Recently someone who I consider to be a mentor to me passed away. Dr. Ohsberg, a man who I met when I began in ministry at New Minas Baptist Church, had become a mentor to me in many ways. We shared a passion for equipping families to inspire children toward faith in God.
Dr. O was the lead of the supervised field ed committee, and through that means he began to offer encouragement to me as I spoke and led within the the ministry of our church. Each time I stood to speak I knew that I had his attention, even though his many years of experience dwarfed mine, and even though his knowledge and wisdom far exceeded my own, he offered kind words to me following my messages. He always said someone constructive in his encouragement, and he was quick to offer me further suggestions which would take my thoughts and expand them in new ways.
When I began in ministry at NMBC Dr. O started bringing me books. Every once in a while, more frequently as he and Wilma downsized their home to an apartment, he would bring a selection of books he believed would be helpful. They often were just what I needed at the time.
As I look back on my relationship with Dr. O, I realize that I had much to gain from his wisdom and experience and that I did not take the opportunity to gain it all. Though he was a mentor to me, out relationship was different than I now wish it was. What I wish now is that I had asked him to mentor me more formally, meeting regularly to learn and pray together. I now do not have that opportunity. In some ways, I feel as though I missed the full benefit of someone who God had placed in my path, mostly due to my own perceived busyness. I pray that I will not make this mistake again.
