Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking…


Mark 5:39-42


 

 

At home, I have a painting of a little girl with her arms spread open, her head thrown back, and a smile on her face. On it are the words from the scripture above. I received this painting at a crucial point in my life. It seemed like the weight of the world was pressing me down, determined to crush me. Relatives had passed away, community was tough, school was overwhelming, and I couldn’t seem to connect with God. I felt somewhat dead. When I first saw this painting, I didn’t just read the words…it felt like God was speaking them straight into my spirit like the roar of a lion. I felt something in me awaken.

 

 

The last day in Malaysia, I was doing laundry when our contact Janet came out to talk to me. I had received some prophetic words the night before during prayer, and God had given her some more clarity for the things spoken. As she spoke, I was glued to what she was saying. I don’t know if you have ever had those moments where you feel like a complete stranger is peering in to you… reading your story… but it was one of those times. I couldn’t soak in what she was saying fast enough. In the middle of Janet’s conversation, she looked me straight in the eyes, pointed to me, and said “Rise Up!”

 

 

 

Those words continue to echo deep inside of me. I’ve been overwhelmed with all God is doing on the race. So much growth for such a short time. So much challenge in such a short time. Yet, despite the struggles, it’s time to arise and mature and act on my faith. I’ve been praying and praying that God would teach me the path of righteousness. It finally clicked that I know the way! He gave me the Word! He has given me the instructions. He has given me Holy Spirit! It’s time for my own heart to come alive. It’s time to lead others into the kingdom! To the little girl inside of me, longing for more, Rise up!

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.” Eph. 5:14


This month in Thailand, we are working with a ministry who helps bring women out of prostitution, teaches them a trade, and helps them earn a livelihood for themselves. At night, one team goes out into the bars while another team stays behind and intercedes for them. As I walk the streets at night, the words “rise up” ring over and over in my mind. Just as Christ took the hand of the little girl, he is taking the hands of the dead, and breathing life into them. And this month, he is using us to do it.


Just as Ezekiel prophesied life to the valley of dry bones (Ez. 37), I do the same to people in Patong…


To the bar owners, RISE UP!


To the girls stuck in poverty and prostitution, RISE UP!


To the men who come looking for something to fill the void in their life, RISE UP!


To the lady-boys looking for a new identity, RISE UP!


To the streets of Bangla Rd. and the people who fill them, RISE UP!


　


Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means,


“Little girl, I say to you, arise.”