I have been fortunate enough to have met a real good friend and mentor since being at Wheaton, Peter Jarrett. Peter is a former Wheaton football player and a current YoungLife staff member, overseeing the Naperville high schools. My freshman and sophomore year i was blessed with the privilege of going to the Dominican Republic for mission trips over spring break. This is how i met Peter, as he was the mission trip leader both years. At the end of last year, i decided to join YoungLife as a college volunteer. I was lucky enough to be chosen by Peter's high school, so i have been doing YL with Peter for this past year as well. This has been such a blessing. Peter has become not only a really great friend, but a mentor to me as well. He is a true man of God, and has been living a life on fire for Him, as evident by his actions. Becoming close with him and being able to be mentored by him has had a huge impact on my life, as he is so wise in his walk with God. He isn't afraid to challenge me with tough questions as i am soon to enter into a new phase of my life. Peter challenges me to give my all to God and to not to compromise anything in my relationship with Him.
Recently, Peter got engaged. He informed us about a week ago that he would be stepping down from YL staff in order to take a job with a marketing company. This was ultimately the best decision for him and his fiance, as she does full time YL as well. This was not an easy decision for Peter, as for the last four years he has been pouring his heart into Naperville North High School and its students. He loves YL and what he does, but at the same time he knew it was time to move on as that's what is best for his future family. It is super encouraging to see a man of God pray for guidance and ultimately give up a job he is so passionate about to venture into a new career that God is calling him in to. His life inspires and encourages me to not be afraid to sacrifice and give my all for God.
Daniel,
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you have a mentor that challenges you and has lots of experience mentoring other students. I know Peter as well and he is a really great guy. He should have some incredible insight to give you. It's great to here that he is doing well and that he is getting married soon. Also, its so awesome to here about how is is listening to and depending on God as he changes career paths.
Daniel,
ReplyDeleteas James G. VanderWaal mentioned in his comment I also got to know Peter. And It very awesome to see how God works. Reading your post and seeing how you went on two missions trip with him, and then getting put into his YoungLife high school is truly not an accident. It is great to see that you have made a great friend and met an awesome mentor who is a man of God.
Ibby,
ReplyDeleteThe volunteer work you're doing with YoungLife sounds like it's really having a positive impact on your spiritual life and something you truly enjoy doing. God is truly working in your relationship with Peter as Theo mentioned in his comment. Going on two WFMP trips with him and being placed at his High school for YoungLife is no mistake. Happy you were able to find a mentor that truly challenges you to become a better man of God
Mason
Daniel,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about your mentor Peter. He sounds like an interesting guy with a lot of knowledge and experience. It seems you have a really good relationship with him as well do to your WFMP trips that you have been on with him. I look forward to hearing about your future conversations with him and seeing how you work through issues in your life as well.
Tyler
Daniel,
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. Having met Peter, even after your great posts, Peter can't even be described in these posts. Hope he continues to grow toward Christ!
Tyler