t seen him lately, but I know he’s still out there— somewhere—looking for peace in his own way.

THE HEART OF INTENTIONAL EVANGELISM

Sometimes evangelism doesn’t look like preaching from a pulpit or handing out tracts. Sometimes, it’s buying someone a hot drink, sitting beside them without judgment, and offering small acts of love. It’s showing the face of Jesus in unexpected places—like a snowy McDonald’s lobby. Intentional evangelism is not always loud. It doesn’t always produce immediate change. But it is always about presence, compassion, and connection. Let’s continue to look around us. The mission field is everywhere—even at the next table.

THE CHALLENGE FOR US ALL

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." — Matthew 25:40

Let’s be intentional. Let’s step outside. Let’s look beyond the mess and see the man, the woman, the soul. Jesus came for them.Will you?

With compassion and purpose,

Mr. B. Datu Unayan

SULADS Canada Foundation President

“Loving the lost, listening to the lonely, and leading with the love of Christ.”