Mentoring dates back to the beginning of time but with the advent of the Internet it has taken on a whole new dimension. Over the years I have personally benefited from various kinds mentors. There are those that I have met with face to face. Pastors and teachers have taught me the grace of God and how to live by faith. Friends have helped me by being there for me when I needed someone to lean on. I have become the person I am today because of the people that have invested time and interest in my life. Personally, I have had the privilege of mentoring others and watch as God changed their lives and made them into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The Internet has opened up the door to new exciting possibilities. I have had the opportunity to literally mentor people from around the world without leaving the comforts of home. One such person responded to an article on “Spiritual Breathing”. He commented on how deep breathing had helped relieve his stress level. I responded to his comments and explained the concept of “spiritual breathing” in some detail. This resulted in a series of e-mails back and forth. After several months he made a decision to invite Jesus into his life. Several months ago he was baptized and now is a regular, active, church participant and he says he has never been happier or more fulfilled.
Another man in his 50’s contacted our Thoughts about God website out of desperation when his wife of 33 years suddenly left him. I suggested he check out a website about mid-life crisis. His relief to discover why his wife’s sudden change in behaviour, lead to an ongoing interaction that eventually resulted in a decision to accept Jesus as his Saviour. His thirst for God’s word has resulted in an ongoing interaction. I am amazed at his rapid spiritual growth. It has caused me to search the scriptures and commentaries as I seek to respond to his inquiring mind. I, too, have grown as I am faced with questions in many other similar situations.
Why Mentor? It is a great way to make new friends. It can be done at one’s leisure and it is a great way to meet people from all over the world and many different cultures. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to respond to Jesus’ command to “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-200.
Anyone who is looking to broaden their horizons and experience God’s amazing grace at work should seriously consider on-line mentoring. It is an enriching and rewarding experience.
by Norm Brown
Read Norm’s Story of Salvation
Norman Brown grew up in Manitoba, Canada and then entered the teaching profession. After teaching in Manitoba for several years they moved to British Columbia where Norman took the position of principal until 1974 when they joined the Leadership Ministries with Campus Crusade for Christ, now Power to Change. They have traveled to Russia, Ukraine, Mexico Paraguay, Venezuela and Bolivia to work with local church and business leaders to help them reach their sphere of influence with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The two main focuses: train people how to use the JESUS film and the Four Spiritual Laws .
Norman went home to be with the Lord on August 18th. He was a true friend and excellent mentor with Thoughts About God for many years.
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