One of the greatest things about being mentored by someone who has walked the pathway of this life successfully in Christ is that they are full of so much wisdom. Not wisdom of themselves; but wisdom that comes from God. They have gone through various trials and storms. They have lost many precious things along the way; for some it has been loved ones, for others it was possessions, or jobs. Others have suffered with various illnesses and diseases. For many, it has been all of that and much more. Yet, they never fainted. Not that they didn’t want to; but they understood that going through in Christ was much better than going through without Him.
I honor those who have stood as pioneers for Jesus Christ. In no way is the road to Eternal Life easy. In fact, Paul said that it is by many tribulations that we enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Acts 14:22). Because of the Pioneers, I have the courage to go on in Christ. My mother is truly a great Pioneer for Christ. She has been the greatest example for me to follow besides Christ. I aim to be just like her spiritually. Besides her, I have many others who have had a great impact on my life. My eyes well with tears as I think of them…no words or gifts will ever be enough to say “thank you.” Those prayers that they prayed, the late night youth shut-ins that I attended as a child. The prayer meetings that I begrudgingly went to as a kid. Those who never said a word to me; but their lives spoke to me whenever I saw them….I’m forever grateful for them, for their sacrifices, for their time. Some of the Pioneers have gone on to be with the Lord, others are still here working and training the younger generation.
I’ll never forget the sacrifices that they have made for me. I’ll never have enough time to write it all out. They blessed me so much. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
God help me, I won’t disappoint, their prayers and their mentorship was/is not in vain. I will take everything and utilize it to the fullest.