Missions

The Heart of Jesus: as we strive to be the heart of Jesus we see every person regardless of gender, ethnicity, language, background, socio-economic status as a beloved child of God, worthy of kindness, equality, respect, and care.

The Hands of Jesus: as we strive to be the hands of Jesus, we work to meet the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of all persons - next door or across the globe.

Westgate Elementary School Partnership
At Westgate Elementary, one of our neighborhood schools, many students come from poverty, different cultures, and places with very different expectations regarding education.

Since we began partnering with Westgate in 2018, we have sought to ask the question, ‘What do they need, and how can we help?” The answer has often been in tangible ways with backpacks and school supplies, assistance with school activities, support for teachers, free books for children of all ages, and the before school Homework Helpers program.

The answer has also been offering intangible support – the calling a student by name, encouraging them not just academically but with their confidence when they know they are important enough for us to show up every week, making learning fun with games and challenges, and even telling a parent how much potential we see in their child. We offer the heart and hands of Jesus, quietly, lovingly, creatively, and with joy.

Trailseekers of Central Washington
First Pres has been deeply committed to the Trailseekers outreach mission for over 30 years, a ministry that focuses on caring for children within our community, strengthening families, and generating hope. The program is solidly grounded in teaching Christian principles knowing that a relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, will bring the love, peace and security they desperately need. When children join Trailseekers, not only the child, but the entire family becomes part of the program and receive support.

As a partner with Trailseekers, First Pres offers financial and facilities support, but most importantly, critical volunteer support. First Pres members are instrumental in making the annual summer camp at Orcas Island possible, play an important role in the weekly program during the school year, and in getting to know these children and their families. First Pres has long embraced the Trailseekers program, and our members have seen the life-changing impact it makes.

Project Under Cover
What began as an annual project focused mostly on providing underwear for the
Support, Advocacy & Resource Center (SARC) has grown into so much more — meeting real, everyday needs for the individuals and families SARC serves.

Because of the compassion and dedication of First Pres members, people in our community have access to essential items that restore dignity and comfort during difficult times.

B5 Learning Center
Serving the Tri-Cities Refugee and Immigrant Community, B5 delivers educational classes and after-school programs as a bridge to their success. Since its founding, its volunteers, staff and educational partners have helped more than 2,000 newcomers learn, grow, and thrive.

First Pres not only supports B5 financially, our members offer volunteer support in so many important ways.

Miriam’s Gifts
Miriam’s Gifts is a First Pres ministry reaching out in the love of Christ to those needing help with newborns and babies. People with very limited funds often find it difficult to obtain items needed for their babies – even necessities such as diapers, blankets, newborn clothing and sleepers, baby shampoo or wipes. In gathering and distributing these items through designated agencies, we are sharing God’s love and concern on a very basic level.

African Children’s Choir
The mission of Music for Life (the parent organization for African Children’s Choir) is to help Africa’s most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow. The children in the Choir represent the potential of the thousands of children in Africa who are trapped in the cycle of poverty. The program provides for the children’s wellbeing and quality education, utilizing the transformative power of music.

First Pres has had a unique relationship with Music for Life. We have hosted the choir numerous times during its West Coast Tours and have also supported programs on the ground in both Uganda and Kenya. We supported an after-school program in one of the poorest areas of Kampala, which reached hundreds of children offering additional educational support, mentoring, and life skills in the name of Jesus. Recently, we worked with Music for Life on a pilot program to sponsor students in Kenya who showed great academic abilities but lacked the resources to continue their education. We treasure our relationship with Music for Life, and its life-changing impact in Africa

Living Water World Missions
We often take clean water for granted. But in many parts of the world, this is not the case, and children can be the most vulnerable to water-borne diseases. In fact, every eight seconds, a child dies due to water-related illness.  Clean water brings life, and First Pres has a long partnership with Living Water World Missions, a non-profit organization, existing to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in the context of installing sustainable water purification systems for communities in need. Living Waters assists and trains nationals in the building of clean water systems which use filters and ozone to remove germs and bacteria from city water sources, making it safe to consume. In addition, it trains parents, children, and interested others in germ theory, hygiene, and the appropriate uses of clean water.

First Pres, through its mission funds, has supported the equipment and supplies for numerous water purification systems that serve communities within Guatemala. In addition, First Pres members have been a part of installation teams going to Guatemala to not only help install these systems, but assist with the training of the locals.

River of Life Ministry
River of Life Ministry is a loving, Christ-centered community of care homes providing needy Romanian women, children, and elderly, a haven of refuge and hope.

First Pres has supported the River of Life Ministry financially, but also has had members travel to Romanian to offer important volunteer services. We also are in regular communication with the team in Romanian, offering prayer support as needed as well.

Missionary Support around the World
First Pres also actively supports missionaries and mission work around the world from Malawi to Costa Rica to Southeast Asia and beyond. We feel privileged to know and support these missionaries as they follow their call to serve Christ around the globe.

At First Pres, we want to be strategic about how we use the financial resources God has given us to further God’s mission in the world. Our Mission Partners are local, regional, and global organizations we financially support due to their alignment with our values and the positive impact they are making for the sake of the Gospel in the communities they serve. Many of our members are also active in the work of these ministries.