Have you ever done a Google search on someone before meeting them? After hearing the words “In preparation for our meeting, I googled your name” from the head of a large school system, curiosity drove me immediately from the meeting to my computer.
Here’s what I found:
- Drew Peirce the Special Effects genius. “Mastermind Drew Peirce and his lovely cutthroats are slated to helm the special effects for my forthcoming horror film Satan’s Ranch.”
- DJ Drew Pierce “is known for his rare ability to provide any crowd with a unique party-going experience. ready or not, he will take the audience through an unforgettable musical journey with each DJ set he provides.”
Yikes! I can only imagine what would have happened if this person had drawn conclusions about me, without ever getting to know me. (Okay, to be fair I do wish the second were true.)
I was reminded of this experience last week in Atlanta, as I met with leaders of a major denomination. During that meeting, they expressed something that gets at the very heart of Kids Hope USA. Let me explain.
These leaders were passionate about finding ways for their members to be relationally engaged in their communities, and wanted to find ways to spread Kids Hope USA throughout their denomination. They wanted churches to be known not by the name on the church sign, but by the names of church members.
Names that people in the community know personally. Names of someone who cares about them. Names of those who serve their schools and help their children. Names of a faithful mentor friend.
All across the country we see Kids Hope USA churches getting to know people “on a first name basis.” And so many more children waiting to be introduced. Whether it’s with a major denomination, or the small church down the street, the work of Kids Hope USA Ambassadors is as critical as ever. Keep spreading the vision!
Reaching 12,665 children through 763 church-school partnerships…and growing!
Hi Drew,
I received a phone call from my brother and sister in-law last night. They had just returned home from their first Kids Hope meeting at the Fenton Methodist Church. They are so excited about this program, being retired educators, they each signed up to be a prayer partner and the Event Coordinator. It will be fun to share ideas with them.
Fantastic! That is so exciting to hear. Thanks for all you do for kids.
Being a mentor, I believe I receive more than I give to my student. My wife and I mentor at the same time, so mentoring becomes a together experience that extents throughout the day. We each feel a positive energy from our encounter with our mentees that radiates out from us to other people. Similiarly our church has adopted the school and has extended our mission to include Christmas presents for needy families, which was very well received.
Thanks for sharing! I’m so glad to hear what mentoring has meant to both you and your wife. And how great that you mentor at the same time. You must have some wonderful, encouraging conversations on the drive home. My wife is my prayer partner, and I know it has been a great connection for us.
That is awesome!