This week I had the opportunity to gather with a large group of LAMP mentors at North Way Christian Community. We gather together periodically to support one another, provide resources, and empower mentors to continue on in the mentoring journey. Mentoring seems like a glamorous thing at first, with all of the thoughts of making a difference in the life of a vulnerable young person. Once mentors settle in, they often realize how the process of mentoring can seem like it yields little progress. In fact, at first the kids being mentored can actually get worse or they might try to sabotage the relationship. There are instances when everything comes together right away and stays that way for a long time. In general, though, mentoring can be very challenging. That's why it is so crucial to have consistent, ongoing support systems in place for mentors.
When I gather with mentors, I am always inspired by how they give themselves away to others. Mentors persevere in the midst of intense circumstances. They are stretched, but they are not broken. Good mentors understand that God works through their mentoring when they allow themselves to be stretched. At North Way, we have mentors who have consistently stayed with their matches for seven years. We have some mentors who have just recently been matched. We have mentors who are mentoring multiple kids. I am so encouraged by the growth that I am seeing in the mentors, and we are seeing incredible results in the young people who are being mentored. Mentoring is challenging, but the process of transformation is an incredible thing to experience.
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