Before we get started... I've shared this piece a number of times over the years, primarily because of the impact Ken Boa made (and continues to make) in my life. I also share it because, in many ways, his influence continues to show up in much of how I think and minister, as well as what I write. I deeply appreciate now the time and effort Ken has invested in ministry in general, in me in particular, as much as when I first wrote this. Any person who has ever taken a class I have taught has heard the name “Ken Boa” more times than they ever wanted. Ken was a mentor of mine from 1989-1992, while I attended seminary in Atlanta. I first “discovered” Ken through an audio tape (remember those?) someone let me borrow. After that, I went to the seminary library and read everything I could get my hands on. I also started attending as many of Ken’s Bible studies and small groups as I could that were spread around Atlanta. (There's a really long version of this story, but this will suffice for now.) Sometimes, at seminary, students can actually become spiritually malnourished as God becomes more of an object to be analyzed rather than a Person to be loved. Ken served as a great antidote to that ailment in my life. I enjoyed the privilege of getting to know Ken one-on-one and was even allowed to teach some of his classes from time to time. I will always appreciate the time and effort he poured into me. He must have exercised great patience in having this young seminary student trailing behind his every step. But if he did ever grow weary of me, I never knew it. He was always very gracious and helpful. After graduation I moved back to Florida and continued studying under Ken via his audio tapes and books. I have listened to his teachings and read his books over and over again. In fact, I wrote him a number of years ago and told him his influence has been felt throughout Florida, at every church I have served. (As a side note, I reached out to him during the pandemic and asked if he could share with me some details about his online teaching setup. Again, he was very helpful.) Today I can continue to keep up with Ken through his website. I can receive daily devotions and prayers, download and listen to his teaching via podcasts, read his many articles, etc. And if I want to feel even more like I’m back in one of his studies, I can join him in a class via Zoom or watch him via his seemingly countless class videos. I have mailed Ken periodic “thank you” cards as well as reached out to him with an occasional email. But it’s nice to know I can still keep up with him and his teaching. He was, and remains, a very influential mentor in my life. My ministry reveals it, as folks I have been privileged to teach and disciple can easily attest. Below is Part 1 of a Ten-Part video series entitled, The Voyage of Life. Ken has a book coming out soon based on this series. It was a moving study, one in which I took copious notes. His lesson related to the Celtic Cross especially moved me (more on that later). The Voyage of Life: Part 1 Aging Wisely by Ken Boa at Reflections Ministries Comments are closed.
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