Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Written by Johanna Zabala, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Ecuador

Did you know that our names identify us? Well, yes. On this occasion Timothy, according to the Greek, means one who honors and worships God. How beautiful! He must have been a great, faithful, and dedicated servant of God because it is reflected in the Bible. Son of a compassionate Jewish woman and a Greek father, details of his life appear in the book of Acts in chapter 16, specifying the relationship of efficient mentoring, which led to an evident friendship between Paul and Timothy, along with other beloved disciples.

It is of great value to note that in the Bible we find the two letters written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy. The power of the Holy Spirit is observed in them; in order to get the spiritual strength in the physical weaknesses that we experience as human beings. Therefore, we always need each other to follow the path to eternal life in which our names have been written.

Everything aforementioned teaches us that Paul and Timothy achieved a fraternal alliance, where Timothy was an excellent collaborator, assistant, companion, and disciple of Paul; with holy purposes full of hope, comfort, support and love, especially towards the body of the Lord, "The Church." They achieved leadership, reprimands, and commitment amongst everyone. It is said that together they became father and son experiencing the good and bad and that they developed a genuine friendship in order to know how to endure and teach through the trials and joys of faith in God, evident and common between both.

For this reason, what Proverbs 17:17 tells us came to mind, "A friend loves at all times, and is like a brother in time of trouble." Surely Paul and Timothy learned friendship in the brotherhood of Christ, when, in the opportunities and difficulties along the way, they complemented each other in what they said and did for the service of the Lord Jesus Christ, and accompanied each other to the end.

In my experience, from 2001 to 2018, I lived for the glory of God, a story of real and pure friendship in faith with my sister Ysabel Dávila. A selfless and precious servant woman of the Lord with a valuable and noble mind, believer of a living and authentic God, He delighted in her. I knew my sister back then as Ysa. She and I were born again almost together in the same congregation and with very similar expectations; from there we began the most beautiful path of conviction and learning.

Together we learned from each other to know the great will of the Father in the light of the Word. We saw our husbands, children, and siblings grow in faith and gifts. We shared joys and sorrows. We traveled to women's conventions, we shared our struggles, we called each other on the phone daily, we studied the Word in personal and group discipleships, we cooked together, we visited the sisters, we gave Sunday classes to the children. We celebrated everyone's birthdays and, with great joy, the fifteenth-year birthday parties of her beautiful Marbella and my beautiful Crismarie (today, both graduated for the service of the Father in Christ Jesus, one at Baxter and the other at EQEB—schools of preaching with their families). These things happened, not by chance but on purpose, prayed for in advance for one another, and not only that, being in agreement with God and in our hearts, also many times we distributed church brochures in the squares, parks, hospitals, and around the church building, all as a family and in harmony, remembering Psalm 133:1.
When I got married and God gave me my second child, she was always there in prayer and support; also recognized as the most affectionate sister of all. My children called her aunt and her children did the same. Without a doubt, this is how our genuine friendship arose, in analogy to the probable relationship between Paul and Timothy.

When I look back on this part of my life, I thank the Heavenly Father for Ysa. She departed into the presence of God on February 23, 2018; an event that filled me with a particular emptiness, because I found in her characteristics very similar to mine at that time of my life, as it was for Timothy in Paul.

She not only left tears and infinite teachings in me, but in the whole congregation, for her fervent love in and for God at all times. Even in her last days, she worshiped and served the Lord. This is how I understood the pain that the apostle Paul left among the brothers and especially Timothy, but I know that he was strengthened in God and in the Holy Spirit as I did in that physical loss of my beloved sister Ysa, whose name means “dedicated to God” in Hebrew.

I am sure that we all develop godly friendship in this way, useful and very necessary in the church, to love one another (1 John 4:7).

Within your life in Christ Jesus, beloved sister, are you like Timothy? Have you loved your sisters as Paul loved Timothy? Do you believe that friendship is a gift from God?

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Written by Johanna Zabala, volunteer with Ministerio Hermana Rosa de Hierro in Ecuador

When I decided to be born again by the baptism of water and the Spirit, I recognized it as a biblical privilege and mandate (according to John 3:1-15 and as the Lord says through the apostle Peter in Acts 2:38). I received, in that moment of faith, the gift of the Holy Spirit that beautifully fills us with marvelous and divine capacities to continue fulfilling His holy commandments.

Later, I was converted and chosen as a believer, pupil, daughter, and apprentice of the Master. Jesus is also known as our Guide or Mentor. Through Him, I found so many reasons to learn that gave meaning and a precise spiritual turn in my life.

