Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Written by Kat Bittner, volunteer and Board member with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Ro 10:15b, NIV)

Good news is a good thing. Even better is the good news of Jesus Christ. And those who share the good news of Jesus Christ are beautiful. What a descriptor! You see, God wants everyone to know Him. He wants a personal and enduring relationship with all of us (1 Ti 2:3-4; Lev 26:12; 2 Ti 1:9). But for anyone to know God personally and genuinely, they must know Jesus.

My life verse is John 14:6 where Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The only way to know God is to know Jesus. So, everything I do should be centered around helping others to know Jesus. It should be my main goal in life, far beyond any other aspiration.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace (Ac 20:24).

As a faithful believer, I am to fulfill the call to make Christ known and share Jesus with others so that they will know God. I have never seen myself as a long-term missionary in a foreign country or publicly preaching the gospel as many are gifted to do. However, I can and do share the Good News in other ways. For example, I share stories of God’s redemption in my life and how my relationship with Jesus transforms me daily into a woman yearning to know God more. I share these “good news” testimonies speaking at ladies’ events in my church and community and in my regular job as a writer. I also share in small group Bible studies with women of all backgrounds, many of whom don’t yet know Jesus. Sharing my story makes Jesus more personable because others can see His wonder-working power and love in my life.

Another way I like to share the Good News of Christ is by meeting people in whatever need they have and then sharing my reason for meeting that need. My reason for meeting their need, whether it be a hot meal, a bus ticket home, or a coat to keep warm in winter, is always because of my love for Jesus. My desire to follow Jesus and know God compels me to love and meet the needs of others, especially those who don’t know Jesus. For me, there’s no better way to share Jesus than to answer the question “Why would you help a total stranger?” with a bold proclamation that I do what I do because of Jesus and His love.

Perhaps one of the most joyful ways for me to make Christ known is by singing in my community choir. The music we sing is primarily composed of gospel or hymnal collections performed free of charge for and within my community. Because the music we sing is sacred, concert attendees hear lyrics that richly honor God. But it also represents Jesus through varied expressions and names, some of which are not even recognized by believers deeply rooted in the faith. Combined with a brief tutorial on the origin and history of each piece of music, these songs are an opportunity to make Christ unmistakably known to those who don’t already know Him. And it’s done in the most delightful way!

It is no cliche to say that the world needs God. Truly, God has been so far removed from present-day civilization that those who don’t know God would be hard-pressed to find Him. Modern worldview culture has made it difficult to see God amidst all the disjointed and discombobulated beliefs. But God is here! He’s not hiding or avoiding us. God desires us! God is pursuing us each and every day. We need only to open our hearts to find Him.

…If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. (Jer 29:13-14a NLT)

To find Jesus is to find God. If those who seek God need Jesus to find Him, we who already know Jesus must make Christ known to those who do not. How we fulfill that call to make Christ known can be varied. The one thing that isn’t varied is the responsibility of every Christ follower to share Jesus.

In what way will you fulfill the beautiful call to share Jesus and help others know God?

Written by Kassie Lamoureux, Executive Assistant for Iron Rose Sister Ministries

The week after our college graduation, my friend, Emma, was getting married. I was so excited about the wedding for many reasons; one being that I was finally going to meet Emma’s older sister. I had heard story after story about her over the past few years. And Emma always said, “Oh, you’re going to love her.” A few days before the wedding, Emma’s sister arrived! The first thing I said to her was, “We’ve never met, but I feel like I know you because of how much Emma has talked about you.”

Just as I felt as if I knew Emma’s sister through the stories she told, others should feel as if they know Christ through us as His disciples. We should be talking about the great things Jesus has done in our lives so that the world knows Him. We should be telling others about Him and saying, “Oh, you’re going to love Him.”

Making Jesus known should be a natural response to encountering His love. But it is also a command He gives us. In the book of Matthew, Jesus’ parting words to the apostles before He ascended into heaven were His instructions to spread the Good News so that more would come to know Him.

All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Mt 28:18-20 CSB)

It is significant that this command to the apostles is the very last event recorded in Matthew. Jesus had just resurrected, and we know from other gospels that He was about to ascend to heaven. I imagine the apostles were asking Jesus lots of questions about what would happen next. So, Jesus left the apostles with an instruction of what they should do once He was no longer physically with them: Go and tell!

This final command to the apostles is of such importance that it has been given a special name by which we refer: The Great Commission. The word “commission” comes from the same root word as “commitment.” As followers of Jesus, we need to be committed to telling others about Him.

The most notable disciple in Acts who committed himself to making Christ known is Paul. He went on several journeys, for years at a time to introduce people to Jesus. He often returned years later to encourage the church, reminding them of “the Lord in whom they believed.”

