Katie Forbess is my right-hand woman, my Barnabas (encourager) and "partner in crime" for everything that has to do with Iron Rose Sister Ministries. I am so blessed to have her as President of the Board of Directors and as a friend.
We talk almost daily about things related to the ministry. We rejoice in what God is doing and often express our frustration at what others are not doing (like when we were dealing with the publishers). We share prayer requests, encouragement, challenges, and life. We had not seen each other in about nine years before the bilingual event in Denver, November 2013, but now, living only two hours away, we get to see each other much more often!
Early in the IRSM days, I was in Houston, frustrated that we were not going to get the copies of the Spanish book in time for the International Women's Conference where I was speaking. Katie was doing all she could to follow up with the publishing company and light a fire under anyone that would listen. After the conference had ended and we had more hope of receiving some books in time to deliver to the ladies who were returning to their home countries, Katie and I were touching base about the books we were trying to get down to Venezuela, which was my next trip at that time.
At that moment, I had to go meet with someone, so we didn't get to finish our conversation nor were we able to pray together. Katie said, "Okay. Number one on our list for tomorrow is that we pray!" I agreed wholeheartedly, we hung up and continued on with our days.
The next day, I was beginning to feel overwhelmed by all the stress of preparing for the Venezuela trip and taking care of several other Iron Rose Sister Ministries tasks that I didn't want to leave undone. Katie and I postponed our phone appointment twice that day and were finally able to connect and work on several things.
Yet again, I was nearing the time I needed to go, so we wrapped up what we were discussing and hung up. Katie called me right back and I asked if she dialed me accidentally or on purpose. "On purpose!" she said. "We didn't do the first thing on our list!"
I was humbled by this reminder and grateful for a Christian sister and friend, an Iron Rose Sister that continues to keep me sharp and accountable in those areas that I long to grow and bloom. We took turns praying and I have no words to describe the peace that came over me and the gratefulness I felt for all that God has already done. Katie teared up during her prayer as well and we hung up with a different spirit that we had started the earlier conversation.
May God be praised for the power of prayer and for the way in which he places people in our lives to transform, challenge, and encourage us.