The Ripple Effect

“Only God can multiply one into twenty and touch the lives of over 200 orphans.”

This sums up the feelings of 20 ambassadors from one church community who came to Camp LIFE this past summer. Leaders and many members of StoneBridge Church in The Woodlands, TX had heard bits and pieces about Family Legacy and the orphans of Zambia as first one member went to Camp LIFE in 2009, 2010 and then three more in 2011. But when 19 MEMBERS and ONE PASTOR chose to go and serve together in 2012, they recognized God’s hands at work in their midst. These 20 ambassadors had returned from Zambia remarkably changed and the church welcomed the opportunity to come alongside in support of them.

Over the course of two weekends in September they held a “Father’s Heart Sunday”. The goal was to share with their church family how they partner with Family Legacy and invite others to be part of the story by sponsoring their Camp LIFE kids or going to Zambia themselves. The church media arts director produced an inspiring video illustrating the “ripple effect” that was shown during morning worship services; and then the Petty and Plum families were “interviewed” by their lead Pastor in front of the congregation. Through both tears and smiles they shared moving testimony about their time in Zambia loving God’s children.

Prior to the weekend, the “Team StoneBridge” ambassadors met and prayed that many hearts would be touched and moved to action. Their prayers were answered. After both services people literally swarmed the sponsorship tables that The Petty family had organized with photos and sponsor cards for every child. An “on the spot” registration station was set up with iPads logged on to the Father’s Heart website and plenty of ambassadors were present to help with sign-up or to answer questions.

The hearts of the ambassadors were equally touched as they watched so many in their church family willing to give in sponsoring not just ONE child but TWO or THREE. Especially moving were the stories of two couples experiencing financial hardship and job loss. Both felt led to sponsor a child and did so without hesitation, on the spot.

It’s awesome to see how God works among His people when they begin to share His heart for the orphan. He honors faithful obedience and multiplies the harvest. 20 people answered the call to go to Camp LIFE and now the lives of 200 Zambian children are blessed with compassionate sponsors, discipleship and an education through The Father’s Heart. Family Legacy continues to exist and grow through the hearts and hands of our amazing ambassadors like these.

If you’d like to host a Father’s Heart Sunday at your church the StoneBridge Camp LIFE ambassadors are available to help.