Meet Betty
Founder & Director of Uplift Hope
Originally from Kenya, Pastor Betty Ogaye (Pastor Betty) moved to the United States to pursue her education at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration. She then proceeded to The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) where she received a degree in accounting. Pastor Betty has worked in various organizations as an accountant and to the rank of Assistant Vice President Financial Accounting in one of the major banks in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Although she’s a qualified accountant by profession, Pastor Betty’s passion is to serve God by serving the people and giving back to the community.
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While serving God as a pastor in one of the local churches, Pastor Betty’s heart went out to those who were going through difficult challenges in their lives either due to job losses or sicknesses and more. She counseled, prayed for and helped them in their time of need. Her desire to help the homeless was born out of an encounter she had with one homeless man under a bridge where she had gone to feed them. Rather than feed just a few by herself, Pastor Betty decided to start Threshing Floor Prayer Ministries, now Uplift Hope Ministries to help meet the practical and spiritual needs of the less privileged and homeless in the local community.
"Do to others what you would
have them do to you"
Through Pastor Betty’s leadership many have been mobilized to make a difference in their communities. They have helped in providing meals to the homeless, paying the bills of single mothers who couldn’t afford to, impoverished children receiving new shoes, clothing drives for the poor, etc. Many people’s quality of life has been improved through the genuine love, prayer, words of encouragement as well as providing practical help they have received through Uplift Hope.
It’s no surprise that Pastor Betty’s life verse is Matthew 7:12 where Jesus says, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” She has been described as one who is compassionate to the plight of others, and helps change their lives where she can.
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Pastor Betty has received several awards for her service to the community, most notably KCBI, International Golden Award and Community Excellence Award among others. She is quick though to point it all back to God and the “work” that is done through prayer. Pastor Betty says, “Prayer is the backbone of everything we do [at Uplift Hope]. Through prayer, we have seen lives being transformed, healing take place and hope restored to those have given up.” Uplift Hope continues to hold weekly prayer meetings which is the forefront of the ministry. When Pastor Betty is not serving, she can be found working out or hanging out with her friends.
MEET THE BOARD
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Uplift(ing) Hope since: I attended the first outreach Pastor Betty organized. It's over 10 yrs ago. I guess I have been part of her ministry since inception.
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Why are you a part of Uplift Hope? Because I believe we are called to be a blessing to those in need. Matthew 25:40 (NIV) - "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me".
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What part of the ministry are you most passionate about? All of it. But I love prayer the most.
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Quote you live by? The Golden Rule - “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you". Matthew 7:12 NLT
Betty Kimani
Betty has over 18 years of experience working in Financial Services Industry in Operations, Compliance and Risk Management functions. She is currently a Business Risk and Control Manager for a large bank. She received her Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance and Master of Business in Administration from the University of Texas in Dallas. She and her husband have an eight-year-old daughter and six-year-old son. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to audiobooks and podcasts, volunteering at her church in kids and women’s ministry, and spending time with her precious family. Hover over Betty's picture to hear why she's a part of Uplift Hope.
Uplift(ing) Hope since: 2023
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Why are you a part of Uplift Hope? Uplift Hope provides love and care for the marginalized and most challenged in our society. They are a branch of the Christian church that makes the mercy and kindness of God tangible.
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What part of the ministry are you most passionate about? I think all that Uplift Hope does has a vital role. Where I have been able to plug in and help them the most is in serving food to the homeless.
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Quote you live by? “All our dreams can come true, If we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
Kevin Schramm
Kevin is an accomplished Mortgage Loan Originator and Business Coach. His inspirational style and motivational demeanor bring out the best in everyone around him. He is a leader in his house church, the current president of Power Partners Networking Group, and an Altitude Training Facilitator with the Improver Coaching Network. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his spiritual family and read books on spiritual strategy, personal development and leadership. He and his wife of 29 years, Jen, currently reside in Bedford with their Great Dane, Kahana. Hover over Kevin's picture to find out what part of Uplift Hope ministry he's most passionate about.
Uplift(ing) Hope since: 2020
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Why are you a part of Uplift Hope? Prov 31:8-9 instructs us to "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
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What part of the ministry are you most passionate about? I enjoy the opportunities to talk, hug and love on so many precious new friends in the homeless community outreaches.
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Quote you live by? "There is no pit so deep that the love of God does not go deeper still." - Corrie Ten Boom
Kim Vastine
Kim Vastine is a multi-faceted, dynamic ministry and business leader. Her ministry experience goes back decades having served as a worship pastor, along with chaplaincy, life coaching and planting house churches. Kim's a founder of an international non-profit ministry to help marginalized women and children. She has received an honorary doctorate degree for her life work and is a designated International Golden Rule Ambassador.
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Kim's also a veteran in the corporate arena, currently serving as a Real Estate Professional in the state of Texas. She and her husband have two married adult children and two wonderful grand-joys that light up her life! She enjoys reading, traveling, bicycling and of course, being with her family (including many spiritual sons and daughters all over the globe)! Hover over Kim's picture to read the quote she lives by!
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Uplift(ing) Hope since: Since the beginning!
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Why are you a part of Uplift Hope? To make a difference in other people's lives, especially the less fortunate.
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What part of the ministry are you most passionate about? The planning and seeing the vision come to life.
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Quote you live by? "We rise by lifting others"— Robert Ingersoll
Eric Kiarie
Eric is a seasoned project manager, currently running a logistics warehouse and a partner in a successful roofing and remodeling business. He is a natural born leader who enjoys problem solving and working with people of all backgrounds. He received his business administration with a concentration in IT and project management from Colorado Technical University. In his free time, he likes to hang out with his family, play golf or cheer on his favorite sports team. Hover over Eric's picture to learn when he joined Uplift Hope.
