Time is running out fast for the world. We must take responsibility and do everything possible to point people to God. If we do not rise up and seize the opportunity while it is still day, we will soon lose the world to the evil forces at work. How can we arise?

· We must first rise up in our own spirituality before we can lead others to God.

· We must rise up as a united front and show commitment in our service for God, then only can the world see the strength that is in us.

· We must rise up in personal evangelism by having a deep sense of passion for the lost, then only can we see souls added into the kingdom of God.

To arise is to SHINE! There is no such thing as a secret disciple. The Christian lifestyle must always be attractive. Just as it is natural for the torch to shine, we must ensure that our life naturally radiate the glory of God. To keep shining we must have sufficient reserve to keep our light burning. This will require us to be constantly connected to God so that we remained “charged” all the time. To shine also means we are not drawing attention to ourselves; it is to draw attention to God. We shine to light the way so that others may find the way to Christ. To shine is to be sacrificial. Just like a candle, it burns itself out so that others may see the light.

It is my desire that SJAG will truly rise above where she is to a higher level that will bring about much growth and expansion. There may be many challenges ahead of us but we are to arise instead of retreat. There may be moments of discouragement but again we must arise instead of doubting. There may even be opposition, but we will continue to arise until we see ourselves shining brightly as a beacon in our community.

So, SJAG, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)