About Raise and Release Ministries
Raise and Release Ministries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering churches to fulfill the “Great Commission.” As an international movement, we unite Christians from diverse denominations to spread the teachings of Jesus.
Our Core Vision and Mission
Our Purpose
Raise and Release Ministries is an international movement of Christians from many denominations dedicated to presenting Jesus personally to this and future generations, to mobilizing as many as possible to help in this task, and to the training and equipping of believers for their part in fulfilling “The Great Commission.”
Our Beliefs
Raise and Release Ministries affirms the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God and the absolute reference point for every aspect of life and ministry. Based upon God’s Word, who He is, and His initiative of salvation through the atoning work of Jesus (His death, burial, and resurrection).
Learn About Our Capabilities
Meet Our Leadership Team
Executive Board of Directors
Tony Festa – President
Tony has been serving as a short-term missionary in Ecuador since 2009. He is a former Sergeant in the Marine Corps, and he is trained in Continuing Witness Training (CWT), Evangelism Explosion (EE), The Way of the Master, FAITH Evangelism, and he also attended IMB Missions College in VA. God has used his gift in evangelism to impact many lives for the kingdom, locally and internationally.
Gabriel and Sharlene Tew – Vice President and Secretary
He has been a church planter, pastor, and healthcare administrator, and is currently the Vice President and Executive Director of Christian Recovery Houses. Gabriel and his wife, Sharlene, pictured here together, have six children, all grown and each one living in a separate state. So their favorite pastime is visiting their children all over the country.
Sharlene is the Broker in Charge of G. Wilson Realty, with years of serving and leading church and parachurch ministries.
Sherrie Pruitt – Treasurer
Sherrie loves God, her family, church family, and serving in missions. Sherrie and her husband, Larry, have been married for 20 years and have a beautiful blended family of one son, 4 daughters, and 8 grandchildren. Each is truly a blessing, and we love to host them in our southeastern NC home or travel to see them on their home turf. (Hawaii is calling, and I must go.)
Sherrie holds a bachelor’s degree from UNC-Wilmington and Rollins College, and an MBA from UNC-W. She spent most of her career in Manufacturing Accounting, on staff at several multinational manufacturers. She has served as Financial Administrator in her church, led Women’s Ministry, taught Sunday School to the littles, and led Bible studies over the last 14 years. She is passionate about teaching women how to be image bearers in their families and communities.
Sherrie has served on three different mission trips to the Dominican Republic and twice to Ecuador. On the first trip to Ecuador, in 2023, she was bestowed the mission name of “Care Bear” for her care for everyone on the team. Sherrie is looking forward to returning to Ecuador in October 2025.
Sherrie is serious about accuracy and open accountability in the keeping of financial records, especially in the not-for-profit sector.
Willy Pascua – Member at Large
Willy’s life was transformed in 2021 with his salvation, igniting a fervent passion for God. Actively involved in his local church, he has since dedicated himself to various ministries. His commitment to spreading the Gospel led him to a mission trip to Ecuador in 2023, deepening his dedication to Christian service. Willy’s heart for ministry is evident in his eagerness to share God’s Word and support other Christian men in their faith journeys, aspiring to grow as a spiritual leader.
Additionally, he embraces the call to evangelize, seeing his mission as “fishing for men.” Integral to his spiritual life is his role as a devoted husband and father, where he views his family responsibilities not as separate but as a central part of his spiritual journey, embodying and extending his faith in his daily life.
Amber Harbin – Social Media Director
Amber Harbin is a Christian, a wife, and a mother of two, with her faith serving as the foundation of everything she does. In 2024, she traveled to Mindo, Ecuador, on a mission trip that profoundly impacted her. During her time with the children’s ministry, Amber witnessed the urgent need to spread the gospel and invest in communities with love, truth, and hope. This experience reinforced her belief that the call to serve extends beyond daily routines — it’s a lifelong mission.
Having spent 14 years in education, first as a classroom teacher and now as a territory manager and literacy advocate, Amber’s passion for the gospel extends to promoting equity and helping every child unlock their potential through literacy.
It is an honor for Amber to serve on the board of Raise and Release Ministries. She wholeheartedly believes in the mission and is committed to using her faith and professional expertise to help build a ministry that uplifts, equips, and releases others into their God-given purpose.
Guy Thornton – Director of Technology
Guy is a child of God and has a passion for serving in missions, the church, and his family. Guy started working in missions only last year on his first trip to Shell, Ecuador. During his time in missions, he has developed a strong passion for ministry and spreading the gospel. Recently, Guy has developed a strong relationship with the young men of the LaRoca Skateboard ministry and is eager to pour into these young believers who have a passion for Jesus.
Throughout his career, Guy has worked with several firms, establishing Enterprise Software Architecture programs and delivering numerous complex software solutions for both large and medium-sized corporations. Guy has a deep knowledge of software development best practices and is experienced in delivering both commercial and industrial software. Guy also has a breadth of knowledge and experience in IT management and provisioning of Modern Workplace Systems.