Over the course
of the last 2 months, I have been able to make contact with so many of our
friends and loved ones from our different ministries. One of my greatest joys
has been seeing how so many of our former teens and people from our various
ministries are still walking with the Lord. I am now starting to get to that
age in my life, in which I understand John’s words even better. 3 John 4 “I
have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
As I was thinking
about the above things, the Lord reminded me of all the men and women who have
been mentors to me. For me though, it’s not just a sentimental journey, but a
joy and a challenge to me. I am reminded
of Hebrews 11 and the great men and women of faith and how they are to be
examples for us.
What a wonderful
God I have, who has allowed me to have great mentors in my life. Like the O.T. Heroes of the faith, they have
feet of clay but how their lives have been examples. The mentors I have had
have shown me so many areas where I can improve in my Christian walk. Here are
just some of the ones who have SO influenced my life and walk.
·
My Mother and Father who taught me the lesson of
reaching out to all people and trying to treat all men equal, whether poor or
rich. They would confront when people were wrong but they would never push any
one away. They had a compassion and love
for people who even did them wrong.
·
A High School English Teacher by the name of
Sharon Reese and a college roommate Jerry Franz who gave me a love for books.
·
Asa Hutchison, who was my youth leader, who
lived a godly life before me as a young man.
He gave of himself to me when I was an obnoxious young man.
·
Rich and Patti Tolliver, who challenged me to
live and be godly.
·
My Brother, for showing me how a brother should
love you.
·
My three favorite Bible Teachers from Citadel.
Mr. Glasser, who not only talked about the Spirit Filled life but lived it
before our eyes. Dr. Brownback, who impressed
upon me that what the Bible says, is all that matters. Mr. Smith, a passion and
a love for the Ministry.
·
The various pastors who I have had the honor to
work alongside of, Pastor Pick, George Taylor, Pastor Curt and Glenn Ducharme.
They taught me different things about what makes a great pastor.
·
My Father-in-law and Mother-in-law who have
taught me the issue of showing kindness.
·
Tim and Donna Bartlow, the word faithfulness will
always come to mind.
·
Scott and Veronica Ingvaldsen, what true
warriors for God look like.
·
An old missionary by the name of Darrell
Champlin and the Persson Family, the issue of sacrifice and commitment.
·
Writers and preachers like Tozer, MacArthur, Morgan,
Ryrie, and so many others who have influenced my heart to join in the noblest
pursuit of all. The pursuit of God.
·
My friend Rick Robinson.
·
Pastor Carl Godwin who has served in the same
church for now over 40 years of his life.
·
Then there are the ones who as a pastor,
missionary or a youth pastor who I have ministered to who I have not only had
the joy of being their teacher but they have taught me. This is truly one of my
greatest joys to learn from them.
·
Lastly my own family who every day has shown me
what True Love and Christianity is all about.
It’s at this
moment that you may be wondering why I spent time bringing this all up. First,
I think that it is important for all of us to not forget the rock from which we were
hewn and the pit from which we were dug. Secondly, it does us good to reflect upon
those who have given of their lives for us and to thank them for the ministry
that they have had in our lives. Lastly, as mentors in our lives let us not
forget what we have been taught by them and apply it to our lives.
