Seven years ago, Lauren Weber asked Kimberly Vaughn to be her Barnabas mentor through the 4.12 Leadership Training Program. The two spent five years together. Looking back, they would consider themselves to have gotten off to a slow start. However, the relationship is now a priceless treasure to both of them and is bearing eternal fruit.
“I learned that it starts with showing up,” explained Kimberly, who had never served as a mentor before. “It takes consistently being there to build trust.”
Lauren did grow to trust Kimberly, and she also recognized how helpful it is to have a mentor. “One of the biggest benefits I have gained is through having someone I can go to outside of my family to receive godly advice, accountability and support, especially with my faith,” she shared.
This trust and wisdom meant a great deal to Lauren even after they finished their formal time in the program and continued meeting together as Lauren attended college. But Lauren was struggling with something in silence. “I felt ashamed,” she admitted, “but I also felt convicted that I needed to tell Kim. I worried that she would see me differently. But I told her and, amazingly, she had struggled with the same thing! Her acceptance and advice were so helpful and encouraging.”
“I love her like a sister,” Kimberly stated. “Here we are, two shy and quiet introverts, but we have developed such a closeness and significant level of trust!”
Another significant area in which Kimberly has helped Lauren has to do with Lauren’s thought life. “Kim is very good at encouraging me to focus on the truth,” Lauren explained. “When doubts or insecurities arise, she brings me back to the truth in God’s Word, such as 2 Corinthians 10:5, where it tells us to take every thought captive. She’s also really good at guiding me in applying truth to my life.”
The benefits extend beyond Lauren, who serves with her church’s youth group. “I have my own mentor,” Lauren said, “but I also mentor young girls at my church, especially in the youth group.” Hence, the spiritual investment carries on, from Kimberly to Lauren and into the youth group girls. What seemingly started slow, with two quiet introverts meeting together each month, is now impacting generations for God’s glory.
