![\"Tyler](\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/082024-Article-Web-1024x615.jpg\")
It was August of 1990 when Tyler was dropped off at Miami University to begin his freshman year. He was nervous about what college would look like, and was seeking to get involved with a Christian community when someone introduced him to Ward Ballard <\/a>\u2014 a Navigator on campus. Ward was about 10 years older than Tyler, and he had a way of making people feel at ease \u2014 exactly what Tyler needed at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ward began to invite Tyler to Navigator events, and soon they formed a compassionate, brotherly sort of friendship. Tyler was drawn to Ward\u2019s authentic, candid pursuit of Jesus \u2014 where he didn\u2019t shy away from doubts or hard conversations \u2014 and he was surprised that Ward seemed to not expect anything from him beyond a friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBefore long, I learned that my encounter with Ward was a rare opportunity to see the Christian faith in one of its most simple, but profound, forms,\u201d Tyler remembers. \u201cIt was as if he offered me friendship with no strings attached, like a gift someone leaves on one\u2019s doorstep. You could accept the gift, ignore it, throw it away \u2014 it\u2019s your choice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Tyler graduated and left college, he found that not only did his relationship with Ward continue for years to come, but the impact of how Ward treated him stuck with him as well. \u201cI had the idea that maybe I should be the same way: able to be happy when others succeed and find their way in life, and also to offer friendship to those I come across without the expectation of something in return,\u201d Tyler recalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several years later, Tyler was traveling to Philadelphia on a trip with his father when he unexpectedly met another Navigator named James*. Not only did James take Tyler and his father out to coffee, but he gave them a tour of some of Philadelphia\u2019s highlights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Tyler received a job offer in the Philadelphia area four years later, he reconnected with James. James helped Tyler find an apartment and offered to continue to meet for coffee at the same pastry shop where they had met previously with his father. \u201cJust as Ward had offered me friendship without strings attached, James was doing the same,\u201d Tyler remembers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tyler and James were still meeting up regularly at the same pastry shop in March of 2007 when James unexpectedly passed away in a biking accident, only a few days after grabbing coffee with Tyler. Tyler remembers the memorial service being packed with hundreds of people, all of whom James had shaped, invested in, or helped to find peace and faith with Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n James\u2019 sudden death hit Tyler hard. \u201cFor me, I had given this man nothing \u2026 I was too needy at the time to give anything back,\u201d Tyler recalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the memorial, Tyler talked with Ward about James\u2019 passing. Ward shared that he actually knew James well \u2014 in fact, James had mentored Ward before he even met Tyler at Miami University, greatly helping him gain outreach and ministry skills. Tyler was shocked \u2014 he never knew that the two men who loved him so well were connected until that moment, forming a chain of generational discipleship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, every time Tyler passes the pastry shop where he used to meet James, he remembers and reflects on the lessons that James passed on to Ward, and in turn, Ward passed on to him. He had learned from Ward and James that there is no greater purpose than to be there for those who are in need and follow in Jesus\u2019 footsteps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBoth James and Ward lived and obeyed the biblical command to love one\u2019s neighbor \u2014 irrespective of whether it profits us somehow or not,\u201d Tyler says. \u201cI cannot think of a higher calling, and I am grateful to have known these two inspiring men.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n *Name changed for privacy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tyler submitted his story to The Navigators to share how Ward and James impacted his life. At The Navigators, we are so encouraged by hearing personal stories of how the Lord has used this ministry to impact others\u2019 lives. If you have a story about how your experience with The Navigators impacted you, please share here – My Navigators Story<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tyler was greatly impacted by how Ward and James offered selfless friendship, expecting nothing in return during times when he was in need. Look around at the people in your life. Who can you be stretching out a hand to? How can you be offering the gift of intentional friendship to someone else?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Ward and James were intentional with Tyler, meeting him where he was in a time of need and coming alongside him. One way that you can disciple others effectively is by also being a listening ear. Learn how you can ask great questions and build meaningful relationships in the book, How to Ask Great Questions<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Gift of Relationship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Secret Chain of Generational Discipleship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Discipleship Tip:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to Ask Great Questions<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n