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12-3-1 Mentors are recruited by YouthReach International staff and existing 12-3-1 Mentors from local churches, universities, partnerships, and friendships. While the Mentor/child friendship begins during camp and special outreaches, it is deepened throughout the year by regular gatherings and individual meetings. Often the children consult their 12-3-1 Mentors in social and spiritual matters as they navigate life’s challenges. The 12-3-1 Mentors’ skills are developed through semi-annual weekend retreats, where special guests are invited in to share methods of spiritual and social development for themselves and the children. Through ongoing relationships and communication with the 12-3-1 Mentors, YouthReach International monitors the development of the children and offers resources for spiritual growth.
What exactly is a 12-3-1 Mentor? (click here to find out!)
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Our goals for 12-3-1 Mentors are as follows:
Have a passion for developing children spiritually and socially
Profess a faith in Jesus Christ
Receive consistent mentoring from someone else
Connect with a life-giving body of believers
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Polina, Anya, and Ruslan
12-3-1 Mentors from Novosibirsk, Rus |
YouthReach International is committed to developing these qualities in our 12-3-1 Mentors. Not all of our 12-3-1 Mentors are Christians when they first begin working with us. Through sharing our faith and living out Christ’s attitudes in front of them, we hope that they will accept Him as their Savior. To assist in their own spiritual and personal growth, we are currently developing the following aspects of our Mentor Development Program:
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Model Sacrificial Attitudes – YouthReach International staff and Short Term Missionaries consistently model sacrificial attitudes to the 12-3-1 Mentors before, during, and for years after specific outreach events in which they are involved. We believe that the best way for 12-3-1 Mentors to learn this quality is to see it lived out in front of them.
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Spiritual Development Training – during our semi-annual retreats, we offer pastors and spiritual development specialists to guide the 12-3-1 Mentors spiritually. We also offer continuous communication with the YouthReach International staff via face to face meetings, telephone, e-mail, and videoconferencing to allow safe spiritual discussions.
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Social Development Training – also during our semi-annual retreats, we bring in various child development specialists to focus on areas of interest. These topics may include communication strategies, dealing with bullying, drugs and alcohol awareness, etc.
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Provide Mentors to the 12-3-1 Mentors – we find spiritually mature Christians in the local areas for the 12-3-1 Mentors to develop a mentoring relationship, allowing someone with their culture and language to guide them in spiritual and life issues.
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Community of Believers – to draw each 12-3-1 Mentor into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This ultimately leads to them joining a life-giving body of believers.
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