#WeAreFirstPres

First Pres’ Orlando Fellow, Meredith Batson, is on fire for Jesus – and college students! Transformed as a new Christian two years ago, Meredith tells everyone she meets about His saving grace. In her words, “I just can’t shut up about Jesus!” Meredith’s mentor encouraged her to go into ministry, and the fruit of her service is unmistakable!

In only seven months as a Fellows and Young Life intern, Meredith has become a force at Rollins College. She’s a prayer warrior, mentor and trusted friend to over 50 students. To get things rolling, Meredith found Rollins girls on Instagram who mentioned faith or listed Bible verses in their bios. She messaged each one with a personal invitation to meet up and become a part of a consistent faith community. That’s all it took. 

Last August, Meredith and Lauren connected through Instagram, which opened the door to twenty other girls who now meet regularly. Having an intentional presence on campus allows Meredith to meet so many others. Regardless of their background, Meredith prioritizes genuine friendship and shares the Gospel along the way. 

Lyla, a new friend of Meredith’s, had never heard the name of Jesus in her life. Meredith shared the Gospel with Lyla in a sweet moment of Truth that led Lyla to participate regularly in Meredith’s bible study. Meredith’s Missional Living is transforming lives and bringing remarkable change to the Rollins campus. Keep up the awesome, Kingdom-work, Meredith!

Meredith has a need for adult volunteers, new Bibles for students, and your prayers.

Contact Meredith to see how YOU can get involved.
 

Missions Pastor, Rev. Tanner Fox, quite literally practiced what he preaches yesterday while on his way to a meeting. Driving rain couldn’t deter our Missional champion from making a big splash in this stranded driver’s day! Without hesitation, Tanner hopped out of his car, assessed the situation, identified a large work van to block traffic, and invited the driver of the van to assist in pushing the stalled car to safety. Ensuring the stranded driver was safe and could handle the situation from there, Tanner proceeded to his meeting — slightly later and soggier than expected. Tanner’s afternoon ended with a guest lecture on the story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection for Mosaic Church’s young adult community. With a big heart to serve, Rev. Tanner Fox points others to Jesus and makes our city look more like Heaven. 

To get involved with First Pres’ 20s or missions partners, contact Rev. Tanner Fox today!
 

Chadonne Whiskey always knew she wanted to perform and teach music. Over the years, God faithfully made her dream a reality.

She first fell in love with the performing arts while singing as a volunteer with her mother in church. Her passion and talents blossomed as a Music major at Rollins with an emphasis in Vocal Performance. It was at Rollins that Chadonne met Dr. Josh Hammonds, our Genesis Worship Director. He invited Chadonne to assist with vocals during worship, and she’s been blessing our congregation with her magnificent voice ever since. 

Chadonne has taught private music lessons for years, but COVID shutdowns and precautions posed challenges with recital venues. Many churches limited capacity or expected active membership in order to host a recital; while others had substantial fees for using their spaces. After months of searching, Chadonne found her “yes” with her friends at First Pres.

Chadonne had a place for her students to perform! “I can’t describe how happy I was when Lori Needham reached out with a ‘yes’ from First Pres — it brought tears to my eyes.” First Pres loves the city, and wants to see the arts flourish. Removing obstacles for our ministry partner and Missional servant, Chadonne, was a no-brainer. Welcoming Chadonne’s students and their families into our space provided a safe and warm environment for hearts and minds to grow in community.

When it comes to Living Missionally, Chadonńe recommends: “In service of others, use the gifts that make your heart happy.” Circumstances won’t always be easy but — just like she reminds her piano students — the payoff is well worth the effort. 

If you have a passion for the arts, consider getting involved in our Arts Fellowship.

You might also use your talents to serve on the worship teams with Chadonne at First Pres.