Finding within His beautiful instructions the greatest command read and reflected specifically in Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” I started from there to build a firm starting point in Him.

Love your neighbor as yourself implies care. The continuous teaching toward mentoring, education or discipleship (personal and community) in the Holy Spirit, and everyone growing in the word of God, towards the discovery of the Father's will. Jesus, the Lord, commands and encourages us at all times to search and study the Scriptures (Jn. 5:39 and 2 Tim. 3:16-17) to be wise, teachers, prudent, and useful in His kingdom.

Therefore, in this act of unity, relationship and obedience in the Lord, I can manage to love my neighbor. This analogy proposes the essential objective of allowing us, in the love of God, to guard, guide and fulfill the divine instructions in Jesus Christ. It is achieved through the missionary guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming ambassador daughters of the light of Christ in the world (2 Cor. 5:20 and Jn. 1:9).

And why love us? Because we were commissioned to extend the authority of the Lord everywhere, bringing the good news of salvation of the soul to eternal life, but it does not end there. We obey the need to be born again through baptism, since this step is the model of the gospel, in educating and keeping all the things He taught, strengthening the conviction that He will be with all His beloved obedient sons and daughters until the end of the world, contemplated in Matthew 28:18-20.

In the same way, during the development of the Christian life, one gains access to know how to thank the footprints of Christ. Likewise, these footprints are the best race of eternal life that we have had to live from the love of God in each heart among sisters. First John 4:7 and 8 says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” And these verses guide us to the attention and value that He has for each one of us.

Therefore, today as a princess and daughter of King Jesus Christ and as a woman of faith, I was able to understand at the same time the importance and value of Love and the Holy Spirit within me and within you, beloved sister.

Recognizing with all your heart and according to the Spirit of God, one learns, as a sacred purpose, to live what is expressed in Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Are we prepared? I think we are, now that we are aware of God’s Holy Spirit and we constantly remember that it is our Christian duty as mentors to teach and disciple one another in the Way. Knowing how to instruct, guide and advise in the Holy Spirit is important; educating in holiness, to renew the strength of God, motivating support among brothers, supporting, helping each other, and bringing the blessing of the Lord in all circumstances.

For that reason, my loved ones, let's go forward together as mentors, guides, educators and advisers of good; since within the call of the gospel is the power of salvation (Rom. 1:16). Through mentoring, we spiritually guide as servants approved and prepared for every good work, as 2 Timothy 3:17 says.

In short, let us remain on the same page moving forward, encouraged, joyful, and very consistent in the Holy Spirit of God that guides and instructs us, in such a way that we can guide others. Let's bloom always!

Are you willing?

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Written by Rianna Elmshaeuser, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado

You are the main character in your story. Everyone in your life is a supporting character or background extra. But rather than asking ourselves what everyone else’s role is in our lives, the question we need to be pondering is, who am I in God’s story? Am I a background character? Am I a lead role or an extra? There are natural objections to this idea that will come to the mind of the average Christian. After all, God has an important role for each of us—a purpose—and that is absolutely correct.

But let’s take a moment and imagine a movie that has only the lead character in it. It is flat and uninteresting. There is no one to help move the plot along, no one to create drama, no colorful characters having coffee in the background of a coffee shop. Extras, background characters, supporting roles, and lead roles are all crucial to creating a vivid and exciting story.

Keep this thought in mind as we look at the relationships of Paul, Silas, Barnabas, and Timothy. The partnership between Paul and Barnabas begins in Acts 13 and continues until they have a falling out in Acts 15. Their partnership begins at the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:2 tells us, “…the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them’” (ESV). After this event, they are sent out into a whirlwind of ministry and trouble. They would enter a city and preach, then be forced to flee from persecution. Throughout these chapters, it is only Paul’s sermons that are recorded.

The Apostle Paul was the greatest evangelist of the early church, if not of all time, aside from Jesus, of course. But would Paul have been able to keep on through persecution and being stoned without so faithful a friend as Barnabas? When Paul was lying on the ground outside the city where the Jews had thrown his mangled body, assuming him dead, would he have had the strength to get up without his friends surrounding him? Perhaps we are not a Paul, the lead role who stirred up every city he entered, converted thousands upon thousands, and wrote a large portion of the New Testament. But the Pauls of today need a Barnabas beside them, encouraging them, picking them up when they are down, and standing beside them when hard times come.