When they had appointed elders for them in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Ac 14:23)

The Great Commission was not only a command for the early disciples. All are called to share the Good News of Jesus.

Another way to think about the word “commission” is to break it down into two parts:

1. “Co” – with, together, joint
2. “Mission” – assignment, operation, task, or goal

The Great Commission is the invitation for us as Jesus’ disciples to join (co-) in Jesus’ operation (-mission) to bring all people to God— to make Him known throughout all the world. How cool it is that we have an all-powerful God who doesn’t need our help, but He invites us to participate in the story He is unfolding!

Today, how can you join God’s mission in making Him known? Who can you tell about Jesus? And don’t forget to add “Oh, you’re going to love Him.”

Written by Kristi Bond, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2Co 5:13-15, NIV)

The most memorable lesson I learned in college did not take the form of classroom instruction. It didn’t come from a book, and although I am grateful to my parents and professors who set me on a course of faithful service and academic excellence, this particular lesson was not theirs to give me.

During my first year in college, I worked at a Mexican food restaurant. It was hard work made even harder by the fact that I didn’t have a car for a while, so I had to catch rides from co-workers. I left campus as soon as I was finished with classes, and I arrived back at the dorm late at night with hours of studying still to do. My earnings were hard-won, and I intended to use them well. God knew how to use them better.

One day as I was reflecting on what it might mean to live for Christ, I decided that no matter what happened that day, I was going to have a positive attitude. I hitched a ride to work with about $50 cash in my jacket pocket, expecting to add some tips to it that night, I clocked in and hung my jacket on the pegs in the kitchen and worked my shift. Later that night, I realized the money was gone. I looked everywhere but couldn’t find it – it had not fallen out of my pocket; it had been taken.

I had a decision to make. Was I going to let this event make me angry, or was I going to stick with my earlier decision to let the peace and joy of Jesus Christ reign in me no matter what? Whichever of my co-workers that had taken the money was living for self. But God used that moment to teach me to live for Him —I made the right decision and went back to the dorm with a cheerful heart. It was the best $50 I ever “spent” because it has given me a better perspective not only about money but also about maintaining a positive attitude even when things go wrong.

Martin Luther wrote: “Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to His beloved is that of overcoming self.” It is a gift to leave behind our selfishness and enjoy relationships and actions we might not have taken otherwise. It is a grace from God that allows us to hand over our fears, our failures, and even our trauma to One who can help us function through them. Living for self leads to entrapment in our own misery, and living for others results in enslavement to their actions and values. But living for Christ transforms all of who we are and all of our relationships, creating space for even tough situations to bring peace and abiding joy.

When we overcome self to live for Christ, we don’t have to react negatively or take offense at others. We can seek peace in challenging conversations instead of responding with hateful words – especially on social media! We can see chores and daily tasks as part of something bigger than ourselves and do them without complaint. Every moment is an opportunity to honor God – even when someone takes our hard-earned money.

What does overcoming self and living for Christ look like in your life today?

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

In the fall of 1965, my grandparents moved to Junction City, Arkansas, to work with a small congregation. Grandad was 73; Mama Dee was 68 and completely blind from diabetic complications. They moved into a house across the street from the school, and, like they always did, began making friends with neighbors.

About three years later, a family moved into a house on the school property. My grandparents noticed four-year-old Alan, and he could often be found at their house eating cookies and drinking milk while Mama Dee told him about Adam and Eve, Moses, Joseph, David, and most importantly Jesus.

The family did not go to church anywhere. The father was an alcoholic who drank much of his school teaching salary. Alan never missed going to church with my grandparents, and as soon as his younger brothers were able to go, he brought them along, too. Grandad taught Alan to read scripture in public, lead singing, and lead prayer.

There were times when I was visiting, and my grandmother would make a pot of soup or roast and potatoes to take across the street to the family.

Occasionally the mother accompanied her children to church. The father was hostile and told my grandad not to take his family to church, but Alan would slip away with his brothers while his dad was away or sleeping drunk and come anyway.

Then, the family moved. My grandparents grieved, and they often prayed that the boys would not follow in their dad’s, Phil’s, footsteps. When the family moved, the dad’s sister who was a faithful Christian lived nearby and was able to be more involved, and she enlisted the help of the local preacher.

The day came when God got Phil’s attention, and Phil was willing to listen. A few days later my grandparents got a letter from Phil, thanking them for loving him and his family, even though he had been a “no-good heathen.” He wrote about being baptized for the remission of sins and said that he wanted to tell others the good news.

