As Major Kelsie Moreno plays the drums in the Lincoln, Neb., Corps Praise Band, 9-year-old Jasmine sits beside her, happily tapping to the beat on a tambourine. It’s part of the corps’ mentoring program.
Implemented in 2018 by corps youth development coordinator Suzy Haslett, the program places every youngster in the congregation with an adult from the congregation. The youth range in age from 4 to 18. All mentors are trained in Safe from Harm with an onsite trainer.
“It’s been a great way to ensure every kid in our congregation has a trusted adult who models Christlike living. It’s good for them to have an adult to look to,” said Major Kelsie, who leads the Lincoln Corps.
“Mentors are encouraged to develop the relationships with their mentees; to celebrate birthdays, support them through prayer and encouragement and be a resource / example for spiritual growth,” she added.
Several “Mentor Meet Up” events take place throughout the year where all mentors and mentees come together for fun with baseball games, game night or pizza night.
And any fifth Sunday of a month is considered a “Mentor Sunday,” where youth sit with their mentors during the worship service and also shadow them in activities like collecting the offering.
Some mentors support programs at the children’s schools, encouraging the young people by attending plays, concerts or athletic events.
“I have gone to a band or orchestra concert for my mentees. And my own kids have mentors who have done that for them as well,” Suzy said.
Retired officer Major Fran Tuttle has two girls she mentors at the corps.
“I enjoy mentoring young people. I like spending time with them, watching them grow in God,” Major Fran said.
She also tries to spend time with them outside of the corps.
“I remember the girls’ birthdays and other special occasions,” she said. “I always give them a gift of some kind. And I try to take them out for lunch.”
As relationships have grown, Major Kelsie has seen many children begin to emulate what their mentors do—from opening their Bibles to study God’s Word to offering to take out the trash after a corps event.
“Mentors encourage their kids to grow in their faith by setting a good example of what a mature Christian looks like,” the major said. “From their service in the corps and community to modeling Christlike behavior, mentors lead by example in big and small ways.”
