A Mother’s Love follows the story of Mary Ekhator. Mary is a mother of three children who despite growing up in Nigeria chose to relocate her family to Orlando after the passing of her late husband. Arriving to an unfamiliar country, Mary’s faith does not waiver and she works hard to provide a life for her family. As Mary struggles she discovers God’s provision and support through the community of First Baptist Church Orlando.

People Who Contributed To This Project:  Mary Ekhator, Gabby Ekator, and Ekhator Family, Teri Hummel, Student Ministry, Shawn Vela, and Jeff Ottum.

“Flying Fortress” follows the testimony and faith journey of retired World War II veteran Mel Jenner. Mel served in the 8th and 9th Air Force as a gunner in A-20 and B-17 bombers. After surviving 45 aerial combat missions, Mel returns home and is diagnosed with PTSD.

Despite the trauma of witnessing his best friend’s aircraft being shot down next to him, flying over the beach in Normandy during D-Day, and countless battles; Mel and his family cling to faith through community in VA groups, church, and small groups hosted by First Baptist Orlando.

When Mel was asked how he maintains positive and high spirits despite the trials he’s been through, he responded “I have great God loving friends that love me, pray for me, and help me at First Baptist Orlando”.

People Involved: Mel & Joyce Jenner, Teri Hummel, Fantasy Of Flight, Gary, Shawn Vela, Jeff Ottum, Kai Honeck, Dana Meeks

The devastation of Hurricane Irma left much of Florida’s Atlantic coast in duress. However, in the midst of demolished buildings God established a place of baptisms at The Sea Aire Motel in Cocoa Beach, FL. The Sea Aire Motel follows the faith and obedience journey of Nita Breadwell, owner of the Sea Aire Motel to rebuild what was destroyed for the Glory of God.

People who contributed:  Nita Breadwell, Amy Newsome, Courtnee Newsome, Sea Aire Motel Staff, Florida Today, Teri Hummel, Shawn Vela, Jeff Ottum, Kai Honeck. 

“Alive: Taking A Stand For Christ” tells the story of Courtnee Newsome, a high school student who suffered from scoliosis her entire life. She loves dancing, but scoliosis prevented her from immersing herself in dance. Despite the physical and emotional pain of watching her dreams diminish, she looks to rediscover Joy in Christ.

The film was produced with the help of First Baptist Orlando’s Student Ministry.  First Baptist Orlando is a 14,000 member congregation. The church’s 130-acre campus is located at 3000 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32805. The church meets for worship services Saturday at 5:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am, 10:00am, and 11:30am.

People who contributed to the project include: Shawn Vela, Jeff Ottum, Christopher Bacon, Brandon Farris, Amy Newsome, Vasile Petrutiu, Vladimr Bykov, Central Florida Ballet Inc, and The Lens Pal.

Remembering The Fallen follows Cliff Leonard, a retired Marine with a passion for sculpting. Cliff uses his skills to honor Marines and Navy Corpsman who have been killed in the line of duty. Cliff searches online for Fallen soldiers to honor. He reaches out to family members in hopes to create lifelike busts to honor their sacrifice. His desire is to “help their memory live on as long as possible.”

In 2017, one online search led Cliff to discover Lance Corporal Antoine Smith. The 22-year-old lost his life in 2004 during the battles of Fallujah in Iraq. Antoine was the only child of Deborah Smith and attended First Baptist Church Orlando with his mother. A connection made through the church allowed Cliff to get in touch with Deborah.

Cliff spent two months creating the bust of Marine Lance Corporal Antoine Smith, which was unveiled on Memorial Day Weekend at First Baptist Church Orlando.

People who contributed to the project include: Shawn Vela, Jeff Ottum, Cliff Leonard, Deborah Smith, Jonathan Hickey, Teri Hummel, Saturday Night Camera Volunteers (who captured the reveal)