A few years ago, I received a message from Alan who said he had told the story of Jim and Dee Layton all over the world… how they reached out to a small child and began telling him simple truths from the Bible, leading him to faith in Jesus. My grandparents lived 1 Corinthians 9:19b: “I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them” (ESV). They saw a need and quietly met that need.

Phil, his son Alan, and Phil’s other sons have spoken at events over the last 45 years or so, reaching people who would never come into the door of a church building. They have taken the gospel message outside the walls and have told the message of salvation to countless thousands.

All of this started with an older couple who noticed a small child and opened their home and hearts to him. I am reminded of Jesus who said, “Let the little children come to me” (Mt 19:14a).

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Eph 2:10). My grandparents had been doing their good works for many years wherever they were, and the love they showed Alan and his family was just the way they lived life.

Paul wrote to Timothy: “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2Ti 2:2).

An older couple… neither of whom finished high school… a young boy… a sister… another preacher… and the Word of God combined to bring a family into the fold, and that family has been able to reach out to many others.

We look around and see people who don’t know the message someone taught us. Will we be part of Paul’s admonition to Timothy to teach faithful men (and women) who in turn will teach others also?

Written by Wendy Neill, Advancement Coordinator for Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Have you ever had someone look at you like you were crazy when you talked about God? I have.

My favorite subject is heaven. My greatest joy is encouraging people to look forward to eating twelve crops of fruit from the tree of life (Rev 22:2,14,19), drinking the water of life (Rev 22:1,17), and worshiping God on His sapphire throne surrounded by a rainbow that resembles an emerald (Eze 1:26-28; Rev 4:2-3). I can understand why some people think that sounds crazy!

Apparently, there were people who thought Paul was not right in the head. In 2 Corinthians 5, he is also excited about heaven! He talks about the new eternal body we will get once this earthly body (our “tent”) is destroyed or taken down (v. 1). He says he would rather be away from the body (in other words, dead), and at home with Christ in heaven (v. 8). Paul knew his words sounded like lunacy to some and like logic to others:

If we are "out of our mind," as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2Co 5:13-15 NIV)

He doesn’t care if he appears out of his mind or of sound mind. Christ’s love compels Paul to teach because he is convinced of the good news. If we are fully convinced that Christ died for all of us, we can stop worrying about what people think about our state of mind, and just live for Him.

That’s not easy, is it? We don’t like to look crazy. Even if we share with others what Christ has done, we might focus on the more “logical” aspects, or the inoffensive bits. But even Jesus was accused of being out of His mind (Mk 3:21, Jn 10:20). As His followers, we can expect the same treatment.

Today is a good day to quit being self-conscious and instead, be “out of our minds” for Christ and our future hope.

• Are you willing to appear “out of your mind” for Christ?
• Are you compelled to speak because you are convinced?

Need inspiration? Listen to the song “Crazy People” by Casting Crowns.

Written by Liliana Henriquez, volunteer for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia

I don't know what has happened lately, but I have felt that the world has accelerated, and we are living life at high speed like "X2" in WhatsApp audios. On the one hand, it has been wonderful because we have managed to do many things in less time. Technology has helped us a lot and has made knowledge available to everyone. So there are no more excuses to grow and improve in any area of our lives. But, on the other hand, we live so fast-paced that sometimes, we forget to enjoy the moment and be grateful for the blessings that God is giving us day by day.

Today I want to focus on the positive side of this acceleration, and one of the things I love about this era is globalization. Geographical barriers are no longer obstacles to communicating and connecting with one another anywhere in the world. We already see our individual selves as a whole. We have normalized different time zones and cultures. We have friends and clients all over the world, and we feel they are super close thanks to video calls or Zoom meetings.

Another positive aspect of globalization is everyone's access to the Gospel. People are recognizing the need for Christ. We have seen it in the lives of artists and famous people who have publicly shared their faith journeys and inspired others to make the decision to accept Christ and obey the Gospel. That makes me very happy!

I feel that more and more people are using their platforms or channels of influence to impact the world positively, making Christ better known and giving relevance to the spiritual area. We are exercising our freedom in the right way.

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. (1Co 9:19-23 NIV)

Christ is not religion. He is a relationship and a lifestyle. It should be noted that we are disciples of Christ not only in the church but in our work, friendships, relationships, etc. It doesn't make sense to be a Christian in select specific areas or places. We are a WHOLE; soul, mind, and body, and we must be coherent and congruent with what we profess. If we are Christians, we must act as Christians in our daily lives. In this way, we can put into practice one of my favorite phrases: "Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words" (St. Francis of Assisi).

We were called to make Christ known at every moment. This is the good news that this fast-paced world needs!