top of page

"It's a Hand Up, Not a Hand Out" is a powerful song that speaks to the true meaning of hope-support that empowers rather than charity that enables.  It celebrates the dignity of helping others rise, regain their footing, and pursue a future filled with purpose.
 

Together, we create opportunities for growth, restoration, and lasting success

IT'S A HAND UP NOT A HAND OUT

Lyrics by Ray Riddle, Music by Danny H.

Hand Up Ministries, Inc. is blessed to share a powerful new video song created by two of its own residents, for Sunday Chapel Services, on the Hand Up Ministries campus. What began as a creative offering has become deeply personal to the entire Hand Up Ministries, Inc residential community.

Written by Ray Riddle (lyrics) and Danny H. (music), the song was graciously loaned to Hand Up Ministries, Inc. as a tribute to the men whose lives are being rebuilt through faith, accountability, and hope. This video stands as a living testimony, honoring the residents of Hand Up Ministries and their God-given second chance at life.

​At Hand Up Ministries, we believe in second chances, and in the power of testimony.

Hand Up Ministries is honored to share a very special song created by two of our own residents for our Sunday Chapel services.

What began as a simple offering of music has become the shared voice of this community. Each week, our residents sing this song together as the opening of worship, claiming its message as their own.

This is their story. This is their song. And this is a testimony of God’s redeeming grace

Hand Up Ministries, Inc

"For I know the plans I have for  you...plans to give you hope and future."  Jeremiah 2911 (NIV)
Blue Sky Clouds

Reentry Road Map

We target the specific needs of the returning citizen at each stage of our re-entry development cycle from crisis and stabilization through to long term self-sufficiency and independence.

​“For I know the plans I have for you……plans to give you hope and future.”  Jeremiah 2911 (NIV)”

Phase 1, Getting Started

We will help you deal with your most urgent needs after release, such as immediate access to housing, food and clothing, identification, transportation, phone, community resources, and handling any legal requirements or medical matters.  Importantly, you will have address and a place to call home

 

Phase 2, Transition and Employment

In Phase 2, most new residents are employed and have begun reintegrating into the community (i.e., shopping, going to appointments, and other activities).  The new resident be assigned to a mentoring and accountability group to provide development support.

 

Phase 3, Transformation and Success

Transformational change requires consistency with skills, mindset, and behavior necessary for successful reintegration.  At this stage your life is beginning to show true signs of success.  You may begin to consider your options such as whether  or not to begin to transition to more permanent housing outside of the program!  There is no deadline for leaving the program.

me. 

Subscribe to our newsletter

EIN # 73-150 1719
Hand Up Ministries, Inc.
2130 SE 59th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73129

IMG_3598.jpg
IMG_3635 (1).jpg
IMG_3621.jpg
IMG_3609.jpg
IMG_3635 (1).jpg
IMG_3591.jpg

HELLO.....are those real Alligators?????

A Word from David Nichols

​Our relationship with Red Carpet Weekend began about 16 months ago when a couple we attended International Bible College with, in San Antonio, Texas, called me about attending Red Carpet Weekend because we are missionaries in the United States. So last year I attended the weekend and was invited back this year. It also helped that the pastor’s adopted son had been charged as a sex offender. The pastor managed to get the conviction lowered to several years on probation with classes, etc. They are going to erase his record after he successfully completes his probation.

 

I think it was a new subject for most of the missionaries. This year we were more accepted by more of them. Some have become good friends, but I still talked up the issue. I’m used to rejection and cold reception by some, but this year was better. Ray was accepted better than I was afraid of, but he seemed to be okay.

There were missionaries from many parts of the world. One was headed back to Ukraine. He goes to the front lines. Another was from China. They have to operate in underground or hidden gatherings. It would be prison time if caught.

The greatest joy of the whole trip was the Sunday morning worship, led by the pastor’s adopted daughter. I very seldom get to hear worship like that and it renewed my spirit.

 

Last year we took a trip to the Tabasco Factory in Avery, La. That is the only place on earth it is made. It has to set in barrels for 5 years to cure. Then they are shipped all over the world.

 

This year we went to the biggest allegator farm in America. After they grow to 4 feet long, five percent is released into the wild. The other 95% is sold to distributers for making wallets and boots, among other things.

​​​We were treated like royalty and everything was paid for by the church. They even sent us home with a large sack of Louisiana products.

I will say they fed us with the best food ever. The leading dish the first day was a full barrel of fresh crawfish. Add to that anything you can imagine. It was impossible to decide what to eat. Plus all the desert and specialty coffee by YWAM coffee school.

 

It was all about celebrating what God is doing and the many people who are giving their all.

 

David Nichols    

ON OUR WAY TO SEE OUR DINNER

"IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT ALLiGATORS TASTE LIKE CHICKEN.  I SAY JUST EAT CHICKEN!!!

IMG_2180.jpg
bottom of page