Founder and CEO Marsha Drennen has spent 25 years working with homeless, low income and abused women. Her heart is to show the love of Jesus by giving a hand up to women facing tough times She is the wife of Jim Drennen and the mother of Charles and Damian. They worship at Christ Church United Methodist Church.
About 25 years ago, my husband and I moved out to a lake nestled in the Alabama pines, a beautiful, serene setting. At that time, I had a small special events company which left me little time to “Be still and know that I am God.”
I was convinced that the busyness of my life was keeping me from more important things, so I sold my business. Once my schedule was clear, I prayed for God to use me. The next morning I received a call from an executive director of a local women’s shelter asking me to serve on their board. I took that as an answer from God and accepted the position. It was through that work that I began to learn about the incredible obstacles that abused and homeless women and children face, the traumas they’ve endured and the long healing process required for their restoration.
God opened the door for us to teach a Bible study in the shelter. We taught the love of God, the worth we have as His children, and His incomparable power for those who believe. Whenever we would talk about the women’s futures, fear gripped their faces, and my heart broke. They knew, better that we, that they could not support their families on a fast-food or grocery store clerk salary. Many times, because they could not support themselves or their families, they went back to their abusers.
God opened my eyes to the help needed for women struggling to overcome homelessness, poverty, abuse and addictions. God called me to lead the effort to raise monies for a new long-term Christian home. He is a God of Abundance and provided us with about $1.7 million to build and operate the home.
We are now in a new season, one that will provide support for low income working women who have been cast off, marginalized, rejected. I pray you will join us in our efforts to given a hand up to hurting women. “And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” Isaiah 58:10-11
About 25 years ago, my husband and I moved out to a lake nestled in the Alabama pines, a beautiful, serene setting. At that time, I had a small special events company which left me little time to “Be still and know that I am God.”
I was convinced that the busyness of my life was keeping me from more important things, so I sold my business. Once my schedule was clear, I prayed for God to use me. The next morning I received a call from an executive director of a local women’s shelter asking me to serve on their board. I took that as an answer from God and accepted the position. It was through that work that I began to learn about the incredible obstacles that abused and homeless women and children face, the traumas they’ve endured and the long healing process required for their restoration.
God opened the door for us to teach a Bible study in the shelter. We taught the love of God, the worth we have as His children, and His incomparable power for those who believe. Whenever we would talk about the women’s futures, fear gripped their faces, and my heart broke. They knew, better that we, that they could not support their families on a fast-food or grocery store clerk salary. Many times, because they could not support themselves or their families, they went back to their abusers.
God opened my eyes to the help needed for women struggling to overcome homelessness, poverty, abuse and addictions. God called me to lead the effort to raise monies for a new long-term Christian home. He is a God of Abundance and provided us with about $1.7 million to build and operate the home.
We are now in a new season, one that will provide support for low income working women who have been cast off, marginalized, rejected. I pray you will join us in our efforts to given a hand up to hurting women. “And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” Isaiah 58:10-11
Belinda is a Corporate Trust Review Analyst for U.S. Bank in Birmingham with a vast array of banking and finance experience. She has spent the majority of her 30 plus year career in branch banking, document custody with the last 12 years in corporate trust. She uses her knowledge of banking and finance at First Fruits by handling all bookkeeping duties. Belinda has a passion for serving others so she also has the joy and privilege of baking the yummy gourmet teacakes sold at the area markets. In her spare time you will find her hiking, fishing and cycling with friends and her husband, Eric, or loving on her new grandbaby Jace. Belinda is also an active member of Church of the Highlands where she is on the Serve Team.
Nina has a BS degree in Home Economics Education and a minor in English from the University of Montevallo. She also has a Master’s Degree in Home Economics Education from Auburn University. She was Food Service Manager at Briarwood Presbyterian Church for 13 years, worked as a product specialist for Kitchen Consultants, and was a home school mom for 10 years.
Presently, she is partnered with her niece in their business Forget Him Knot. Forget Him Knot is their heart’s mission to remind everyone of the amazing things God has done so that we do not forget His many blessings. They look for creative ways to help remember God whether in Bible courses, art courses, products, special events or weddings.
Nina loves being able to use her God given talents in the first fruits kitchens, to make candles and baskets, and to manage the Farmers Markets for the purpose of touching the lives of others.
Presently, she is partnered with her niece in their business Forget Him Knot. Forget Him Knot is their heart’s mission to remind everyone of the amazing things God has done so that we do not forget His many blessings. They look for creative ways to help remember God whether in Bible courses, art courses, products, special events or weddings.
Nina loves being able to use her God given talents in the first fruits kitchens, to make candles and baskets, and to manage the Farmers Markets for the purpose of touching the lives of others.
God has opened many windows for me in all aspects of my life, but especially in photojournalism. His Grace has opened many doors, and through them, His Love brings many friendships.
