Our Background
The RISE Ministries Story
2001
”Rob Roozeboom founded RISE Ministries in 2001 with a simple desire: to share his personal story of the hope he found in Jesus Christ.
2005
”By 2005, Rob’s calling expanded with the launch of RiseFest, a two-day Christian music festival in northwest Iowa. What started as a bold step of faith quickly became a gathering point for families and communities across the Midwest.
2000s–2010s
”Over the years, RISE Ministries continued to grow—adding new events, media initiatives, and outreach opportunities—all centered on sharing the life-changing hope of Jesus. During this time, RISE ran mission programs for students both domestically and internationally.
2020
”RISE expanded its reach through digital media with the launch of the Enjoying the Journey podcast and the Stories of Strength video series in 2020.
2021
”Beginning in 2021, annual Christmas and Good Friday programs have brought the gospel to audiences through local television stations and online platforms, reaching more than 800,000 people.
2022
”In 2022, RISE with Rob & Friends began bringing singer-songwriters together for intimate nights of storytelling and music across the Midwest—creating spaces where the gospel is shared in authentic, relational settings.
2024
”RiseFest marked a historic year with nearly 24,000 festival-goers over two days, hundreds responding to the gospel, more than 1,000 Bibles distributed, and 800 volunteers serving together.
That same summer, Rob fulfilled an 18-year goal by publishing his first book, Broken Still Chosen, offering encouragement to those who feel broken, unloved, unseen, or forgotten.
2025
”In 2025, RISE Ministries announced a bold new goal: to reach 2.5 million people over the next five years. Through every season, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to sharing the hope of Jesus wherever God opens a door.





