From Sue Beckman, The Ladder Community Center
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not evny, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1 Corinthians 13:4
We began our new relationship with Thomas Read Elementary excited and praying fervently for two things:
- That our mentors would be instruments of Christ’s love, available for his use
- That our students would receive this love of a mentor and one day, receive the love of Christ
We waited for all things to be put in place.
The first day arrived.
Lisa, a Kids Hope USA mentor, was excited to meet with Liam. We had been delayed in kicking off the relationship due to paperwork hold ups. We waited and prayed. Then, the OK was given. And Lisa, prayerfully and with great anticipation, stepped into Liam’s classroom.
I was with Lisa the first day so I could meet Liam as well. The teacher went over to tell Liam that he had a special friend waiting for him at the door.
Liam hid under the table.
We stepped out of the classroom and prayed. After a couple of minutes, Liam and the teacher came to the hallway.
Lisa knelt down and said, “Hi Liam. I’m Ms. Lisa and I would love to be your Kids Hope USA Friend!”
Liam, head down, didn’t respond or make eye contact. Ms. Lisa asked Liam if he would show her around the school. She wanted to see all his favorite things to do. Liam didn’t respond but began a slow walk down the hallway with Ms. Lisa. I found a seat near the office waiting for the next mentor to come.
After a few minutes, I caught a glimpse of Liam looking hesitantly at Ms. Lisa and saying a few words. Forty minutes later, I crossed paths with Ms. Lisa and Liam again, just outside Liam’s classroom. Liam was smiling and talking freely with Ms. Lisa. He then gave her a big hug, not wanting to let go. Ms. Lisa encouraged him back to the classroom. Liam turned, walked in, and then made one last dash to Ms. Lisa for one last hug.
That first day, I saw more than Liam and Ms. Lisa beginning a trusting, joy-filled relationship.
I saw…
Kids and adults ‘under the table’ hiding from God; hesitant, reluctant to talk with God let alone look at Him.
God lovingly pursues them and in time, a conversation begins. Few words at first. More, as time goes on. They sense a loving Father.
Then one day, they decide they want to trust. They run to God and embrace Him. Secure in their new relationship, they run back to Him again and again.
Could mentors, instruments of Christ’s love, be used to open a child’s heart to a trusting, joy-filled relationship with our Savior?
We pray so. And we are grateful you have chosen to pray so, as well.