One of the most important ministry questions may not be, "Who are we reaching?" but rather, "Who are we not seeing?"

As I look across CenLa this summer, I am encouraged by the many churches investing time and energy into Vacation Bible School, camps, mission trips, and outreach events. These efforts matter, and God often uses them to impact lives in powerful ways. We naturally focus on the people we see—the children who attend, the families who participate, and the volunteers who serve. The greater challenge is noticing those who remain outside our normal field of vision. Sometimes they are closer than we realize. We encounter them every day at stores, schools, workplaces, and ball fields. It is easy to see a cashier, server, coworker, or neighbor without recognizing the person behind the role—someone carrying burdens, experiencing loneliness, searching for purpose, and deeply loved by God. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently noticed people others overlooked. He saw Zacchaeus in a tree, Bartimaeus by the roadside, and the woman at the well. Some of the greatest ministry opportunities were found not among the crowds, but among those who often went unseen.

As we celebrate what God is doing through our summer ministries, let us ask a simple question: Who are we not seeing? I pray that question opens our eyes to people God has already placed around us and opportunities to share His love with them.