About Us
Vision, Mission, and Strategy
Our vision: For Holden Heights adults and children to experience joy in relationship with God and His son Jesus. (John 3:17)
Our Mission: To develop God given and God honoring abilities, gifts and talents through training, mentoring, and intentional community living and outreach activities designed to demonstrate Christ's love and provision in His creation. (1 Cor. 12:4-7)
Our Strategy: To invite the community to share in fruit and vegetable gardens and to use the houses and grounds for relationship building, worship, prayer, Bible study, life skills training, Bible clubs, reading, music, art, community meals and events. (Gen. 1, Acts 2:38-47)
Calling and History
1996 - Pastor David Shaw's family purchased the property with a 1920's house and cottage, next to Lake June in Holden Heights, an economically depressed, high crime area of unincorporated Orange County. Many others purchased nearby homes and joined them as they intentionally serve together to share the love of Jesus, make community improvements and bring hope to the suffering community.
1999 - Pastor Orlando Rivera and wife Nancy purchased the property and continued the effort to reach out to the community. In 2004, the house and land next door was purchased, bringing the total area to 3 dwellings on 2+ acres.
2009 - Late August, Pastor Rivera accepted a position with Nyack College and moved family of 12 to Nyack, NY to continue his ministry. Debra Creighton moved in and began praying for a vision and guidance for developing the property into a place dedicated to outreach and ministry.
Ministry Model
Romans 12 relational living and serving in the Holden Heights community in Orlando, Florida.
Board of Directors
Orlando Rivera: Pastor, Department Head, Pastoral Ministry, Nyack College, NY
Debra Creighton:Executive Director, Lemon Tree Community Garden
David Moore: President of Holden Heights Neighborhood Association, Former Missionary
Danielle Philippe, MPA: Director and Founder of The Music Immersion Program
Justin Harris: Entrepreneur, Founder and former Manager of Strategic Housing Solutions, Inc.
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