Time Over Time

Every so often, there’s a moment in which I (Mitchell) see evidence of what we already know and claim as truth – that adult volunteers investing in students’ lives over time makes a lasting impact. Most recently, I was reminded of this fact through an interaction with long-time youth volunteer Victor Steen. Victor and I ran into each other while entering a funeral home to attend a visitation following the death of 9th grader Caleb Kelley’s grandfather. As we waited in line to greet the family, we chatted about his years of experience with the Kelley family, particularly through his involvement with youth-league basketball. Caleb, and several others from our youth group, have been coached by Victor for several seasons, and he has developed a special bond with the boys over the course of that time.

Being involved in the lives of students enables interactions with their families, so Victor has also formed relationships with many parents and even indirectly influenced grandparents. This was evident during the visitation by his interaction with Caleb’s grandmother, who had attended countless sporting events and knew the role Victor has played in Caleb’s life. On this day, Victor reminded me that when adults invest “time-over-time” with children and students, the impact they have will be significant.

Over the years Victor has been heavily involved in many sports, both as a coach and volunteer. His clear and profound love for young people manifests in many ways as he seeks out opportunities to provide healthy and positive environments for kids to learn the value of teamwork, self-control, perseverance, and grit.

But Victor doesn’t limit himself to the wide world of sports. He is dedicated to an even higher calling – the body of Christ. Victor has been a small group leader in the youth ministry for several years. When he began volunteering, he requested to work with our Middle School boys, many of whom he coached. For much of his time working with our MS, I witnessed the intentional way he ministered to the guys of his group. He was always concerned that they “get something out” of being part of a spiritual community. Back in August, as his group of boys was aging up into 9th grade, he requested to shift into the role of a High School volunteer and continue his work. Time-over-time.

One final note of appreciation has to be mentioned regarding his status as our most prolific inviter of guests. Using his existing network and influence through sports and his sons’ school, Victor is always looking for ways to reach out to young people who are not connected to a church home. He clearly considers his involvement in youth sports to be his mission field.

Victor will hate the fact that this article is written entirely about him, but we hold him up as an example of someone who is not looking for the spotlight, but simply wants to invest time-over-time with people to gain influence and further the work of making disciples.