by Pedro Perez

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 Mike Cauley, D.Min.
Florida Conference President

Perhaps you have heard by now that the Lord has opened a marvelous door for Florida Conference. For several years, our office operations have been challenged by a shortage of storage. We have storage in two additional locations in the Orlando area. In addition, the food distribution service of the Adventist Book Center (ABC) has grown rapidly. We are now handling distribution of health food for conferences up and down the east coast. This has necessitated the ABC looking for a way to add freezer and refrigeration space at another location.

As you may have already read in our January 30 news release, the Florida Department of Transportation approached the Florida Conference Executive Committee regarding the need to widen Interstate 4—the primary traffic artery through the City of Orlando. To our amazement, instead of claiming eminent domain, the Florida Department of Transportation decided to buy our entire facility, and the purchase was completed in January 2012.

This certainly has caught all of us by surprise. It was never the Conference Administration’s expectation that this providential development would take place, but we are looking for God’s leading as we move into the future.

I hasten to add, we are very mindful that the office is only a place from which to empower ministry and evangelism in the territory where we have been asked to serve. By God’s grace, the office relocation will not be an end in itself. It is merely a tool for assisting congregations and pastoral leaders with the mission of reaching people for Jesus—and what a great mission we have!

There is nothing more fulfilling than to be in the business of leading people to Jesus; seeing God transform lives. The real work of leadership happens among our people each day.

Please pray for God’s leading as we discern our next steps. God doesn’t often lead more than a step or two at a time, but that is okay. In this way, He keeps us in an attitude of surrender and dependence. We may not foresee the direction He will take us, but He always has a plan and a path for us if we are open to His guidance.

Please also pray that we will be discerning of how to uphold the real work of ministry which happens through the loving service of our members and pastoral leaders.

by Lisa Gary

“Is this the year Florida Adventurers will be coming for their Super Fun Day?” Giles Malone, Space Coast State Fair Manager, asked Lisa and Brad Gary, Florida Pathfinder Lay Adventurer Directors.

For the past 10 years, Florida Adventurers have held a bi-annual Super Fun Day during the Space Coast State Fair in Viera, Fla. Malone graciously provides space within the fairgrounds for the event, food booths, and a parade at no charge.

With Heart of a Hero as the theme, more than 1,400 Adventurers, their families, and 50+ volunteers gathered to learn about heroes of yesterday, today, and in the Bible. To begin the day, Pedro Perez, Florida Conference Youth Director, presented a devotional on how to be a hero to others and, most importantly, to God.

With the mission on helping others on their minds, Adventurers turned in more than 500 pairs of donated glasses to benefit the nonprofit organization, OneSight. They also came with 12 Bible verses memorized about heroes who relied on the Lord.

Crafts and games were offered throughout the day which highlighted the hero theme. In addition, historical and biblical heroes, dressed in attire of their day, visited with Adventurers in exhibit areas.

Members of the Sheriff’s Department were grand marshals for the parade that included 19 wagon floats illustrating the theme and pulled by Adventurers through the fairgrounds. The children and adults distributed Adventurer brochures during the parade, resulting in many inquiries about the ministry from fair goers.

Following closing thoughts and prayer by Robert Hines, Florida Conference Associate Youth Director, Adventurer families helped clean up the area which, later in the day, prompted Fair Manager Malone to say, “I would always welcome the Adventurer Ministries back, as they are the easiest and most pleasant group I ever work with.”

It is with deep sadness that we announce Elizabeth Hudak passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Ms. Hudak worked in Florida Conference for many years, first as Associate Superintendent of Education for Curriculum and then as Superintendent of Education. When she “retired” in 1986, she began the Special Needs program for students in our conference which continues to this day.

The family will hold a memorial service next Saturday, February 18, 2012, 4:00 p.m., at the Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home—West Altamonte Chapel (across from Best Buy). During this time, the family would like to have a book of memories to share with the guests. Elizabeth’s niece, Sharon Wolcott, is putting this book together. If you have a special sentiment, memory, or testimony to share, please e-mail it to Sharon right away: spwolcott@hotmail.com

There are still several employees in Florida Conference who were hired by Ms. Hudak. She will always hold a special place in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her. If this includes you, send a special note for the family’s memory book so they will know the difference she made in so many lives.

Let’s keep Ms. Hudak’s family in our prayers as we look forward to that resurrection day when we shall never have to part again.

by Gladys Neigel

“It is so powerful to know that God’s people are gathered together at this time, this weekend, praying together from all over this state for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, for the presence of God, and for the renewing, refreshing, revitalizing power of God to come into lives as we begin a new year together,” said Mike Cauley, Florida Conference President, as he welcomed members and guests to the first of two Prayer Revival Conferences in January 2012.

Prayer Revival Conferences were held for English- and Spanish-speaking members during two weekends. Technological history was made as churches and members were linked together in prayer through streaming at the original sites and from churches throughout the Conference via Skype videoconferencing. Approximately 20 percent of the total program came from remote locations.

