Mentoring Today’s Youth
Children throughout the Midlands face challenges that could hinder their ability to succeed in life. The challenges are not necessarily financial as much relational. Homes of low income do not ensure wayward children, but homes low on parental time to spend with their children certainly can. Almost a quarter of children in the US under the age of 18 live with one parent and no other adults. That one parent being employed leaves many children without adequate critical adult interaction and guidance. More specifically, 1 in 3 children in America will reach age 19 without a mentor.
In 2009 a group of men and women served in a downtown Columbia community called “The Gates.” The community was so neglected that it was often called “The Gates of Hell.” After building relationships with some of the kids in the neighborhood, they knew they could not stop there. There was so much potential among those children, yet no one was taking the time to invest in them. Out of that experience, Ezekiel Ministries was born.
In the Bible, the prophet Ezekiel had a vision of a valley of dry bones coming to life by the hand of God. Ezekiel’s vision was a prophetic promise about the restoration of the Children of Israel as a great nation. The imagery of God breathing life into dry, hopeless bones became the vision for Ezekiel Ministries. Ezekiel Ministries can give children hope, someone in their corner, and a chance to live with purpose. Sometimes the most important thing an adult can give a child is undivided attention. When that time is given by someone who is not paid to do it but does so out of a heart of love, the impact on that child is immeasurable.
In 2023, 98 children ages 6-16 received an Ezekiel Ministries mentor. Children with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college, 92% more likely to become a volunteer themselves, 22% more likely to experience a powerful sense of belonging growing up, 46% less likely to start using drugs, and 27% less likely to start drinking.
Ezekiel Ministries looks for Jesus-following adults who will make an initial commitment of one year to provide one hour a week. This can simply mean showing up for events in a child’s life throughout the school year. It can also mean taking a child to a sporting event or a movie, helping a child with his homework, teaching him/her to play an instrument, or how to fish. The possibilities are endless, as are the success stories from Ezekiel Ministries. For example, Devon was five years old when he began asking for a mentor every day. He is now in college on a band scholarship, and his mentor was with him for 10 years.
Ezekiel volunteer, Leona Criswell, shares, “Childhood is under attack in our culture. Children are bombarded with messages that are unhealthy for the body and the soul. I love working with Ezekiel’s after-school program because it provides a safe place for children to play, learn, and grow in an atmosphere of love and truth. Throughout the afternoon, there are many opportunities to practice conflict resolution and other relationship skills. All of this combines to provide hope for children so they can break out of those hard places and live successful, happy lives.”
Director and Founder of Ezekiel Ministries, Josh Whitlock, shares, “Over the past 11 years, the mentors that have made the most difference are the ones who did not quit, even when the relationships got hard or changed drastically. Children go through many seasons, and many of them are navigating those seasons alone. I’ve had the privilege of seeing hundreds of people selflessly continue to show up for children as mentors through all of those seasons. They are there on the good days, the bad days, and the in-between. They are not superheroes, they are average people who decided to be there for a child and not quit, even when they do not know if it is making a difference. They are inspiring people, not because of their talent, or skill, but because of their hearts and their perseverance.”
There are several ways you can get involved in Lexington. Ezekiel Ministries utilizes local churches in after-school programs where you can volunteer an hour each week as a teacher, teacher’s aide, or mini-bus driver (CDL not required). If you have a specific gift or hobby, you can teach a 6-week Enrichment Course such as fishing, music, or cooking. If you want to become a mentor with an individual child, there is a process that includes screening, a background check, and training on abuse. You can always be involved by supporting Ezekiel Ministries with tax-deductible contributions. And you can pray for the empowerment and growth of this ministry which is unique to Lexington and the Midlands of SC.
Visit their website for information, volunteer, and donation opportunities.