A Global Advent: 25 Stories of God With Us Around the Worldنموونە

What do you do to find a moment of peace?

Many of us seek peace in solitude. A silent-night moment where all is calm or time to ourselves before the holly jolly hustle of the day. These moments are important to our souls—a little breathing room to reflect during the season.

But solitude is not always peaceful. We were created to be in relationship with others. Community is equally vital to the health of our souls. We need to feel that we are known, loved, and protected in order to thrive. When this need is not met, there is no peace.

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Bang! Bang! Bang! They’re pounding on the door again. Lucas* hesitates to open it. Anxiety coils in his stomach.

Since Lucas* and his four younger siblings were abandoned by their father, he’s been afraid to open the door. Their mother found work to provide for them, but it's far away and she rarely returns home. Barely a teenager, Lucas* must now look after his younger siblings. This is a common situation for children living in poverty in Bolivia.

The visitors keep banging. It’s Lucas'* new friends, other teenagers in a similar situation who have resorted to destructive behaviour.

Lucas* has been feeling uncomfortable with these friends, and the responsibility of assuming the role of an adult for his family burdens him.

But Lucas* attends the Compassion centre at his local church. His tutor, Evelyn, noticed when he began acting differently. She asked him what was happening, and he shared the truth. She immediately connected with his mother to help reunite and protect their family.

“We pay attention to the changes we see in the children,” says Evelyn. “We offer them a safe place with people they can trust and count on when they need it. It’s a relief to see how children tell us about the things they go through in their homes. At the centre and church, they found a place where they feel protected and loved.”

Lucas* is no longer afraid of banging on the door. He’s come to experience true peace as his local church showed him that God is with him and he is known, loved, and protected.

Relationship is important to peace. Use a moment of solitude to consider how you can bring peace to someone by being present for them today.

*Lucas is a pseudonym