Robert Cooper, Founder
Owner/President BDI Insulation, 1994 to 2015 After a week of visiting the schools in Lusaka Rob saw the children playing and demonstrating a child-like innocence that he remembered himself as a child and saw in his own son. It was while watching these children on the other side of the world, in Africa, that he felt a strong feeling of connection with these children. Even with the difference in race and geography he saw these children as God would see them. This is when the vision for Children of God was born!! “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12.
Pastor Mike Sparrow, Advisory Board Member
In 1986, Mike took his first life-changing mission trip to the Philippine Islands where the Lord imparted His heart for the developing world. Since then, he has participated in 40+ trips to 15 nations, taking teams and helping church planters and pastors with evangelism, discipleship, leadership and compassion projects. Mike and his church have assisted in the planting and support of three churches and a school in Kenya plus two church plants in the U.S. Since 1994, Mike has served as Lead Pastor of Agape Church, in San Luis Obispo, CA. He has a bachelor’s degree in geology and a master’s in Biblical studies. He is happily married to wife, Jan, since 1981, and is very grateful for his 3 wonderful grown children/spouses and 4 amazing grandchildren! Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure His greatness! Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power! Psalm 145:3-4
Dave Champness, Advisory Board Member
A graduate of Biola University, Dave served as a pastor in a large non-denominational church for over 30 years including 13 years as Senior Pastor. He has been involved in Biblical and Theological training of pastors and leaders in East Africa since 2001, helping to establish an accredited Seminary in Tanzania. He has 6 Children and a growing number of grandchildren. His time in Africa has grown a heart of compassion for the vulnerable children affected by AIDS, war, and poverty. “Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
Dr. Jose Hernandez, Board Member
I was Born in a third world country, Mexico, and at very young age lost my father in an accident. Instantly I became an ORPHAN, and a fighter. I grew-up with very little supervision, and this has affected my life to this day. I love children for their innocence and God has blessed me with the knowledge of providing medical care. I am a pediatrician by profession, and that has allowed me to travel abroad to Ecuador, Mexico and recently Zambia for mission work. My heart’s desire is to help disadvantage children learn a technical skill and for orphans to get an education in a setting where the Love the Christ is practiced. It would be a privilege to help multiple children financially and emotionally as they launch outside their homes and get a “shot” at life that is always challenging. These children inspire me to serve a Loving God.