Our History
In August 2002, Pastor Jay believed God was leading in a church planting effort to start at least 30 new congregations around the world within a 5-year period. When he shared this vision with the congregation of First Baptist Church at the Mall, they enthusiastically joined him in obeying this calling of God. Consequently, in April of 2003, the Global Reach Foundation (GRF), Inc. was formed to carry out this enormous task. The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors which meets regularly to oversee ministry efforts and ensure financial accountability. To date, GRF has directed more than $3 million dollars toward the starting and support of over 56 strategic church plants carried out by 30 missionary church planting families around the world. Support has now grown beyond First Baptist Church at the Mall with over fifteen evangelical churches, four evangelical denominational entities, and over 2000 individuals partnering together to see this world changing vision of global church planting become a reality.
A New Vision
In 2008, Pastor Jay Dennis again challenged GRF to recast its mission vision in the form of a “Revelation Strategy 7" which is a result of a vision based on the Seven Churches of Asia Minor as recorded in Revelation chapters 2-3. The vision came as a “What If?” moment. There were seven churches and there are seven continents. What if we, as a church, could plant a church on every continent? What if we designed those churches to be reproducing, led by the people of that country, and become self-sustaining in three years? From seven churches could come hundreds of churches but our part would be to plant othe first seven churches. What if we set the example and other churches caught the vision too?
As we began to pray about the possibilities and put feet to our prayers through developing "Continent Teams", this vision began to take shape. Now we are focusing in on seven specific spots on the planet, one location on each continent, where we will plant a church that proclaims clearly, “Jesus Is Alive!”
In October of 2010, Global Reach Foundation held its largest and most successful fundraiser in the history of the organization. With close to 2000 in attendance & Governor Mike Huckabee as the keynote speaker, the Foundation raised over $450,000.00 in one time gifts and pledges!
As a church, we have been given multiple blessings from God, and with those blessings come great responsibilities. God is once again knocking at our church’s door saying, “Change the world by planting 1 church on 7 continents in 3 years.” In doing so; churches will be planted on Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Let's be "On Mission" to impact the world with Jesus Christ!
GRF and RS7 are led by our Missions Pastor Mark Bedwell. Pastor Mark has a unique giftedness in helping individuals discover where God would have them serve. If you feel that God has burdened your heart to answer a call to serve the Lord on the mission field or, to get more involved with the RS7 vision, Pastor Mark would love to help you grow to your full potential. You may contact him at or 863-682-0163.
If you have any questions or would like additional information please contact Pastor Mark's Assistant, Joy Cheatham in the Missions Office at ext. 313 or