by Eda Visser

Eda and Conrad Visser. (Photo: Claude Visser)

Conrad Visser and Eda Bertolo were born and raised in Argentina, South America. They met at River Plate Adventist College where Conrad graduated with a theology degree in 1951. After a wedding on March 13, 1952, they taught at J.B. Alberti Academy in the Northern Mission of Argentina. Five years later, Conrad became director of the youth and education departments.

In 1958, he was called to be director of youth, education, and public relations at North Central Conference in Santiago, Chile. While there, he finished his master’s degree in education and counseling and later became vice president and director of the Teacher’s College at Chile Adventist University in Chillan, Chile.

In 1965, the Vissers arrived in the United States where Conrad became pastor of Broadway Church in New York, N.Y. for nine years and finished his master’s in education at Columbia University.

In 1976, both Conrad and Eda were called to work in Puerto Rico—Conrad as president of Antillean Adventist University, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and Eda as translator for the nursing department. Later, he served as vice administrator of Bella Vista Hospital.

After working for ADRA in the public relations department, they moved to Florida where he was employed at Hialeah Hospital to complete his 40 years of denominational service. In retirement, Conrad taught Sabbath School for 14 years at Markham Woods Church in Longwood, Fla.

The Vissers have three children: Hernan, Claude, and Vivian, as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

by Pedro Perez

North American Division Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director James Black, right, presents the Excellence In Ministry Award to Florida Conference Adventurer State Administrators Lisa and Brad Gary at the Adventist World Headquarters in Silver Spring, Md. (Photo: Sarah Gary)

Lisa and Brad Gary, Florida Conference Adventurer State Administrators, recently received the North American Division (NAD) Excellence In Ministry Award. They were officially introduced as volunteer NAD Coordinators for Adventurers on April 5, 2010, and have served on the NAD Adventurer Committee/Advisory for more than a decade.

The Garys started working with Melbourne Adventurers in the fall of 1993. Because of their leadership, they were asked a short time later to serve as East Area Directors for Florida Conference Adventurers and Pathfinders. They have served as State Administrators for Florida Conference Adventurers for more than 12 years.

Pedro Perez, Conference Youth Ministries Director, says, ”It is exciting to learn of this Excellence in Ministry award for two deserving individuals.”

by Rafael Fernandez

From left, Laney Cheshire, Julie Garcia, and Kay Gonzalez, supervised by Carolyn Douglas, gain hands-on experience in a cooking class created especially for children at Okeechobee Church. (Photo: Glenda Fulwider)

Okeechobee, Fla., Church is conducting a Kids In the Kitchen cooking class on the first Tuesday of each month for students eight years and older. The hands-on class helps students enjoy culinary experiences in food preparation, presentation, and taste-testing.

Students are learning how to prepare healthy foods they love to cook and eat. They are also learning how to read labels, select good produce, set a proper table, have good manners, plan menus, use measurement equivalents, make healthy food choices, and practice kitchen safety. The students are supervised by adults, keeping safety as a top priority.

“The class is free,” reports Pastor Rafael Fernandez, “as this is a church ministry and community outreach opportunity.”

by Debra Whilby

With raised hands, candidates at the closing Saturday baptism indicated acceptance of Jesus as their Savior. (Photo: Peter Webb)

The Rise Again Evangelistic Outreach conducted at Sunrise, Fla., Church by Roy Gordon, retired pastor and youth leader, had a tremendous impact on church members and the Sunrise community.

Meetings were held nightly for three weeks from Sunday to Wednesday with two sessions on Sabbath. Monday nights were specifically for young people as they were reminded to hold on to God even through the difficult times.

On the last Wednesday evening, something miraculous happened as Pastor Gordon presented his message, The Close of Probation. Prior to the meeting, there was a scheduled baptism for one confirmed candidate. At the close of the sermon, Pastor Gordon made an appeal, and five men requested baptism.

When the meetings concluded on Saturday, another baptism was held with eight more souls won for the kingdom of God. Those witnessing the baptisms were reminded, “…likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” —Luke 15:7.

A special music program brought the day to an end with Sunrise members praising and rejoicing in the Lord.

by Daniela Monzon

From left: Cindy Latiak, Tamara Ritterskamp, Patti Manoucheri, and Rodney Fulbright expressed their enthusiasm for the new tennis courts at ribbon-cutting ceremonies. (Photo: Alyssa Bailey)

A long-awaited dream for friends of Forest Lake Academy (FLA) in Apopka came true March 1 when they attended ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremonies for new tennis courts. Among those present were key individuals who played a significant part in making the dream a reality by their support, expectations, and spirit.

Coach Rodney Fulbright, FLA athletic director, presented a history of the courts which were a dream of his since 1979. By this time next year, Coach Fulbright anticipates varsity tennis will be among the sports programs offered to students.

Another person making the dream happen was Cindy Latiak, whose visions of tennis courts trace back to the days when her children were academy students. Now, she envisions a community of Adventists gathering to play the sport, learning how to work together, developing sportsmanship, and, overall, enjoying a fun and healthy pastime.

FLA coach Tamara Ritterskamp was present when the project was first discussed, and she is excited to get students involved in tennis. Seeing the courts now completed, she looks forward to teaching a new sport in the physical education curriculum.

Patty Manoucheri is among those who helped create FLA varsity sports. She envisions memberships for the courts with community folks enjoying them as well. “It’s awesome now that the courts are here,” she comments. “Just the reality of it! This is where people discover their talent.”

