In Season ministries was founded by Teresa Ortiz as a result of the working of the Holy Spirit in her heart in 2002. Through much prayer and guidance by her Pastor and the elders, it was apparent that this was a work God was doing in the local body. A ministry dedicated to the ladies, which began with Bible studies and newsletters.  As the Lord led, three other ladies in the church answered the call to assist. We are blessed and excited to see how God is growing this ministry. We have seen His hand work in mighty ways.  Following is our mission statement and our statement of belief as well as a brief introduction for each of the ladies on this ministry team.

Mission Statement

To encourage believers in the faith by leading them closer to Jesus through the study of God's word that they may understand the depth of God's love and grace so that they will be equipped to "preach the word" and bring others into the saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Statement of Faith

We believe there is one God eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They each have a distinct purpose in creation, salvation and the santification of man.

Therefore, we teach that you cannot separate the Godhead. To have Jesus is to have the Father and the Spirit.

We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the only Son of God, born of a virgin, fully God and fully man.

Therefore, we teach that the only way to know the Father is to receive the Son.

 We believe that the Bible is the only inspired word of God and it is the sole source of truth for God's children.

Therefore, we teach the entire Bible with complete reliance on the Holy Spirit and do not accept any doctrine that was not taught by the Prophets, Jesus, or the original Apostles as spoken of in the Bible.

We Believe the Bible teaches:

That man is sinful by nature and in need of redemption and that redemption is given to man by the Grace of God through faith in Jesus alone and it is the Father who draws all men unto Himself.

Therefore, we teach that works cannot save a person but it is by faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and complete reliance and trust in the finished work of Christ, yet man must receive this truth by faith of his own will. Though salvation is available to all, it is not automatic. You must be born again.

That Jesus is the only mediator between man and God and there is no other person, living or dead who can reconcile sinful man to Almighty God and that there is the resurrection of man - those who have faith in Jesus, unto eternal life, those who reject Christ, unto eternal separation from God and there is a literal heaven and a literal hell.

That true salvation leads to a changed heart and lifestyle. One that desires to live as believers are instructed.

Therefore, we teach and encourage believers to seek the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding and to study the Bible and fill our hearts with heavenly things.

Scripture references: Gen 1:1, John 1:1-14, John 3:16, Eph. 2:8-9, Col 2:9,1 John 5:1-13, Heb 2:5, Rev 20:7-15. Eph. 2:10

Introductions

Teresa Ortiz - Founder, Teacher/Speaker & Writer 

 I grew up in a single parent home. We moved often. In fact, so often I attended fifteen different schools by the time I graduated. Most of my early years were in the rougher parts of town, so early on I learned the secret to survival: hurt others before they hurt you.  You can imagine where that took me... Anyway, I married at 18 and came to know the Lord at age 20. My husband received Christ 11 years later. Early on I thought I had it rough, but what God in His grace taught me was that it was much harder on my husband, being that I became someone different than he chose to marry. ( I have a lot to share regarding these times) It is by the un-ending, ever patient grace of God that I am still married (my poor husband). The Lord has worked incredible things in my life. He has brought me through many tough situations that were out of my control. However, most important to me, is that His grace carried me through the most uncomfortable, self inflicted pain and circumstances.  I have been a Christian for 20 years now and after all this time, I have come to learn what unconditional love and acceptance is - although, I am certain I have much more to learn.  Because of all that God is, I can boldly proclaim to those who feel "they are doing just fine, thank you very much" that an unrepentant heart will separate them from God for eternity.  I look forward to sharing the lessons God has taught me with you in hopes that your heart will not be as stubborn as mine once was.

I was grounded in the faith at Calvary Chapel Pomona Valley - I am forever grateful to the Lord for sending me to a fellowship that taught the word of God without compromise while relying on the Holy Spirit for truth. (Thank you Pastor Steve.) After moving to Oregon in 1994, I attending Calvary Chapel of Eugene and then the Lord led me to Olivet Baptist Church where I continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (Thank you Pastor Jerry, for your uncompromising faithfulness.) 

Since the early years of my faith, I have taught individual Bible studies, I have started prayer groups and taught small group studies. I currently write studies and articles. I also have the privilege of speaking at our local mission and womens events.

The burden God has given me is specifically for women who desire to grow in strength and knowledge of our Lord Jesus; women who have unsaved husbands or who find themselves all alone in this journey of faith.  The Lord called me out of the darkness at a time when no one else around me was walking with Him. Learning to walk in Christ when you are surrounded by family, friends, and a husband who do not care to know the Lord is not easy. But by the sovereign grace of God, it can be done. I can only pray and trust that the Lord will use my failures, sucesses, laughter, and tears to encourage anyone who desires a relationship with Him. 

You need to know that I could not be in this ministry without the faithful support and encouragement of my Pastor and his wife, or the faithful commitment of the following women:

Anita Fox - Writer, Treasurer, Member of the Board

Anita, whom I have affectionately named "Hands" is a women with a wealth of Old Testament knowledge - a mind I am sure to pick. She attends Olivet Baptist Church, helps in coordinating another ministry at our church called "Patchwork Sisters". She is a faithful prayer partner and is willing to do whatever needs to be done. Thanks, Nita!

Ramona Kelley - Administrator, Member of the Board

Ramona - whom I have affectionately named "The Conservative". She is a woman of great faith and prayer. She also heads up the team that goes to the ladies mission once a month, and teaches womens Sunday school. Her mild temperment keeps my passionate personality in check.  Thank you Ramona, for making sure I make myself clear.

 Kathy Avery - Editor, Youth Pastor, Member of the Board

Kathy - Whom I have affectionately called "The Visionary" She and her husband are the youth Pastors of our home church. Words are not enough to thank her for her faithfulness to read and correct everything I write. She has been instrumental is getting this ministry started. Her confidence in what God was calling me to do gave me the courage to step out.

 Finally, please pray for each of us - that we would remain faithful and never compromise the truth regardless of the cost.  Whether this ministry remains small or grows into the well known, our desire will always remain the same - cause one heart to draw closer to the Lord, so that they may draw one heart closer to the Lord.