STAFF
Sam's Bio
I recognized my need for Christ when I was a rising senior in high school. It was on the back end of a six month period of dealing with great feelings of uncertainty regarding the future and purpose of my life coupled with bouts of depression. During that summer, on the third night of youth camp, the Holy Spirit drew me to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Accepting Christ has changed my life. I discovered the purpose of life was to worship the triune God and I knew I was made to see and savor His glory. Now in right relationship with God, I felt the call to ministry and began to seek how He wanted me to serve him and his church. I got my answer. I enrolled at Charleston Southern University where I earned a Bachelors in Music & Worship Leadership. There I met my wife Ashelynn who earned the same degree. I have been studying music and worship leadership since then and continue to this day with the goal of leading an effective ministry focused on communing with God in His word and prayer, spoken or sung, for the Glory of God and accomplishment of His mission.
By studying His word and through prayer Christ is molding me into His likeness. He is the driving force of my life and the work that I do. Helping people grow in their knowledge of Him and His relevance to their day-to-day lives is the task set before us as disciples. As a worship leader, the chief end of leading music is to glorify God. Music connects people in a strange yet beautiful way, and I believe it’s God’s plan that we use this powerful tool alongside the truths of Scripture to properly stir our affections and align our hearts to Him, and to Him alone.
I grew up on the coast of South Carolina in Georgetown. I enjoy playing, watching, and studying basketball. Along with my wife, I enjoy studying vocal technique and we are avid movie watchers. My favorite pastimes are playing guitar and studying harmony and jazz theory.
Ron's Bio
Hi, my name is Ron and it is a privilege to be serving with seniors and facilitating building maintenance here at FBCS. I don’t deserve it, but I’m a child of the King, the husband of a beautiful wife, father of seven awesome kids, and "Papa" to nearly 20 grandchildren and am getting used to being a great grandparent too! Linda and I love the (endless) task of trying to keep up with their families. I enjoy studying God’s Word and seeing how it points us to Christ. Since God called me into ministry I have served 2 churches in Western PA and several here in Virginia over the last 44+ years (and yes, unfortunately I brag on some Western PA sports teams). I like outdoor sports, experiencing other cultures, my German Shorthair Pointer, and fixing things.
Abner's Bio
My name is Abner Diaz and I’m from Guatemala and I’m 23 years old. I’ve been living in the United States for about 6 years. I surrendered my life in repentance and recognized Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior when I was 12 years old. God saved me from depression, and healed me from a lot of hate that I had in my heart. I faced many challenges, but in those dark years God always reminded me that there was hope, joy, purpose and grace for my life.
I was 17 when I came to the US at the end of 2018. One year later I got baptized. Later, I was able to serve at my local church La Roca in the worship team, in the youth group, and in the directive administration of the church for almost two years and in 2023 - 24 I was leading the prayer group in my church. Spanish is my first language and English is my second language. Now I’m in the process of completing a one year program for church planting with NAMB.
I can say with all my heart that the best thing that has happened in my life is that God brought me from spiritual death to life, from darkness to light. I have been saved by His grace and mercy, and there’s nothing more glorious than this truth.
Here at FBC Springfield, I believe in God’s mercy and sovereignty that he will develop in this generation many youth for his glory. As a younger adult, I have had my ups and down like any other Christian, but I can say that there’s nothing out there in the world better than Jesus and living for His glory. It’s necessary at a young age to have a solid foundation about the gospel and practical ways to apply it into your life. God calls us to share the gospel and we don’t have to be ashamed of preaching the truth in a society where being a Christian is often thought of as a waste of time. I’m eager to help the youth of FBC Springfield and the community to treasure Christ and live for God’s glory.
Kris' Bio
Kris grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She moved to Fairfax as a college student. She has a degree in Fine Art from George Mason University. She is blessed to be wife to her husband Rex for over 20 years, and mom to their for kids.
After college, Kris worked as a graphic designer, at a printing company, where she learned the ins and outs of printing. Before leaving the design world to become a homemaker Kris worked with a team designing publications and advertising materials.
Kris accepted Christ as her savior when she was 13ish years old. She was baptized at First Baptist Church in Norfolk Virginia. Becoming a stay at home mom has afforded Kris time to feed her appetite for God’s Word. She started coming to Bible Study at FBCSpringfield when her oldest began attending the Day School. Kris has a passion to know and grow in the Lord and see other ladies grow in their faith.
Kris enjoys watching her kids play soccer, lacrosse, football, viola and cello (and anything else they decide to try). She loves to paint, sew, crochet, craft, bake and eat (especially spicy food.) Kris loves being on a team, and always enjoys a challenge. She is happiest when she is able to roll her sleeves up and get her hands dirty (literally!).
