KYBC-connecting one on one. Being a mentor.

In our blog post on 28th June, we discussed changes regarding KYBC. Know Your Bible connecting one on one (previously referred to as KYB by Correspondence) offers women who are unable to participate in a KYB group due to physical or geographical constraints the chance to study with an individual mentor.  These studies can be completed via mail, email or online video platform.

Part of the KYBC enrolment process is that each student is assigned an experienced mentor for one-on-one study at their own pace.

Becoming a KYBC mentor:

Mentors go through a rigorous application process, including a nine-unit KYB study. They first complete units 1–4 with an experienced mentor as a student, then units 5–9 as a mentor with an experienced mentor as the student. The experienced mentor recommends the applicant’s suitability to the KYBC Administrator. All mentors must be members of CWCI Australia.

Mentoring at KYBC has changed over the years. Some women have mentored students for many years, including Rosemary, who has been a KYBC mentor for 34 years.

KYBC mentor Rosemary recently reflected on her mentoring experience:

I have seen several changes in the format of KYBC since I became a tutor (as we were called then) in the early 1990’s. No books back then – The lessons were all on foolscap pages. I had a supervisor with whom I did a study before I was able to then tutor a student. No emails – just ordinary mail and one lesson at a time. Once I had completed that study, I would then be allocated a student.

 Like now, with my students, I continued with my Advisor over the years as I steadily worked my way through doing as many studies as I could so that I then was able to offer my students many studies to choose from. Some students have only done 1 or 2 studies with me, but some have been long term students. Through exchanging letters I have been enriched and learnt a lot about different areas of our diverse country. I even had a lady who moved with her family to Japan and continued with KYBC for a while and so I learnt a little about Japanese culture.

Whilst caravanning last year in northern NSW/Qld we were able to visit one of my students in a remote area and share with her family and so gain a greater insight into the challenges she faces day by day.

KYBC students benefit from the time and assistance provided by their mentors. Studying independently can be difficult. Guidance and encouragement from mentors are essential aspects of the mentoring process.

These are the types of things women say about their KYBC studies and mentors.

• My mentor is amazing, and I love the opportunity I have by doing these studies by correspondence
• I sometimes find the study a bit difficult, but the study book questions help to guide me
• I am eager to start a new study after a long break over the holiday period
• Thank you for marking these studies. I have enjoyed this one and gleaned a deeper appreciation of Christ and His wonderful work.
• I am excited about the study I am doing and thrilled to be learning new spiritual truths.

Mentoring gives a chance to connect with new people. A mentor recently wrote:

My student often tells me how much she enjoys the studies and is learning more. Sometimes when we have slightly longer pauses between units, then she expresses how good it is to “get back to them”.  It is then that she expresses how much she values KYB.

If you are interested in doing KYBC: connecting one on one, or being a mentor, go to KYBC – CWCI Australia.

For further information about other CWCI Australia Ministries go to our website at CWCI – Australia or contact our friendly office staff on Contact – CWCI Australia who would be happy to help you.

Beryl Gray

KYBC Administrator