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About Us

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Who we are

Raising Hands Ministries is a non-profit organization that was founded by Steve Ernest with the mission of supporting and uplifting pastors, particularly in East Africa, who may be facing challenges or weariness in their roles. The organization carries out various activities and initiatives to achieve its vision.

What we do

Pastor Training Conferences:

Raising Hands Ministries organizes training conferences aimed at equipping pastors with essential skills, knowledge, and resources to enhance their ministry and leadership capabilities.

Sports Ministries

The organization engages in sports-related outreach programs, possibly using sports as a means to connect with and impact communities, especially youth.

Evangelistic Crusades:

Raising Hands Ministries conducts evangelistic crusades, which are likely large-scale events focused on spreading the message of Christianity and inviting individuals to embrace the faith.

Church Leadership Training

The organization offers training programs designed to empower church leaders with effective leadership strategies and tools for managing and growing their congregations.

Bible Distribution

Raising Hands Ministries is involved in distributing Bibles, making the sacred scriptures more accessible to individuals who may not have easy access to them.

Food and Hygiene Distribution

The organization engages in charitable activities by distributing food and hygiene supplies to underserved or vulnerable communities, addressing both physical and material needs.

Preaching in Village Churches and Schools

Raising Hands Ministries delivers sermons and teachings in village churches and schools, contributing to the spiritual growth and education of local communities.

Teaching, Preaching, and Counseling at Global Theological Seminary

The organization provides teaching, preaching, and counseling services at the Global Theological Seminary in Uganda, likely contributing to the theological education and pastoral training of students.

Additionally, Raising Hands Ministries International, Inc. has obtained recognition from the IRS as a 501(c)(3) entity. This signifies that the organization has been granted tax-exempt status as a charitable and nonprofit entity, allowing donors to make tax-deductible contributions to support its activities and initiatives.

Our Core Beliefs

Raising Hands Ministries’ doctrine is unashamedly conservative and evangelical. Our core beliefs, objectives and activities will always be consistent with Scripture.

God

What we believe
There is one God, who exists eternally in three distinct but equal persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is unchangeable, and fulfils His sovereign purposes in creation, providence, and redemption.

The Bible

What we believe
God has revealed Himself in the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testament scriptures alone. This is God’s Word because the writers spoke from God as the Holy Spirit directed them. The Bible speaks with final authority and is sufficient for all matters of faith.

Humanity

What we believe
God created humanity in His own likeness and image, conferring on all people equal dignity and worth. As a consequence of the fall, our human nature is corrupted, leaving all people without spiritual life, guilty sinners, and hostile to God. As a consequence of the original sin of Adam and Eve, we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are thus subject to His wrath and

The Lord Jesus Christ

What we believe
The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. As fully God He is the eternal Son of the Father, and as fully human He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, and all His words are true and authoritative. By His voluntary death on the cross He atones for the sins of all who would trust in Him alone for pardon. He rose bodily from the dead, and ascended into heaven where He is now exalted as Lord of all and intercedes for those who come to God through Him. Christ is the only way to God who declares Him to be the one Mediator and Savior of the world.

The Holy Spirit

What we believe
The Holy Spirit brings people to repentance and faith in Christ for salvation, and is present within all believers. By the power and presence of the Holy Spirit all believers are enabled to grow in likeness to Christ and to serve God.

Salvation

What we believe
Salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace, and has been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the good news that Christians call the Gospel. Through the preaching of the gospel God forgives sinners whom He calls to repentance and faith. All who believe in Christ alone for salvation are pardoned, justified, and receive eternal life.

The Church

What we believe
The Church is the body of believers to which all who are saved belong. Christ is the head of this body made visible in local churches where there is the worship of God, the preaching of His Word, and baptism and the Lord’s Supper as instituted by Christ. The unity of the body of Christ is expressed by mutual love and peace, and can only exist wherever there is faithfulness to the Gospel.

Mission

What we believe
The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel among the nations, making them disciples who live in obedience to Christ.

The Last Things

What we believe
The Lord Jesus Christ will personally return in glory, and will then righteously judge all mankind. Those who are justified by grace will enter into everlasting joy in fellowship with God, and all unsaved people will enter into everlasting misery.

"When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up–one on one side, one on the other–so that his hands remained steady till sunset." Exodus 17:12

Our Founder & Executive Director

Stephen H Ernest is an experienced pastor, but when he visited East Africa, he saw that God was calling him to something else, something more. And, even though he was growing in years, he knew he wasn’t finished saying yes.

From Stephen’s own life, he remembers a time when he needed someone to come along side him and help clear away some of the clouds so he could see the face of God. But he didn’t have that. At times, he felt alone and wanted to give up. But, he pushed through and continued in ministry. Now, when he sees a pastor here or in Africa with his back up against the wall, he feels a divine compulsion to reach out and help.

