Local citizens packed the main banquet room at the Charles H. Kirbo Regional Center Thursday night to hear about the many children’s lives that have been affected in a positive Christian way at the Friendship House of Jesus.

Friendship House Administrative Director Josh Paske talked about the vision founder and CEO Jane Forsyth had for a place like Friendship House 18 years ago.

“Eighteen years ago, Ms. Jane decided she was tired of the ways of the world guiding children and wanted to teach them about the love of Christ,” he said.

Following Paske’s remarks, Forsyth talked about the growth of Friendship House.

“I started teaching the Bible to a handful of children 18 years ago,” she said. “Today we have as many as 200 children on any given day.”

Keynote speaker for the night was Florida State University Seminoles head women’s basketball coach Sue Semrau.

She urged everyone to step out of their comfort zone and celebrate the great work for Christ being done by Ms. Forsyth and her staff.