Who We Are

Release the Oppressed Ministries seeks to practically help those with a vision, to see their ministry become a reality.

We're Here to Help

WE WORK AS A TEAM

Release the Oppressed Ministries (ROM) is a fellowship of followers of Christ. We formed a team of board members whose aim is to use our resources and experience in missions, charity work, and apostolic ministry work, to help people who have been given a vision to help oppressed people, to begin and develop their ministries. ROM seeks to practically help those with a vision, to see their ministry become a reality.

Our service is a service to God. We charge no fees for our time and work, and we do not solicit funds. If God has given you a vision, and you need some practical next steps, perhaps He can use ROM to get your vision moving on the ground.

We are a team of eight. Tom and Ann met in Bible College and have served together in missions for over 35 years. Their desire is that all people hear the gospel clearly, and that God’s people who are called to help the lost and oppressed say, “yes” and go.

Tom’s sister, Sandra, plus Pahl, Steve, Scott, and Todd were brought by God to make ROM possible. Our newest board members are Dr. Chad Frisch and Robbie Smith, who are presently on sabbatical from active board member status.

Todd Lawther was ROM’s Secretary until he went to be home with the Lord. He knew much about the non-profit world, having worked in administration for Easter Seals and Directed Camps for them. His wisdom, fellowship, and encouragement were highly valued. He is greatly missed.

For a fuller story of ROM’s beginnings, read Release the Oppressed Ministries Chapter One.

OUR LOCATIONS

Our locations for operations are in Charlotte, North Carolina; Fort Mill, South Carolina; and Ocala, Florida. Our mailing address is:

Release the Oppressed Ministries
PO Box 1507
Fort Mill, SC 29716-1507

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tom Harvey, President. Tom loves to see God form teams of Christ’s followers, who go and minister to those who are actively reaching out to the oppressed. Tom helps new outreach ministries with their personnel work, and offers cross cultural ministry training and missions training to those called by God to help start or support new ministries.

Ann Harvey, Board Member. Ann has long had a love for intercession and worship, and the Lord has recently given her opportunities to be involved in ministry to widows, the elderly, and the dying. She is presently pursuing certification in Aging Studies.

Pahl Davis, Board Member. Pahl is recently retired from working in the land development industry, and has his own non-profit organization which reaches out to hurting people. He is a visionary and encourager within ROM.

Dr. Chad Frisch, Board Member. Chad is a chiropractic doctor whose knowledge and passion is to see God’s healing power be manifested in the lives of his patients and friends. He particularly loves helping children and youth, mentoring and running events for children and youth who are at risk. He is also wonderful at networking and connecting different caring individuals and groups who can work together.

Scott Hilborn, Board Member. Scott pastors Banks Presbyterian Church in Marvin, NC. He’s an excellent teacher of the Bible, and even teaches Bible in the Public and Christian schools, as well as Math. He’s a great prayer partner within ROM.

Steve Hodge, Treasurer. Steve works for Bank of America. He’s a true mathematician, which is needed within ROM, especially when given the role of Treasurer.

Robbie Smith, Board Member. Robbie also serves as a missions director at Banks Presbyterian Church in Marvin, North Carolina. He owns a small business and also serves on the Board of Directors for Nine Magazine and Alabaster Boxes Ministries.

Sandra Trainor, Media Director. Sandra is a graphic artist and website designer. Her role within ROM is to serve ministries by meeting their media needs.

OUR APPROACH

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Our approach starts with what we believe, and the Apostles’ Creed expresses simply what we at ROM believe.

THE APPOSTLES' CREED

We BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

We believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen.

Note: the word “I” was replaced, in the above Apostles’ Creed, with the word “we” so to indicate what we at ROM believe as a whole. And, by “catholic” the Apostles’ Creed is referring to “all true believers worldwide.”

WHAT WE CARE ABOUT

01.

— Our Goal

It is our goal that many new ministries to the oppressed will be launched.

02.

— Our Vision

Over the past 25 years of serving in missions, we have felt a sense of growing desire to help those people in the body of Christ, who have received vision from the Lord, to reach out with His love and power, and help bring rescue and release to people in need, who the Lord is leading to begin a new (apostolic) ministry. By ‘Apostolic’ we mean that it is a new ministry which aims to reach people who are not yet being released from oppression by the Love of Christ and His people.

In 2010, in fellowship, we began experiencing a desire to really see this happen. After praying, the Lord confirmed this in several ways to us, and as we began to take steps to make this happen; funds were provided to do so, contacts began happening, and within days it seems, we saw God bring together a board of directors for this ministry that we are so excited about.

03.

— Your Vision

We look forward to hearing and reading and maybe even getting to play a role in, the first chapters of the books of many new ministries that are about to be launched. Can we help you? What is your vision for helping oppressed people? Send us chapter one of your book!

“If we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” —1 John 1:6-7