Message from our founder
I’m just a guy who cares about those who are all too often ignored and forgotten. I understand that most people won’t walk through the church’s doors, especially when not invited or they feel out of place.
So, after sitting on the sidelines for far too many years, I finally decided it was time for me to hit the highways, byways, waterways, streets, trails, and back-alleys of the world to encourage the disheartened, proclaim the message of Christ, and serve those in need.
As a follower of Christ, I understand it’s my duty to visit widows and orphans in distress, feed the hungry, clothe the poor, shelter the homeless, and offer hope to the drug addicts, prostitutes, prisoners, and social outcasts of our time to whom most people would rather turn a deaf ear and blind eye.
With the help of people like you, I’m taking the message of hope to them. This is our ministry to a lonely, hurting, and needy world.
At the same time, I hang out with other Christians and ministries to write about their efforts. Those stories of faith in action are one of the highlights of this website. By hearing the chronicles of their impact on a hurting world, it’s my hope you are spurred to action as well.
I also write devotionals and stories on a regular basis meant to draw you closer to God – the one who created you with a unique and special purpose in mind.
Finally, one of my favorite things to do is pray – it’s powerful and impactful. If I can pray for you in any way, please let me know.
Bradley Harrington – President of the Board
Serves as Publisher and Intercessory Missionary
Bradley W. Harrington founded Outrider Ministries for Christ as a result of God’s work in his own life. Through his own life struggles and personal failures, Brad has learned the importance of standing up on God’s word and standing out in service to others.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Brad accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age, personally joining a church when he was 12 years old. After college graduation, he worked for IBM before attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Following his studies there, the native Texan became an award-winning journalist and served as editor/publisher for two different newspapers in Southeast Texas. He has also worked as a reporter and on-air personality for a radio station in the Houston area. Brad is a licensed minister, has served as a youth pastor for two churches, and joyfully preaches when opportunities are presented. His spiritual gifts include evangelism, exhortation, and administration, and he has a deep passion for and commitment to intercessory prayer.
An outdoorsman, Brad enjoys pointing dogs, horses, and doing anything surrounded by God’s awesome creation. He especially treasures any time surrounded by family and good friends.
Gary “Skeet” Raggio – Vice President
Born and reared in Liberty, Texas, Skeet graduated from Liberty High School in 1965 and then attended college and business school before embarking on a long career in the yellow page publishing business. He worked for Southwestern Bell for 13 years prior to setting out on his own, and during the past 36 years, Skeet has been the owner/publisher of several different phone book directories in Southeast Texas. He also is the founder and former owner of Biker Rallies of Texas.
Although he accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 10 through the local church, Skeet said he was a young adult before a co-worker at Southwestern Bell helped him gain a fuller understanding of what that youthful decision really meant for his life. That is when he began to study scripture and gain a deeper perceptive of who Jesus is and the impact that relationship should have on his own life.
Skeet and his wife, Sharon, have three children and four grandchildren. He serves as a deacon and choir member at Heights Baptist Church in his hometown and has been very active in civic organizations that serve his community.
Reflecting on today’s culture, Skeet challenges the church to take heed of the words found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
David C. Shaw – Secretary
David came to know the Lord at the age of seven in a small West Texas town and has been striving to make Christ’s name great ever since through various forms of ministry in the local church.
After high school graduation, he worked for his hometown fire department and in the HVAC industry until the Lord called him into full-time ministry in 2016. David has been married to Angela Shaw since 2011, and they have three young sons. He is a 2019 graduate of The Master’s University with a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and is currently pursuing higher education. David is pastor of First Baptist Church in Whiteface, Texas.
David’s prayer is that the Lord would use him to bring God glory in all that he does.