The Importance of Mentors

I am often asked by parents, "What's my job as a parent?" Well, that's a difficult question because each family's situation is unique, and the personalities and needs of the individuals involved vary greatly. Yet, I usually answer as follows: provide an appropriate environment first, and connect the child with a go

od mentor and teacher. And, if time permits, the following story is shared.

A famous Welsh preacher named Christmas Evans (1766-1838) was 9 years old when his father passed away. His extremely poor mother placed the child under the care of her brother, James Lewis. Evans was "raised" by Lewis until the age of 17, but he suffered from violence, neglect, and bone-crushing labor because Lewis was a mean and cruel drunkard. He denied education to Evans, and the lad couldn't read even at the age of 17.

Evans found himself in a morally barren environment, and he hung out with local hooligans. That led to committing crimes big and small, and during one of his many bar brawls, he lost his right eye. He could only bear the excruciating pain by wearing an eye patch filled with a strong painkiller -- for the rest of his life.

After such unfortunate years, Evans left his uncle and got a job as a farmhand in Castell Hywel. This was a turning point in his life.

Evans ended up working on the farm of a local preacher and teacher, Rev. David Davies. Evans started attending church due to Davies' encouragement, and there just happened to be a spiritual revival in Castell Hywel at the time.

As an aside, when Davies learned that Evans couldn't read, he arranged for Evans to attend school for six months. This was the only formal education Evans received. But he was finally able to read. Evans then joined other farmhands to study the Bible, and soon he was able to read the Bible in Welsh. Realizing the truth of the Gospel, Evan gave his heart and life to God.

This is the dramatic transformation of the famous "One-eyed Preacher of Wales", Christmas Evans. He was once an illiterate scoundrel. But, under the right environment and mentorship, he became an effective instrument of God.

Let's recap. Evan's time with his uncle was hellish. Uncle James mistreated Evans, bordering on criminal abuse. Now, I assume James' life and background were very dark and troubling. However, his negative influence on his nephew cannot be excused nor denied.

Compare that with Evans' life under Rev. Davies, which was transformative. Evans was allowed to learn to read, and his potential was unleashed under the spiritual guidance and encouragement of Rev. Davies. Through education and mentorship, Evans found his purpose in life and became an influential preacher.

As the principal of a small Christian school, I remind myself of Rev. Davies' attitude and approach toward the youth. Yes, it takes a lot of patience, time, effort, and prayer to teach and train a child who lacks foundational skills, basic manners, and the desire to grow. And since teachers are not "God," we have limited patience, stamina, and strength when working with difficult students. Nonetheless, by reflecting on our "call" to teach and professional commitment, we "pick ourselves up" to teach and educate the child.

In summary, parents must provide an educational environment that is conducive to learning. And that environment includes spiritual mentors and committed teachers. Without excellent teachers and mentors who possess passion and wisdom, your child will not fully develop and experience the joy and satisfaction of learning. Further, they may actually have trouble discovering their talent, interest, and calling. Thus, in addition to creating and sustaining a safe and nurturing environment for their child, parents must seek excellent and caring mentors and teachers to educate the child.