A Mentor for Life — Learning from Dr. Mitchell

In this episode, Dr. G reflects on a deeply personal mentoring relationship that shaped his life and ministry. Surrounded by greatness at Multnomah, he realized something was missing — he was learning from remarkable leaders, but he wasn’t truly being mentored. In particular, he longed to learn from Dr. Mitchell, one of the founders of the school, even as Dr. Mitchell’s hearing and health were beginning to fail. What followed was an unexpected, mutual relationship. As Dr. Mitchell gradually lost the ability to hear questions, meet with students, and engage in conversations after class, Dr. G stepped in — quite literally becoming his ears. They taught together, traveled together, and talked together, often in awkward and humbling settings, like crowded restaurants where Dr. G had to speak far louder than felt comfortable just to stay connected. Yet what Dr. G discovered was profound: Dr. Mitchell needed a mentee as much as Dr. G needed a mentor. As Dr. Mitchell’s influence began to fade because of his physical limitations, this partnership allowed his wisdom, stories, and spiritual depth to be passed on to another generation. Dr. G listened, asked questions, and absorbed everything he could — especially in Dr. Mitchell’s final years, when his body and mind were failing. One moment stands out above all others. Even as conversation became difficult and frustrating for Dr. Mitchell, Scripture remained alive within him. When Dr. G quoted a verse, Dr. Mitchell could continue effortlessly, verse after verse, often word for word. In that moment, Dr. G realized something unforgettable: his mentor knew God’s thoughts better than his own. And that, he reflects, is the kind of life he hopes to live.

In This Video
• Why everyone needs a mentor — even future leaders
• How Dr. G pursued mentoring when it didn’t come naturally
• The unexpected partnership formed through Dr. Mitchell’s hearing loss
• How mentoring can flow both directions
• A powerful reflection on Scripture, legacy, and finishing well

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.

Stay Connected
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.

Donate
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.