April 30th, 2021: "Ripple Effect"


"Ripple Effect" was what I was thinking about while talking to a friend who shared how a conversation I had with her more than 35 years ago has influenced her life. She told me then she would love to work as a Dean of International Students. She is now one. She told me that she still uses some of the lessons she learned back then.


I have been reflecting on the many lessons (Ripples) we learned together with our students during the years I served as the International Students Ministry Staff at McGill and Concordia in Montreal.


The ripple of being passionate: I was indeed passionate about reaching out to students from all over the world. It was not a job. It was a calling, and I went at it without any doubts. We were passionate about God's love for His people as we served international students who came from many regions of the world.


The ripple of transformation: my time with international students ministry was one of my most significant spiritual transformations. We learned about God and His people in the context of global involvement and revelation. We also learned that God speaks to people in languages, dreams, visions, music, and food.


The ripple of knowing God: It changed my understanding of God and how He is at work among us. We had one of the most intense and honest conversations with Jewish and Arabic students at one of our Summer camps. We talked about Apartheid with South African students at one of our International Christmas.


The ripple of simplicity: simplicity is another lesson that I learned during those years. My true enjoyment was with people, not things. We had no fancy program. We just helped them to get settled and to be ready for their time in Canada. God just appeared to be among us as we went about simple things of life.


So I am excited for my friend. I told her that I miss those days dearly. She told me that I need to go back and do that. Maybe, I will.


John 10: 15,16

"Just as the Father knows me and I know the Fathe, and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

 

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