A Step Toward Mentoring in Cusco

This weekend, we held our first day-long intensive mentoring training for prospective volunteer mentors in Cusco.

The workshop, Caminando Juntos: Foundations of Relational Mentoring, explored the biblical foundations and purpose of mentoring, the impact that adversity and trauma can have on young people, practical tools for offering support through active listening, asking good questions, setting healthy boundaries, and the importance of self-care as a mentor.

For young adults who have lived in residential care, the transition into adulthood can bring significant changes and challenges. Many are navigating decisions about work, education, relationships, and independent living without the consistent support that other young people may receive from family. Through mentoring, we seek to help build a caring community around each young person by connecting them with a stable, committed adult who is willing to listen, encourage, and walk alongside them over time.

The conversations and activities gave participants space to learn and discern their participation as mentors. This day-long training was the first step in the application process for those interested in volunteering with our mentoring program. Those who continue will move through additional conversations, an interview, and preparation before being matched with a young person, helping ensure that each mentoring relationship begins with care, wisdom, and a commitment to long-term support.

Join us in praying for the participants as they reflect on what they learned and consider walking alongside young adults in Cusco who have lived in residential care. Please also pray for the young people who may one day be matched with these mentors—that they would experience encouragement, belonging, and the assurance that they are seen, known, and deeply valued.