There’s something about a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold night…something simple, yet wonderful.

A weekly ministry I’ve been a part of at YWAM is Hot Chocolate evangelism. It’s been a wonderful experience for me, to go out into the Tenderloin, down to Market Street, or to the Mission neighborhood, and passing out hot chocolate to strangers. Such a simple, yet wonderful experience. I’ve learned three very important things from this - people love free stuff, people love hot chocolate, and people love to talk. Offering a warm cup of cocoa to a stranger on a cold night is such a simple gesture of love, care, and community, which has given me the opportunity to have some of the best conversations I’ve had in this city. Hot chocolate is the best ice breaker. Surely there’s the people who reject the free cup of cocoa, thinking it’s poisoned, or a scam, or some sort of panhandling, but most of the time, people are excited to receive a free cup of cocoa, and love to share a story or two, or 5, with me.

Most people are surprised when we offer them free hot chocolate, no strings attached, and just want to say ‘hello’ and chat with them. They’re surprised, but appreciative, and excited to talk. Almost always, I end up talking to someone for at least five minutes, sometimes an entire hour, and I love meeting people in this way!

I’ve heard so many life stories and learned some incredible life lessons through such a simple act, which has led me to want to continue the hot chocolate evangelism when I leave this city. When I return to Santa Barbara, I want to continue the ministry there, possibly on Milpas, at West Beach, or State Street. Spending an hour or two on a Friday night, sharing hot chocolate and good conversations with strangers can lead to the formation of awesome friendships with people I’d otherwise never get to know or interact with.

So who’s with me?