Making Ripples

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." -Matthew 9:37

As I witnessed the heightened anxiousness about the potential hurricane that may be headed in this direction, I have not been distracted by the media attention, nor have I felt compelled to track the progression of the storm. My eyes have been glued to the mission field of a local, nonprofit team that has tirelessly poured their hearts, time, and resources into multiple outreach initiatives.

 I watched as intercessors, missionaries, evangelists, and prophets rallied around the lost and partnered their faith unselfishly with a massive, underserved population. A population that sometimes become invisible, because the needs are so great and the work is overwhelming. A population that suffers in silence due to national budget cuts.  However...

I have seen miracles manifest expeditiously.
I have seen God multiply the manna (resources).
I have seen faith renewed, hope restored, and dreams made possible.

Even with the day to day struggles/demands of operating a nonprofit, I have watched shifts of volunteers log hours of dedication, commitment, and sow seeds to the glory of God.

On today, I felt a wave of freedom drown hopelessness at the Ripple Effects Empowerment Center. I stood nearby as God transformed an ordinary room into a sanctuary of restoration. I watched Him make ripples with the broken pebbles of an exhausted mother who came into the center expecting to have one need fulfilled, but leaving with so much more. I watched the Executive Director step into the water and help the mother navigate through her personal storm to the shore of Jesus. I watched the mother's folded, closed arms become open to "receive" God's love and compassion through helping hands. I watched her frown turn into a smile of hope. I watched her eyes of disappointment become refilled with fresh faith. I watched her darkness transform into light. I watched her leave much better than she came.

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38