Combining photography, journalism, education, art, voice, and piano as a Samford student was a juggling act that I still find as God’s blessings in action. Although at the time, you could have fooled me! How could anyone help but become life prepared from such a beautiful school and gorgeous surroundings as that campus. The Holy Spirit is everywhere. When I view it from afar, I see a jewel in the landscape of my home and a sacrifice from my precious family who helped provide this life gift for me. That is how He works.
Every client I meet, my prayer is always the same: Lord, help me to do my best for them this day; let me bless them with laughter and love of self, family, children, weather (even with raindrops!); let patience be my center, and joy of being with them my witness; keep all whom I photograph safe in your love, that their time with me may be a blessing to others through myself and the images I create.
Proverbs 3:9-10 – “honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce.” His blessings have been mighty, and His doors continue to open my faith & friendships. God is so good – everyday.
It is a treasure to work with Marsha Drennen and first fruits ministries, so others may be blessed in His Honor.
A simple closing MYF prayer has led me through life and continues to lead me today; “May the Lord bless you & keep you, may the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may the Lord life up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Angie Holder is the Owner of MomenTaker Photography.
She is married, has 2 wonderful sons, is a member of Canterbury United Methodist Church, and belongs to several church, social, & civic organizations.
Her constant hashtag – #onepreciousmoment,onepricelessmemory continues today. It is her Thrive, and continues still to be her passion. God is so good – everyday. Credit to Casting Crowns – Thrive – take a listen!
Combining photography, journalism, education, art, voice, and piano as a Samford student was a juggling act that I still find as God’s blessings in action. Although at the time, you could have fooled me! How could anyone help but become life prepared from such a beautiful school and gorgeous surroundings as that campus. The Holy Spirit is everywhere. When I view it from afar, I see a jewel in the landscape of my home and a sacrifice from my precious family who helped provide this life gift for me. That is how He works.
Every client I meet, my prayer is always the same: Lord, help me to do my best for them this day; let me bless them with laughter and love of self, family, children, weather (even with raindrops!); let patience be my center, and joy of being with them my witness; keep all whom I photograph safe in your love, that their time with me may be a blessing to others through myself and the images I create.
Proverbs 3:9-10 – “honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce.” His blessings have been mighty, and His doors continue to open my faith & friendships. God is so good – everyday.
It is a treasure to work with Marsha Drennen and first fruits ministries, so others may be blessed in His Honor.
A simple closing MYF prayer has led me through life and continues to lead me today; “May the Lord bless you & keep you, may the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may the Lord life up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Angie Holder is the Owner of MomenTaker Photography.
She is married, has 2 wonderful sons, is a member of Canterbury United Methodist Church, and belongs to several church, social, & civic organizations.
Her constant hashtag – #onepreciousmoment,onepricelessmemory continues today. It is her Thrive, and continues still to be her passion. God is so good – everyday. Credit to Casting Crowns – Thrive – take a listen!
Steve joined first fruits in April of 2019 and brought over 30 years experience in the retail arena with him. He’s worked as a manager in the big box and chain drug industry and has been in field merchandising since 2006.
Perhaps the most notable and relevant of his work experience is the 10 years he spent in thrift store management. It was there he learned how to manage and train employees and encourage growth. Running a thrift store also means learning all about a vast array of donated goods and their value to consumers. He’s used this knowledge to expand First Fruits’ eBay store offerings to include collectibles, books, movies and imported goods.
Perhaps the most notable and relevant of his work experience is the 10 years he spent in thrift store management. It was there he learned how to manage and train employees and encourage growth. Running a thrift store also means learning all about a vast array of donated goods and their value to consumers. He’s used this knowledge to expand First Fruits’ eBay store offerings to include collectibles, books, movies and imported goods.
Since retiring from my position as Missions Minister at Christ Church in Birmingham, I've had the privilege of working with trafficked victims and inner city single mothers who need a helping hand with their finances and work skills. Over the years, I've learned their single greatest impediment is access to transportation.
We live in a beautiful city, but there is a noticeable lack of affordable public transportation. Without these resources or a vehicle of their own, women have a hard time finding a job close to home. Lack of a reliable car can also be a barrier to health care for them and their children.
As car prices skyrocket, it's more important than ever to help women in need with their transportation needs. It's been a dream of mine for more than ten years to work with a ministry that helps struggling women purchase affordable and reliable cars. Visit our Cars For a Pupose page for more information.
We live in a beautiful city, but there is a noticeable lack of affordable public transportation. Without these resources or a vehicle of their own, women have a hard time finding a job close to home. Lack of a reliable car can also be a barrier to health care for them and their children.
As car prices skyrocket, it's more important than ever to help women in need with their transportation needs. It's been a dream of mine for more than ten years to work with a ministry that helps struggling women purchase affordable and reliable cars. Visit our Cars For a Pupose page for more information.
As a Certified Christian Life Coach, Sheryl brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table to help her guide the First Fruits women as they develop their next steps. She has spent more than 30 years in the corporate world and understands what employers are looking for in their people. Sheryl’s ability to teach life skills such as budgeting, resume writing and social interaction helps prepare the women we serve for a better future. Sheryl recently retired from Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church and now volunteers her time to First Fruits Ministries and other good works.