My children are the reason I ever even considered walk- ing through the doors of First Baptist Church. I’m Tanisha Dionne Smith, and I’ve been a member of FBC for three years. My daughter Madison attended FBC Weekday Early Education (WEE) Mother’s Morning Out from age12 months through Pre-K. During that time, my mom became employed as a preschool teacher at FBC, and began bringing my children to Bible study on Wednesday nights. When my son Kentrell was eight years old, he moved his membership to FBC after having such a positive experience with RAs and music. He has a love for music that Mrs. Lea Hoppe further instilled through her leadership as a children’s choir teacher.
IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR HOW THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AT FBC TOUCHED MY CHILDREN, I WOULD’VE NEVER ENTERED THE DOORS OF THIS CHURCH.
As a single mother, I made the decision that as a family, Sunday morning should be a family worship experience. Therefore, I made the decision to join FBC. My daughter was baptized under Pastor T’s leadership. I am 1000% sure if it had not been for how the children’s ministry at FBC touched my children, I would’ve never entered the doors of this church for fear that I wouldn’t “fit in” or be looked at strangely like “why are you here?”
I have had the opportunity to work in Mission Friends 4, GAs, and First Kids music ministry. I am so grateful the children’s ministry has ignited such a love for Christ in my children, now ages 16 and 10. FBC as a whole has been a life-changing experience for me and my children, and we are very grateful to God for directing our path to this church that really is the Heart of the City. I encourage all to truly explore the GENERATIONS building and renovation project so many generations to come will have the experience to flourish like so many children have already been blessed to experience.
Tanisha D. Smith