Spring 2014

A Quarterly Publication of Clear Focus Productions, a media ministry of Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® Volume 30, Number 2 • Spring 2014

Inside : • Camp Meeting Schedule • Adventist Book Center Sale • Impact Miami

Theresa Stride

Realizing the Desires of My Heart

Missions at Home & Missions Abroad

BY MIKE CAULEY, D.MIN. FLORIDA CONFERENCE PRESIDENT

F

lorida Conference has renewed its commitment to embrace its calling as a missionary agency. This is why our upcoming Camp Meeting, April 10–13 at Camp Kulaqua, will portray the theme, A Mighty Movement—Returning to the Cities.

The purpose for starting Conferences was to foster evangelism and church planting in their territories and promote overseas missions.

Energy was highly expended in order to reach people with God’s saving message of grace and truth.

Early in her ministry, Ellen White urged leadership of the fledgling Church to adopt a world-wide approach to the movement.

By 1874, she strongly

encouraged the Adventist Church to use its means “to spread their beliefs to other nations, mentioning Australia by name (LS 208–210). Writing from Australia in 1892, she talked about the need to work in Africa, India, and China. (FE 208, 209) As her view of mission expanded, she was tireless in both urging and practicing widespread participation in the missionary task.”

(The Ellen G. White Encyclopedia p. 994)

We are seeking to return to our roots.

We are once again seeking to focus upon missions at home and missions abroad.

God is at work in this endeavor. In February, the Impact Miami program was a wonderful success. If you read my report on page 7, you’ll learn how 10,000 people in and around Miami were impacted by this event.

As far as overseas mission is concerned, we are seeking to sponsor church planters in China. The ratio of Adventists

to nonAdventists in Florida is 1:190, and the ratio in North America is 1:330.

The ratio in China is 1:3,300! China is a country about the size of the continental United States with 1.4 billion people.

Prosperity is coming to China, and religious oppression is easing. For a donation of $1,500 a year, your church or school (or an individual) may sponsor a Chinese church planter to a city in China. Our hope is to raise enough support for 133 church planters, trained and prepared to reach people with the gospel and the Adventist message.

To help fund this project, you may donate through your local church by marking it “China Connection.” A provision is also being made through Adventist Giving online.

We invite you to join us in praying that God will help us be about our Father’s business and embrace our calling as a movement of destiny.

BY THERESA STRIDE

“L

et’s go visit the tiger for a while,” I thought to myself when I heard the zoo at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs was hiring. Imagining the possibilities of this fun adventure, I applied. However, with horses in my background, the Camp hired me to work in the horse barn.

So, at 17 years of age, I reconnected with the camp of my childhood.

I grew up in a Christian home about 20 minutes from Camp Kulaqua in the little town of La Crosse. Our family regularly attended a Baptist Church, and I had a good support system and a loving family. My mom, who heard about the Camp first, went on a tour of the grounds and felt it was a safe Christian environment. “Let’s send you there,” she told me.

I came to Camp Kulaqua as a camper when I was eight years old and attended for four years. Summer camp definitely had an impact on my life, and there are certain things I still remember: • Riding into camp with my sleeping bag in the back of the car.

Early in her ministry, Ellen White urged leadership of the fledgling Church to adopt a world-wide approach to the movement.

FLORIDA FOCUS is published quarterly by Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and mailed free of charge to constituent members with nonprofit standard postage paid in Orlando, Florida.

Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists: 351 S. State Road 434, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714–3824. Phone: (407) 644-5000. Fax: (407) 644-7550. http://www.floridaconference.com/ • floridafocus@floridaconference.com President: Mike Cauley. Executive Secretary: Carmen Rodriguez. Treasurer: Duane Rollins.

Editorial Staff: Martin Butler, Editor. Lee Bennett, Desktop Publishing. Gladys Neigel, Editorial Assistant.

Cover photo by Aric Turlington.

PAGE 2 • FLORIDA FOCUS • SPRING 2014 • VOL. 30, NO. 2

Theresa Stride, right, who serves as Junior Camp Director each summer, accepts the American flag from a camper during the evening flag-lowering ceremony.

Realizing the Desires of My Heart My counselors’ names.

The horse I rode was Big Red. A lion roaring in the morning.

The Friday night program when, at age 12, I accepted Christ.

As we passed the cafeteria on my way home that year, I told my mom, “I’m going to work at Camp Kulaqua, and I’m going to be a counselor.”

When I connected with the Camp again at age 17, I began working in the horse barn. I continued my employment at the Camp while attending University of Florida in Gainesville. I made a lot of friends such as Julie Selby and Ray and Jannette Queen who became role models. These people took the time to build a friendship with me through which I started to learn more about the Adventist Church.

