Stories Of Our Mentors, Teachers, Neighbors
Who made a profound impact on you as a child? Who spoke truth and encouragement to you as a teen? What adult made you feel seen and showed you the love of Jesus?
As the start of school approaches, we’ve been thinking about the moments in our lives when an adult showed up for us in a way that had lasting impact. Sometimes a small action or a brief conversation can be used powerfully by God to guide and encourage the next generation. Read on!
MRS. KELLER, THE NEIGHBOR WHO LOVED US
by: Linda Leinius, School Partners Director
My mom, sister, and I experienced poverty for most of my childhood. We often struggled to pay bills, buy groceries, and went without a car for many years.
Fortunately, we were blessed to have a neighbor, Mrs. Keller, who never forgot about us. She not only invited us to church but made it part of her weekly routine to drive us there. She invited us on family outings and made Christmas Eve with her family a tradition. When my mom had to spend time in the hospital, she took in my sister and me, even making sure to celebrate my birthday during that time. She helped my mom find work, and when I showed up at her door at 2 a.m. needing help, she responded without hesitation.
Because of her, I have some joyful memories that would have otherwise been out of my reach: swimming at the local pool, learning to ice skate, sledding with friends, and joining the church youth group. What were likely simple, everyday moments for others were extraordinary gifts to me.
I’m still in awe of her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. She made me feel less alone and scared. She didn’t see me as “less than,” just as a child who wanted what every other kid wants: to feel safe, seen, and loved. I’m so grateful that she was willing to step into the mess and uncertainty of our lives to be a safe person who loved us well.
WHEN MY DREAM WAS SHATTERED
by Jeffery Wayne Francis, IMAGINE Move Out Team
After I graduated from Pontiac High School, I was filled with fire. I had a dream: to be a warrior. Not just for the title, but because deep down, I believed it was my purpose. That summer, I was getting ready to ship out for basic training, completely focused on becoming a United States Marine.
But not everyone supported that dream. My family constantly talked down to me for choosing anything other than the Air Force. It was discouraging, but thankfully, I had mentors at the high school from the IMAGINE Move Out Team. They stood by me when I needed it most. People like Tamika and Dorell Morrow, Phillis and Dave Bond, Ben Shat, and so many others—they believed in me. They encouraged me, helped me prepare, and even threw a send-off dinner in my honor. They made me feel like I could take on the world. Without their love and support, I don’t think I would have been mentally strong enough to go.
Then came Parris Island. I arrived full of hope, ready to prove myself. But just three weeks in, everything changed. I suffered five fractures in my right leg—three in my femur, two in my tibia. The pain was unbearable, but what hurt even more was hearing the words, “Your dream is over.” I was devastated. Everything I had worked for, everything I believed in—it all seemed to slip away in an instant.
I came back to Michigan on December 15th, 2024, feeling broken, lost, and empty. I had never felt so defeated in my life.
Ben and the other mentors didn’t let me fall. They pulled me out of that darkness. They reminded me that I still had worth, that my story wasn’t over. A couple of weeks before Christmas, they brought me to Kensington Church. And that day, something shifted inside me. I realized that everything—every pain, every setback—was part of something bigger. I began to heal, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
I found a job. I built a stable home. I stood back up, stronger than I had ever been. Today, I’m almost twenty years old. I have a roof over my head, a job I love, and a will that’s stronger than ever. My dream might have changed, but my purpose is still alive. And I’ll keep moving forward—because now I know, without a doubt, that I was never alone.
FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS
by Joe Vercellino, Founder of The Lion Heart Experience
When you are a student, one of the awesome things about music teachers is that you get to see them year after year. It’s not like your homeroom teacher that changes each year. My band teacher, Mr. Smokovitz (“Smoke”) has known me since sixth grade and worked with my classmates and me all through middle school and high school. There’s so much growth and development that happens from sixth grade through twelfth grade and he was part of it all.
All my best friends were in his music classes. In Smoke’s class, I felt proud for the first time becoming accomplished on my instrument and given the chance to lead my classmates. In Smoke’s class, I was shown how to morph a talent into a meal and make money from my passion. It’s why I went to school to be a music teacher. I’ll never forget him and I still check in with him to let him know how much his class meant to me.
About the Lion Heart Experience: Headed by award-winning educator, Joe Vercellino, The Lion Heart Experience is acclaimed for it’s quick connections with young people and fresh approach to mental-health and self-harm prevention by masterfully maneuvering between story, paint and original music
MY MENTOR IN A DIFFICULT SEASON
by Paige Hammers, Birmingham campus attender
When I decided that I was no longer going to pursue a college education, it completely rocked my life. There are not many people around you who are going through the same thing or who know how to guide you in your own struggles. Kelsea, my mentor, provided me with a safe space for questions and a glimpse of what the other side could look like. Not many people supported my decision to leave school, and at 18, making a decision that most people don’t agree with is tough. Kelsea made me see how bright my future could be.
She has always been there for me, whether it has been to ask a simple question or there for me to confide in when I need someone. Being a young Christian trying to figure out my life, she has been a role model to me on how to be a godly woman, striving to give glory to God.
Wondering how you can invest in the next generation of young people? Learn more about our School Partners’ Back To School supply drive and ongoing volunteer opportunities at kensingtonchurch.org/schoolpartners.
