Transforming
Lives Daily
For over a decade, we've been a beacon of hope in Uganda's slum communities, transforming lives through love, education, and sustainable development programs.
From Streets to Salvation
The incredible transformation of Pastor Richard - from gang leader to ministry founder
The Darkness
Gang leader "Wrong Number" - sleeping in toilets, leading 50 thieves
Street Life
Found a father
The Light
Pastor, songwriter, ministry founder - transforming lives daily
The me now
Transforming Lives
The Divine Encounter
During a robbery, Richard stole a phone with the gospel song "Oli Katonda." When he heard the lyrics "I will tell my children and they will call you God," something broke inside him. This hardened gang leader found himself on his knees, crying, with a voice telling him to go to church.
"I came from the streets as 'Wrong Number,' but God gave me a new name and purpose. Every child we serve sees that if God can transform a gang leader into a pastor, He can transform anyone."
- Pastor Richard Zziwa, Founder
From Vision
to Reality
In 2017, Pastor Richard walked through the slums of Nansana and witnessed children sleeping on the streets, families struggling for their next meal, and dreams being crushed by poverty. That day, God placed a burden on his heart that would change everything.
What started as feeding a few street children has grown into a comprehensive ministry serving over 500 children and 50 families. We've built schools, provided clean water, established feeding programs, and most importantly, restored hope to countless lives.
Today, Gospel Arise stands as a testament that with faith, compassion, and community support, transformation is not just possible—it's inevitable.
2017
Ministry Founded
From Bottles to
Books
The remarkable journey of Bbale Aaron - from 9-year-old bottle collector to student leader and ministry CEO
The Struggle
Age 9 - Collecting bottles, sleeping in cemeteries
Street Survival - 2019
Searching for Hope
The Harsh Reality
- • Rejected by stepfather after mother's remarriage
- • Survived by collecting bottles for income
- • Slept in cemetery to avoid police detection
- • Young Muslim boy seeking belonging
The Transformation
Today - Student Leader.
Student Leader - 2025
A man with a vision and a future to stand for
The Victory
- • Student at Lubiri High School
- • Junior Head Prefect for all students
- • Reconciled with his mother after years apart
The Journey of Transformation
The Divine Encounter
In 2019, during the Ghetto Church Tubonge outreach in Bwaise organized by Gospel Arise in Slums Ministries, Aaron came not for prayer, but for food. However, after the event, he approached Papa Richie Zion and shared his painful story. The ministry took him in, offering him love, shelter, and a sense of belonging. Though he was initially a devoted Muslim, Aaron later encountered Christ, accepted salvation, and experienced deep transformation
"He came for food, but God had prepared him for so much more - leadership, education, and transformation."- Pastor Richie Zion
The Heartbreaking Reality
Bbale Aaron shared how his stepfather rejected him after his mother remarried. He was denied food, mistreated, and eventually chased away to the streets. At just 9 years old, he survived by collecting bottles and sometimes stealing food.
The most terrifying part was sleeping in cemeteries... the only place police wouldn't check at night. But as a young boy, Aaron desperately wanted what every child needs: a home, a family, and hope.
Finding Home & Purpose
We welcomed Aaron into our ministry family. With love, patience, and God's grace, he gradually opened his heart to Jesus Christ. Today, Bbale Aaron is a living testimony of God's transformative power. Aaron is no longer the frightened boy from the streets. He is a passionate young leader serving as Junior Head Prefect at Lubiri High School and leading children in the ministry. Reunited with his mother and anointed as an apostle by Apostle Richie Zion, Bbale Aaron’s life stands as a powerful testimony that no matter how broken one’s past may be, God can turn it into a beautiful story of hope, home, and purpose.
Aaron didn't just find salvation; he discovered his calling! Seeing what God had done in his life, he became determined to lead others and excel in both ministry and academics.
Our Foundation
Built on biblical principles and driven by love, these pillars guide every decision we make
Our Vision
Reaching out to vulnerable children and youth with the love of Jesus Christ so they can realize their full, God-given potential.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
Our Mission
Empowering families to improve their standards of living and strengthen their voice through advocacy.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." - James 1:27
Our Approach
"We believe in holistic transformation that addresses spiritual, physical, emotional, and educational needs. Every program is designed to create lasting change that impacts generations."
"And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." - Mark 10:16
Lives Transformed
Core Values
These biblical principles form the foundation of everything we do, shaping how we love, serve, and transform communities
Collaboration
We believe in working together with communities, partners, and stakeholders to create sustainable impact. Through collaboration, we combine diverse strengths, resources, and perspectives to address complex challenges and create lasting transformation in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20
Love
Love is at the heart of everything we do. We demonstrate Christ's unconditional love through compassionate action, treating every child and family with dignity, warmth, and genuine care. Our love extends beyond words—it's reflected in our commitment to serve sacrificially and uplift those in need.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - John 13:34
Respect
We honor the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their circumstances. Respect guides our interactions with children, families, partners, and communities. We listen actively, value diverse perspectives, and uphold the rights and autonomy of those we serve.
"Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God." - 1 Peter 2:17
Accountability
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and responsibility. Accountability means being faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us, delivering on our commitments, and maintaining open communication with our stakeholders about our impact and challenges.
"So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." - Romans 14:12
Godliness & Teamwork
We conduct all our work with integrity, righteousness, and in accordance with biblical principles. Working together as one body in Christ, we combine our diverse gifts and talents to achieve greater impact for God's kingdom. Our faith informs our actions, and our teamwork multiplies our effectiveness.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." - Colossians 3:23
What Drives Us
Unconditional Love
Every child receives love regardless of background, circumstances, or behavior.
Sustainable Change
We don't just meet immediate needs; we build systems for lasting transformation.
Kingdom Impact
Every program reflects God's kingdom values and advances His purposes on earth.
Our Founding Story
Meet Pastor Richard, the visionary leader who answered God's call to transform lives in Uganda's slum communities
Pastor Richard
Founder & Executive Director
The Calling
In 2013, while walking through the slums of Nansana, Pastor Richard encountered children sleeping on the streets and families struggling for their next meal. That day, God placed an unshakeable burden on his heart to bring hope to the hopeless.
With over 15 years of ministry experience, Pastor Richard left his comfortable position to start Gospel Arise with nothing but faith and a divine vision to see Uganda's slum communities transformed.
"I couldn't walk away from those children. God showed me that His heart breaks for the broken, and He was calling me to be His hands and feet in the slums."
- Pastor Richard, Founder
Love in Action
Founded on the principle that God's love must be demonstrated through tangible care and compassion.
Community Focus
Committed to holistic transformation that impacts entire families and communities, not just individuals.
Kingdom Vision
Every program reflects God's kingdom values and advances His purposes on earth through practical ministry.
Be Part of the Transformation
Every child's story can be changed. Every family can find hope. Every community can be transformed. Your partnership makes all the difference in bringing God's love to life.
Sponsor a Child
Provide education, healthcare, and hope to a vulnerable child for just $50/month.
Volunteer
Share your skills and passion by serving in our programs and community initiatives.
Partner Churches
Connect your church with our mission and create lasting kingdom partnerships.
Visit Us
Nansana Kibwa Gadaffi Road
East 2B Zone, Uganda
Call Us
+256 702 487 070
Available 24/7
Email Us
gospelariseinslum@gmail.com
We respond within 24 hours