It’s been a joy to serve in this role over the past few months as your Missions Coordinator. I had no idea how much it would expand my heart—not just for our church, but for our city, our world, and the gospel. God has reminded me that missions truly matter.
I grew up in Baton Rouge and was impacted by the youth group at First Presbyterian during the days of Mac McCoy. I went on my first mission trip to Jamaica with the church—an experience that planted a seed that has remained. Now, years later, raising my family here and encouraging others toward missions feels like a full-circle moment.
I’ve spent much of my life in ministry, including several years with CRU in New York City, but this role has given me a front-row seat to what God is doing through his church. Missions at First Presbyterian is not an afterthought—it’s central to who we are.
Our church supports over twenty-five local missions through prayer, giving, and service—serving those experiencing homelessness, caring for women in crisis pregnancies, investing in schools, and supporting families. These are just a few ways we serve as we share the hope of the gospel.
Recently, our Local Missions Committee toured the new Front Yard Bikes facility. As we prayed over the building, we had the idea to restore the stained-glass windows—each representing those who support the ministry. Through a collaboration with our church plant, The Sanctuary, we sponsored one window helping create a space where youth hear the gospel.
God is at work here in Baton Rouge and across the world through our 20+ global partners. One story that stood out was of a Lebanese student who connected with a believer here through International Friendship Partners and was later ministered to by one of our missionaries when she returned home—a reminder that we can reach the world right here.
God is teaching me that missions are not just for a select few—they are for all of us. Recently, my 8-year-old daughter asked, “If people don’t know about Jesus, how will they ever know?” That question captures why we do what we do.
Thank you for the ways you pray, give, and serve. If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved, I would love to connect.
Let’s go deeper in Christ and further into the world together,
Lindsay Stratman
