July 2nd, 2025
by Jalissa Preciado
by Jalissa Preciado
At Bay Hills, we believe God is actively at work in every generation—and our Young Adults group is no exception. This community of 18- to 30-somethings is growing in faith, walking in purpose, and learning what it means to follow Jesus together in everyday life. Through authentic relationships, honest conversations, and a shared pursuit of God, lives are being transformed. Below, you’ll read firsthand how God is moving in and through the Young Adults ministry.
Justin Vizinau
1. Before getting more connected at Bay Hills, was there anything that held you back from being in community---weather a personal struggle, doubt, or fear? How has God worked through those things to draw you closer to Him?
Honestly when I got to Bay Hills I was searching for a church to call home and find connection. A godly community is what I was searching for, I just needed the right place, the place where God was calling me to. So in figuring out if Bay Hills was that place, searching for those connections in the church community was a natural part of the process. There was nothing holding me back, I was all in on finding my community. It was just about figuring out where was the right fit and I'm so thankful that turned out to be Bay Hills! Through the experience of going all in with finding my godly community God has shown me His love through the people I have come to know and care for deeply in this church community. People here have poured into me teaching me, supporting me, and encouraging me which has been a huge blessing! I am so thankful for what God has done in my life through community.
2. Through your time at Bay Hills---whether at an event, through ministry, small group, or Sunday service---how has God revealed more of Himself to you? In what ways is He shaping your life or calling you to take new steps in your faith?
God has continued to walk with me through life and I don't know if it's Him showing more of Himself to me or just me discovering more about Him as I walk with Him through life and have more time with Him. Just as it would be with any kind of relationship, the more time you've spent with someone, the more you know about them and the more trust you build in them. God has shown me many sides of Himself probably the most pronounced being His sovereignty. Our God is to be submitted to and that is easier said than done, but He has shown me time and time again---whether through Sunday messages, small group discussions, or testimonies of those impacted by our ministry---that the more of our life we have submitted to Him the more full and joyous our lives will be. I've seen and felt what happens when we don't submit and it is not fun- stress, anxiety, shame, guilt, anger all resulting from disobedience so now that He has instilled obedience in me God has been calling me not just to walk in obedience and be submitted but to take chances and trust that He will guide me along the way.
3. What have you seen God do in your life or in the lives of others since becoming part of the Bay Hills community/your ministry or small group? What would you say to someone who's on the fence about getting involved either at Bay Hills or just coming to life through Jesus in general?
There are a lot of great things happening around Bay Hills and the Holy Spirit is moving in all kinds of ways! I have seen first hand how His Spirit is impacting young adults who are actively involved with our young adult ministry. I've seen some of them get baptized and begin to walk with Jesus in their life, I've seen them join other groups and find more community with others, I've seen them start to serve others around the church and in the community with joy, and I've seen them face struggles and challenges head on. They aren't doing so perfectly but progressively, and that is such an encouragement to me and inspires me to keep propelling the young adult ministry forward. I see so much more life in the people who, like myself, have surrounded themself in godly community. If there is someone on the fence about getting involved I would ask them what they gain from being on the fence? You don't find anything out that way, if you stay on the fence you will never know the impact getting involved will have on you or the impact you will have on others by getting involved. Take the chance and you will end up where you need to be whether with Bay Hills or somewhere else, but remaining on the fence will just keep you wondering which I imagine doesn't feel great.
1. Before getting more connected at Bay Hills, was there anything that held you back from being in community---weather a personal struggle, doubt, or fear? How has God worked through those things to draw you closer to Him?
Honestly when I got to Bay Hills I was searching for a church to call home and find connection. A godly community is what I was searching for, I just needed the right place, the place where God was calling me to. So in figuring out if Bay Hills was that place, searching for those connections in the church community was a natural part of the process. There was nothing holding me back, I was all in on finding my community. It was just about figuring out where was the right fit and I'm so thankful that turned out to be Bay Hills! Through the experience of going all in with finding my godly community God has shown me His love through the people I have come to know and care for deeply in this church community. People here have poured into me teaching me, supporting me, and encouraging me which has been a huge blessing! I am so thankful for what God has done in my life through community.
2. Through your time at Bay Hills---whether at an event, through ministry, small group, or Sunday service---how has God revealed more of Himself to you? In what ways is He shaping your life or calling you to take new steps in your faith?
God has continued to walk with me through life and I don't know if it's Him showing more of Himself to me or just me discovering more about Him as I walk with Him through life and have more time with Him. Just as it would be with any kind of relationship, the more time you've spent with someone, the more you know about them and the more trust you build in them. God has shown me many sides of Himself probably the most pronounced being His sovereignty. Our God is to be submitted to and that is easier said than done, but He has shown me time and time again---whether through Sunday messages, small group discussions, or testimonies of those impacted by our ministry---that the more of our life we have submitted to Him the more full and joyous our lives will be. I've seen and felt what happens when we don't submit and it is not fun- stress, anxiety, shame, guilt, anger all resulting from disobedience so now that He has instilled obedience in me God has been calling me not just to walk in obedience and be submitted but to take chances and trust that He will guide me along the way.
