Panel Presentation
Kingdom Momentum
Dana Wichterman, Henry Deneen, Richard O’Brien, and Bernie Mapili
Summary
The Lion’s Den DFW is experiencing tremendous Kingdom momentum, evolving beyond a simple networking conference into a rapidly expanding global movement dedicated to advancing Kingdom-oriented businesses. Chairman Ed Pierce emphasized this growth trajectory, highlighting a recent successful expansion into Silicon Valley under the name “VentureForge,” with active plans to launch in Austin and Houston. This growing momentum was celebrated during a special event panel where participants discussed the invaluable, collaborative ecosystem of faith-driven investors and entrepreneurs. The panel—featuring Dana Wichterman, Henri Dineen, Richard O’Brien, Kevin White, and Bernie Mapili—reflected on how the community actively unites under the banner of Christ to openly share resources, foster trust, forge divine business appointments, and empower the next generation of redemptive problem solvers.
About Dana Wichterman
Senior Advisor, Impact Foundation
Dana Wichterman is a Senior Advisor at the Impact Foundation and a recognized leader in faith-driven impact investing, biblical stewardship, and international economic development. With nearly two decades of experience at USAID and the U.S. International Trade Administration, she has led initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, economic growth, and sustainable development around the world. Today, she advises philanthropists and investors on deploying charitable capital for financial, social, and Kingdom impact, serves on multiple faith-based investment and nonprofit boards, and co-authored Stewards Not Owners: The Joy of Aligning Your Money with Your Faith, encouraging Christians to align their investing and generosity with biblical principles.
About Henry Deneen
CEO, Global Hope Network International
Henry Deneen is the CEO of Global Hope Network International (GHNI), a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to helping communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East overcome extreme poverty through sustainable, community-led development. An attorney with more than 40 years of legal and leadership experience, he previously served as Chief Legal Counsel to former South Carolina Governor David Beasley and as a Municipal Judge. Henry also serves as President of the Geneva Institute for Leadership and Public Policy and holds a Doctorate in Executive Leadership with a specialization in emotional intelligence. He is passionate about developing principled leaders and equipping organizations to create lasting transformation through compassionate service, leadership development, and holistic community impact.
About Richard O'Brien
Board Advisor, Global Vision 2020
Richard O’Brien serves as a Board Advisor for Global Vision 2020, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to eliminating preventable vision impairment by equipping volunteers with innovative tools to provide prescription eyeglasses in underserved communities around the world. In his advisory role, he supports the organization’s mission of expanding access to affordable vision care through strategic guidance and governance. Global Vision 2020 has helped deliver more than one million pairs of prescription glasses across dozens of countries, empowering individuals through improved sight, education, and economic opportunity.
About Bernie Mapili
Founder, Reach Conference
Bernie Mapili is the founder of the Reach Conference, a movement that equips Christian content creators, technologists, entrepreneurs, and ministry leaders to leverage digital platforms for evangelism and discipleship. A serial entrepreneur, CPA, and technology executive, he has founded and led multiple businesses while championing innovative approaches to digital ministry. Through Reach Conference and related initiatives, Bernie is passionate about mobilizing believers to engage emerging technologies—including AI, gaming, and online communities—to expand the Gospel’s reach and build authentic Christian communities in the digital world.
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