Christian Times Magazine issue 62
page 36
By Zernalyn Palmares
Mentors , Leaders, Teachers and Guides The Value of Mentoring in a Christian Perspective During the 1400-1500’s any form of a formal education was unusual . Children that were born of the peasant class during mid 1500’s managed to attend some schooling of sort under the sponsorship of their Feudal lord with the understanding that they would go into the Lord’s service , they would learn basic reading, math and ecclesiastical studies to eventually benefit the Fiefdom. But there was also the apprenticeship system, wherein a youth would work under the tutelage of a master craftsman for free in exchange for a valuable education . This individual lived under the roof of his mentor, ate what he ate, watched and observed and immersed himself in learning techniques , knowledge and skills that would serve as a trade to earn a living. Often times the master would take on the role of parent, guide and teacher providing their needs and moral direction. In today’s world wherein there is an eroding moral compass mentors that can lead and guide our youths into a biblical perspective of how to live their lives are far and few between. In a society that embraces worldly values, Christian mentoring has become an endangered social commodity. Teachers for fear of their jobs silently look on as prayer is taken away from schools and when holiday practices are stripped of their spiritual significance and replaced by commercialism.
During the 80’s when watching Karate Kid, the perfect mentor would be Mr. Miyagi telling Daniel-San, “lie become truth only if person wanna believe it”. Hollywood created a character that exemplified a strong moral compass. There was also a mutant rat named Splinter that would be the adoptive father of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles who would tell them “ …happiness outside of yourself , you’ll never find it . Happiness exists within you ..”
