Kindness Changes Lives!
John is an ordinary man with an extraordinary calling. Every day, he carries a pocketful of tickets — not lottery tickets, but invitations. These tickets are not just paper; they were symbols of human connection, of kindness, of hope. And wherever John goes, Buddy, memories of his loyal chocolate Labrador follow close behind.
Buddy wasn’t just a dog; he was a magnet for joy. His wagging tail and warm brown eyes could brighten even the gloomiest day. Together, John and Buddy formed a unique team—one focused on spreading kindness and faith in the simplest ways. Many years later, the pair has now earned a nickname among our Brightmoor family: “The Buddy Brigade.”
John’s approach is rooted in our Senior Pastors “Back to the Basics” 2020 sermon series. The teaching reminded him that the most powerful act of kindness isn’t complicated or flashy; it’s simple, human, and heartfelt. Proverbs 14:21 is the cornerstone of his mission: “He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.”
So, John hits the streets, parks, and shops every day with a mission: to brighten someone’s life. John makes eye contact with each person he meets. He smiles, says hello, and uses their name if he can. For John, technology pales in comparison to the human touch. He believes that kindness had a power all its own—a power to heal, inspire, and even bring people closer to Christ.
And Buddy? Buddy is the icebreaker, the bridge that turns strangers into friends. At first, John focuses on the people around him — cashiers, neighbors, even passersby he encounters during his morning walks. With each interaction, he hands out tickets to church events. “Come and join us,” he says, his smile sincere and inviting. The tickets are not just for events; they are a gateway to fellowship and faith. Over time, these interactions has multiplied. People have asked for tickets for their friends and family, and the Buddy Brigade keeps growing.
What motivated John isn’t just the joy of connection, though that is part of it. His inspiration is Jesus Himself. “Wherever Jesus went, He did good,” John often says: “He understood the importance of kindness, especially to the downtrodden and unsaved. Kindness opens hearts in ways nothing else can.”
Martin Luther’s words echoes in John’s mind: “It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor.” John sees himself as Christ’s ambassador, guided by the simplest of tools—the human touch of kindness. And he believes wholeheartedly that Buddy was part of God’s plan.
Memories of Buddy and the simplicity of John has brought smiles and introduced countless people to the beauty of our Brightmoor family.
Through John’s example, the Buddy Brigade is now more than just an effort; it has became a movement. And while the world continues to grow more complex, the story of John and Buddy reminds everyone of a simple, timeless truth: kindness changes lives.
-John and Buddy’s Story
