Grandfather's Prayer Before Selling Popcorn Touches Hearts

A 75-year-old man's heartfelt prayer before selling popcorn at a street corner moved millions online. His genuine faith went viral after being filmed unexpectedly, inspiring people worldwide.

An elderly man knelt on the sidewalk near a bus stop, extended his hands, bowed his head, and prayed. He wasn't asking for charity—he was asking God to help him sell his popcorn. The video was recorded, shared on social media, and went viral within hours.

The man is Don Pastor Dos Santos, 75 years old, who sells popcorn daily at the traffic light on Avenida Américo Pico and Von Poleski in Villa Elisa, Paraguay.

Don Pastor lives with his daughter in the Mbocajaty neighborhood of Ñemby, Paraguay. Five years ago, he decided to start working to keep himself active and purposeful. "I don't like being idle or bothering others," he told Paraguayan newspaper Extra.

One of his grandsons prepares all the popcorn, packages it into small bags, and arranges them on a tray. At 2:00 PM, Don Pastor leaves his home. He walks for about thirty minutes to reach the side of the 13th Police Station.

But before selling anything, he does something sacred to him. He kneels right there on the sidewalk, unconcerned about curious glances. He prays silently and asks God to help him sell everything. "I always do that," he assured. This time, someone recorded him unknowingly, and his faith touched the hearts of millions online.

For Don Pastor, there's no performance or pretense. He says that prayer is part of his daily life and that he can't begin his day without it. He even offers advice to other street vendors: "Pray too. God always watches and helps."

After his prayer, he begins selling. He stays until everything is sold, some days until 6:00 PM, other times until 7:00 PM.

The viral moment caught the attention of Villa Elisa's mayor, who visited him at home. The municipal chief arrived with a basket of gifts and showed genuine concern for his situation.

Don Pastor seized the opportunity and asked for proper documentation to work peacefully at that intersection, as he sometimes faces difficulties. The mayor invited him to visit City Hall to help him get the necessary paperwork.

"There's always some negativity around. Some vendors treat me poorly. Some get upset because people help me, but that comes from their hearts, not from anything I do," said the kind-hearted grandfather whose story captured many people's hearts.

Don Pastor has two daughters and several grandchildren who love him dearly.