Prompted by the Holy Spirit and urged on by African church leaders, Galen Burkholder answered an undeniable call to develop something that would meet a great need. He was led to develop a model to equip the local church around the world to make disciples and plant churches among those with little opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus. That model and organization became Global Disciples.

In a radical act of obedience, Galen and his wife, Marie, followed that calling. It led to a deep dependency on the Lord, not knowing when funding would come in or how the next programs would get off the ground. God was faithful each step of the way, providing just what was needed in His timing.

Nearly thirty years later, the seed that God planted in Galen’s heart has blossomed into an incredible organization equipping and mobilizing the local church in over 74 countries! Our team has multiplied from a handful into 220 staff members serving in their own home nations.

In June 2024, Galen stepped out of his CEO role and into a new role as Founder and Ambassador. He is still focused on being a voice for our brothers and sisters around the world as they share the saving power of Jesus with those still waiting. It’s been my privilege to step into an interim CEO role during this season, as we prepare for the next long-term CEO who will join us this Fall.

In addition to the search for a CEO, we have focused on strengthening our team and infrastructure to ensure that Global Disciples is equipped to sustain the rapid growth we have experienced and prepare for the growth we see on the horizon. Five years ago, we worked with 2,400 discipleship, leadership, and small business trainings, equipping and sending out church planters among the least-reached people in our world.

Today, that number has increased to 3,700 programs—a 54% expansion in trainings that are bringing the Good News of Jesus into dark and difficult places. And the requests continue to pour in from churches around the world, eager for partnership and equipping.

This is both wonderful and challenging. In this role, I have seen the clear and ever-growing need. The image that comes to mind is of Jesus’ disciples before a hungry crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children. Christ knew their need, but all the disciples could see was the seemingly insurmountable task of actually feeding these people! What we frequently lose sight of is that we’re standing beside the very Son of Man. All it took for the 5,000-plus to be fed was the small sacrifice of one—a young boy with just five loaves and two fishes, who was willing to offer this provision to the Lord. In the hands of Christ, one small offering became abundance, meeting every need with more to spare.

He is still multiplying things today. As Global Disciples transitions to new leadership and expands into greater opportunities, would you prayerfully consider joining us in this journey of faith?

Your support—whether through prayer, encouragement, or a financial gift—helps sustain and strengthen this mission. With the Lord, even the smallest offering has an eternal impact.

Together, let’s place what we have in His hands, trusting Him to multiply it beyond what we could imagine.

–Josh Keefer, Interim CEO, Global Disciples