B'linda's Bio
B’linda is the Director of the First Baptist Church of Springfield Day School. She has worked at the Day School since 2023 and previously served as Assistant Director, an assistant teacher, science teacher, and chapel leader. B’linda is married to her husband Elliott, and they have two children: Isobel and Callum.
B’linda grew up in a Christian home with her mom, dad, sister and brother. Her dad was a youth pastor and led B’linda to trust Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. As a teenager, B’linda followed in her dad’s footsteps in kids and youth ministry during 5 summers at Frontier Camp in Texas as a camp counselor. Following high school, B’linda attended Bible school and became a missionary during two years in Germany as resident advisor for a girl’s dorm at the Black Forest Academy boarding school for missionary kids. B’linda then married Elliott, and a few years later, they became missionaries with One Challenge International in the country of Cyprus.
As the Director of the Day School, B’linda loves ministering to the children and families of the First Baptist Church of Springfield Day School. She is passionate about creating a joyful, engaging, and spiritually-grounded learning environment. B’linda believes children learn best when they feel loved, safe, and inspired by families and educators working together in partnership.
B’linda loves watching and supporting her children through their various activities: color guard, violin, drums, and flag football. She also loves all things plants, both in her garden or in the house (there are many).
Pastor Tegene's Bio
Psalms 1:8
"Ask of me, I will give you the nations for your inheritance."
My Name is Pastor Tegene Mengesha. My wife’s name is Trhas Mengesha and we have been married for 20 years. I have been blessed with 3 wonderful daughters Rohebot who is 18, Mesgana age 15, and Abigail age 13. I came to the Lord when I was 13 years old and ever since I have grown in my spiritual relationship with him. From that point on I have been serving him in my own home country and here in this church. My job as a preacher is to help others and to give my testimony about how I was lost and God found me. How he showed me his love and to spread the Good News about how he can do the same for anyone who chooses to believe. I serve the Lord as an ordained pastor to my fellow believers and anyone else that has a hunger and thirst for God in my country’s native language of Amharic at the Ethiopian Congregation of First Baptist Church of Springfield.
Ellen's Bio
I grew up in south Louisiana and still proudly claim it as home after many years away. I was blessed to grow up in a family that loves that Lord and to have a youth minister that loved students and invested fully in showing them God’s love and grace. I became a Christian as a youth in my home church and have
stayed active in a church home throughout my life.
I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business, with a specialization in Accounting, from Louisiana College. This is also where I met the amazing man I get to call my husband, Brian. We have three beautiful girls and one ridiculously spoiled chocolate lab.
While in college, I interned for two seasons with a CPA, gaining valuable tax accounting experience. After college graduation and moves to a few new states, I was able to begin an internship in the Accounting Department for Pikes Peak Behavioral Health, learning proper accounting procedures. After another move, I began working for Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
When our oldest daughter was born, I was gifted with the opportunity to become a stay at home mom. I have been a stay at home mom for a little over sixteen years and jumped back into working outside of the home to begin working at FBC Springfield in December 2023.
When I am not working, I enjoy the busy season of mom life that comes with sports, the girls’ extracurriculars, and constant activity. I love spending time with my family, reading, crocheting or
anything crafty, baking cookies, playing pickleball, and reading or learning about anything WW2 related. I also spend a ridiculous amount of time taking our sweet pup for walks throughout the day when I can.
I am excited to be a part of FBC Springfield, as we strive to impact others with the gift of Christ’s love.
Kris' Bio
Kris grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She moved to Fairfax as a college student. She has a degree in Fine Art from George Mason University. She is blessed to be wife to her husband Rex for over 20 years, and mom to their for kids.
After college, Kris worked as a graphic designer, at a printing company, where she learned the ins and outs of printing. Before leaving the design world to become a homemaker Kris worked with a team designing publications and advertising materials.
Kris accepted Christ as her savior when she was 13ish years old. She was baptized at First Baptist Church in Norfolk Virginia. Becoming a stay at home mom has afforded Kris time to feed her appetite for God’s Word. She started coming to Bible Study at FBCSpringfield when her oldest began attending the Day School. Kris has a passion to know and grow in the Lord and see other ladies grow in their faith.
Kris enjoys watching her kids play soccer, lacrosse, football, viola and cello (and anything else they decide to try). She loves to paint, sew, crochet, craft, bake and eat (especially spicy food.) Kris loves being on a team, and always enjoys a challenge. She is happiest when she is able to roll her sleeves up and get her hands dirty (literally!).