A ripple in the water is a drop of energy that moves out from the center. The impact can be long lasting as it travels. It can gain impact as other ripples join it. It can reach further as its source continues to feed it. It can last decades.
30 plus years ago (it hurts a little to say that), I served with a ministry that provided minor home repair in the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee. In five summers of ministry, we averaged 100 participants in camp each week. Each staff facilitated 4 camp weeks throughout the summer. Each camp week averaged 65-70 home repair projects. During these years, there were five different camp locations in operation at one time. The ripples in the water that has gone out from this ministry is significant, long lasting and for me – life changing.
Looking back, it seems insane to me that the ministry let 21 year olds like me run the camps. We learned conflict resolution, interpersonal communication skills, group facilitation, public speaking, and team building as part of our training. It was intentional to prepare us for a successful summer. As a camp directors, we added community relations and fund development to the repertoire. These ripples have had tremendous impact as I have relied on these skills countless times throughout my career.
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20 NIV).
The command to go make disciples begins with a simple ripple in the water. Reflecting back over so many years it is easy to see the impact of the individuals that participated in this ministry. It is easy to see how God took something seemingly simple and turned it into so much more. Faithfully sharing the love of God with each one we encounter adds to the ripples and brings others into God’s presence.
How are you adding to the ripples? Can you see the impact of God over many years? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.