Iron Rose Sister Ministries

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Published: 29 October 2013

This past weekend, I was invited to speak at the Eastern Venezuela Women's Conference.  The theme was "Wake up, woman!  Are you a lamp or a torch?"  We looked at God as light and our calling to reflect His light, but what was most encouraging to many of the women was what I shared Matthew 5:14-15. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."

Many of us wish that we could be the light on the hill - the town built so that everyone can see it.  But what about the lamps?  And the night lights that help children find the bathroom at night?  We need all forms of light, as each reflect the original source of light, our Father.

So, today, whether you're a lamp, a torch, a city on a hill or a night light, "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 NIV)

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Published: 28 October 2013

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 recently with the publishers).  We share prayer requests, encouragement, challenges, and life.  We have not seen each other in about nine years, but look forward to seeing each other at the Area-Wide Ladies' Retreat in Spanish and English that will take place in Denver, November 8-9 at the Northwest Church of Christ in Westminster.  Please spread the word!

While 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, 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 is where I am right now.

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, "Ok.  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.

And may this Makeover Monday be blessed by the transforming power of prayer.