The Village in Forest Chapel Mentoring Program

05/18/2026

✨ Mentor Spotlight: Mr. Bob ✨

This year looked a little different for our Village in Forest Chapel Mentorship Program. Although Mr. Bob was unable to volunteer with us this season, his presence was still deeply felt and greatly missed.

During our 2024-2025 season of The Village, Mr. Bob made an incredible impact on our mentees, mentors, and families. His kindness, wisdom, patience, and genuine love for others helped shape the foundation of our program in such a special way. The relationships he built and the encouragement he gave continue to live on within our Village family.

This year, we wanted to give back to someone who has poured so much into others. A few of our mentors had the opportunity to pay Mr. Bob a special visit and surprise him with a beautiful “Thinking of You” letter book filled with handwritten heartfelt notes, drawings, memories, and messages from both mentors and mentees.

We wanted him to know one very important thing:
He is missed, he is loved, and he is not forgotten. ❤️

Thank you, Mr. Bob, for the difference you have made in our community and in the lives of so many children. Your impact continues far beyond the Wednesdays you spent with us.

05/06/2026

✨ Mentor Spotlight: Ms. Carolyn ✨

We are so grateful to highlight one of our amazing mentors, Ms. Carolyn! She has been with us since the start of the program!

Fun Fact:
She grew up as the youngest of four in a small village in central Ohio—where everyone knew each other! She even used an outhouse until age 11 before her family added a bathroom to their home.

Why She Joined The Village:
“To show God’s love to the younger families in our community.”

Favorite Moment This Year:
Watching the growth in the children and seeing their joy.

Favorite Scripture:
📖 John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

📖 Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…”

Favorite Worship Song:
“Amazing Grace” 🎶

Thank you, Ms. Carolyn, for pouring love, wisdom, and faith into our Village. You are truly a blessing! 💕

04/23/2026

04/23/2026

Tonight was such a beautiful and meaningful evening at The Village!

We spent time in fellowship and prayer, lifting up both our prayer requests and our praises as a group. It’s always powerful to see our mentees growing more comfortable sharing their hearts and encouraging one another.

One of the highlights of the night was our faith-based scavenger hunt outside! Mentees/Mentors worked together to:

* Find elements of God’s creation
* Identify symbols of faith (like the cross)
* Capture moments of acts of service
* And perform a fun 10-second skit about “Trust in God”

The teamwork, creativity, and joy were amazing to witness!

04/22/2026

During Resurrection week…. Our mentees had an amazing time creating beautiful cross crafts, sharing fellowship, and learning through hands-on activities what Easter really represents. From painting crosses to the “Jelly Bean Prayer,” each moment reminded us of God’s love, sacrifice, and the promise of new life.

Also pictured our Mentoring session during the same week last year in 2025.

04/20/2026

🍕 Village Mentorship Program Update 🍕

Our mentees had the opportunity to make their very own personal pizzas—and it was so much more than just a fun activity.

As each mentee created their pizza, we tied it into a powerful reminder: just like every pizza had different ingredients and looked a little different, God created each of us uniquely and with purpose. Every mentee brought something special to the table, and it was beautiful to see their creativity shine.

We shared time together laughing, building connections, and enjoying a meal we made with our own hands. Moments like these continue to strengthen the bonds between mentors and mentees and remind us of the importance of community.

03/08/2026

March is FLYING by Village in Forest Chapel !

Our mentees created their very own “Pick Me Up Jars.” Each jar was filled with scriptures, prayers, and affirmations that they can pull out on days when they need a little extra encouragement, strength, or reminder of who they are in God’s eyes. It was so special watching them choose verses and write words of truth to keep with them.

We also had a great time playing Bible Bingo, testing our knowledge of stories and characters from the Bible. There were lots of laughs, learning, and a little friendly competition!

Every week we are reminded how powerful it is when mentors and mentees come together to grow in faith, encouragement, and community.

I truly feel honored that God chose me to help lead this incredible Village. I learn something new every week from these amazing students and mentors. ❤️

02/20/2026

This week at The Village in Forest Chapel, we were honored to be visited by Pastor Kabamba. She shared a heartfelt and powerful message about the meaning of Ash Wednesday. Our mentees were fully engaged—asking thoughtful questions and leaning into the conversation in such a meaningful way.

Pastor Kabamba also blessed our meal, and it was truly a special moment of fellowship together.

With the beautiful weather, we took advantage of being outdoors…. shooting hoops, jumping rope, and hula hooping. Laughter filled the air. It felt good to simply enjoy one another.

We closed the night with prayer. We shared both prayer requests and praises, reminding one another that we are never walking alone.

This Village is truly something special. I’m so grateful to witness what God is building here week by week.

02/13/2026