The English-language weekend was hosted at Kress Memorial Church in Winter Park with Geoff Patterson, senior pastor of Forest Lake Church in Apopka, as speaker on Friday evening, the first Sabbath worship service, and Sabbath afternoon. The second worship service speaker was Mike Cauley, Florida Conference President.

The Spanish-language weekend was hosted at West Palm Beach Spanish Church with Homero Salazar, pastor of Washington Spanish Church in Silver Spring, Md., as speaker. Both weekend programs included testimonies, prayers, and music from church members throughout the Conference via Skype.

“Our team produced a program that has only received positive reviews,” says Dave Boggess, Florida Conference Information Systems Director. “The streamed broadcasts may have reached more than 20 countries, including those in Europe, Africa, and the South Pacific. We estimated that we reached between 50 and 65 percent of our total membership in Florida Conference.”

Spring is a time for renewal of body, mind, and spirit as Women’s Retreats and a Men’s Convention get under way at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs, Florida.

Women’s Ministries Retreats
Relaxing and refreshing getaways with marvelous presenters will give clues to finding daily treasures with the best ones being found At Jesus Feet.

The month of February will come alive with four women’s retreats at Camp Kulaqua:

• February 3-5 (English) with guest speaker Alicia Patterson
• February 10-12 (English) with guest speaker Wanda Davis
• February 17-19 (Spanish)
• February 24-25 (French)

A Teen Track is provided in English during each weekend for young women age 13-17 who are seeking a deeper relationship with God.

Sheryal Vandenburghe, Florida Conference Women’s Ministries Director, invites you to check out the web page at http://www.floridaconference.com/women/

Men’s Ministries Conventions
Facing Our Giants is the theme of the Men’s Ministries Convention scheduled for March 9-11 at Camp Kulaqua with Pastor Pierre Eddy Laguerre as keynote speaker. Facing Our Giants workshops include the following topics and presenters:

• Anger Management by Dr. Jeffrey Thompson
• Pornography by Dr. Nelson Alsup
• Marital Relationships by Dr. Ronaldo Dacunha
• Erectile Dysfunction by Dr. Harry Byron

“A Youth Track is planned under the direction of Dr. Elvis Epps,” says Pastor Billy Leveille, Florida Conference Men’s Ministries Director. “Also, a Haitian Men’s Ministries Convention will be held February 18, 2012, at the Boynton Beach Community High School.”

For more convention information, visit our web page at http://www.floridaconference.com/men/

Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has important news to share about the future of our facility and property located at 655 North Wymore Road, Winter Park, Florida. We are praising God for his goodness and guidance!

Background and Current Situation
Nearly four years ago, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) gave notice that a portion of Florida Conference’s property would be subject to eminent domain and taken for expansion work on Interstate 4. In fact, eminent domain was completed last year on parcels adjacent to the Conference’s property.

With God’s leading and through careful negotiation, the FDOT ultimately approached the Florida Conference Executive Committee with an official proposal to purchase our entire facility/property, instead of only a partial taking, with extended possession by Florida Conference.

Florida Conference hired experienced, respected legal counsel, and negotiations with the FDOT have been professional and positive. The FDOT proposal and purchase details for our property were both fair and advantageous to Florida Conference. The Florida Conference Executive Committee was unified in its decision to move forward to sell our property to the FDOT.

This past Friday, January 27, the FDOT purchased our facility/property and the agreement was complete.

A Blessing and the Next Steps
Through our agreement with the FDOT, we can remain in our building, rent-free, for the next two years, and they will pay to have us moved.

Florida Conference is in a very strong position to relocate. This is a great opportunity since we outgrew our current office and parking capacity several years ago.

The Florida Conference Executive Committee is committed to keeping our offices located in the greater Orlando area. The Committee is moving forward together to determine future steps.

How Will This Impact Seventh-day Adventist Churches and Schools?
Our office relocation in the coming years will be beneficial to our churches and schools. We will have more space in a new facility to house all ministries and support teams in one centralized location to serve our churches and schools well.

A Word From Our President
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the interaction between our professional staff, our trusted counsel, and the representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation,” says Mike Cauley, Florida Conference President and Executive Committee Chair. “We are in a better position than we could ask or imagine as we make plans to relocate. We see this opportunity as God’s next stepping stone for us as we seek to positively impact more and more people and ministry for Him!”

For More Information
Frequently Asked Questions and future news updates are published on the official relocation web page: http://www.floridaconference.com/steppingstone/. We will gladly accept your questions or information to share related to this announcement. Simply use the Feedback Form located on the relocation web page.

More information about Florida Conference’s relocation will be provided as our plans come together in the months and years ahead.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

A Peaceful Place To Meet With God

written from comments of 2011 Camp Meeting attendees

“Welcome to Camp Kulaqua and Camp Meeting 2011!” That was the warm greeting extended to us as we approached the Camp on a pleasant Thursday evening last April.

Before us was a tranquil scene, far removed from the noise of the interstate we left behind and the hustle and bustle of a 9-to-5 job. We felt our senses sharpen when we left the everyday same-old-same-old and turned our thoughts heavenward in thanksgiving for the blessing this peaceful place has to offer.

