The other night I had my 43rd birthday party I really enjoyed myself. many friends some new some old were in attendance. I had them all say their names and how they knew me, as a way of breaking the ice and introducing them to each other.. It was a really touching moment for me as I listened to them talk about how they met me and how much I have meant to them. they also have meant a lot to me over the years as well.
Two of those people I have known since I was a kid of about thirteen years old. they were two people who probably mentored me the most. They showed me the unconditional love of Christ during a time in my life that I had to of been a handful, the teenage years. And I wasn’t your typical teenager. I came with a lot of baggage from my years of being abused and shipped from one group home or foster home to another. They taught me love and I have carried that with me all through the rest of my life and will carry with me until Jesus calls me home.
A couple of the people at my party were people I have had the chance of mentoring the last few years through leadership of small groups and one on one talks. I love the feeling of being able to say that I helped them move closer to God but acknowledge that helping them has helped me as well.
So If you ask me how important mentoring is, I say it is one of the most important things God gives us the honor of being part of. whether we are the mentors or the one being mentored. It is awesome. God bless.
Brad Hayes
hurrrricanehays@gmail.com