He, Jesus, took the child by the hand and said to her “Talitha Koum” (which translates to, little girl, I say to you get up.”). CSB
Did you know that Jesus is already holding your hand, patiently waiting on you to recognize Him, get up, and walk with Him?
I have learned that many people know they need and have a savior, that is Jesus Christ. But what happens after a person truly accepts and believes Him as their savior? I know the Holy Spirit has the power to (and will) transform and guide the hearts of those who believe.
What does it truly mean to get up and walk with Jesus after a person has felt Him grasp the hand and heart and been commanded to get up? What does that look like?
Once we believe, we have a RESPONSIBILITY to get up and live a life of following Jesus. Again, what is that exactly?
Several years ago, I was training myself for a half Ironman, which included long hours of swimming, biking, and running…. Alone (this was when I discovered I am actually an introvert). I did a lot of thinking and a lot of praying. I remember realizing that my mind would literally be still and focus on God’s voice during these times. I then developed a deep desire to start a running ministry. But I had no clue how or if it should be geared to a certain group of people.
Five years later, that running ministry has started in Brazil.
Based off of Mark 5:37-42, this running ministry focuses on the spiritual and physical race of life. We follow a running plan that I have used for years (written by experts and researchers) and only requires three days of running, but we also have scripture and topics that we cover, using God’s word for guidance.
The goal here is that when these teen girls become reliable, and responsible adults and they no longer live at the Davis Lar, they will have had this time to spiritually prepare them and help them understand the meaning of walking with Jesus in life.
This walk is deeper than being satisfied with attending a church service once a week. This is a choice to daily walk hand in hand with Him and to know the Lord’s heart, His commands, to be filled with His wisdom, and His Love. This walk includes serving others as well.
At the end of the day, those who believe can look up and say:
“I’m happy from the inside out,
and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
that’s not my destination!
Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
I’m on the right way.”
Psalm 16:9-11, MSG
On October 27th, this group of girls will run their very first official 5k here in Fortaleza. I have received sponsorship for 2 of them. The other three need sponsorship which covers socks, running shoes, and the race registration fee. The sponsorship also helps cover the costs of materials given to the girls for them to study and spiritually prepare them. Its an estimated $100 per girl. In January, I will start with another group of girls that will need sponsorship as well.
Please join me in investing in their lives, I will gladly keep you updated :)
Ages of the girls pictured are 16, 18, 13, 12
To donate to the running ministry electronically, go to www.actionintl.org/bayne