Sharing Sunshine

Ángel climbed up on the cart next to Papá. The glass milk bottles in the back clinked softly as their horse trotted forward. The sun was shining, and it reminded him of his favorite song.

“Jesus wants me for a sunbeam,” Ángel sang.

A few months ago, Ángel had been baptized. Mamá and his little brother, Oscar, were baptized too. Papá didn’t join the Church, but he was happy for them. Ángel still remembered how it felt when he came up out of the water. It was like how the warm sunshine felt on his back, but on the inside.

Ángel kept singing to himself as Papá stopped the cart outside of Señora Perez’s house. Ángel hopped down and grabbed a milk bottle from the back. Señora Perez was one of his family’s customers.

“Delivery!” he said.

Señora Perez was working in her garden. “Thank you,” she said, taking the bottle. She handed him some coins. “What was that song you were singing?”

Ángel felt his cheeks get hot. He didn’t realize she had heard him!

“It’s a song from my church,” Ángel said. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

Señora Perez smiled. “Why don’t you tell me something about your church?”

For a moment, Ángel wasn’t sure what to say. Then he said, “We believe that the same church Jesus Christ set up when He lived on earth is here again.”

“Interesting,” Señora Perez said. “I’ve never heard of a church that believes that.”

“Maybe you can come sometime,” Ángel said. “Have a good day!” Then he ran back to Papá to help deliver the rest of the milk.

Early Sunday morning, Ángel woke up. He could hear Mamá in the kitchen making breakfast.

“Oscar,” Ángel said, “it’s time to get ready for church!”

Ángel and Oscar put on their church clothes and got ready to leave. The church building was almost two miles away. It was a long walk, so they had to leave early.

“Have a nice time,” Papá said as they left.

As they walked, Ángel hummed his favorite song again. He hummed as they passed the houses where he delivered milk. He hummed as they passed the fruit stands at the market. And he hummed as they turned onto the street where the church building was.

When they stepped inside, Ángel was surprised. Señora Perez was there! She had brought her whole family with her.

“You came to church!” Ángel said.

Señora Perez nodded. “I was inspired by your song,” she said. “I called your mother for the address. I wanted to come learn about this church for myself.”

Ángel smiled. He had shared the gospel just by singing a song. He hoped Señora Perez could feel some sunshine in her heart today too.

Illustrations by Jomike Tejido