Francine came into my life when she and her husband moved from International Falls to Minneapolis. They left the city they knew, along with their friends and families. I could relate to how lonely and lost that can feel. We, too, had moved to a new city in 1995.
I remember my first meeting with Francine. We were at a coffee shop. Francine was a quiet, introspective young woman so I did my best to make her feel comfortable by sharing about myself and asking some questions about her life too. We continued to meet weekly, one-on-one, talking about our lives and engaging with scripture together. I could see Francine slowly becoming more comfortable with me. I learned more about her—her desires, hurts and love for others—and a trusting relationship began to form.
Over the past 10 years, Francine and I have grown closer and closer, sharing our joys and sorrows as sisters in Christ. Whether it was celebrating the birth of her sons or grieving with her after a miscarriage, we’ve stuck together through it all. We’re always there to support and love each other. It’s amazing how God can use a friendship to stretch us in our faith, and teach us who He is and who He wants us to be as women. We’re better together—for Him! -Rose
I was nervous to meet Rose. But I knew I needed this. I’d been in Minneapolis for almost two years and hadn’t found true connection. With no immediate family in the area I was feeling lonely. I was crawling into my own shell. I knew we would be having kids soon and if I didn’t find an outside source of encouragement I would slide backward.
When I met Rose, I immediately clicked with her. We began meeting every week for Bible study. At first our relationship was like most others on the surface, but I slowly opened up to her more and more about my personal life. It felt like I was pulling back the curtains that were blocking the light in my life.
When my husband and I decided to start a family, I got pregnant fairly quickly. Ten weeks later, I lost my first baby. I didn’t know what to do. With no immediate family around, my husband and I were at a loss. But Rose was there. She knew of the hardships of miscarriage and I was so touched by her support and encouragement. It’s beautiful how Jesus knew what I needed before I even did. He knew my journey to motherhood would include three miscarriages and provided a strong, kind, faithful mentor who could turn me toward Him instead of spiraling into a black hole of despair. I knew without a doubt that with or without children God loved me, and I was able to rest in that assurance, thanks to Rose. And now, 10 years later, Rose has been there every step of the way. She’s been like a grandmother to my two beautiful boys, shining the light of Jesus into my family. Thanks be to God! -Francine
1-1 discipleship is designed for two people to meet regularly for personal growth and transformation. If you’re interested in being discipled or becoming a discipler, visit wooddale.org/1-1discipleship to fill out an application.