Silas had a similar role in God’s story. He was a partner and friend to Paul after his disagreement with Barnabas. Again, none of Silas’s sermons are recorded, only Paul’s, but they were together in the thick of it. When they were both beaten and thrown in prison, would either of them have found the strength to continue without the other? Imagine being in the dark in chains, badly beaten, and then you hear the clinking of chains and feel your friend’s hand on your arm as they begin to pray with you. As you pray, your hearts grow lighter and you both break into song, praising God. Friendships are of utmost importance and can serve as the guardrail that keeps people from careening over the edge into darkness.

Lastly, consider the relationship of Paul and Timothy. Paul and Silas met Timothy in Derbe and Lystra. Timothy was a young man whose mother and grandmother were believers, but his father was not. He was well spoken of by the church and Paul took him under his wing. We know from 1 Timothy 1:2 that they grew so close that their relationship became that of a father and son. Paul refers to Timothy as, “…my true child in the faith.”

Perhaps you are the one that needs mentoring or maybe you know someone that needs a mentor. On the hero’s Journey, there is always a mentor for the young hero who passes on wisdom to the upcoming generation. Today we do not have to look very far to find a young person struggling along in need of a mentor. Even young ones who come from a believing home need a mentor. Parents cannot be everywhere and see everything all the time. They need others to fill in the gaps.

If you have asked yourself, “What role do I play in God’s story,” and concluded that you are not a lead, rest assured that your role is just as important as someone in the spotlight. Even the people who are not mentioned by name had important roles in the ministry of Paul. They sent money, prayers, and letters encouraging him and other saints. Every person has an important part to play in the story of God, even if it seems negligible by human standards. What is your role in God’s story?

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The first Iron Rose Sister Ministries book written was called Human AND Holy; yet is easy to forget to allow myself to be human. A mentor reminded me of this truth and encouraged me to show my human side and allow others in, to help, to support, and to encourage.

Many look to me as their mentor. What the Holy Spirit inspires me to write on the pages of the Bible study books or leads me to say during the classes I teach can give people the impression that I am some sort of super-Christian. Allow me to remind you that I am not. Far from it.

I make mistakes. I get impatient. I speak without thinking. I care too much about what others think of me. I try to solve things myself instead of taking them to God or asking others to help.

And yet, I know I am not alone.
• There are those who lovingly help point out my faults so that they can be pruned for more effective growth (Eph. 4:15; John 15:2).
• There are those who stand beside me with their shields of faith next to mine as we are attacked by the flaming arrows of spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:10-18).
• There are those who hold up my arms when I am weak in order that God can win the battle (Ex. 17:10-11).
• And therefore, I will boast in my weakness, for when I am weak, He is strong (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

Mentors are not perfect. Mentors are those that show and affirm their human side while striving to model a Christ-like spirit and live by the Spirit, focusing on the I AM (1 Cor. 11:1; Rom. 8:5, 11; Heb. 12:2).

Editing the chapters of the upcoming book, I already AM, has been a timely reminder to focus on the I AM, to renew my belief in YHWH, and to share my testimony of belief with you. Thanks for your prayers!

One final illustration shared by the same mentor during our conversation: When we feel like we are in a boat that is sinking and taking on water, we grab a bucket and start shoveling out water, trying desperately to stay afloat. However, we forget that Jesus is right there in the boat with us.

The I AM is not surprised by anything happening in your life. He is there—He always was, is, and is to come. Call on Him and rejoice in knowing we are not alone. Thank Him for the mentors in your life that remind you of that truth and share those truths with others as we mentor together.

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Written by Karyn Dancy, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

There are many different styles of teaching. What I’ve found most effective, though, is intentional teaching through relationships. Paul gives us examples of this, especially in his relationship with Timothy.

I used to be a classroom teacher at the elementary level. I worked in two low-performing schools and I was told from the beginning by other teachers that these children were worthless. It was appalling to me that anyone would say such a thing. As a new teacher, I went in, excited to share some of the resources I’d learned about in school with the other teachers, and the response was actually that these children weren’t worth the effort. This started my determination to show those children and their families that they were very valuable and capable. I wanted them to know they weren’t limited by the expectations of others, not even teachers.

I set out to show the students and their families that they were important to me by building relationships with them. I learned about their cultures and invited them to share things in the classroom that were important to them. Many of them came from immigrant families, so we had a great opportunity to share the diversity of their cultures in the classroom.

