The three hours of Thanksgiving aromas had gathered in the laughing clamor and produced a feast on a beautifully adorned table. I was carving the turkey, responding to my three children's requests for drum sticks, when I heard a noise in the back of the house. I handed the knife to my dad and went [...]
Thirty years ago I stood on the sidewalk and watched a home burn while waiting for the Firemen who had never been called. I did not know it then, but a five year-old girl was also waiting for rescue that came too late. Today 150 children wait for a Christian mentor to show them the way out of a toxic life. This time I am not waiting, and I hope you will join me.
Having fun together and building a relationship doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. The following activities have been divided into categories for your convenience but don’t limit yourselves...if it looks like fun to you then by all means give it a try! (The numbers in parenthesis after the activity is the suggested [...]
1. If you could be granted one wish what would it be and why? 2. If you could be any famous person, who would you be and why? 3. If you would change one thing about school, what would you change and why? 4. If you could possess a special talent what would it [...]
Tell me the five best things about you? If you could have the following superpower, which one would you pick? the ability to fly, super strength, or being able to turn invisible. If you were trapped on a deserted island and could pick one famous person to be with, who would it be? If [...]
Success as a mentor is not based on how well the child does. It is marked by your faithfulness and love. Here are some ways that you can measure your success as a one to one volunteer in Long Island Youth Mentoring: Do I make my best attempt to meet weekly with my match? Do [...]
There was a man who was asleep one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push [...]
Encourage intellectual curiosity. Visit the library, museums, and educational or cultural events. Find ways to include music, sports, a new language, or similar endeavors to your activities. Encourage them to talk about feelings, accomplishments, and problems. Listen actively, reflecting back on what they share with you. Expect drama but focus on facts. Show an [...]
At our mentor training and orientation, we encourage prospective mentors to “decide now to be the pursuer in your mentoring friendship.” This was important because it can help avoid frustration later as well as cement the mindset that if God has called them to this. He will help them to continue in it even if [...]
I could hear the sobbing even as I put the phone to my ear. Over the waves of hurt and confusion I heard her say “I’m sorry, I didn’t expect to react this way’”... and the floodgates of pain and deep disappointment erupted. She cried, I prayed and we both just waited for the [...]
