In coming weeks, we will be publishing a blog series called “The Faces of Spiritual Multiplication,” written by Barnabas mentor coordinator Stephanie Ziebarth. This series is inspired by 2 Timothy 2:1-2 and illustrates the power of spiritual multiplication, which is a distinctive of Joy El Generation. To learn more about the Barnabas program, visit here. To learn more about Stephanie, visit here.
Seven of us dominated the almost-empty pizzeria, taking pictures, sharing stories, laughing and praying. The overarching theme was God’s goodness flowing from one life to the next. The matriarch of the group was Kimberly Vaughn, whose Facebook post months prior had inspired this gathering. Vaughn, a previous Barnabas mentor, had posted about the value of investing in other believers one-on-one, and she included photos of her two mentees. Wonderfully, she was still meeting with her Barnabas mentee. A fun surprise to me was that she was also mentoring Bella Kauffman, a newer Joy El missionary whom I’ve watched grow up. Bella also happens to be a current Barnabas mentor, discipling three teens in the 4.12 Leadership Training Program. “What a perfect example of spiritual multiplication in action!” I thought to myself.
I reached out to Kimberly about getting us all together to share stories and celebrate what God was doing. She was delighted with the idea, which resulted in our pizzeria gathering.
These women could fill a book with the stories they share, but here are some highlights of stories to come.
Kimberly to Lauren Weber: These two met for five encouraging years through the Barnabas program, but they reached a new level of depth during their final year in the program. Now they are like sisters. Among many benefits, Lauren is grateful for how Kimberly has trained her in fixing her mind on truth, rather than anxiety or insecurities. Lauren mentors girls through her church’s youth group.
Kimberly to Bella: The Lord connected them through the youth group Bella led and then perfectly orchestrated the timing and focus of their mentoring relationship. Neither knew that a time of intense trial lay ahead for Bella. God used Kimberly to minister His great kindness and hope to Bella during that hard time.
Bella to Emily Bonebrake: Bella marvels at the growth she sees in Emily after less than two years of mentoring. Emily credits Bella with helping her go from being terrified of talking to people to now freely and comfortably sharing her faith with both friends and new acquaintances.
Bella to Trinity Wheeler & India Gaines: Both India and Trinity started the 4.12 program thisfall. They are already growing and making an impact within camp, their families, churches and sports teams.
What a privilege to coordinate this mentoring program, which results in such spiritual fruit! Watch for more stories from these wonderful women in weeks to come.
