On a radiant Sunday morning, Alan, 75, and Conner, 35, stepped into the bustling lobby of Hope City Church, unaware that their lives were about to intertwine in a divine and transformative way.
A Spark of Connection
Alan’s eyes caught the bold curve of Conner’s handlebar mustache, a striking echo of his great-grandfather’s. A wave of nostalgia pulled him toward Conner, who was attending only his second service after years away from church. In that fleeting moment, God began weaving their stories together, setting the stage for a profound bond.
Alan, alongside his dear friend Ty and other men in the later chapters of life, was immersed in Man in the Mirror’s Spiritual Fathers training. Each week, they gathered to learn how to mentor younger men one-on-one, their hearts eager but uncertain. “How will we find the right young man to guide?” they wondered. Ty, their steadfast leader, reassured them, “Trust God. He will provide.”
A Shared Journey Begins
At the same time, Hope City launched its disciple-makers program, bringing Ty, Alan, Conner, and two others into a small, tight-knit group. As they met, Alan listened intently as Conner poured out his story—his childhood, his tangled religious past, and the struggles that still weighed on him. To Alan’s amazement, Conner’s experiences mirrored his own, as if their lives had followed parallel paths across generations.
Conner’s Path to Redemption
Conner’s journey to faith was marked by pain and awakening. At 18, the sudden loss of a high school friend shook him. At the funeral, gripped by fear of mortality, he gave his life to Christ, though he later admitted it was more out of obligation than true belief. He was fulfilling duties, not chasing faith. But in October 2023, he returned to church when invited by his mom and stepdad. In March 2024, Conner was baptized, and there was no turning back. He surrendered fully to Jesus, his heart ignited with newfound purpose. The transcendent transformation of his mother, Mila, and the unwavering devotion of his stepfather, Jamie, stirred his soul. Jamie’s patience, love, and grace became a beacon, guiding Conner toward Christ. His life remains a living testament to the power of a spiritual father.
Trials and Triumphs
Conner’s personal life, however, was far from serene. He had been living with Sarah, initially as roommates, but their relationship deepened, and they welcomed a son, Corey. Their fragile harmony shattered when Conner returned home wearing a T-shirt proclaiming his new faith. Sarah, enraged by his commitment to Christ, rejected it outright. As they lived in her home, Conner was forced to leave, his heart heavy but his spirit resolute.
Yet, Conner was becoming a new creation. He shed destructive habits, including drug use and reckless behavior, and embraced a healthier life. He immersed himself in church life, serving wherever he could, even joining a PF3 workout group. Through it all, he faced the raw intensity of spiritual warfare, wrestling with doubt and temptation as a new believer.
At a Hope City Men’s breakfast, where Jamie brought Conner, he sat beside me. I encouraged him, shared my contact information, and trusted God’s timing to nurture our connection. Today, Conner also participates in my men’s discipleship small group. He’s a true blessing to me and the other men!
A Battle for Family
Conner’s faith was tested as he balanced his commitment to church with his desire to maintain peace with Sarah for the sake of seeing Corey. But Sarah escalated the conflict, filing an injunction to block Conner from their son. “Without the support of godly men,” Conner later shared, “I wouldn’t have made it through.” Sarah, backed by her attorney and mother, aimed to extend the injunction for a year. Conner, undeterred, chose to represent himself in court.
On the day of the hearing, Conner stood tall, flanked by Alan, Ty, their wives, and his boss—a man whose testimony would prove pivotal. Alan and Ty coached Conner to speak with kindness and love, even under pressure. In the courtroom, his boss’s words dismantled Sarah’s attempts to discredit Conner. The judge, moved by the truth, lifted the injunction with stern warnings, granting Conner 50-50 custodial rights to Corey. Tears of gratitude welled in Conner’s eyes as he whispered, “God is so good.”
A Song of Faith
Conner’s faith blossomed. He joined the worship team, his fingers dancing across the strings of his bass guitar, awakening gifts long dormant. A three-week break from meeting Alan felt like an eternity, so they resumed their weekly gatherings, their bond growing deeper. Conner often teased, “Alan knows me better than my own mom!” Each step forward brought confirmation that God was calling him to use his talents for His glory.
A Bond for Eternity
For Alan, the Spiritual Fathers training had borne fruit beyond his wildest dreams. His relationship with Conner, forged through shared stories and steadfast support, was one he could never imagine ending. “This,” Alan said, his voice thick with emotion, “is what it means to build real, eternal relationships.” For both men, the journey was a testament to God’s faithfulness—a blessing that rippled far beyond their own lives.
A Call to Mentorship
Intergenerational discipleship, like the bond between Alan and Conner, is a sacred calling. It weaves hearts together, honors our Lord and Savior, King Jesus, and transforms lives for eternity. Amen and Amen!
Interview & Story by
Man in the Mirror’s Mark Somers