ripples in the pond

a few nights ago at community meeting, someone spoke about how we are changing the life of a patient thru their surgery. but it is so much more. a child with a cleft lip or palate is repaired which allows them to gain nutrition and to look "normal" so they no longer feel the ostracism of being different. but their family also has a stigma removed. and if spirits were involved then satan loses ground! but where did the original ripple start...obviously with the loving heart of the Father as He tossed a boulder in the water. was the first ripple the person who cared for the patient (doctors, nurses, anesthetists)? or perhaps the people at home who support those caring for the patient by prayer and finances? or maybe the heart of a child in a vacation Bible school somewhere who heard about the people needing help and prayed that God will send someone to help? all these ripples leading to changed lives which also continue to ripple out into forever.