A pastor was told by his superior that something was wrong with his ministryHe was reminded, “Only one person has been added to your church this year, and he is only a boy”. Later that day, with a heavy heart, the pastor was praying when someone walked up behind himTurning| around, he saw the same boy – his only convert that yearThe boy said, “Pastor, do you think could become a preacher or missionary some day?” The pastor encouraged him to pray about it. The lad was Robert Moffat, who was destined to open Africa to the gospel of Christ. He was father-in-law to David Livingstone, and first translator of the Bible into Setswana (a) language spoken by more than 8 million people in southern Africa).

Paul the apostle also invested much of his time in mentoring young Timothy, whose father was a Greek, but his mother was a Jew. Paul recollected the impact of Timothy’s pious mother on his life. The teachings and nurturing of his mother, no doubt, shaped his life. Timothy became a son in the faith to this great apostle to the gentiles. Paul imparted all he knew in his many years in the ministry to Timothy, who later became a preacher and teacher of the Word (2 Timothy 1:6)He laboured in many cities and had two of Paul’s pastoral epistles addressed to him.

Success without successors is said to be failure. The greatest movements in our world today are sustained by mentees who were raised to keep up the flame long after the originators of the vision had passed away.

Our vibrant children and youths today will grow up to take up the baton of ministry when we, the fathers and mothers, are gone. Therefore, believing parents and preachers must spend more time in teaching and mentoring their wards.

Your Pastor,

Dr. W. F. Kumuyi