Our story | Ladies Arise

How it began

From very humble beginnings.

Ladies Arise, formerly known as Women on Fire for God, began in 2010 with a small group of women meeting in Chadwell Heath, East London. The room could barely accommodate thirty.

Rev. Josephine Harrison responded to God’s call to gather and inspire women from all walks of life. What began as a desire placed in her heart has grown over the years into a significant platform through which God continues to transform lives, restore broken hearts and bring healing, peace, hope and joy.

Each year the number of women attending continues to grow. They come with a hunger for a deeper revelation of God’s Word, a greater experience of His presence, and an opportunity for prayer, worship, fellowship, sisterhood and meaningful networking.

2010

Women on Fire for God begins. A small group of ladies start meeting in Chadwell Heath, East London, in a room that could barely hold thirty.

Growth

The gathering outgrows the room. Word spreads. Women begin travelling in, and the meetings become an annual conference.

Today

Ladies Arise. Hundreds of women attend each year, including international delegates, drawn from different backgrounds, professions, cultures and generations.

The inspiration

The unnamed servant girl.

The message behind Ladies Arise can be seen in the story of the unnamed servant girl in 2 Kings 5:1–3, and her master, Naaman.

Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army. A respected and successful man whom the Lord had used to bring victory to Syria, described as a mighty man of valour. But he had one serious problem: he was a leper.

Living in Naaman’s household was a young Israelite girl who had been taken captive from her homeland and forced into servitude. She had every reason to be angry. Instead of bitterness, she chose compassion. Instead of revenge, she offered a solution.

A congregation seated together during a mission service, listening as the Word is taught — Wherever this ministry goes, the pattern is the same: someone carries a word that changes what another person goes home with. Photographed on the East Africa outreach.

“If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:3

God used the voice of a young servant girl to point a powerful commander towards his miracle. She may have been unnamed, but she was not insignificant.

The lesson

Your background does not cancel your destiny.

Your circumstances do not determine your usefulness to God. Many women refuse to rise because they believe their past has disqualified them.

Some say:

“I did not have the same educational opportunities as others.”
“I came from a difficult family.”
“I did not have the right support.”
“I gave my life to Christ late.”
“I came from a non-Christian background.”
“I have experienced rejection.”
“I have been disappointed.”
“I have made mistakes.”

Not one of these is a disqualification.

These experiences may be real, but they do not have to become permanent limitations.

The servant girl had a legitimate reason to remain silent, but she looked beyond herself and recognised that she carried something that could change another person’s life. That is the heart of Ladies Arise.

You cannot change yesterday, but you can decide what yesterday will produce in you. You can choose healing over bitterness. Purpose over pain. Faith over fear. Progress over regret. You can choose to arise.

Women standing together in fellowship after a service, talking and laughing

In the field

Sisterhood

You were never meant to rise alone.

Women arrive from different backgrounds, professions, cultures and generations. What they have in common is a hunger, and it is that hunger that makes strangers into sisters.

The friendships formed here outlast the weekend by years. Women are sharpened by the women beside them, and go home carrying more than they brought.

What to expect

Isaiah 60:1

“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.”

There are dreams inside you that must be birthed. There are people connected to your obedience. There are gifts within you that must be developed. There are lives that will be changed because you chose to rise.

Leadership

The women who carry this.

When God calls, He also equips and makes provision, so that ultimately all the glory belongs to Him.

JH Portrait to follow

Founder & Convener

Rev. Josephine Harrison

Resident Pastor of Christian Restoration Ministries International (CRMI) UK and Founder of Ladies Arise, a ministry dedicated to empowering women through prayer, purpose and God’s Word. A passionate preacher, teacher, mentor and speaker, she is committed to raising women who impact their generation for Christ.

Minister & Mentor

Dr. Marian Amissah

A minister, mentor, wife and mother with a passion for empowering others to fulfil their God-given purpose. A faithful leader in Ladies Arise since its inception, she is also the founder of Destiny Ladies Ministry, where she encourages and equips women to walk confidently in their God-ordained destiny.

Lecturer & Counsellor

Mrs. Shirley Ohenewa Eshun

A married lecturer, counsellor and devoted Christian with a deep commitment to advancing the work of God. Through her expertise in education and counselling, she inspires, equips and encourages others to live purposefully and confidently in their God-ordained destiny.

Ministry of Helps

Rose

A devoted believer and faithful member of CRMI since its inception. Deeply committed to God and His Kingdom, she serves in the Ministry of Helps, using her gifts to support the work of the church. Known for her loyalty and servant heart. Professionally, she is a biochemist.

This is your season to arise.

Arise in your faith, your purpose, your calling, your confidence. In your family, your career, your ministry, your business. Arise and become everything God created you to be.

Register for the conference See the outreach

A room of thirty.A movement of hundreds.