What to do? What to do?

       I have always been a single parent, even before Dori was born. (I will share soon why). As a single parent of a tween through young adult son, I was constantly telling myself I can love him for both mom and dad. I felt so much love for my kiddos that when he looked like he needed to they to shave, I tried to teach him. It was in that moment that I decided it was time for Justin to have male influences in his life. I felt desperate and that is NOT where God wants us. I prayed and asked a few men from my church if they would be a mentor to my son and spend time with him, and they all said yes. But, my son was not into that. I knew he needed a man's influence and mentoring, because I was unable to teach him everything manly even though I loved him for both, mom and dad.

      On September 24, 1995 I stood on stage and dedicated my children to the Lord and my pastor in prayer mentioned that my church was there to help me raise them. I took it as a contract and needed the church to full fill their part now. My church coveted with me to insure I will have anything I need in raising my kiddos.

      I was in church praying how can the church help me and God spoke to me that Justin should start serving during the week at church when the office was open. He was able to be at church because he was home schooled so day time hour were not an issue. Then my thoughts were how to get him there, because I worked. Then I realized the bus could take him directly to the corner and all he had to do was walk the rest of the way. Within 20 minutes I talked to all of the pastors and maintenance workers and it was approved so Justin could start in 2 days!

     My heart felt joy as I knew Justin would have godly men to teach him things in maintenance along with mentoring. Justin enjoyed it so much that he wanted to go 3-5 times a week and got the godly man mentoring he needed. My church stuck to our contract in helping me in any way to raise my son.

     Justin volunteered for about 18 months and worked with some of the strongest Christian men I have ever meet. Eventually it lead to a paying job at age 16 and he continues to work there today.
I encourage you, pray for godly influences to step in where you know you should not be teaching. This time with the church has molded my son into the godly man he is today and I will be forever thankful to my church!