Every now and then we meet people in our lives that make a significant impression by the profoundly simple things that they do. 88 year old Bermudian Johnny Barnes is one of those people that many have met and then never forget.

While being well past retirement age he has never tired from contributing to his community in a simple yet remarkable way. Every weekday morning for the past 26 years from 5am to 10am, Johnny makes his way to the middle of a roundabout in Hamilton, Bermuda that is the main hub for commuters traveling to work from the western and southern ends of the Island. Johnny stands in the middle of the roundabout and says a cheery ‘Good Morning!’ to every one of the commuters. He can be seen waving his arms, blowing kisses into the air and declaring “I love You, God loves you.”

Johnny Sees himself as having a mission with God to remind people that they are loved and that God has not stopped loving them. He is motivated and committed to sharing God’s love to every passerby. Apparently Johnny is also known to pray for people if they approach him at his post, but he will not pray for them if uninvited. None of the locals see him as a religious nut, rather a man that has a timeless life changing message of love who brings a glimmer of hope to those going about their daily lives.

In recognition of his service, the local Bermudians pooled their resources together and commissioned a local sculptor to create a large bronze statue of Johnny, which now stands in the same place on the roundabout that Johnny has stood  for the past 26 years. The locals say that when Johnny is no longer around to remind us that he and God love us, every time we see that statue, we will see him waving his arms and sharing those words, “God loves you”. He will forever remain in our memory.

One commuter said this about Johnny, which essentially sums up the lasting and profound influence Johnny has had on others. “Simple grace is how I would describe Johnny Barnes with his amazing constancy that binds society together”.

What may appear to be foolishness to some, to others Johnny’s very public expression of love does more than change their attitude about their day, it provides them with a life changing hope.

1 Corinthians 1:18 nails what Mr Happy Man is about. It says this – The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hell-bent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out. (MSG)

Watch if you dare, the 2011 short-subject documentary about Johnny Barnes titled “Mr. Happy Man”. It may make your day or even change your life!

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