Long before Karen ever met her Afghan, Nepalese, Guatemalan, or Congolese friends in Phoenix, her life had already been shaped by cross-cultural relationships and the quiet faithfulness of people who lived their love in both ordinary and extraordinary ways.

Chuy, Jan, Bonnie, and another faithful friend worship at Circle of Peace Church in Peoria. Their story begins with a question: What does following Jesus look like?

Oftentimes, if we’re listening, God redirects us in ways we never imagined. Following Him means staying humble, curious, and willing to go wherever He chooses to send us. Sometimes, the things He has already deposited in us –our gifts, passions, and experiences– can be repurposed for assignments that were never on our radar.

That’s exactly what happened with this one Welcome Team. Chuy and Jan spent years serving globally, faithfully supporting pastors and ministries across borders. But when the Lord opened their eyes to a mission field in neighborhoods and households in Phoenix, they saw that the nations were already here.

Their new assignment was revealed to be very close to home. It was local, and all it asked of them was one small yes that led to many more.

There is a quiet, steadfast love in the world that is unhurried, rooted in Christ, and rich with compassion that rarely makes headlines. It shows up in ordinary places, pays attention, and makes room for the people we too often overlook.

This is the kind of love that Lorry and Shelby have been living for years among their refugee neighbors in Phoenix. Their story isn't polished or flashy. It isn’t built on programs or platforms. But rather, it’s built on faithful presence like Christ modeled. One that stays, listens, and responds. 

And it all began with a simple conversation on the light rail.