Outreach

Raising Hands Ministries has been gifted in many ways to reach out to the needy people of Sub-Saharan Africa. Its main purpose is to train Church leaders and pastors in rural areas on how to effectively preach the word of God and run their ministries efficiently. However, God has continuously led Raising Hands Ministries to do more within the communities where these pastors and church leaders carry out their ministry.

Raising Hands Ministries has engaged communities by promoting the good news of Jesus Christ through organizing sports events, evangelistic crusades, church leadership training, Bible distribution, and food distribution.

Furthermore, Raising Hands Ministries has been actively involved in campaigns promoting proper hygiene within these communities. This ministry frequently travels to remote village churches and schools, delivering sermons and teachings based on the word of God.

Stephen H Ernest provides ongoing counseling services to students at the Global Theological Seminary in Uganda and to the broader community. He accomplishes this through in-person visits to the institution and also via email, WhatsApp, and Messenger when he is back in the United States.

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Soroti Bible training location in Uganda

PASTOR'S TRAINING CONFERENCES

Raising Hands Ministries intends through these training conferences to raise up an army of national leaders, strong in the Word of God and touched by the Spirit of God, who will effectively impact East Africa with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Multiple times over, we have encountered men with a strong calling from the Lord to do ministry. Yet, lacking the knowledge and practical skills necessary to move into their calling and be effective therein. 2 Timothy 2:15 states, “Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” RHMI will do whatever it takes to equip church leaders to communicate the pure gospel with passion and effectively lead churches through the “deep waters” of our time.

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Mayuge Evangelistic Crusade

EVANGELISTIC CRUSADES

The evangelistic crusade is a methodology that dates back to the 1700s, originating in England and later spreading to America. Pastors would gather large crowds of people and preach the Word of God to them. Historical preachers who utilized this methodology include George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, Charles Finney, and more recently, Billy Graham. By God’s grace, we can now also include Raising Hands Ministries in this tradition. Take a look at the photos from RHMI’s Evangelistic Crusade in the isolated village of Nansololo in March 2022. Undoubtedly, hundreds of Ugandans in the Kaliro District heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and professed faith in Him as their Savior and Lord. RHMI firmly believes that evangelistic crusades provide a meaningful and effective way of sharing God’s Story in East Africa. Raising Hands Ministries is equally dedicated to relational discipleship, acknowledging that significant stages, prominent speakers, and large-scale events in evangelism do not yield long-term results unless new believers are connected with a Bible-believing church and fellow believers. Thus, RHMI has integrated follow-up “relational” discipleship as a permanent component of its comprehensive evangelistic strategy. Since the March 2022 crusade, several local churches have doubled in attendance, and each week witnesses more individuals embracing faith in Jesus. Since the initiation of the March crusade, 435 people have pledged allegiance to Jesus. Additionally, twenty-nine (29) national pastors have united forces, moving together like a mighty army, to reach the least and the lost with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

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School Visits in Nansololo

CHILDREN'S OUTREACH

Raising Hands Ministries is dedicated to reaching East African children for Jesus. Why? Because global statistics reveal that 85% of commitments to Jesus Christ are made by children between the ages of 4 and 14. This period is crucial in a child's life, as it holds the potential for significant impact on their mind and heart by teaching them to make appropriate decisions. Proverbs 22:6 advises, 'Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.' Our primary method of reaching children is through gospel presentations in local schools. RHMI personnel have developed an engaging and interactive approach to explaining the gospel to children. In many instances, this has led them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and equipped them to share their faith with others. RHMI is also deeply committed to training and supporting international children's workers. We enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to work alongside national church leaders, providing them with essential skills in child evangelism.

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Baptism in Nansololo

BAPTISM

In March 2022, personnel from Raising Hands Ministries had the privilege of witnessing the baptism of 275 individuals in a small and remote stream. We observed the beauty of Colossians 2:12-13 unfolding right before our eyes: 'Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins…' It is an incredibly special moment whenever we can witness believers being publicly united with Jesus through baptism. Often, as people emerge from the water, they praise God for a grace that surpasses their sins.

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Global Theological Seminary

GLOBAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Global Theological Seminary offers a breath of fresh air in East Africa. Despite the numerous challenges in the region, GTS remains faithful in preparing visionary church leaders—individuals of integrity armed with a profound comprehension of Scripture and the world around them. Within its modest facilities, pastors, youth leaders, and evangelists are trained to serve boldly, spreading like salt among the rich and the poor, the educated and the untrained, the volatile and the peace-loving. This level of equipping demands more from students than simply reading books; it requires being immersed in the teachings of the Book itself. During their time at Global Theological Seminary, students cultivate fresh perspectives on life and ministry, acquire leadership skills, gain biblical insights into cultural challenges, develop unique ministry methodologies, and deepen their understanding of God's Word. GTS effectively integrates faith into every course, teaching students not only how to study the Bible for effective teaching but also for personal growth. More than anything, Global Theological Seminary is committed to academic excellence without compromising spiritual growth. Raising Hands Ministries personnel have the privilege of engaging with these pillars of faith throughout the year. We rarely miss an opportunity to preach during chapel services or teach in classrooms, whether in person or online. Countless hours are dedicated each year to uplifting the spirits of young pastors—praying with and for them, and providing vital guidance from the Word of God. All of Raising Hands Ministries' efforts at GTS are funded by the generosity of those who believe in our mission. Thanks to supporters like you, young pastors can now study tuition-free. Join us in enabling RHMI to accomplish even more!

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Sports Ministry

SPORTS MINISTRY

Raising Hands Ministries employs sports as a powerful tool for youth evangelism. Why? Because many youth are hesitant to engage with village churches, and sports provide an effective means of reaching them. Sports ministry entails more than just organizing groups of youth to play football or netball; it's about transforming hearts and nurturing character. It involves creating avenues to share the gospel with non-believers, walking alongside them when questions arise, and helping them navigate challenges that arise from team Bible study sessions. This process is known as 'making disciples,' and it entails teaching young people how to live in accordance with the teachings of Christ. Often, breaking down barriers and establishing trust is essential to getting them immersed in the Word of God, right? This is precisely where sports come into play. Through football, trust can be built, not only with the youth but also with the spectators attending various matches. This is where you possess both the ability and opportunity to openly discuss topics like sin, death, and the impending judgement. Youth represent the future of East Africa, and it is the earnest aspiration of RHMI to ignite their passion for Jesus Christ.

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Medical Camp in Nansololo

MEDICAL MINISTRY

Raising Hands Ministries holds the belief that every individual, regardless of their location, deserves the opportunity to thrive. In November 2021, RHMI initiated its partnership with the Ernest Christian Community Medical Center, situated in the remote village of Nansololo-Kaliro, aiming to enhance access to healthcare for the most vulnerable. Since its establishment, this collaboration has led to effective treatment for nearly 9,000 individuals and has facilitated over 30 successful live births at the center. Equally significant, the center's counseling ministry has been instrumental in guiding 17 people toward embracing faith in Jesus Christ. Recently, RHMI enabled the local Medical Center staff to secure the purchase of a one-acre plot of land. This land will serve as the foundation for a permanent treatment facility, which will be constructed as funds become available. The endeavor reflects RHMI's commitment to improving healthcare access and spiritual well-being in the community.

"Changing Africa one Pastor at a time"

PASTOR'S TRAINING CONFERENCES

EVANGELISTIC CRUSADES

CHILDREN'S OUTREACH

BAPTISM

GLOBAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

SPORTS MINISTRY

MEDICAL MINISTRY