As I sat at the beauty salon, for my monthly haircut, I overheard the women chat about what they plan to get the men in their lives for Father’s Day. They discussed the latest gas grills, sports equipment, and electronic gadgets. My mind turned elsewhere. I want to thank you, Dad for what you did for me and thank the mentors who show me through their lives what our heavenly Father is like.

Thank you, Dad.

Daddy didn’t become a Christian until ten months before he slipped from this earthly world with a smile on his face to his permanent home in heaven. Dad knew how to stretch his money, save for emergencies, and help the needy in the community. He was also a man ahead of his times. He valued an education not only for my brothers but also for me.

When he was a seven year old, his father died. He understood the challenges of single-parenting his mother endured. As the oldest in the family, he helped his mother survive those years.

In case something happened to my future husband, he wanted me to have an education and skills to take care of myself and the family. Something did happen. Thank you, Dad, for the sacrifices of time, money, and energy you made to provide an education for me. I’ll see you in heaven.

Thank you, mentor Gene Kent.

Gene Kent is Carol Kent’s husband. Gene did not abandon his son Jason when he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for murder. Instead, Gene and Carol became the co-founders of  Speak Up for Hope: Offering HOPE and HEALING for inmates and their families. He and Carol encourage, educate, and equip inmates, their families, churches or individuals, and those seeking training in evangelism and Bible teaching whether family members of inmates or military missionaries. They also work with prison chaplains.

I’ve crossed paths with Gene since 2003 through the Speak Up Conference for leaders, speakers, and writers where he serves as the chief operations officer;  AWSA (the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; CAN (Christian Authors Network); and the reNew Retreat.

Gene also has his own black Tee shirt ministry. On visitation day at the prison, he takes black Tee shirts in the trunk of his car. He distributes them to those who arrive in “improper attire” because of low cut tops, midriff tops, or advertising on their tops. They drive from a long distance, and Gene ensures they can stay and visit their incarcerated loved ones.

To donate to Speak Up for Hope, go to speakupforhope.org To donate black Tee shirts, send them or a contribution for the cost of them to Speak Up for Hope; P.O. Box 6262; Lakeland, FL 33807–6262.

Thank you, mentor Bill Farrel.

 Bill Farrel is Pam Farrel’s husband. He is a pastor, speaker, author, husband, father,  and papa. He grew up in fear and isolation. Like some, Bill learned that people were hard to trust and independence was safe. When he became a Christian, his life changed. He had a purpose in life.

When he and Pam married, they entered a covenant with God and determined to raise their children for God. Today he enjoys life with his three grown sons, his daughters-in-law, and his grandchildren.

Bill helps people gain strength and real-world wisdom through messages at men’s retreats and church services. He and Pam speak together at marriage and parenting conferences.

Bill and I met after Pam asked if she could take her son to my son’s military burial service. On my trips to California before the health crisis, I watched Bill interact with his wife and staff in their large home. I cherish the memories of how he and Pam took me to their favorite Mexican restaurant in Coronado, walked with me on the beach, and prayed for me. Pam inserted anecdotes about Bill in her creative Bible studies: how he commuted back and forth to care for his elderly parents and downsized from a 6,000 square foot home to a boat to live by his parents and care for them. When Pam broke her foot, he saw it as an opportunity to serve his wife.

You can learn more about Bill at love-wise.com and donate to their non-profit organization Proverbs  19:8 to support churches and help proclaim the gospel at love-wise.com/donate/ or mail a contribution to Proverbs 19:8 Ministries; 3600 Harbor Blvd #116; Oxnard, CA 93035

Internal Link:

yvonneortega.com/speaking

Scripture: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:13 ESV)

Next Step: Pray and ask God to help you find an individual or a group you can mentor.

Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega June 14, 2023