When I told my friends I was working at Camp Kulaqua, they would say, “Oh, that’s an Adventist Camp, right?

What do they believe?” I wanted to answer their questions, so I studied on my own to know what Adventists believe, as I felt I was representing them

in my work. Through my studies and my personal time with God, He led me to the Adventist Church. My mentors walked me through the beliefs, and these beliefs became mine.

God started to open my heart.

I remember when I’d hear certain things like the Sabbath, it would click, and I would say, “Yeah, that’s what you meant, God.” It was never an argument. It was never something that my heart turned away. It became my belief, and it was through this journey that I joined the Adventist Church.

When I graduated from University of Florida, I thought I’d just work in the water park that summer since I had no other job in sight. At the end of summer, Phil Younts, Administrative Camp Director, told me about a job I didn’t even know existed. God opened a door and provided for me.

Two years later, my dream came true to work with kids in the summer camp program. Once again, God created another opportunity for me to walk through.

When you are 12 years old, sometimes you don’t know why

you say the things you say, but God does. He knew in my heart that I wanted to work at Camp Kulaqua even at an early age. I just didn’t know what that meant. I thought that it was as a counselor.

As it turned out, I’ve never been a counselor. Instead, I have worked in many other areas such as the horse barn and lifeguarding. Currently, I am the Summer Camp Registrar. God just opened doors, and I said, “Okay, God, I’m going to take this step of faith. This is Your truth, and I will stand on it.”

Yes, God opened doors, and He fulfilled my childhood desires.

“Young people come to camp and many things happen. Theresa is a product of what summer camp can do—not just joining the Church, but accepting what she believes as truth and doing what God called her to do.

By listening to His calling, God has given Theresa the desires of her heart.”

—Ray Queen, Summer Camp Director

PHOTOS: RYAN BECKER. BACKGROUND PHOTO: LORI BENNETT

• • • •

Theresa Stride leads Camp Kulaqua’s Flag Parade, kicking off the summer camp rodeo. Theresa carries the flag for the national anthem with her horse, Lena, and announces events as campers participate in the rodeo games.

VOL. 30, NO. 2 • SPRING 2014 • FLORIDA FOCUS • PAGE 3

PAGE 4 • FLORIDA FOCUS • SPRING 2014 • VOL. 30, NO. 2

A Miracle from God at Every Step

BY ELIECER VALLEJO, PRESIDENT, HACER MINISTRY CORPORATION

“My faith grew even more when I saw how God opened the doors for the different programs that we developed without resources.

Every step was a miracle from God.”

RAMIRO MACHIN

od calls us to feed the hungry, help the G widowed, assist the poor, and visit the sick. This became the desire of three members

Health fairs were held with help from Accommodations were renovated to organizations in the community. house low-income families.

RAMIRO MACHIN

SANDRA RAMIREZ

Special events brought joy to children of families less fortunate.

at West Palm Beach Spanish Church: myself, Eliecer Vallejo; my wife, Maria; and Daniela Miranda. What began in a small room at the church has grown to a group of 45 volunteers who share the same passion and commitment with God to serve those in need.

We open a food pantry on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, feeding more than 200 families. Biannual health fairs, in conjunction with the support of organizations like The Caridad Foundation and The Mission Medical Center, provide a variety of free exams, vaccinations, tests, and ultrasounds that otherwise might be unattainable for people in the community.

For the past seven years, our group, Hispanics in Community Action, Education, and Rehabilitation (HACER), has distributed Thanksgiving food packages to the less fortunate. Last year, we gave baskets to nearly 450 families. Each fall, we encourage the public to go online and contribute $25 which will provide a Thanksgiving meal for a family of four.

New projects are constantly surging, such as providing school supplies to children, immunizations, and seminars. The projects become possible when we join forces with other entities in the community who share our commitment.

In my personal life, I find that blessings often come from adversity. When a downturn in the real estate market occurred, I lost properties and financial stability. I used this extra time to make connections with area organizations that bring help and hope to families in worse situations than my own. This work brought me strength even in trying times.

The valuable connections I made with these local companies and foundations have contributed to building partnerships that are working for a better community.

VOL. 30, NO. 2 • SPRING 2014 • FLORIDA FOCUS • PAGE 5

A n A rmy of Youth to Converge on Miami

BY PEDRO PEREZ, FLORIDA CONFERENCE YOUTH MINISTRIES DIRECTOR

H

ave you ever heard the expression, “an army of youth?”

This phrase comes from an Ellen White quote in which she envisions young people being properly trained to help prepare people for Jesus’ return. The Youth Ministries Department takes these words seriously. We are on a mission to train, equip, and deploy an army of young people.

