As we take little steps and grow in our own faith, how does that impact others? Our mission partner, Janet Webb, describes the waterfall effect she’s observed at Lighthouse Academy, the school she serves at in the township of Villiersdorp, South Africa.

Keeping track of how people are growing in faith and love for Jesus, is like trying to take stock of water droplets as they tumble over cascading rocks towards the misty ground. How mighty are God’s acts! In God’s mercy he challenges us as sinners. As we repent and turn to him in faith, he powerfully changes us – while working through us to help others in their faith. Our own steps of faith are interwoven in the mighty river of Kingdom growth. Here I’ve tried to capture some tumbling droplets.

Recently I’ve been challenged by a sin pattern of seeking the approval of others, rather than trusting in God’s acceptance. The truth about God I belittled is that I have been ‘brought near by the blood of Christ’ (Ephesians 2:13). God accepts and hears me. I have been brought near not only to God, but to God and his people, by the Holy Spirit: ‘you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God’ (Ephesians 2:19). A deepened faith in this truth has orientated my heart to value the security we have in being God’s children, in turn changing my desire for approval into a desire to treat the family God has brought me into well.

This stride closer to God has flowed into other areas of my life. I found myself being generally more grateful. Increased belief cascaded into my discipling relationships, strengthening them. At Lighthouse Academy, the Principal and I intentionally disciple teachers. When teachers grow in their own faith, it rains into the children’s lives. They teach the Bible daily in class, they’re the children’s spiritual role models and touch points with the gospel. Let’s hear from them.

‘Recently we studied Mark 4:35-41 and Psalm 29, in preparation to teach about Jesus calming the storm. For the first time, words I’ve heard before, “Do not be afraid”, comforted and calmed me. God is in control of my own circumstances! I felt my heart take a small step of faith. The Bible is God’s living word – I now know what that means.’ 7-8-year-olds teacher

‘When I started working at Lighthouse Academy, I realised that I did not know as much about God as I thought I did. I came to appreciate our Bible meetings because we gather around God’s word, talking about Scripture and praying together. I moved my still time from the evening to early morning. That makes a huge difference in how I go into my day.’ 4-5-year-olds Teacher

‘The way I react to certain situations has really changed since we learnt what it means to not take God’s name in vain. I realised it’s not just about avoiding using his name as a swear word. It’s about how I carry myself as a Christian, how I talk, how I walk – making sure I don’t drag his name through the mud.’ 3-4-year-olds Teacher

‘D (5 years old) knows she can count on God. When a friend of hers fell she said, “Don’t worry, Jesus is going to help you.” The amazing thing is that a year ago I would not have been surprised if she had laughed at that friend.’ 4-5-year-olds Teaching Assistant

‘We pray together daily as a class, sometimes with the prayer dice, sometimes a popcorn prayer, sometimes a quiet whisper prayer, and often volunteers pray. M (6 years old) doesn’t usually put her hand up to pray, but over the past two weeks, she has raised her hand twice. What is amazing is how she’s grown in her understanding of prayer. Both times she used the opportunity to say thank you for specific things, related to what we learnt in the Bible lesson, and asked for forgiveness.’ 6-7-year-olds Teacher

‘Our Grade 2s have lots of questions and are intrigued by God’s love for them.’ 7-8-year-olds Teacher

What wonderful evidence of God’s power at work in and through us, like a cascading waterfall.