I recently read an article where visitors to the U.S. were asked, “What is the strangest thing about the United States?” Consistently, people responded, “Everyone is so nice.” They noted that people open doors and smile at perfect strangers.

One said the friendliness was surprising because it was different from what the media portrays.

I’m not sure why this article has gotten stuck in my head. It might be because I want the country I live in to be welcoming and kind to the stranger. And yet I know it often is not.

This issue’s theme centers the experiences of small churches. The writers share wonderful examples of small communities with great impacts.

It’s not unlike our AW team. I like to say we are small but mighty. This is how I would also describe the congregations featured in this issue.

Jesus cited the mustard seed as an example of the impact of a small thing. Once planted and tended, it grows and gives shelter for birds. Its influence, once unimaginable, becomes undeniable.

Perhaps the article about how visitors perceive Americans has stuck with me because we are in an election season, the most difficult time to be decent toward one another.

If you are a reader in the U.S., you will likely receive this issue just a few days before Election Day. I hope this issue can serve as a reminder, especially in moments of anxiety on the national level, that there is power in small acts of goodness and faithfulness. It’s undeniable.