Each month we featured a language of the month. The quiet signal for that month would be counting to five in that language and I would teach the kids common words. They would earn points for good behavior, and then at the end of the month, we would have a cultural celebration. (We weren’t allowed to have “parties.”) I invited parents to share about their cultures and bring food for the kids to sample. One particular family was a great example of how that relationship benefited their student. Our language of the month was Samoan. When I asked the student’s mother to help me with the basics of the language, she not only did so but also became active in the classroom in many other ways. Previously her son had not been the best student, but once his mom took an interest in the class, so did he. It was like they were invested in the learning process once they felt valued. It turned out that the student’s grandfather was a tribal chief back in Samoa and had made a video of how to harvest coconut. The student’s mom brought the video in to share with the whole class.

The way it all worked out, once I’d built a foundation of relationship with these children and their families, they came alongside me and cared about what I had to share with them. I was able to teach more effectively because they trusted me. When there was any particular difficulty, for example, math with fractions, we’d explore different activities that would help them until we found what worked best for them.

These students were sixth graders at the time. It’s been about 18 years now, and I still keep in touch with some of those families. It was a very rewarding experience.

Similarly, Paul built a relationship with Timothy. Then Paul mentored and equipped Timothy to follow him as he followed Christ, and Timothy was then able to do the same with his students. Paul didn’t only want his students to learn information; he wanted them to act on that knowledge. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:19 that he became like the people he was teaching so that those people could relate to him and believe. Paul shows us through his example how a teacher positively reinforces through encouragement, modeling, and monitoring. The relationship didn’t end when he handed things over to a student to become a teacher. He followed up because it was a true relationship, not simply a means to an end.

Since you’re reading this, I know you care about relationships with your sisters in Christ. Keep building and nurturing those. Let’s follow Paul’s example. We can be the students. We can find mentors to trust and build relationships with. Then we can pass on what we’ve learned to others, with our own added flavor, and keep the process going to win as many as possible and build each other up.

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Written by Nilaurys García, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Canada

When we think of Joshua and Moses, probably the first thing that comes to mind is that because Moses could not enter the promised land, Joshua was chosen by God to lead the people as it says in Deuteronomy 31:3 (NIV), "The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said."

Joshua carried a great responsibility on his shoulders, and for that God prepared him, giving him Moses as an example and mentor. Even the people recognized this, as we read in Joshua 1:16-18.

Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!

I would be a little afraid if I were Joshua having to carry the responsibility of leading a nation, even with God's help.

The interesting thing about this relationship is that Moses did not believe he was prepared for everything that God called him to do. But God also put people in Moses’ path from whom he learned, and he then passed on his knowledge to Joshua. For example, he learned from his father-in-law Jethro that he should teach about the law and delegate the task of being judges to the people (Ex. 18:13-26). In addition, he learned to recognize Jehovah's sovereignty and that His promises are always fulfilled as expressed in Joshua 23:14-16.

I think what strikes me the most about Moses' example was that he accepted a task that he did not think he was qualified for. Moses reminds God that it is not easy for him to speak, as if it were necessary to tell the Almighty God something about His own creation, and God responds that HE created him that way.

Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”(Ex. 4:10-12)

Moses' life is a constant reminder that God is in control of everything; his birth to being raised in Egypt gave him the tools necessary to carry out God’s purpose.

All that Moses went through served as an example to form the character of Joshua, who, at the death of Moses, had to lead the people and assume the position that his predecessor had before. In addition, he had the privilege of being called, "Moses’ aide" in Joshua 1:1. "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide”. God also reminded Joshua that just as He was with Moses, He will also be with him. "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).

Joshua had to apply all these teachings when he led the conquest of Jericho in Joshua 6:2-5 so the Israelites could take possession of the city. They were to march around the walls once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, when they marched, the walls would fall at the sound of the trumpets and the cry of the warriors.

I believe that just as Joshua had Moses, we all have had key people that God has placed in our lives to learn from. Their teaching and example helps us draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Do you remember who these people have been in your life?

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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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Written by Michelle J. Goff, founder and director of Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Experience is the best teacher. Some things cannot be taught in a classroom, but rather must be learned in a real-life context. I can tell you how to do several things, but until I show you, until we share an experience through which we can learn together and strengthen our Christian bond, mere teaching will always fall short.

Jesus lived day in and day out for three years with the 12 apostles. We see Him teaching the crowds, but He spent even more concentrated time with His closest disciples (men and women). He revealed more to them than He did to the public. He explained the meaning behind the parables. He gave them a vision for what they would be called to do in the future.

