Derek Rose

2000-2002

I met Bob while walking on campus in 2000. I had just moved to Gainesville after graduating Brevard Community College. I noticed that Bob had a vibrant personality, and didn't seem to care what kind of crazy clothes I wore, what my hair looked like, or what music I listened to. He was focused on knowing the hearts of students. He and Celeste took me in (and attempted to fatten me up with good home cookin').

One of my best memories with CCH was going to a Bleach show with Bob in Lake City. I had never been a fan, and I became one that night. I was surprised how talented they were, but even more, how they expressed a sincere desire for the kids at the show to know Jesus. They eventually lead worship one night at M&M and it was great.

I got married while in college, and shortly after I graduated in 2002, my wife Jillian and I had our first child, a beautiful baby girl we named Carson. Carson became a big sister in April 2005 when we had our first son, Lane. And then Lane became a big brother when we had our second son, Matthew, in March 2006. God certainly had different plans from ours. So Carson turns 4 on September 20th, Lane is 17 months old, and Matthew is 5 months old.

I now work for Wachovia Bank as a Financial Specialist, and really enjoy it. I am hoping to get involved in kids ministry at our church, Calvary Chapel Melbourne. We currently live in the same town we grew up in, good ole Merritt Island, about 150 miles southeast of Gainesville, right by Cocoa Beach.