John Roth was just like any ohter kid. He had a great family, went to the Lutheran elementary school his congregation supported, and even attended the Lutheran high school nearby. He married and had a family. He and his wife, Vicki, celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary by giving a special check for the youth organization of their congregation. He wanted to give back something for the direction he had received when he was young.

It’s not fair to say that the check was the only thing he did to give back. He has served on the church council and been a part-time coach for cross country and basketball as well as a volleyball official. He loves his role as mentor for young people. He says, “I wanted to help them use the talents they have and be the best they can be.” That sounds familiar, but John adds, “I want to support kids and help bring them up in the Christian faith. I want to give them confidence and be there for them.”

Receiving encouragement

Part of the reason for giving back lies in his own past. John lived in a Christian home with many advantages, but the neighborhood had its attractions that were different. “Where I lived, some of the neighbors got into trouble, and I could have gone the wrong way,” he says. As the youngest of five, he was running with a bad crowd.

As he looks back, he remembers the influence of a youth leader that helped him turn the corner. He doesn’t remember one single event that made the difference; the leader simply went out of his way to encourage him. “He gave me confidence to be what I could be,” John says. “He told me that I was better than following the path away from my faith.” That leader took John under his wing and nurtured him.

Now John thanks God every day for the opportunities he has to talk with and encourage young people. Parents have come to recognize his influence, and, after their kids have grown up, they greet him with a warm smile and chat about the days he was a friend and role model for their children. John counts those moments as a special blessing from God. He knows how the grace of God has made him what he is, and now he wants to help kids today find their way down the right path.

Giving encouragement

But how did he get started helping kids? He was asked to help coach. At first he was reluctant: “I didn’t think I could do it,” he admits. “I was scared—all those kids waiting for me and expecting something from me.” But he decided to give it a try. He overcame the fear and discovered how much he enjoyed it. It’s been 15 years since.