Driving with Dr. Mitchell
In this episode, Dr. G shares a lighthearted yet telling story about traveling with his mentor, Dr. John Mitchell — a man who loved driving almost as much as he loved conversation. Though his hearing was failing and his health declining, Dr. Mitchell insisted on staying behind the wheel of his beloved Buick, making one thing very clear: he was driving — but Dr. G was coming along “just in case.” Those drives quickly became unforgettable. Dr. Mitchell didn’t just talk while driving — he required eye contact. Important stories demanded full attention, even if traffic was heavy and speed limits were optional. As Dr. G watched cars ahead while trying to listen intently, his prayer life quietly intensified. One particular moment stood out. Traffic suddenly jammed, brakes slammed, and the car slowed just enough to avoid disaster. Dr. Mitchell calmly announced they would simply “fellowship for a bit” until traffic opened up. And when it did, the accelerator went down, the speed returned — and the fellowship continued uninterrupted. Behind the humor is a portrait of deep trust, affection, and shared life. These drives weren’t just about getting to doctor’s appointments. They were moments of mentorship, conversation, and learning — sometimes accompanied by white knuckles and whispered prayers.
In This Video
• Traveling to doctor’s appointments with Dr. John Mitchell
• The risks (and humor) of driving with a determined mentor
• How eye contact mattered more than traffic
• A memorable moment in stopped traffic
• How mentorship can unintentionally deepen your prayer life
About This Series
This video is part of a collection celebrating the story, ministry, and legacy of Dr. Garry Friesen (Dr. G), honoring the heritage of Multnomah School of the Bible / Multnomah University and the continuing work God is doing through new ministries around the world.
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If these stories encourage you, feel free to like, subscribe, and share with others who knew and loved Multnomah — and with believers growing in faith in Rwanda and beyond. Videos are also available at https://www.youtube.com/@ABCMultnomah.
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The production of these videos was provided by the Multnomah Family Team, if you would like to help sponsor more videos like this, please contact us here.
