The Mission provides many services for our guests; one of them is dental care. I walked through our dayroom, and a 68-year-old Palestinian man by the name of Najah could not get the smile off his face as he showed me his new teeth.

Najah Aslim is a guest at Pacific Garden Mission. He reports that in the midst of uncertainty, a simple act of care made a meaningful difference. After receiving dental services, Najah shared how much he appreciates the way his new dentures look and feel—restoring not just his smile, but a sense of dignity and confidence.

He said what stood out to him was the kindness he experienced. He spoke warmly about the dental provider, noting how their gentle and respectful approach made him feel seen and valued. For Najah, this moment was more than a service—it was a reminder that compassion still meets people where they are, offering hope in the smallest, yet most powerful ways.

Sometimes a small act of kindness goes a long way in opening up a heart to the Gospel. Many times before Jesus preached to the multitude, He met their physical needs: “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick” (Matthew 14:14 KJV).

To see a 68-year-old man sitting in a rescue mission, beaming with delight at his new teeth, made my day.

Thank you for your love, prayer, and support of this amazing ministry.