Luke Mantzell Reflection

Luke Mantzell came and spoke to our class.  He is the Area Director in the South Hills for Young Life.  His role includes talking to donors, working with students, collaborating with the committee, and maintaining these relationships.  Luke graduated from GCC last year as a double major in finance and entrepreneurship.  He said that he thought success would be getting into the business world, climbing the corporate ladder, and making a big pay check, however God had other plans in mind.  God wanted to use Luke in ministry.  Luke was opposed to this, but God opened and shut many, many doors.  Luke would interview with different companies, but would not hear back.  Eventually, he chatted with Alex Eckard and Alex told Luke that there have been many people praying for him to go into Young Life ministry.  Luke accepted God’s calling and now works for Young Life.

This does not mean his path has been easy.  Luke was thrust into a bigger role quicker than he expected, and he had to figure it out on the fly.  He had to rely on others too for support.  For example, the committee asked him about his plans for the banquet, and he had to honestly say that he does not know and needed their help.  His honesty and intentionality helps him with forming meaningful relationships; this goes for the kids he works with and the adults donating to the cause.  He tells them that they are “not giving to [him], but giving through [him].”  He relies on God for the strength and driving purpose for the work he is doing.