3. What have you seen God do in your life or in the lives of others since becoming part of the Bay Hills community/your ministry or small group? What would you say to someone who's on the fence about getting involved either at Bay Hills or just coming to life through Jesus in general?
There are a lot of great things happening around Bay Hills and the Holy Spirit is moving in all kinds of ways! I have seen first hand how His Spirit is impacting young adults who are actively involved with our young adult ministry. I've seen some of them get baptized and begin to walk with Jesus in their life, I've seen them join other groups and find more community with others, I've seen them start to serve others around the church and in the community with joy, and I've seen them face struggles and challenges head on. They aren't doing so perfectly but progressively, and that is such an encouragement to me and inspires me to keep propelling the young adult ministry forward. I see so much more life in the people who, like myself, have surrounded themself in godly community. If there is someone on the fence about getting involved I would ask them what they gain from being on the fence? You don't find anything out that way, if you stay on the fence you will never know the impact getting involved will have on you or the impact you will have on others by getting involved. Take the chance and you will end up where you need to be whether with Bay Hills or somewhere else, but remaining on the fence will just keep you wondering which I imagine doesn't feel great.
Nathalie Chowmass
1. Before getting more connected at Bay Hills, was there anything that held you back from being in community---weather a personal struggle, doubt, or fear? How has God worked through those things to draw you closer to Him?
Before getting more connected at Bay Hills in community, I struggled with social anxiety and time management. I was also in a very dark place, in a bad relationship, and they would tell me things that would prevent me from leaving. During this time I was praying and being in the word a lot, and God led me to leave that relationship. Once I was out, someone from the young adult group talked to me, and I slowly started to go to the events. I got the courage to join small groups, and God has been guiding me to build a great community with people who are also on the same journey of building their relationship with God; it has been very helpful. We talk about what we go through and this allows us to see we aren’t alone. It is helpful to have other people who will also guide you back to God and a good community where you can feel welcome.
2. Through your time at Bay Hills---whether at an event, through ministry, small group, or Sunday service---how has God revealed more of Himself to you? In what ways is He shaping your life or calling you to take new steps in your faith?
God has been with me through it all. God guided me in my darkness time when I felt super alone. He speaks to me through his word and helps guides me. He listens to me and shares his wisdom. God has lead me to getting baptized and learning how to fight against negative thoughts. God has given me community, has brought me to serve and has allowed me to share my testimony to get more people to God. God has given me unexplainable peace and love. I would be no one without Jesus.
3. What have you seen God do in your life or in the lives of others since becoming part of the Bay Hills community/your ministry or small group? What would you say to someone who's on the fence about getting involved either at Bay Hills or just coming to life through Jesus in general?
I have seen him answer prayers. I have seen God guide a lot of us and give us strength in tough times. Something I would say to someone who’s on the fence about getting involved would be that it is very important and helpful to have a community where we are all learning and growing together in our relationship with God. They are a safe place to share. The main thing is coming to Jesus. Jesus loves us, and He just wants us to accept him in our life. He is love, compassion, and true peace.
1. Before getting more connected at Bay Hills, was there anything that held you back from being in community---weather a personal struggle, doubt, or fear? How has God worked through those things to draw you closer to Him?
Before getting more connected at Bay Hills in community, I struggled with social anxiety and time management. I was also in a very dark place, in a bad relationship, and they would tell me things that would prevent me from leaving. During this time I was praying and being in the word a lot, and God led me to leave that relationship. Once I was out, someone from the young adult group talked to me, and I slowly started to go to the events. I got the courage to join small groups, and God has been guiding me to build a great community with people who are also on the same journey of building their relationship with God; it has been very helpful. We talk about what we go through and this allows us to see we aren’t alone. It is helpful to have other people who will also guide you back to God and a good community where you can feel welcome.
2. Through your time at Bay Hills---whether at an event, through ministry, small group, or Sunday service---how has God revealed more of Himself to you? In what ways is He shaping your life or calling you to take new steps in your faith?
God has been with me through it all. God guided me in my darkness time when I felt super alone. He speaks to me through his word and helps guides me. He listens to me and shares his wisdom. God has lead me to getting baptized and learning how to fight against negative thoughts. God has given me community, has brought me to serve and has allowed me to share my testimony to get more people to God. God has given me unexplainable peace and love. I would be no one without Jesus.
3. What have you seen God do in your life or in the lives of others since becoming part of the Bay Hills community/your ministry or small group? What would you say to someone who's on the fence about getting involved either at Bay Hills or just coming to life through Jesus in general?
I have seen him answer prayers. I have seen God guide a lot of us and give us strength in tough times. Something I would say to someone who’s on the fence about getting involved would be that it is very important and helpful to have a community where we are all learning and growing together in our relationship with God. They are a safe place to share. The main thing is coming to Jesus. Jesus loves us, and He just wants us to accept him in our life. He is love, compassion, and true peace.
