Can you remember moments in your life where others helped guide you in your faith?

I was on a Confirmation retreat in eighth grade. We were staying at a church camp in Minden, Louisiana. It was hot, and there were just a handful of us there: one girls’ cabin and another for the boys. It was the perfect retreat location for me in particular. I’ve always found my connection with God to be greater when I’m outside, marveling at His Creation.

That particular retreat included an outdoor hike led by Pastor Greg. While I’m sure he told us many wonderful things about God and Jesus during that hike, I was completely mesmerized by how he seemed able to recognize and name every single tree and leaf we came across. And so, donning my nerd hat, I began to challenge him, asking about each wayward branch and fallen leaf. But Pastor Greg always knew the answer. It utterly delighted me (though I’m sure my peers were less amused). Being the clever and relatable man that he was, however, he used the moment he was handed to help guide my curiosity toward the source of Creation: God.

During an audience at the Vatican on March 6, Pope Francis met with priests, deacons, seminarians and staff from St. Mary’s Seminary in Cleveland. He called on attendees to be missionary disciples, reminding them of a sentiment he’s become well known for since his papacy’s beginning: “The good shepherd walks with the flock: sometimes ahead, to mark the way; sometimes in the midst, to encourage them and sometimes behind, to accompany those who may be struggling. Always remember how important it is to walk with the flock, never apart from it.”

That day many years ago, my pastor walked with me, answering my questions. He used my own curiosity about the world and his personal knowledge to relate to me, a skeptical young teen, and turn me toward God.

Walking with others as missionary disciples pops up in a wide array of situations, with people of varying ages and in different places on their faith journeys. Inside this issue of the magazine, we highlight “disciple makers” who used their vocations to do just that. Each person you’ll read about was nominated by someone who was inspired by their faith and actions; and each person has walked beside others on their path to faith: sometimes on the playing field, other times in a math classroom.

I hope you find inspiration in their often simple acts of faith that helped bring others to Jesus.