Rev. Dr. Carol Burke is the founder and president of Bestowing Hope Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing God’s love through outreach, encouragement, and practical support to those in need. For more than thirty-five years, she has faithfully served in various ministry roles, allowing God to work through her to meet both the spiritual and practical needs of others. With a heart for evangelism and discipleship, she seeks to encourage people to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and become part of the family of believers.
In 2011, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, Carol launched what would eventually become Bestowing Hope Ministries. As the ministry expanded beyond its original vision, she recognized the need to establish a formal nonprofit organization to broaden its impact and secure resources to serve others more effectively. In 2017, she received approval from the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit organization, a milestone for which she continues to praise God.
A passionate advocate of lifelong learning, Carol fulfilled a dream more than twenty years in the making when she enrolled in Bible college in 2014. In 2016, she earned a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership from Pacific Christian College of Ministry and Biblical Studies of Hope International University in Fullerton, California. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree while continuing her ministry, writing, and community service. Carol believes education is a powerful tool for transformation and growth, but that nothing surpasses the life-changing power of God’s Word.
Carol is also an accomplished author. On June 8, 2026, she released her book, Serene Surrender: Preparing Spiritually and Practically for Life’s Final Journey, which encourages readers to prepare for the future with faith, wisdom, peace, and purpose. Through her writing, she seeks to help individuals and families navigate important life transitions while strengthening their trust in God.
In addition to serving her church family, Carol volunteered at the California Institution for Women, leading Bible studies and life-skills training from 2017 until the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Bestowing Hope Ministries, she continues to serve unhoused communities, provide food and support to homebound seniors, and minister to those facing life’s challenges. Next to serving the Lord, her greatest joy is her family.