Kate McKnight shares her vision behind the mentor program.
Years ago, when I first became involved with Portraits of Hope, one thought kept returning to my heart: these ladies need a friend on the other side of the program to encourage them. That conviction led me to begin conversations with Marne and Beverly about creating a friendship and mentor program. What started as a simple idea has grown into a beautiful picture of what Christ-centered community can look like. This program has become a friendship club grounded in mentor relationships that reflects God’s design for community and spiritual growth, something that has been deeply personal in my own faith journey as well. Walking through life with a community of believers has shown me that faith was never meant to be lived alone. Through friendships and mentorship, I have experienced encouragement and accountability in both joyful seasons and difficult ones. Hebrews 10:24–25 calls us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another,” and this Scripture captures the heart behind this program at Portraits of Hope.
Lately we have seen the excitement that comes from connecting women who are experiencing their own version of loneliness with graduates who need someone to check in with them and remind them they have a cheerleader in their corner. The lie we are often led to believe is that we are alone in this dark world, but through vulnerability and authentic friendship, that isolation is broken. This POH “friendship club has the power to carry both women in the relationship through life’s challenges, strengthen faith, and reflect the way God so often chooses to love and sustain us through one another.
A Mentor’s Story
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
When I first signed up to be a mentor to a Lovelady graduate, I will admit I was nervous. Before we ever met, I found myself unsure of what our relationship would look like and whether I was truly equipped to mentor another person.
Before calling my mentee for the first time, I sat in my car and prayed, surrendering the relationship to the Lord. Just as I have experienced in so many other areas of my life, when I truly hand something over to Him, He provides.
The Lord gave me the words and wisdom I needed. He carved out time for us to get to know one another. More than anything, He gifted me a precious sister in Christ. As my mentee and I shared our stories, admitted our need for a Savior, and discovered that our outwardly different lives held many inward similarities, we connected on a deep heart level.
Our love for one another grew quickly, and I thank God for placing her in my life. I would encourage anyone considering becoming a mentor to a Lovelady graduate to surrender your concerns to the Lord. He will guide you, and if it is His will, your opportunity to mentor will unfold according to His plan and bless you tremendously.
John Steakley, founder of Unbound Grace Ministries; leads the mentor training and sets the foundation for these successful relationships. With his experience in addiction counseling, he brings wisdom, compassion, and clarity. Joh Steakley reminds us all that, “mentors are not there to fix anything, but to point to the One that does.”
Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about our mentor/mentee program. info@portraitsofhope.charity
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