As I mentioned in our last visit, Paul mentored Timothy. He turned down Mark as a possible mentee because he deserted Paul and Barnabas on their first mission trip. Barnabas was willing to take the time and effort to mentor him, one on one, in Cyprus. When Paul embarked on his second mission trip with Silas as his partner he came to Lystra, one of towns where he planted a church on his first trip with Barnabas. While there he met Timothy who was approved by the leaders of the church there. Paul took him on his team. Later we find he added Luke, who often traveled with him. He also worked with Aquila and Priscila in both Corinth and Ephesus. Then we find him traveling with a group of men: “Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Tychicus and Trophimus. Titus was another of his mentorees. In Paul’s mind, if mentoring one is good, mentoring two or more at the same time is even better. The point is not how many you mentor, but the process of reproducing yourself is important if the church is to grow and expand to reach the world. As these mentorees matured in the faith Paul would release them to care for churches in various locations. For example, he left Titus in Crete, Timothy in Ephesus, and Erastus in Corinth. Some mentorees drifted and then departed from the work, like Demus, who deserted Paul, because he loved this world more. It is hard work to pour your life into others but the effort is well worth it. The synergism of working together enriches and ”energyizes” you and blesses others.