Who Said It
Jedd Medefind

Jedd Medefind is director of the Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives at the U.S. Department of Labor. He formerly provided training and resources for inner-city revitalization with the California Community Renewal Project. Jedd has worked on campaigns and legislation in the California legislature, and written for organizations ranging from the C.S. Lewis Foundation to PriceWaterhouse, Moscow.

What He Said
Impact That Lives On

John, who became my mentor in college, was middle-aged with a receding hairline. But you didn't notice it behind his jocular smile. For several years we met every week or two, digging together into things that mattered to me—faith, relationships, vocation.

The first time we got together, he asked questions for an hour and a half straight. Where I grew up. In what ways my parents influenced me. What places and activities I most loved. He took notes in a little brown notebook. As time went on, he offered thoughts and advice, too. But always, he returned to questions, listening carefully to my replies. I'd guess that his questions outnumbered his suggestions two to one.

It's difficult to say whether it was the questions themselves or the thoughts he shared in between them, but his impact lingers deeply to this day. In terms of people I've spent the most time with, John probably wouldn't make the top 100. In terms of lasting influence, though, only a handful surpass him.

Adapted from The Revolutionary Communicator (Relevant, 2004) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me form a relationship with another man that spurs significant growth for both.

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