Welcome to Step Up Now Association, a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to creating lasting change. We believe in the transformative power of faith, love, and community to uplift those in need. Through practical support, empowering initiatives, and spiritual guidance, we bring hope and transformation to the lives we touch through our projects, network and missionary trips.

Physical and Spiritual Aid to the One in Need.

Our History

Inspired by the powerful words of Robert Pierce, founder of World Vision:

"So many suffer so much while so few sacrifice so little," and the Scripture James 2:16 (Modern King James Version)

"Go in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them those things which are needful to the body, what good is it?" These words and truths stirred a deep conviction in us to step out of our comfortable lives and take action to help the poor and the lost.

The journey of Step Up Now began to take shape in 2023, during missionary trips to Uganda and Zambia undertaken by our co-founders, Markus and Cherez. Witnessing the profound suffering of individuals—children, widows, and even animals—was a life-altering experience that compelled them to act.

Meanwhile, in 2020, co-founders Michael and Lisa were responding to a dire situation in Pullar, India. There, they worked with one of the lowest caste groups of gypsies, running feeding and clothing programs with a small group of volunteers from their church. What began as a local outreach quickly grew into a transformative project. They acquired land, built shelters, offered educational opportunities, and created avenues for work and income, restoring dignity and hope to many who had been living under a tree with nothing more than a piece of plastic for shelter.

These shared experiences and a shared passion for saving the lost led to the creation of Step Up Now—a nonprofit association dedicated to bringing hope, healing, and transformation to the most vulnerable.

In June 2024, Step Up Now became a reality. Though still in its early days, our mission is bold: to make a global impact on those who feel lost, forgotten, and helpless. Step Up Now exists to bring physical and spiritual aid to those in need, going where no one else would to elevate lives.

Our Leadership

Our mission is simple: to make a real impact on the lives of the less fortunate wherever our evangelistic missions take us. We focus on practical ways to uplift communities through education, social, and spiritual programs.

However, this wasn’t always the case. For over two decades, we were deeply immersed in the fast-paced world of Information Technology, building successful careers in large corporate entities. Life, however, took an unexpected turn when we both tragically lost our partners, leading us through a journey of reflection, healing, and seeking answers.

In 2019, our paths crossed during a transformative Christ for all Nations (CfaN) trip to Israel. This pivotal moment not only ignited but confirmed a shared passion for Africa and a deep calling to help the less fortunate. It soon became clear that God's plan for us extended far beyond our corporate careers—to go to the nations.

We were married in 2021, united by a vision to dedicate our lives to God’s calling.

In 2023, we left behind our corporate careers to embark on this mission. Undergoing life-transforming training at CfaN's Bootcamp for mass evangelism equipped us for the journey ahead.

Today, we are running full speed ahead, sharing the Gospel's transformative power and fulfilling the vision of Saving Souls and Reshaping Lives!

Cherez Tschopp & Markus Ghighi  Co-Founders of Step Up Now

Michael and Lisa Ruppen are passionate advocates for education and community empowerment. Michael serves as the Senior Pastor of Bethel Church (GZP) in Wettingen Baden, Switzerland, where he leads with a visionary mindset, always eager to get things moving. He has a deep passion for studying God’s Word and enjoys presenting its treasures in an understandable and engaging way.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Michael invests in the lives and potential of leaders, recognizing the importance of mentorship and growth. A lover of worship, he often rocks out on guitar with fellow musicians, bringing his passion for music into his ministry.

Michael holds a degree in Higher Education and master’s degrees in History, Literature, and Linguistics. He has worked at the University of Zurich in the E-Learning Department and has taught at the Gymnasium level.

Lisa, originally from the United States, works as a school teacher and brings her own unique perspective and expertise to the field of education. Together, they have four children and have been married since 2000.

Their shared commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. They have actively participated in various youth and music projects, fostering a love for learning and creativity in young people.

In 2020, new opportunities in India opened up for Michael and Lisa, where they launched projects focused on educating children and community leaders, as well as farming initiatives that promote self-help and sustainable practices. This expansion allowed them to further their mission of empowering communities through education and sustainable development.

Michael & Lisa Ruppen

Co-Founders of Step Up Now

Our Mission & Values

Step Up Now is committed to sharing Christian values and partnering with local communities worldwide to bring about positive change for the underprivileged and oppressed.

Our vision is to promote human transformation wherever our missionary work takes us, uplifting lives through quality education, community upliftment, health promotion, and other community-based initiatives.

Community-Based, Sustainable Development

Implementing transformational programs that uplift and empower communities, with a special focus on addressing the needs of the poor.

Providing immediate aid and long-term support to individuals and communities affected by conflict, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises.

Raising awareness to foster understanding, generosity, and active participation in efforts that create lasting change.

Emergency Relief & Crisis Response

Advocacy & Public Awareness

Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with organizations, foundations, churches, and other missionary organizations to drive both spiritual and social transformation.

We pursue this mission by

Equality

Love in Action

Dignity

Love is at the heart of everything we do. God’s love transforms lives, and we are called to reflect that love by caring for those in need, showing compassion, and working to bring lasting change.

We believe that every person is created equal. Yet, in a world where poverty and inequality persist, we are committed to standing with the marginalized and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Every human being has inherent worth. We strive to restore dignity by empowering individuals and communities to rise above their circumstances and embrace their God-given potential.

Our Core Values

Stewardship & Integrity

We uphold the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and ethical governance to ensure that every resource is used effectively for maximum impact.

Partnership & Collaboration

We recognize that true transformation happens through unity. By working alongside NGOs, local governments, churches, mission agencies and businesses, we can better serve the most vulnerable and bring both spiritual and social restoration to communities in need.