Forest Lake Academy’s new tennis courts are only a glimpse of recent renovations on the campus. Expansion of the Alumni House to accommodate the Distance Learning Program has begun. Just last school year, the gym received a new roof. The swimming pool is currently being refurbished and, thanks to Brandon Forbes and Richard Carr, Class of 2012, the outdoor basketball courts have received a facelift.

Great things are happening at Forest Lake Academy and, God willing, the best is yet to come!

Florida Conference In Mission is a monthly video series about people reaching people.

This month’s report highlights Apopka Church’s successful operation of a thrift store that provides them a daily presence in the community.

by Shelly Pinnock

Theme artwork used for Lauderhill Church's media conference.

In an effort to highlight the use of communication and technology in ministry, Lauderhill, Fla., Church hosted God’s Media Conference in South Florida. The weekend event began with a presentation by guest speaker Todd Mace, Information Systems Director for Southern Union Conference.

Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness and award-winning producer Collin Williams were among the experts donating their time and knowledge to make the conference a success. Relevant information was presented that attendees could use immediately to enhance their ministries, including marketing, community presence, photography, social media in ministry, operating the church sound board, writing, audio visual, Easy Worship, and information security.

Attendees expressed their desire for another conference as they left with a strengthening of their media mission for God to use time, talents, and technology to enhance worship services, to help spread the Gospel, and to increase each church’s presence in the local community.

A Sabbath of Voice of Prophecy memories, King’s Heralds Quartet music, and evangelistic preaching by retired Voice of Prophecy director/speaker Lonnie Melashenko inspired Treasure Coast members and friends who attended the February 18 services sponsored by WEHR-FM, Midport, Fla., Church’s radio station.

The community-wide event was the fifth in a series sponsored by the Adventist church-owned station to bring Treasure Coast listeners of all denominations together. Pictured, from left: Don Scroggs, Kings Herald Quartet first tenor; Jeff Pearles, bass; Lonnie Melashenko, retired Voice of Prophecy speaker; Russell Hospedales, baritone; Joel Borg, second tenor; and Dale Bass, WEHR president. (Photo: Haroldo Arismendi)

by Joy Hunter

Larissa Schiefer, left, who came up with the idea of "Feeding the 5,000," and her mother, Roma Palcan, stand in front of the banner that welcomes guests and proclaims that "Jesus Still Feeds the 5,000." (Photo: Joy Hunter)

Larissa Schiefer, a 12-year-old girl with a Christ-like spirit, approached Pastor Steve Adessa of Clearwater, Fla., Church with an idea for the congregation to do something special to help the homeless and hungry in the community. She named the event, Feeding the Five Thousand.

When the idea was brought before church members, there was a wonderful spirit of cooperation and unity. People brought packages of rice, salad items, pasta, sauce, beans, and bread. Others baked cakes and cookies. Participants cooked in their home kitchens as well as at the church. Men, women, and children worked tirelessly for several weeks.

Helpers wore special T-shirts advertising the event. A garage sale was scheduled along the street to help attract motorists. Larissa and several friends stood in front of a huge banner that read, “Jesus Still Feeds the 5,000.” Children held up other signs offering, “Free Food.”

From left: Cynthia Duncanson, Barbara Quinin, and Sandra Merton were some of the women who filled visitors' plates to the brim. (Photo: Joy Hunter)

Activities during the feeding included: vocal and guitar music, games, a bounce house, and a table with bags of food for guests to take home.

Donations and items sold at the garage sale brought in several hundred dollars for the Community Services Department.

by Lennie Schiefer

Carol Koch, Pathfinder Director, with Miles Patterson, Tabitha Hobbs, Markley Richard, Liam Montanez, Myranda Rodriguez, David Hecht, and Jake Hecht. (Photo: Lennie Schiefer)

There was something unusual about the evangelistic series held this spring at New Port Richey, Fla., Church. The sermon titles were the usual topics, and even the theme, His Way of Hope, was familiar; yet, something was definitely different!

Overall, there was a new vitality and a new expectancy as it became apparent this was not the typical, grandparents’ church meeting or, for that matter, your parents’. This was a program led in all facets by Pathfinder youth, including speakers, platform participants, special music, and ushering.

Before the series began, Pathfinders went door to door inviting people with descriptive brochures. Advertising appeared on the internet, radio, and in the newspaper. Church members were encouraged to hand out business card invitations.

Carol Koch, Pathfinder Director for 35 years, reports, “The kids were enthusiastic with the Share Him evangelistic series that included visual presentations through videos and materials they used on a laptop computer.” The names, grade level of the speakers, and topics were:

• Markley Richard, 5th grade, How To Start Over
• Liam Montanez, 8th grade, The God of Creation & A Better Way
• Myranda Rodriquez, 8th grade, Rescue
• Tabitha Hobbs, 10th grade, Signs of the End of Times
• David Hecht, 11th grade, God’s Indestructible Sign & The Restoration of All Things
• Jake Hecht, Youth Leader, How Can You Know the Future?
• Miles Patterson, 9th grade, What Happened at the Cross?

Pastor Bill Webb prayed with Carol Koch and Pathfinder speakers asking for God's blessing on them and those present throughout the week. (Photo: Lennie Schiefer)

Three people were baptized at the close of the series, and five more were baptized the following Sabbath.

Lynn and Leann Hecht, evangelism coordinators, helped Pathfinders put the meetings together; however, actual instruction for the program was received at a weekend retreat held in January 2012 by the Florida Conference Youth Department at Pine Lake Retreat, Groveland, Fla. Attendees paid one-third of their registration fee to the retreat, with the Conference and the local church each contributing an additional one-third of the cost.