Evangelizing Bears Fruit in Friendship

Susan Ciancio describes how she learned that a small, fun evangelization effort has touched young hearts.

We often wonder if we make a difference in people’s lives, especially within our respective Catholic ministries. I frequently ask myself if I am just preaching to the proverbial choir or if my message is really reaching those whose hearts and minds will be touched or changed. I recently had an opportunity to learn how I have touched some young lives. 

At the beginning of the year, I saw a video of a young couple putting little Jesus figures in random places to brighten people’s days. I thought that sounded like a fun idea, so I ordered a package. I had such fun putting them in stores, waiting rooms, airplanes, airports, and other places that I wanted to share my experiences in a story to possibly encourage others to join in on the fun. 

After my initial purchase of a bag of 100, I ordered another and then another. It has been a fun way to bring Jesus into people’s lives, as everyone needs a little Jesus (pun intended!). 

Jesus in a Tree 

My parish has a half-mile path around the grounds, and I often go there and walk. On the property is a Catholic high school, and across the street is a public middle school. Kids often walk on the church’s path to go home. 

One day this past spring, I noticed a tree with a hollow area that is about eye level, so I put a Jesus figure inside. It's large enough for the figure to be wedged in without the risk of falling out. A few days later, it was gone, so I put another there. A couple days later, I was walking at a time when the middle school across the street had just let out, and lots of kids were cutting through the church grounds on their way home. A group of three girls was right in front of me as we passed the tree, and they stopped as one noticed the Jesus figure. One of the girls squealed, "Hey look at that! He's so cute!" 

I kept walking, but I could hear them talking about the figures, and then one said, "No, I want him!" And they took him. It made me smile. So on my second pass by that area, I added another one.  

Since then, I have been putting Jesus figures in the tree every time someone takes one. And someone takes it regularly! 

I feel a bit like Boo Radley! It’s become a fun game to think that someone — hopefully kids — are truly enjoying the little figures. 

A Note of Thanks 

A few weeks ago, I walked past the tree, and the little Jesus figure was gone, but in its place was a piece of paper. I took it out and found a note from three young girls. It said, “Please put three mini Jesus in the tree. Linley, Sylvie, and Julia.” So I did! I really had to wedge them into the hole, as two fit well, but three was a little precarious! 

But the next day, they were gone, and there was another note. It simply said, “Thank you so much! Please do it again!”  

So I did. But along with the figures, I left my own note saying that I was glad that they liked the Jesus figures and that I was actually going to be out of town for a while. I told them when I would return so they didn’t think I had abandoned them. They left a note in return, and a friend found it, but not for several days, and it had rained, so I am not sure what it said. However, I look forward to continuing our little “game” when I return. 

Making a Difference 

After the first note, I walked around that half-mile path with a huge smile on my face. I said prayers for the girls, and I continue to do so. 

I am delighted that these young girls seem to love finding these little figures, and I truly hope that the figures point them to Jesus and make them think about His love, His mercy, His goodness, and the importance of faith.  

Nothing is too small when we strive to pass on our faith and do good for others. As we read in Saint Paul's Letter to the Galatians,

Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

While it may seem that our efforts, our words, and even our actions go unnoticed or unappreciated, let us live in the hope that God is taking these little actions and turning them into something special — something that will change hearts and bring others closer to Him. 

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Copyright 2025 Susan Ciancio
Images: (top, center)copyright 2025 Susan Ciancio, all rights reserved; (bottom) Canva