Zariyah is learning at a young age that the way God works through us can create a ripple effect.

Zariyah, who is a sophomore at Early College High School and Canton McKinley, has been volunteering for the past two years with a community service club called CAST (Caring and Serving Together). Through her connection with CAST, Zariyah attended RippleFX's Aliquippa mission trip this past summer.

It all started when Sonja, CAST's leader, invited others to join her on the Aliquippa mission trip. Zariyah was “all in” even though she had never done something like that before. She said that her desire to give back to her community and other communities is what motivated her to participate and to overcome her fear of the unknown.

At the work site, Zariyah met Miss Annette for the first time. “She reminded me of my family," Zariyah shared. "I thought she was a very sweet lady, who always spoke kindly to me.” 

Miss Annette shared that her son had passed away and that she desired to have the group help to clean up his memorial garden. Zariyah was impressed that despite Annette's tragic, heartbreaking circumstances, she manifested joy, faith, and hope. “Everybody was very open, very sweet, and kind with Miss Annette, treating her the same way they would want to be treated,” recalled Zariyah.

After the mission team cleaned up her porch and bought her a new rug, Miss Annette said that it was too bad that her furniture is so old and dirty. Zariyah noted this comment and wondered if she could help Miss Annette with new porch furniture. When the group returned home, Zariyah asked Sonja to help her start a fundraiser. The initial goal was $200, but because of the generosity of all the donors, they ended up with $500. Zariyah said, “I was very thankful that everybody was so gracious for giving that to her.”

Zariyah returned to Aliquippa, but this time she served behind the scenes with RippleFX. During this trip Zariyah was able to surprise Miss Annette with the news about the fundraiser and helped Miss Annette pick out some new porch furniture. Surprised and overwhelmed by the generosity shown through Zariyah, Miss Annette was compelled in her own heart to pass on an act of kindness. The mission team that delivered and assembled her new porch furniture consisted of several young teens. Miss Annette went inside her house and brought out the collection of her son’s hats, some of her most treasured possessions. She let every kid present pick out one to keep. They were overjoyed to receive these gifts (See photo below with Miss Annette, her new furniture, and the kids wearing their new hats).

Did you catch the small act and the ripple effect that was created?

An invitation from Sonja asking others to join her in serving in Aliquippa — a small act — led to Zariyah connecting with Miss Annette, wanting to care for her and initiating fundraising to provide porch furniture for her and her family. Zariyah's act of love compelled Miss Annette to give away some of her most prized and deeply sentimental possessions.

This was only the beginning. We don't know yet how the porch furniture will provide a space where deeper relationships are formed or how the teenagers who received the hats will be shaped by Miss Annette's loving act of generosity. Perhaps even more exciting is to consider how Zariyah will be shaped by her experiences this past summer and will continue to initiate ripple effects.

In the hands of God, our simple acts of love become ripple effects.

Zariyah experienced firsthand what the Holy Spirit can do as the result of one simple act. Her story reminds us of the scripture from Hebrews 10:24: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds." Her story is one that inspires and prompts us to ask, "How might God use me to create ripple effects?"

RippleFX is ready for Winter 2024!

'Let Love Ripple' Celebration!

February 15

Refuel

February 23-25

See photos from Refuel!

EPIC

March 15-17

See photos from EPIC!

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Will you support our efforts by connecting us to people, organizations, and resources?

We are looking for:

Churches seeking life-changing camps, retreats, and mission trips.

Non-Profits and other organizations that are looking for a way to make an impact for Jesus.

Individuals that want to create a "Ripple Effect" with their giving.

Interested? Send us an email! Know someone who may be interested? Share our website so they can learn more!

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Your tax-deductible donation makes a real difference!

Each year, Jesus uses experiences like Aliquippa to deepen relationships and develop leaders for the Kingdom. We can't facilitate those life-changing experiences without the support of donors.

Other Ways to Support RippleFX

Prayer: That our winter experiences would provide opportunities for students to meet Jesus and deepen their relationships with Him.