A few weeks ago I was privileged to hear former University of Tennessee football player Inky Johnson speak at the YOKE Banquet. Inky shared the difference one person had made in his life. Inky’s junior high school coach told him “that he was destined for greatness and that he believed in him”. This belief did not stem from his impressive athletic ability but rather from his other qualities, including his character. As Inky shared his story it was obvious the difference that this one person had made in his life. I believe that there are a lot of stories like Inky’s; stories of people who are now successful adults who are living a Christ honoring life. They were the recipient of a life changing investment, a personal investment by a loving, caring adult who believed in them and in their potential.

What’s required to make a difference in a kid’s life?

• Genuinely care – believe the best, see their potential
• Be available – make a commitment to the relationship
• Be consistent – be predictable in your love and concern for the child
• Be an example – kids learn more from what they see in our lives than what we say

The following are some ready-made ways to begin to plug-in and make a difference in a kid’s life:

• Serve weekly in the kids or student ministry at Faith Promise Church
• Be a mentor through the KidsHope program
• Participate in Big Brothers/Big Sisters
• Volunteer in a ministry such as YOKE, YoungLife, or FCA

There are many other ways to make a difference in the life of a kid whether through mentoring, after school tutoring, etc. One person can be used by God to make a life-changing difference.

Could you be a difference-maker in the life of a kid?