Paul followed a similar pattern with those he mentored. Check out the summary of shared experiences with Timothy, whom he considered his “true son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2).

10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.(2 Tim. 3:10-14)

It is believed that this was the last letter that Paul penned, likely from a Roman prison. His final words were an encouragement to continue to remain true to Christ’s teaching and to the Word. It was a passing of the baton (2 Tim. 2:2) to his son and close friend. Paul even asked him to bring a cloak he left along the way and his scrolls, especially the parchments (2 Tim. 4:13). This was much more than a casual friendship.

A few verses later, in 2 Timothy 4:19, Paul sent greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, among others. In Acts 18, we learn that Priscilla and Aquila were Jews who had been living in Rome, but after getting kicked out by Claudius, ended up in Corinth. Since they were tentmakers, like Paul, he stayed and worked with them. They became his “home base” while in Corinth, which was “for some time” (Acts 18:18). Later, they join Paul in Ephesus, where they instructed Apollos about “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26).

Priscilla and Aquila were like family. They had worked together in secular and Kingdom work in the port city of Corinth. We know from Paul’s two lengthiest letters that the church in Corinth struggled extensively. And based on a reference in 1 Corinthians 7, there were likely more than just two letters written to that church.

These three tentmakers had the blessing of never walking alone through a time of spiritual struggle in a church. They had a kindred spirit as family and support. It is no wonder Paul sent greetings to them by name in more than one letter.

Another disciple of Christ that Paul considered family, even a son, was Titus.

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. (Titus 1:4-5)

Paul trusted Titus to finish the good work they had started together. If we go back to the time when Paul and Barnabas parted company, we recognize that Paul was picky about who he mentored and who he trusted (Acts 15:36-41). Barnabas mentored John Mark and Paul chose Silas with whom to take his second missionary journey. Later, Paul forgave Mark and even asked for him to visit (2 Tim. 4:11).

The greetings in Romans 16 are evidence of the time Paul spent with each of those people: the shared experiences, being in each other’s homes, the friends and a few relatives, the coworkers, including, of course Priscilla and Aquila. The letter to the Romans was penned by Tertius, who sent along his own greetings (Rom. 16:22). I suspect Tertius got to hear more stories than just what he scribed in the letter to the Christians in Rome.

Which leads me to one final way I will mention that Paul taught: by writing letters together. First Corinthians was written by Paul, along with Sosthenes. Second Corinthians and Philippians were written by Paul and Timothy. First and Second Thessalonians were written by Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

I can’t wait to get to heaven and listen to all the stories shared by the reunion of these old friends and coworkers in the Kingdom. What stories and experiences have you learned through?

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Written by Ana Teresa Vivas, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Canada

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, whichwe have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.  The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, andwe proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.”

(1 John 1:1-2, emphasis added)

When John speaks to the brothers in this way, what he is saying in today’s language is: “I want to talk to you about something I know a lot about, or more so someone I knew well. I know what I’m talking about.” Doesn’t that appear to be what he is saying? And when you know less about a certain topic, well, then you easily accept direction, supervision, and guidance from someone who knows more.

Even though the Bible does not mention the word “mentoring,” its practice can be observed through diverse relationships throughout the Scriptures, from the Old to the New Testament. For this reason, it is so important that we recognize the practice, identify the aspects that relate to use and live them out, as part of our identity as Christians, actually our identity as people when you get down to it. And, did you know? Mentorship is equivalent to discipleship. Someone who disciples is a mentor, even when, at times, they don’t “check all the boxes.”

Mentor: Counselor, guide, teacher.

As I mentioned before, there are various examples in the Bible of mentoring relationships; but let’s look at Jesus’ example. Jesus chose 12 men to whom He delegated the task of replicating what He did with them. He taught them something He knew extremely well, the Kingdom. He encouraged and equipped them to complete a mission. He was patient and He loved them. He was their friend and He served them, knowing Who He was and where He was going (John 13:1).

A mentor like Jesus knows who He is, is surrounded by friends, disciples, who are dedicated to His purpose, with perseverance. Just as Paul did and entrusted to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

A mentor is an instrument of God.

“I came to do my Father’s will,” Jesus said in John 6:38.

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles…” (Luke 6:12-13)

A mentor has clear goals in mind and works toward them, guiding his/her disciples there.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matt. 4:19)

If we are imitators of Jesus, and since we have the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, we also need to and should want to be in mentoring or discipleship relationships. We are also called to be part of this pattern of teaching and growth that we see in the New Testament.