We were soon whisked through registration by efficient and friendly workers. Quickly, we settled in and took a walk by the horse corrals and the Adventist Book Center with its wraparound veranda and inviting chairs which seemed to say, “Stop with a book to read and rest a while.” Along the way, we met old and new friends in a family-type atmosphere.

The much-anticipated hour drew near for the evening meeting to begin. The transformation of the gymnasium into a worship place with its beautifully decorated stage was a pleasant surprise. Comfortable webbed mesh chairs replaced the old metal chairs of Camp Meetings past, allowing the audience to concentrate on the message instead of fidgeting throughout the meeting, trying to find a comfortable position.

The daily schedule had many options for renewal of spirit and soul, from a prayer session for early risers to a wide choice of seminars. Two of the most-attended presentations were CREATION Health taught by Lynell LaMountain from Florida Hospital and Lessons From the Pioneers by Jud Lake from Southern Adventist University, but all seminars were good.

It is difficult to convey on paper the sound of uplifting music that swelled through the gymnasium, such as that from the Miami Temple Praise team. Hearts were touched with the music of Ralph Henderson, Moses Brown, sisters Ashley and Brittany Howard, and Terri McEndree who sang under the coordination of Camp Meeting Music Director Kelly Mowrer.

Sabbath afternoon was an ideal time to visit the zoo, and many of us did. Stories of the animals were of interest as workers told how many came to their Camp home after being rescued. There was even a new young lion to be enjoyed, but the big tiger is still a favorite for most.

Sabbath’s afternoon concert down by the spring provided a relaxing time as we sat in lawn chairs under the sweeping trees. The diversity of music was performed by young and old. The capstone of the service was when four individuals were baptized in the spring.

Youth and children’s programming took place throughout the campus. Youth were enthusiastic about Flame, a drama team comprised of young people from Tallahassee, and inspired as author Rainey Park told of lessons learned while writing her book, Love, Kirsten. The excellent children’s programing brought a tremendous blessing, such as Pandamania for little people.

Saturday night, after the evening meeting, campers of all ages were found climbing a rock wall outside the Adventist Book Center. Inside, guest authors and musicians signed books and CDs purchased by happy shoppers.

Sunday dawned as this spiritual retreat drew to a close with morning meetings followed by afternoon family activities. Driving down a dusty lane to the highway, departing thoughts reflected on spiritual truths learned and friendships made or renewed. While offering thanks to the Maker for the opportunity to visit this beautiful place, there was quiet peace knowing we had drawn closer to God.

by Mike Cauley, D.Min.
Florida Conference President

In many respects, this past year has been a great one for the Florida Conference family. Jesus has drawn many to Him as His Word has been lifted up through evangelistic preaching. Many people have been introduced to the Savior. Churches and schools are becoming more and more characterized by a sense of mission in recognizing their purpose is to be God’s instrument to reach a world in need of His saving grace.

We have seen continual growth of enrollment in Christian education, and several churches are considering opening new schools. The publishing ministry in Florida continues to impact hundreds of thousands of homes each year, and our youth and young adults do most of this work!

We continue to see young and old members alike make decisions at special events, local church retreats, and Camp Meetings that are held annually at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs. After having conducted Camp Meeting at Camp Kulaqua for the past two years, I have been blessed to hear many testimonies of our members attesting to the blessing of this experience and how it is so reminiscent of the way Camp Meetings used to be.

Many churches are involved in some phase of building to further provide for the needs of congregations regarding facilities. Having the privilege of hearing reports from all across our field, it is gratifying to hear of so many miracle stories about how God is opening doors for congregations to expand facilities or occupy their own property for the first time.

On a personal level, my family has much to be thankful for. We celebrated the marriage of our daughter and her husband in September. We continue to enjoy the precious times we have with our son and his dear family, including our grandchildren.

As we open 2012, my heart is filled with expectation of God’s continued guidance and blessings. We will face challenges. Some of our members suffered great losses in 2011, and others may face hardship, but Jesus is coming. He is still in charge! Even in the face of difficulties, He will be at work and faithfully guide and comfort His people.

On behalf of the Cauley family and the Florida Conference family, I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year. Trust Jesus! He will never forsake you.

May God bless your hearts and bring joy to your family during 2012.

“Without question, the Spiritual Body Building group is the most meaningful experience I’ve had in my 40 years as a Seventh-day Adventist.”
—Participant testimony

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The Spiritual Body Building small group lessons are designed to help Seventh-day Adventists both understand and experience God’s amazing vision of how to be church. This engaging, thought-provoking series of 13 lessons will challenge your pre-conceived ideas, open new areas of understanding, and invite you to step into a future of greater happiness and fulfillment. Originally published in 1997, these lessons have been used by hundreds of Seventh-day Adventist churches throughout the United States and have impacted the lives of thousands of people.

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Order Today
Contact: Evelyn Montero Florida Conference Center for Mission Coordination
Phone: (407) 644-5000 x149
E-mail: evelyn.montero@floridaconference.com
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