Armani Jones
1. Before getting more connected at Bay Hills, was there anything that held you back from being in community---weather a personal struggle, doubt, or fear? How has God worked through those things to draw you closer to Him?
Before Bay Hills, I carried a lot of pain, shame, and trauma. I had been through heartbreak, abandonment, loss, and deep emotional battles. I was used to isolating myself when I was hurting on the inside mostly because I didn’t think anyone could handle what I carried. From losing my father to losing my best friend who was like a little brother in one week was heavy. It really made my heart numb and hardened, so my emotional awareness dropped which made me become insensitive. Nothing could fix the void I had, so I left the grief unattended. Trusting people, let alone a church community, didn’t come easy. But God met me in that brokenness. He kept calling me gently, and when I finally showed up at Bay Hills, it wasn’t just about attending—it was like He was saying, “You're safe here.” Through worship, messages, and even just kind people showing love with no strings attached, God slowly broke down the walls I had built. He used this church to remind me I’m not alone, and that healing happens in the community.
2. Through your time at Bay Hills---whether at an event, through ministry, small group, or Sunday service---how has God revealed more of Himself to you? In what ways is He shaping your life or calling you to take new steps in your faith?
At Bay Hills, God has revealed Himself not just as a Savior, but as a Father—patient, kind, and present. I’ve felt His presence during worship and through real, raw conversations in small group. The messages hit differently when you know you’re in the middle of a transformation. God is reshaping my identity, calling me to step into purpose, to serve, to live boldly for Him. I'm preparing for the Air Force now, and I know it’s not just a career—it’s a calling to be a light wherever I go. Bay Hills has helped me see that my pain wasn’t the end of my story—it was the setup for a testimony. Now, I’m walking in faith, not fear.
3. What have you seen God do in your life or in the lives of others since becoming part of the Bay Hills community/your ministry or small group? What would you say to someone who's on the fence about getting involved either at Bay Hills or just coming to life through Jesus in general?
Since becoming part of the Bay Hills family, I’ve seen restoration—starting with myself. I’ve watched old wounds start to heal. I’ve seen God bring peace where there used to be chaos, and joy where there used to be numbness. I’ve met others who are walking miracles, and it reminded me that we all need grace. To anyone who’s on the fence: I get it. I know what it feels like to wonder if church is for you. But it is. Jesus is for you. Bay Hills is a place where you don’t have to have it all together—just be willing to show up. And let God handle the rest. And I promise, He’ll meet you there, like He met me.
1. Before getting more connected at Bay Hills, was there anything that held you back from being in community---weather a personal struggle, doubt, or fear? How has God worked through those things to draw you closer to Him?
Before Bay Hills, I carried a lot of pain, shame, and trauma. I had been through heartbreak, abandonment, loss, and deep emotional battles. I was used to isolating myself when I was hurting on the inside mostly because I didn’t think anyone could handle what I carried. From losing my father to losing my best friend who was like a little brother in one week was heavy. It really made my heart numb and hardened, so my emotional awareness dropped which made me become insensitive. Nothing could fix the void I had, so I left the grief unattended. Trusting people, let alone a church community, didn’t come easy. But God met me in that brokenness. He kept calling me gently, and when I finally showed up at Bay Hills, it wasn’t just about attending—it was like He was saying, “You're safe here.” Through worship, messages, and even just kind people showing love with no strings attached, God slowly broke down the walls I had built. He used this church to remind me I’m not alone, and that healing happens in the community.
2. Through your time at Bay Hills---whether at an event, through ministry, small group, or Sunday service---how has God revealed more of Himself to you? In what ways is He shaping your life or calling you to take new steps in your faith?
At Bay Hills, God has revealed Himself not just as a Savior, but as a Father—patient, kind, and present. I’ve felt His presence during worship and through real, raw conversations in small group. The messages hit differently when you know you’re in the middle of a transformation. God is reshaping my identity, calling me to step into purpose, to serve, to live boldly for Him. I'm preparing for the Air Force now, and I know it’s not just a career—it’s a calling to be a light wherever I go. Bay Hills has helped me see that my pain wasn’t the end of my story—it was the setup for a testimony. Now, I’m walking in faith, not fear.
3. What have you seen God do in your life or in the lives of others since becoming part of the Bay Hills community/your ministry or small group? What would you say to someone who's on the fence about getting involved either at Bay Hills or just coming to life through Jesus in general?
Since becoming part of the Bay Hills family, I’ve seen restoration—starting with myself. I’ve watched old wounds start to heal. I’ve seen God bring peace where there used to be chaos, and joy where there used to be numbness. I’ve met others who are walking miracles, and it reminded me that we all need grace. To anyone who’s on the fence: I get it. I know what it feels like to wonder if church is for you. But it is. Jesus is for you. Bay Hills is a place where you don’t have to have it all together—just be willing to show up. And let God handle the rest. And I promise, He’ll meet you there, like He met me.
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