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The Perpetual Ripple Effect of Transformed Lives

Written by Connecting Streams

June 12, 2013

On May 26, 2013, Connecting Streams hosted its annual Celebration and Volunteer Appreciation Event. Ministry stream leaders and volunteers testified of God’s faithfulness and of Connecting Streams’ continuing influence. Every testimony affirmed God’s call to ongoing commitment, perseverance, and surrendering self for His kingdom.

Lowell, a volunteer for the Salvation Army addictions residence, spoke about his inner emptiness and his deep yearning for something beyond the comfort of his own life. Through his volunteer experience, God changed his heart and showed him that laying down his life by serving truly brings life.

Carla volunteers at the Edmonton Young Offender Centre. She described her experience as the highlight of her week. Her team reassures young boys that they are valuable and that God has a purpose for their lives. As a result of her their “just go and show up” commitment, sixteen young boys committed their lives to Christ.

Other volunteers testified of God’s continual favor, grace, and goodness as He uses willing and committed hearts to reach out to the “least of these.” Jane, the widow’s outreach leader, spoke about overcoming her own inadequacies and initial reluctance to commit: “What if I never bothered?” Sixty-four widows would have missed God’s blessing. “Watch what God can do with our willingness,” she warned. “There is a cost, but it is worth it.”

Correctional center volunteers recounted God’s faithful presence in the midst of unspeakable heartache and sorrow. They testified that many inmates consider prison as the place God rescued them. Some portray a tough exterior, but inside, they cry real tears. Every week, many inmates, both men and women, commit their lives to Christ.

Donna Mitchell, Connecting Streams’ director, introduced new staff member Carrie Lynn Lund. Carrie described her faith journey and God’s call to serve with Connecting Streams. “I am so humbled and blessed to be part of such an amazing group of believers who are dedicated to discipleship and sharing the gospel,” she said.

Donna concluded the evening’s inspiring testimonies by affirming God’s call for Connecting Streams’ to connect the under-alive church with the broken and marginalized in our world. She alluded to the Samaritan woman’s story to remind believers of the urgency of selfless serving: “The fields are already ripe for harvest,” she said. “What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!”

The evening’s prominent theme reiterated that there is a never-ending ripple effect when believers embrace the life God intended by willingly and intentionally following Jesus into a hurting world. In reflection, Donna observed: “The harvest is ripe indeed. If we will ‘be bothered’ to do what He asks, the blessings are innumerable – the perpetual ripple effect of transformed lives!”