About

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 childlike innocence that he remembered as a child and saw in his 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 to 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 has been happily married to 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 ofBiola University, he, served as a pastor in a large non-denominational church for over 30 years, including 13 years as senior pastor.  Since 2001, he has been actively involved in the biblical and theological training of pastors and leaders in East Africa, playing a pivotal role in establishing an accredited seminary in Tanzania.

He is a father of six children and has a growing number of grandchildren. His time in Africa has deepened his compassion for vulnerable children impacted 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 a very young age, I lost my father in an accident. Instantly, I became an orphan—and a fighter. Growing up with very little supervision has shaped my life in profound ways, even to this day.

I have a deep love for children, cherishing their innocence, and I feel blessed that God has gifted me with the knowledge to provide medical care. As a pediatrician, my profession has opened doors for me to travel abroad for mission work in Ecuador, Mexico, and recently Zambia.

My heart’s greatest desire is to help disadvantaged children learn technical skills and provide orphans with an education in a setting where the love of Christ is lived and practiced daily. It is a privilege to support these children, both financially and emotionally, as they step outside their homes and face the challenges of life.

These children inspire me to serve a loving God, and it fills me with purpose to give them a “shot” at a brighter future.