There is no addendum to the Bible where the characteristics of a mentor are listed, but Jesus showed us how to do it: Get close to one or more people that need to be instructed and learn about the Kingdom. Teach them, treat them with love, develop a friendship with them, and persevere toward the goal of walking with Jesus at all times and encourage others to persevere in that walk. That was the key to the spreading of the gospel in the ancient world: The mentoring relationship that Jesus had with His disciples.

I know that it looks simplistic to mention only these few aspects, but these are at the heart of this service, central to our mission (Matt. 28:18-20).

In the same way as the apostle John, we also have seen and “touched” Jesus. We know Him adequately enough to speak to the world about Him. It is our mission to do so.

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well” (2 Tim. 1:5).

This verse in 2 Timothy was conceptually quoted by my paternal uncle in the following letter that he sent with a donation at the end of last year.

Your dad’s and my Grandmother Goff’s father, Joshua Florea, founded Tent Chapel Church of Christ just across the Missouri line in Southern Iowa in the late 1800s. Services were held in a tent until a church structure could be built, thus the name. It was the church in which my entire family attended. The members were mostly blood-related in some way and it formed much of our early family’s social fabric.

Grandma Goff lived just across the road from us and was an enormously important influence in forming my set of values and my education, both of which I continue to be extremely thankful for. On my 80^th birthday, I told my family that the only celebration that I wanted was to establish a tiny scholarship fund at Grant City High School in the name of Maude A. Goff.

At this Thanksgiving, several generations later, it seems fitting to express our gratitude for your strong vision and leadership in your missionary work with Iron Rose Sister Ministries with this donation. You are changing people’s lives for the better! As did your Great-Grandmother Goff and her father.

God bless and God Speed,

Uncle Bob

As we answer God’s call to equip women to connect to God and one another more deeply, we recognize that we may never know the long-term impact of the difference we are making in each woman’s life. My Great-Grandmother Goff may not have ever dreamed about what her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren might do in the kingdom. Yet, she did what she could do to touch even one life, trusting that God can use one woman’s impact to transform families, communities, churches, and the world.

Intentional mentoring is integral to the equipping process. Everyone seeks examples to follow—the younger sibling who imitates the older, the student who quotes her teacher, the disciple who follows His Master (1 Peter 2:21).

This month, we are celebrating the mentors in our lives, especially the spiritual mothers who have made a tremendous impact in our lives and modeled the Christian walk.

Celebrate the spiritual mothers and mentors in your life by:

• Sharing their name and story.
• Inviting them to attend the Destination Retreat with you in November.
• Letting them know how much they mean to you and the impact they have made in your lives.
• Passing it on to the next generation.

#IronRoseSister #mentor #teach2teach #spiritualmom

Lois and Eunice were Jewish women, mother and daughter, who were mentioned by name only once in the Bible—as the grandmother and mother of Timothy (2 Tim. 1:5). We don’t know much about Timothy’s father, other than that he was Greek. We don’t even know for sure if Timothy’s father was a Christian. However, this diverse family heritage gave Timothy unique insights into the Jewish and Greek cultures as he followed these impactful women’s legacy of faith.

Paul often referred to Timothy as his beloved child or child in the faith, yet he took a moment in 2 Timothy 1 to remind Timothy of his spiritual roots—critical at a time when Timothy felt discouraged and defeated.

3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Paul’s words to Timothy served as an affirmation from his mentor that he was not alone.
• Paul remembered Timothy constantly in his prayers.
• Timothy’s tears were heard, validated, and shared because Paul longs to see him, as well.
• Paul reminded Timothy that his mother and grandmother were another two of his biggest cheerleaders in the faith—ones from whom he could glean examples of faithfulness and a continued legacy of faith.

My Lois and Eunice are named Barbara and Jocelynn. My grandmother and mother have served as encouraging cheerleaders and instrumental examples for maintaining the faith throughout life, especially during the trying times. They are spiritual mentors and promote a legacy of faith that extends beyond the blood relation in our family.

Even though Lois and Eunice are not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, I would like to believe that they were a positive Christian influence in the lives of many others in Lystra (Timothy’s hometown). I know that many women continually seek out my grandmother and my mom for spiritual wisdom, a prayer partner, or an encouraging word.

Thanks be to God for the tremendous blessing of my motherly mentors! And it is my prayer that I can be the same motherly mentor for each and every one of the Iron Rose Sisters who is equipped to connect to God and one another more deeply through this ministry and her resources.

#IronRoseSister #3generations #mentor