Ripples

Unseen Impact

With the arrival of 2026, it’s wild to think that a year I’ve anticipated for so long with high school graduation and my first semester of college is about to be over. This realization has made me pause to think about some of the people who helped get me to this point in life, many of whom might not even know the lasting impact they made.

The things we do, the words we say, the ways we make people feel, and the lessons we inadvertently teach all have ripple effects that extend far beyond what we could know or see in our lifetime. Knowing this gives me hope. We’re called to minister faithfully, especially when we can’t see the immediate effects. God is the one who makes the real changes— even the ones we don’t get to see. I could give countless stories of the people who have shaped my own life and faith in ways they likely didn’t see in the moment. Here are just a few.

My memories of Awana, our kids’ ministry at church in early elementary school, are vague, but there was one kind-hearted college student named Sarah who volunteered and left an impression on me early on in my life. I watched her love us with such joy, even as she was walking through a time of suffering. When I started getting involved in kids’ ministry in high school, I think her example was always in the back of my mind to emulate.

Later in elementary school, another college student named Kayla was one of my Sunday school teachers. She was fun, energetic, and a great teacher. I still remember what we learned as she answered my many questions in a Bible study she led on friendship.

Angela got to know me almost as soon as I came into youth group in sixth grade. Her influence throughout my middle school years left a mark because I started to realize that Christianity wasn’t just something meant for middle-aged adults. Here was a fun-loving college student who enjoyed life yet was still living faithfully for God. Her joy in life and love for us came from the genuine overflow of her love for God, and although I didn’t see fully appreciate that as a middle schooler, I will never forget the way she chose to invest in us.

Mrs. Bates was another small group leader during my middle school years who took time out of her busy schedule every week to lead the worship band and invest in us. She went above and beyond in so many ways— especially during the Coronavirus pandemic when she put a lot of effort into helping our small group stay connected when we couldn’t see each other face-to-face. The way I kept some semblance of community during that time was mostly due to her.

When my family switched churches and I learned the value of intentionality in church involvement in a completely new way as I jumped into teaching and facilitating 4th and 5th grade Sunday school, Greg was there to disciple my brother and I along the way. He poured into me as I poured into the kids, and by giving me just a little bit more responsibility than I thought I could handle but walking alongside me every step of the way, my confidence in ministering to others grew exponentially.

Throughout high school, there were countless people who influenced my walk with the Lord. Caroline, an already busy college student, met with me to mentor and encourage me almost every week of my freshman year. A pastor in Utah and family friend taught sessions during our mission trips there and helped me understand what it means to live out the Great Commission. Kimmy, a small group leader my senior year, helped me through one of the more difficult parts of high school by listening to me and offering wise counsel. My youth pastor and his wife have been an ongoing influence. And of course, I cannot overlook the way my parents and grandparents have ministered to me for so many years. I’m realizing more and more that their teaching and example are something I should never take for granted.

I don't remember every word these people said, but I remember the way they made me feel and the lessons they taught me, whether directly or indirectly. I remember the way they showed me that living out the gospel was so beautiful and joy-filled. The Lord has truly blessed me with so many people who have poured into my life. I can only pray that I could have the chance to pay it forward someday. Don’t underestimate the power you have to make a difference in someone’s life. Angela showed up to youth group week after week and engaged with us. It wasn’t complicated. She just lived faithfully. Greg put his all into kids’ ministry and let us come alongside him in his contagious passion. The Lord works through all kinds of people to accomplish profound goals. So carry on. Don’t underestimate the ripple effects the Lord might be using you to make right now!