Peter, a retired businessman, is looking for opportunities to serve about 10 hours a week. He has various business contacts and believes he can help find jobs for returning inmates. Peter attends several in-prison events and after a few weeks has gained more empathy for the prison experience plus he found a man who would like a mentor. After a couple of meetings, prayer and agreement, he begins monthly visits and weekly letters.

After mentoring for several months, the time is close for his man to be released. Peter begins the process of preparation, goal-setting and job assessment. Peter, with cooperation from his church, found a nice job for his mentee. They signed an agreement to work together for at least six months; after that they will decide whether or not to continue the relationship.

Peter contacts the Parole Office to make sure that his mentee's plans meet with the conditions of his parole. He meets the Parole Officer (PO) assigned and agrees to work as a team with him. His man must attend weekly N.A. meetings, pay $30 a month court cost and restitution, be restricted to Dallas County (exceptions approved in advance by his PO), turn in weekly UA's (later less frequent as determined by his PO) and start weekly visits with his PO. Peter prays with his man over these conditions and together they make plans to insure these conditions are met without exception. Peter explains the load will reduce as he proves to be reliable and remains drug-free. They make sure transportation issues are solved to fulfill his obligations.

The big day comes and Peter picks up his man at the Walls unit in Huntsville. After a warm hug and prayer, Peter takes him out for a simple meal at a small restaurant. Peter then takes him to settle into the aftercare center. Next they head to a local clothes closet so he will have clothes for work and church. Peter supplies him with bus tokens or pass (plus bus map and directions so can get to his various obligations) that will last him until he gets his first paycheck. Peter reviews the plans they made, makes sure he's settled in and agrees to call him the next day.

After several days of work and many phone calls, Peter visits his workplace to see how things are going. Work is going well from all accounts, however, he feels a little depressed. He misses his Christian buddies in prison and worries over his family and not making enough money. They talk over the issues and pray and peace is restored.

Peter meets with and calls his man on a regular basis. Over time, he settles down, remains drug-free, meets his parole conditions and finds a good church home. During the six months, they have several crises and both make mistakes, but they work out the problems and their differences. Here's a summary of the six months: earned a promotion and raise at work; moved into his own apartment; bought an inexpensive car with insurance; relates well with his PO (down to one visit a month); integrated well into his church and helps one of the deacons; joined a Bible study; began a relationship with his two children; stayed off drugs (except one fall) for five months; started personal devotions and keeps his relationship with Jesus in good shape. Both of them have grown and learned a lot from each other.

Peter agrees to keep in touch with him, but the need for intensity is gone now. So, Peter begins the search for another mentee. Peter has joined a support group for mentors and feels he is ready to help others become mentors and eventually begin to train them.  His walk with the Lord has been challenged, but he has grown tremendously by learning to depend on the Holy Spirit.

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