Our Team
Christian Outreach for Africa (COFA) is a U.S. based nonprofit under IRS Code 501(c)(3). It has a board of directors and executive director that oversee its operations.
Christian Outreach for South Africa (COFA South Africa) and Christian Outreach for Uganda (COFA Uganda) are separate nonprofit corporations formed under the laws of those countries and run by their own boards of directors and their own in-country executives. COFA funds its projects in both countries by providing funds to COFA South Africa, COFA Uganda, local churches and other partner organizations. COFA South Africa and COFA Uganda are also able to obtain their own funding for projects that they share with COFA and projects that they undertake on their own.
Board of Directors
Gary C. Grom is retired from Sara Lee Corporation where he served as Senior Vice President Human Resources. Gary currently is a partner in Chicago Equity Advisors, LLC. Gary is a co-founder of COFA and currently serves as President of COFA.
Jerry Kehe served as President and CEO of KeHE Distributing until he retired after 45 years and then assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors for seven years and is currently Chairman Emeritus. He has served on numerous boards of directors, including the Willow Creek Association Board of Directors for 22 years. Jerry is a co-founder of COFA.
Robert Glenn is semi-retired from his 40-plus year career as a plaintiff's trial lawyer in Chicago representing victims of commercial aircraft disasters, malpractice, and other negligence. Bob currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of COFA.
David Maier is a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod ordained Pastor and currently is President of the Michigan District of the LCMS. He has been leading mission work in S. Africa for 30+ years.
Michael Toppe, PA-C is an Associate Professor, Didactic Medicine, in the Marquette University Physician Assistant Program, where he serves as the course administrator for its Clinical Medicine curriculum and lectures extensively on numerous medical topics. His interest in Africa was developed during his five years as the Peace Corps Medical Officer, South Africa and the Gambia.
Mike Rodewald currently serves as the CEO of Lutheran Bible Translators. He and his family served as missionaries in Liberia, Botswana and South Africa from 1981-2014, first as a multi-language consultant with Lutheran Bible Translators and also through LCMS Office of International Mission as regional director for Africa. Mike is passionate about serving in mission. He continues to serve in additional mission roles as an executive board member of the Forum of Bible Agencies Int’l, IllumiNations collective impact alliance Steering Committee, as well as on the board of COFA. Mike holds a PhD in missiology.
Rev. Dr. Scott Rische is the International Director of the Pastoral Leadership Institute, where he coordinates Christian leadership training for churches in more than 12 countries.
Executive Director
Michael Martin, CFA, is COFA’s Executive Director. Michael was a senior portfolio manager for an institutional money management firm before retiring after 30-plus years. His financial industry experience includes banking and investment management. Michael serves on the Investment Committee of Michigan Church Extension Fund and is an active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Michigan Advisory Board for African Missions
The Michigan Advisory Board for African Missions is an advisory board within COFA organized to promote the ministry collaborative opportunities for Michigan churches, the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), and individuals residing in Michigan. Click the button below for more information about this board.