While I was in Burkina Faso in 2025, I was sitting in a prayer meeting when I noticed a Burkinabé friend of mine squinting every time he looked toward the light. Something seemed off. I could tell he was uncomfortable, so I asked him about it.

That’s when I learned he worked as a welder.

In Burkina Faso, many welders do not have access to proper welding masks. Day after day, they are exposed to dangerous light that slowly damages their eyes. The pain is real. The long-term consequences are serious. My friend had simply been enduring it because he had no other option.

That night, I was texting my younger brother, Jared Canfield. Jared has done a lot of welding himself, so he immediately understood the seriousness of what was happening. He knew the danger. He knew the pain. He knew what repeated exposure to that kind of light could do.

While we were talking, Jared went online, bought a welding mask, and sent it to me so I could get it to my friend.

What moved Jared to act?

Compassion.

His heart was stirred because he understood the need. And once his heart was moved, his resources followed.

That simple act became such a clear picture to me of how God often works in this world.

God allows His people to see needs, hear cries, notice pain, and become aware of suffering. Then His Spirit works through softened hearts so that His love can move through His people to meet those needs.

But before God often works through us, He first wants to work in us.

Jesus said in the parable of the sower that good soil is what receives the seed and bears fruit. The issue is not the power of the seed—it is often the condition of the soil.

A hard heart does not bear fruit.

God wants to soften our hearts so His love can flow through us.

Let me ask you something:

Do you understand the danger and destruction of sin?
Do you know there are people all around the world who are spiritually blind and condemned already without Christ?
Do you remember what it was like to live without Jesus?
Has Christ changed your life?

Life in Christ is abundant. It is blessed. It is full of grace and hope.

So what happens when you hear about the need?
What happens when you see the lost?
What happens when God lets you see someone’s pain?

Is your heart soft?
Is God’s love moving through you?
Is your life bearing fruit?

Softened soil bears fruit.



May God soften our hearts so His compassion can flow through us to a world in need.