Mentoring as Ministry

01 May 2009

For years my aunt and uncle could not have children, but through their struggle they came to be involved in ‘Big Brother, Big Sister’, a mentoring programme in the United States that pairs a child with an adult who will journey with them as a friend and provider throughout their childhood.

It was through this programme that Montray Williams came into our lives. Montray lived with his mum, grandma and older brother in inner-city Grand Rapids. It was a loving family, but with little opportunity for work and no support, Mrs Williams could not provide adequately for Montray.

So my aunt and uncle partnered with the Williamses, helped pay for Montray’s education, invited him home and away for holidays, encouraged his talent for basketball and welcomed him in as part of our family.

Part of the family

At 22 years of age, Montray is still part of our family. Though he saw his brother and many friends enter into gang violence and even serve serious jail terms, Montray held strong, committed to education and still maintains contact with my aunt, uncle, and now their little boy as well.

Though my aunt and uncle were devastated that they could not have children of their own for so many years, the opportunity to mentor Montray and walk beside him gave them the chance to share their overwhelming love and longing for a child and to experience the appreciation and love in return of Montray and his family.

This Mother’s Day you might not have children of your own to celebrate with, for whatever reason. But don’t let your love go to waste. Consider mentoring a child; consider walking with them, encouraging them to take the next steps in their lives; consider sharing your love beyond your family and watching a life change because of your influence.

By Cara Wood (from War Cry magazine)