"The call to share the gospel, to ensure that all have heard, is not just about reaching out with words — it is about embodying a life that reflects Christ’s love and truth in every encounter," shares Shivan.
Shivan* originates from the Caribbean and is a first-generation follower of Jesus in his family line and engages in education and community development. Previously, he worked in the oil and gas industry, where he came to know Christ. Shivan currently serves with OM Ships and OM International.
Growing up, cricket was one of the most important sports to play after school in my neighbourhood. As kids, we would leave our parents’ home to play cricket on the street, which would in turn lead to us being away from home for many hours and even into the night. In typical village fashion, our parents would send messages to us through random people walking on the street indicating that we should come home. Of course, we ignored each messenger until a parent came themself. It would not matter whose parent it was, we all knew we were in trouble as the adults lived by the principle “It takes a village to raise a child.” From there, these famous words would be heard: “If you don’t hear you will feel”, followed by some sort of discipline. As adults, we can look back at this and laugh with our parents and neighbours but today, as a follower of Jesus, those words make me wonder how people learn and shape behaviours when words aren’t enough.
"Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (MSG)
The call to share the gospel, to ensure that all have heard, is not just about reaching out with words — it is about embodying a life that reflects Christ’s love and truth in every encounter. Jesus, who lived among us as fully God and fully human, offers us a model of how to be present with others in a way that brings grace into their lives. As followers of Jesus, we are tasked with sharing His message, but it begins with how we engage with the people around us before we speak of salvation or offer wisdom.
In our village, the concept of appointments doesn’t exist, the community has this sense of just showing up to ‘lime’ or ‘liming’ — a Caribbean term for hanging out or spending time together, or as we say: “Ah come to buss ah lime”. This can be as big as sharing a meal, listening to someone’s story or just laughing together. These moments of connection build trust and show people they are accepted just as they are.
As I look at Jesus, I see a little bit of my village culture in Him, or is it Him in us. He didn’t wait for people to come to Him; He entered their spaces, sat with them, listened to them and walked alongside them. In the Gospels, we see Jesus at a village wedding, at a tax collector’s house and even with the outcasts.
In today's world, people long for genuine connection and presence. As we rush to accomplish tasks or fulfill our mission, we may forget that others want to feel seen, heard and valued before they can truly listen or believe. The simple act of being present in people’s lives — sharing in their joys, sorrows and struggles — creates a space for them to experience God's love. Like Jesus, who entered people's lives with no agenda other than to love them and reconcile them to the Father, we reflect God's heart when we offer kindness, patience and attentiveness. This allows others to encounter the gospel in a more profound way than through mere words.
Being fully present with someone communicates that they matter and are valued, which is particularly powerful in a world filled with distractions. True presence becomes a testimony of God's care, and people are naturally drawn to those who make them feel understood. Through this genuine connection, people begin to hear the gospel in ways that are deeper than intellectually, and include emotionally and relationally. This also challenges Jesus followers to physically meet people where they gather. The gospel wasn’t meant to stay within church walls but to reach those in everyday spaces — village corners, workplaces, coffee shops and social gatherings. By embodying Christ’s love and grace in these places, we make God’s love visible.
This posture of being present is not a one-way connection but also challenges us to share in our weaknesses. The world often sees weakness as a liability, but in God's Kingdom, weakness is valued. It is through our vulnerability that God's strength shines brightest. When we connect with others in their brokenness, we don’t need to hide our own imperfections. Instead, our shared vulnerability fosters authentic relationships and opens doors for healing and transformation. The gospel speaks powerfully to those who are weak, broken or hurting, offering grace to those who feel rejected or inadequate. By extending grace to others, we create an environment where healing can begin.
As Jesus followers, our role is not to judge or condemn, but to offer the same grace we've received. Ultimately — through our actions and not just our words — we offer the world a chance to experience God’s love, one person at a time, until all have heard.
*name changed