"The Ripple Effect"

Topics: Faithfulness, Teaching

Which [the mustard seed] indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is
grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the
birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. 
Matthew 13:32 KJV

Not everyone who commits his life to Jesus Christ will be called to be
world famous. The majority of us are called to fulfill less noticeable
roles in our churches, communities, and families. Yet only God may know
how significant our roles are to the future of thousands - even millions.

A century and a half ago, a humble minister lived and died in a small
village in Leicestershire, England. He lived there his entire life and
never traveled far from home. He never attended college, had no formal
degrees, but was a faithful village minister.

In his congregation was a young cobbler to whom he gave special attention,
teaching him the Word of God. This young man was William Carey, later
hailed as one of the greatest missionaries of modern times.

The village minister also had a son - a boy whom he taught faithfully and
constantly encouraged. The boy's character and talents were profoundly
impacted by his father's life. That son grew up to be a man many
considered the mightiest public orator of his day, Robert Hall. Widely
admired for his saintly character, his preaching was powerful and his
sermons influenced the decisions of statesmen.

It seems the village pastor accomplished little in his life as a preacher.
There were no spectacular revivals, great miracles, or major church
growth. But his faithful witness and godly life had much to do with giving
India its Carey, and England its Robert Hall.

When you think you are having no impact in the world by teaching a Sunday
school class or visiting those who are homebound, remember the little
country preacher who influenced two nations for the Lord.

- Coffee Break with God (pgs. 164-165)
(Excerpted with permission from Honor Books)