We Walk with people.
We help them RISE.
Refuge of the Rising is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization built from a simple belief: people were created for more than survival.
Every day, people carry real struggles that affect every part of their lives—addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, hopelessness, broken relationships, identity struggles, and the weight of simply trying to make it through another day. While many programs focus on helping people cope, our heart is to help people experience complete transformation through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
This What we believe..This is what we know.
At Refuge of the Rising, we believe true healing happens when the whole person is cared for—spirit, soul, body, relationships, purpose, and community. Our mission is to make disciples who make disciples by creating environments where people can encounter God, find belonging, receive healing, grow in their identity, and walk in the purpose He created them for.
Through discipleship classes, Bible studies, outreach initiatives, evangelism, mentorship, prayer, healing ministry, community gatherings, and recovery-focused support, we walk alongside people as they move from survival into stability, freedom, healing, and purpose.
Meet The Team
April Davis
Apostle | Founder & Executive Director| Board President
Provides vision, leadership, discipleship development, and ministry oversight for Refuge of the Rising.
Crystal Sanders
Pastor| Board Director | Pastoral Advisor
Provides spiritual oversight, leadership counsel, ministry guidance, and support for organizational development.
Jasmine "Jazz" Johnson
Evangelist| Pastor| Board Director|
Director of Evangelism & Training| Regional Rise Director- DMV
Leads evangelism, teaching, and leadership training across Refuge of the Rising while leading and overseeing the DMV Rise community.
Veronica Barrera
Prophet| Board Director| International Ministry Director| Regional Rise Director- Guatemala
Leads Refuge's international ministry efforts while overseeing the Guatemala Rise community and supporting discipleship and leadership development.
Samantha Widmer
Minister| Board Director| Regional Rise Director- Virginia Beach, VA
Leads discipleship, outreach, and community engagement efforts in the Virginia Beach Rise community.
Kat Hardy
Director of Operations & Events
Oversees ministry events, organizational administration, donor relations, and operational support for Refuge of the Rising.