One of the strategies in place to accomplish this is through the summer IMPACT events. The Youth Ministries Department is ready to launch its second summer mission trip experience, IMPACT Miami, June 22–29, 2014. The first was last summer in Orlando. The vision is to offer young people, ages 14+, a Florida mission trip opportunity. It will be affordable and focused on training young people to do ministry and develop their spiritual gifts.

Students will attend as missionaries for the week. We will train them how to go door to door, how to start a children’s ministry, how to start a video ministry, how to start a homeless ministry, how to start a sidewalk ministry, how to start an elderly/nursing home ministry, how to start a hospital ministry, how to conduct Vacation Bible School (VBS)/ CREATION Health meetings, and more! We want to create opportunities for young people to partner with pastors and local churches to advance the ministry of their local church and community and, ultimately, grow God’s Kingdom. We have partnered with SALT (Service And Love Together—a group of young adults in Florida) to help with the training.

Every day, young people will participate in community service projects to help beautify the city as they share the PAGE 6 • FLORIDA FOCUS • SPRING 2014 • VOL. 30, NO. 2

love of Jesus. They will also receive practical training and put into practice the skills learned that day.

We want to see an army of young people trained, equipped, and deployed. We are putting plans in place to make this a reality. We hope you consider joining us with your young people for this life-changing experience. More info is at floridaconference.com/iym/youth/mission-trips, or you can call (407) 644-5000 and ask for Micky Santiago.

It is exciting to see young people catapulted into prominent roles of leadership and service in the local church and strengthen what the church means to that community. Young people who attend this mission trip are poised to IMPACT their local towns, recruit friends to join them, and start ministries that will IMPACT others in the cities and towns from which they came.

We are especially excited to see how well this fits into the vision of Mission to the Cities launched by our president, Mike Cauley. We see that young people can play a key role in making Adventist churches in a city more familiar to members of the community and serve them better.

We are all on the same team, and we all want to move in the same direction—reaching our cities and reaching our young people. Together, we’re stronger. Together, we can do more. Together, we can advance God’s Kingdom. Together, we can raise an army of young people that will help Florida Conference, with its Mission to the Cities, make an IMPACT and prepare young people for a life of service.

Alejandro Bullón preached, Steve Green sang, and 1,050 people responded to the Sabbath morning appeal. Followup continues with those who came forward.

A

s a part of Florida Conference’s Mission to the Cities initiative, more than 6,000 Adventists and more than 1,000 of their friends in the community gathered at Miami Airport Convention Center on February 1 for a Sabbath of preaching and celebration. The program featured Evangelist Alejandro Bullón and Christian singer Steve Green.

Jay Perez, Florida Hospital Vice President for Mission and Service Excellence, presented a seminar on CREATION Health. Of the 1,050 people who responded to the appeal on Sabbath morning, the vast majority were visitors.

The following day, Sunday, February 2, Adventist churches of South Florida and Florida Hospital’s CREATION Health presented Total Health Expo 2014—a free health fair.

The purpose of the health fair was to inspire, educate, and motivate families in the communities of south Florida to a better lifestyle.

Attendance at the event exceeded expectations.

There were 4,000 people who received gifts and participated in services offered by 107 exhibitors from companies and organizations in the Miami area. We forged partnerships with five area hospitals, a region in which we

Events planned in South Florida as part of the Mission to the Cities 2014 initiative include (subject to revision):

May 30–31 Church Planting Training Event

June 22–29 Impact Miami Youth Outreach May 25–July 30 Student MagaBook Program, Plantation

July 18–19 MagaBook Youth Rally, Plantation

Aug. 1–2 Church Transformation Event

Aug.–Sept. Small Group Evangelism, Hispanic Churches

Oct.–Nov. Evangelism in Marathon, Florida Keys

Oct. 18–25 Reaping evangelism in most churches

PHOTOS: FREDDY FERNANDEZ

BY MIKE CAULEY, D.MIN., FLORIDA CONFERENCE PRESIDENT

More than 1,000 people benefited from free health screenings.

have no Adventist health care presence, and they participated with Florida Hospital Orlando in providing oversight and thematic content.

More than 1,000 people received screenings from area health care agencies.

Total Health 2014 Advocate Awards were presented to Karent Sierra, DDS, a dentist and local TV personality; Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez; and Revital Malca, Deputy General Consul for Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico.

The key events of Sunday’s activities included an Urban Strategies presentation explaining the Affordable Care Act, a cooking demonstration from Three Angels Broadcasting Network

(3ABN) Latino Cooking, and the presentation of five distinguished doctors who engaged in open conversation with the audience about various health issues affecting the community.

Southeastern Conference and Florida Conference joined forces for the weekend events. Hispanic church leaders from North American Division also attended.

