Randy’s February, 2011 Update:
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9
Andy Mentors Morgen:
Andy Tucker is another example of the multiplication effect at work– lovingly investing in one person who will then be equipped to lovingly invest in another, which produces two loving investors, and then four, and then eight…and eventually the world. You’ve probably seen the mind-blowing multiplication chart in the November, 2010 update. If not, I encourage you to take a look back. It’s worth it.
I’ve been meeting with Andy for a number of years. From the very beginning, he exhibited some incredible inner gifts and strengths, as well as a strong desire to use those gifts to help people grow. I immediately saw him as someone who would pass on whatever he received from God. He is the type of man who puts the things the Lord speaks to his heart into practice.
At the time, Andy was leading a medium-sized group of 20somethings. Attending the group he led was a dynamic young woman named Morgen. Morgen exhibited a lot of leadership potential. Andy encouraged Morgen to step up into a leadership role in the group. He guided and mentored her through the process.
Morgen eventually took over Andy’s leadership role of the group, while Andy focused more on his mentoring gifts – mentoring Morgen and a couple other leaders. Morgen has been successfully leading various medium-sized church groups ever since, practicing and growing in her strengths.
Guten Morgan Morgen:
I asked Morgen if she’d be willing to write something about her experience of being mentored by Andy.
She chose to do it in the form of a letter to Andy. In it, Morgen focused on a specific event that exemplified the type of growth she experienced during their time together. It sounded like a huge break-through in what may be a series of on-going life lessons that will help her become a better leader, lover, and person, as she continues to put into practice what she received.
With the help of Andy’s mentoring, Morgen was able to look at some things that would potentially hold her back from becoming all that she was designed by the Lord to be. One of those things involved dealing with relational conflict.
What she wrote reminded me of my past mentor, Sheryl Fleisher’s mantra, “Seek to Understand”, as well as a quote I heard recently: “When you understand, you cannot help but love…And when you love, you naturally act in a way that can relieve the suffering of people.” – Thich Nhat Hanh, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1967 for his exemplary life of peace and non-violent reconciliation in Vietnam.
Morgen’s Letter To Andy:
“Hey Andy!
“You’ve spent a considerable amount of time with me over the last two years. From the time you first pushed me to come to a leader’s meeting, you’ve always been a huge support, encouragement, and challenger for me. It’s probably not always easy to set aside the time in your schedule, but it has truly helped me grow in ways even I can see!
“Today was a great break through for me. We’ve often talked about handling conflict, from a friendship as well as a leadership standpoint. We’ve also talked about how I am not quick to process through things. I need time and am often left wishing I had handled situations differently.
“Well, this morning I had a chat on the phone with a friend of mine. I didn’t feel that she was being forthright with me about an issue between us, but didn’t know how to call it out. I got off the phone feeling frustrated.
“I was so bothered. I knew that if I didn’t talk to her before I saw her that afternoon at church it would just eat away at me. So I called her back! AND (wait for this) rather than launching into an attack, I was ready with some questions about how she viewed our relationship.
“We were able to talk through our issues, see the two different perspectives of the situation, and get on the same page moving forward.
“We were both so genuinely happy to see each other that afternoon. It felt amazing! I’m so glad we confronted the issue in a loving, understanding way.
“All of this is to say thank you. Thank you for being a mirror for me, for not judging me (most of the time!), and for trying so hard to pass on the image of a Loving and Grace-giving God.
“You’re awesome!” – Morgen Reynolds “History starts now”
Here’s a note Morgen added for me:
“Thanks for supporting Andy, and for supporting Axis” (the 20-something ministry at Willow Creek Community Church). “20-somethings really do need a little extra TLC sometimes, and I feel very blessed and fortunate that I am poured into by so many godly people.” – Morgen
Thank You:
Morgen chose to put what she was learning into practice, and the God of peace showed up. What great leadership/loving lessons to be learning at a young age.
Thank you all for your love and support throughout this journey. None of this would be happening without you. We are all playing a role in what God is doing here. Many young people (and I) are very grateful to you for your on-going prayers, encouragement, and support.
In His Love,
Randy
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