Pastors everywhere are looked to for guidance, prayer and support. For pastors in the US, this usually means a salary, benefits and resources. But, for most African pastors, this means he must raise his own livelihood, support his family as well as address the life challenges of his church members.

-No Resources -No Conferences -Limited Support

“When you are trying to do ministry and the only means you have to support your family is to sell charcoal…life is tough. When you’re praying for the needs of your church family and the answer doesn’t come and your wife is telling you to give up…life is tough. I want to show them that God does not always call us to success, but he will forever call us to faithfulness. My goal, my aim, my dream, is to help them remain faithful.” – Stephen H Ernest.

“I want to make sure they are able to continue being faithful to what God has called them to.” – Bro. Steve

Our Board of Directors

Meet our team

Kevin Pugh

Board Member
CPA from Paducah Kentucky

Timothy Harvey

Board Member
Lead Pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Cunningham Kentucky

Belafae Johnson, Jr.

Board Member
Pastor and Church Planter in the greater St. Louis region

Kadhaya Geoffrey

Board Member
Principal at Global Theological Seminary in Jinja Uganda

Debra McCuiston

Board Member
Retired biology professor, from Melber Kentucky

Alex Messamore

Board Member
Elder at Grace Point Church Henderson, Kentucky

Kelsie Austin

Board Member
Mission enthusiast

Stephen H Ernest

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our Volunteers

Meet our team
Alex Muzira
Volunteer / Pastor
Mark Mwesigwa
Volunteer
Bogere Louis
volunteer

Have any Question?

Frequently asked questions

The mission of Raising Hands Ministries is to uplift and support pastors globally, with a special focus on East Africa. The organization aims to provide training, resources, and various forms of assistance to pastors and their communities.

Raising Hands Ministries is involved in a range of activities, including pastor training conferences, sports ministries, evangelistic crusades, church leadership training, Bible distribution, food and hygiene distribution, preaching in village churches and schools, and providing teaching, preaching, and counseling at the Global Theological Seminary in Uganda.

The organization offers pastor training conferences and church leadership training programs to equip pastors with essential skills and knowledge. They also provide teaching, preaching, and counseling services at the Global Theological Seminary, contributing to pastoral education.

The IRS recognition as a 501(c)(3) entity means that Raising Hands Ministries is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization. This status allows donors to make tax-deductible contributions, enabling the organization to continue its charitable and ministry-focused initiatives.

Raising Hands Ministries conducts evangelistic crusades, distributes Bibles, provides food and hygiene supplies, and delivers sermons in village churches and schools. These efforts aim to spread Christian teachings, address practical needs, and foster spiritual growth in local communities.

Yes, absolutely. Raising Hands Ministries welcomes donations to support its various programs and initiatives. As a 501(c)(3) organization, your contributions are tax-deductible.

While Raising Hands Ministries has a special emphasis on East Africa, its activities and impact extend globally. The organization’s mission of supporting pastors and promoting Christian teachings transcends geographical boundaries.

There are several ways to get involved, such as volunteering, participating in fundraising events, attending training conferences, or contributing financially. You can reach out to the organization directly to inquire about specific opportunities.

You can stay informed about Raising Hands Ministries by visiting our official website, following our social media channels, subscribing to newsletters, or contacting us directly for updates on our ongoing work.

We Believe that We can reach More Lives with you

Help Us
Peace

Peace

Promoting peace is essential for saving lives. Many regions in Africa are affected by conflict, violence, and instability. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation. By advocating for peace, encouraging dialogue, and fostering understanding between different groups, we contribute to a safer environment that allows individuals to thrive and flourish.
Donation

Donation

Donations provide practical support that can have a direct impact on saving lives. Financial contributions can fund essential resources such as medical care, clean water, food, education, and vocational training. Donations to reputable Christian organizations and humanitarian initiatives enable them to carry out life-saving work on the ground, addressing immediate needs and promoting long-term sustainable development.
Hope

Hope

Instilling hope is a powerful way to save lives. By sharing the message of God's love, mercy, and redemption, we offer a source of inspiration and strength to individuals facing challenging circumstances. Through the Gospel, we provide the assurance that no situation is beyond redemption, offering a lifeline of hope that can transform lives and lead to healing and restoration.
Prayers

Prayers

Prayer is a fundamental way to impact Africa. By lifting up the continent, its people, leaders, and challenges in prayer, we invite God's intervention and guidance. Prayer connects us to the heart of God and invites His transformative power into the lives of individuals, communities, and nations. Through prayer, we can intercede for healing, protection, wisdom, and positive change across Africa.