FPC Conversations

Last episode, # 67, we heard from Sarah Tacchino, who serves as an intern with the Coalition for Christian Outreach here at First Pres. This week is part two of learning more about the young people who are ministering to college students through the CCO. In this conversation, you’ll meet three young adults who all came to Fresno to be a part of the CCO Ministry Apprentice Program. Mkayy Bangura , Faith Purbaugh and Bella Berna joined Jamie Franklin and Dan Kimball for a conversation about their faith stories, how they came to Fresno with the CCO, and how the Lord is challenging and encouraging each of them along their way. They have unique journeys that brought them here. I’m am confident you will enjoy getting to know our MAPs as we like to call them in this episode.

In 2017, FPC Fresno entered into a partnership with the Coalition for Christian Outreach, better known as the CCO. Since that time, First Pres has been blessed to watch numerous college-age students grow in their walk with Jesus through Programs, gatherings, outreach events, and the annual Jubilee Conference in Pittsburgh. In today’s conversation, you’ll hear from one of these young adults, Sarah Tacchino, who is now serving as a CCO Intern while finishing her college degree. Sarah joined Dan and Suzanne Kimball for a conversation about her faith, some of her spiritual mentors, her work with the CCO, how the Lord used a conference to draw her closer to Him, and how she is being called to serve. Sarah’s joy for life is contagious. Please enjoy getting to know Sarah in this episode.

In today’s conversation, you get to listen to the conversation Craig and Kathy Hartsell had with Dan Kimball. They share more about their faith backgrounds, how they met, their call to serve in the church, parenthood, and the lessons they are continuing to learn together as they grow in their faith. We hope you enjoy getting to know Craig and Kathy in this episode.

In today’s episode, you will meet Melanie Franz, who has been a part of FPC for most of her life. She has blessed many people of all ages and stages by serving in a variety of ministries throughout the years. Melanie and her husband Jim have faithfully followed their call to build deep relationships with people and share their love for Jesus in their daily lives. Melanie joined Dan Kimball for a conversation about mentorship, evangelism, and how the Lord has given her opportunities to share her faith with others. She is insightful and honest, and I we hope you enjoy this conversation with Melanie Franz.

In this episode, we’re getting to know Brad Stevens, who has been a faithful behind-the-scenes servant in our community for several years.  Brad sat down with Dan Kimball for a conversation about his career as a police officer in Fresno; mentors who have influenced his faith, both as a cop and in life; and how he wanted to “stay in the game” post-retirement.  Brad talks about why he is excited about the Men’s Ministry at First Pres and how the Lord is working in him during this season of life. We hope you will enjoy today's conversation with Brad Stevens.