Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Written by Rayne Paz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Salvador, Brazil

In 2019, I participated in a mission program. I was sent to Peru with a team of fellow Brazilians. We knew that we would have the opportunity to build relationships with the Peruvian people. In fact, we had been trained to do so, and we knew that we would have the assistance of a coordinator in the field to instruct and help us in this new environment.

Having someone to learn from was of the utmost importance so that my team could build good relationships. Our mentor, along with his wife, guided us in the language, the city, contact with the brothers and sisters, and many other activities. However, for this to be successful it was necessary for us to have certain attitudes as learners. I would like to share some of them with you.

1. Willingness to learn — Building relationships can be costly — we cannot relate to others without setting aside our fears and opening ourselves to learning. In the Bible, we see this in the mentorship between Moses and Joshua. God encouraged Joshua so he would not be afraid when relating directly to thousands of people. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9 NIV).
2. Humility and submissiveness — Unfortunately, we often misinterpret the concepts of humility and submission, causing us to not be faithful in living out these practices. However, the light of the Scriptures provides their correct meanings. When we submit ourselves and humbly learn, we can better apply the teachings that we receive because we know that they are effective and reliable. Of course, that confidence can come from a mentor inspired by and devoted to the Lord, and who desires to faithfully convey His will to us. During the battle against the Amalekites, Moses instructed Joshua to gather men for the fight and Joshua submitted, knowing that Moses was a prophet of God. “So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered” (Ex. 17:10a).
3. Patience to observe — During our mission, we had to be very careful to observe the customs, language, and behavior of that new environment. Our advisor strongly recommended that we do this so that instead of venturing out with no direction, we would be able to understand first, and only then carry out whatever activity we had planned. This helped us a lot, especially in avoiding situations that could become barriers in the process of building new relationships. Before becoming the leader of his people, Joshua learned from and assisted his mentor, Moses, for 40 years. This certainly contributed to the later development of his own ministry.
4. Readiness to put into practice — True learning can only occur when accompanied by practical action. After a few weeks on the mission field, my team and I started to put into practice everything we had learned and everything we were learning day by day. We were able to start conversations, be in small groups in homes, evangelize, spend time in fellowship, and serve the congregation. Day by day we developed relationships and bonds that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, will carry on throughout the rest of our lives. Our coordinator was then able to watch over us from a distance. If we needed him, he would be there, but at that point, we were independently developing good fruits. When Moses had to go, it was time for Joshua to put into practice what he had learned. The challenge was tremendous, but the Lord was with him. “Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.’” (Deut. 31:7)

Mentorship is a mutual and blessed learning process for both the mentor and mentee. This exchange allows us to develop and serve in a most personal way. We need to take advantage of opportunities and hold onto people that teach and instruct in a way that is faithful to God, who are mature, who welcome us, and who transmit to us what was once taught to them. In the same way, we will pass on these teachings so that there are more and more mentors and apprentices of the Lord Jesus. Above all in this relationship, there will be learning from the Supreme Mentor: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29).

Have you ever approached someone to mentor or be mentored? Think about the exchange of blessings that will be yours in this relationship.

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