“You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Good morning. We are starting a new week, and I want you to know I appreciate you.

Today’s topic is a hot button in our world, but one that is so important particularly in the body of Christ.

Growing up in Philadelphia, I had the privilege of attending a church where knowingly or unknowingly, the men of the church were committed to mentoring young men.

In the Primary Department, I had a Sunday School teacher who each week made every Bible lesson come alive because he took the time to draw us guys in. He was an artist, and as he taught his lesson, he would sketch out the lesson on his pad so that we had a cool visual of the lesson he was going to teach.

But beyond that, he would take the time to invite us over to his house to play games to get to know us better. He did this with hundreds of kids, and some of those kids went on to be major leaders in Christian circles. In fact, many of the kids he mentored, he also had the joy of leading to Christ.

One young kid in particular, who was then known as the church terror, and someone much older than me, was in his Sunday School class. If you have ever heard his story, and hundreds of thousands of men and women across the globe have heard his story – Dr. Howard Hendricks (former Prof at Dallas Theological Seminary) said that Walk Rieman was the one who introduced him to Christ and taught him the value of mentoring.

During my years in that church, there were men who took the time to build into my life. I didn’t know at the time they were doing that. There was no formal curriculum – just a willingness to get into my world and ask questions to help me grow.

Bill Winterberg was one of my heroes. He would sit down with me and ask me what I was thinking. What books was I reading? Even as a married adult in full-time ministry, he would call me on the phone and ask me to find out what I was reading.

Les Crumley was the Executive Director of the Sunday Breakfast Association. He would visit our home church, and though short and stocky, he would come up to me, put his mitts on my shoulder and say, “Young man, what did God teach you today in your morning quiet time?”

Carl Shoemaker would come to me and say, “What are you doing on Friday night? We have a kids ministry, and I need a song leader. Can you help me out? At 14 years of age, I was leading the singing with a bunch of kids.

And the list goes on and on.

My guess is that if you just open your eyes and get out of your comfort zone, there are young men in your circle who could use a mentor. In fact, in our society where there are so many absent dads, just think of the impact you could have on their lives?

Next week I will share some questions you can ask someone you are mentoring.

Overflowing and abounding with hope,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 3-4| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: “Knowing we will be with Christ forever outweighs our burdens today. Keep your eyes on eternity.” Dr. Billy Graham

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. Psalm 42:5