Many evangelistic small groups preceded the Impact Miami endeavor across Miami/Dade County. After the weekend events, there were 30 evangelistic reaping meetings with 15 guest evangelists from places outside of Florida joining the effort. As a result of the reaping meetings, 178 were baptized!

VOL. 30, NO. 2 • SPRING 2014 • FLORIDA FOCUS • PAGE 7

120th Annual

Florida Camp Meeting English-language

April 10–13, 2014

23400 NW 212 Ave., High Springs, Florida

Camp Meeting Theme: A Mighty Movement Returning to the Cities Learn more about Florida Conference’s Mission to the Cities initiative in the Winter 2014 issue of Florida Focus

Featured Speaker José Rojas President of MOVEmentum, LLC. Former Director, North American Division Volunteer Ministries and Youth & Family Ministries.

Morning Devotionals Roy Gane Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Mich.

Seminars and Sabbath School Jason Brooks • The Sacrament of Service and Christian Social Responsibility Claudio & Pamela Consuegra • Disciple-making Families Wanda Davis • Women’s Ministries Roy Gane • The Power of Love from Christ Through the Holy Spirit Don Jacobsen • Parenting Kids Who Glow In the Dark Ruthie Jacobsen • Five Secrets for Peace in a Storm

Matthew Janetzko • CREATION Health: God’s Plan of Living Life to the Fullest • CREATION Health: Health Beyond Diet and Exercise Frank & Serita Jones • Care and Compassion Ministry Joseph Kidder • The Most Effective Evangelist In the World Heather Quintana • Your Spiritual Health Checkup • The Power of Positivity Steve Sherman • Sabbath School Lesson Study: Christ & His Law

Sabbath Afternoon Joseph Kidder Professor of Christian Ministry, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Mich.

Sabbath Evening Mike Cauley President, Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Winter Park, Florida.

Featured Musicians Include:

Kelly Mowrer

Harmony Quartet

Restoration

Becca Murphy Charles Haugabrooks

Camp Meeting Programs For Children — see weekend grid for youth/young adult programs —Beginners— Journey Through the Nile Friday: 9:00-10:30am 3:30-5:00pm Sabbath: 9:00-9:45am 9:45-10:30am (identical programs) Sabbath: 3:30-5:00pm Sunday: 9:00-10:30am

—Kindergarten— Weird Animals Thursday: 7:15-9:00pm Friday: 9:00-10:30am 3:30-5:00pm 7:15-9:00pm Sabbath: 9:00-10:30am 3:30-5:00pm 7:15-9:00pm Sunday: 9:00-10:30am

PAGE 8 • FLORIDA FOCUS • SPRING 2014 • VOL. 30, NO. 2

—Primary— Prescription for Joy Thursday: 7:15-9:00pm Friday: 9:00-10:30am 3:30-5:00pm 7:15-9:00pm Sabbath: 9:00am-12:30pm 3:30-5:00pm 7:15-9:00pm Sunday: 9:00-10:30am

—Juniors— Honey, I Shrunk the Juniors Thursday: 7:15-9:00pm Friday: 9:00-10:30am 3:30-5:00pm 7:15-9:00pm Sabbath: 9:00am-12:30pm 3:30-5:00pm 7:15-9:00pm Sunday: 9:00-10:30am

—Junior High— Peer to Peer (P2P) Lab Thursday: 7:15-9:00pm Friday: 9:00-10:30am 3:30-5:00pm 7:15-9:00pm Sabbath: 9:00am-12:30pm 3:30-5:00pm 7:15-9:00pm Sunday: 9:00-10:30am

Weekend Adult Schedule

Program times marked with * are broadcast online at floridaconference.com/campmeeting

Thursday—April 10

Friday—April 11

Sabbath—April 12

Sunday—April 13

Information, Accommodations, and Meals

6:30-7:00 First Light Prayer Team Steve Adessa

6:30-7:00 First Light Prayer Team Steve Adessa

6:30-7:00 First Light Prayer Team Steve Adessa

Learn more about Camp Meeting and register to rent accommodations and/or purchase meal tickets through the Camp Meeting web site:

7:00-8:00 Devotional Roy Gane

7:00-8:00 Devotional Roy Gane

7:00-8:00 Devotional Roy Gane

8:00-8:50 Breakfast

8:00-8:50 Breakfast

8:00-8:50 Breakfast

9:00-10:15 Morning Seminar Sessions Jason Brooks Don Jacobsen Matthew Janetzko Heather Quintana

9:00-10:30 Sabbath School Lesson Discussion 9:00-10:30 * Steve Sherman Traditional Worship Service Seminar Sessions José Rojas Roy Gane Frank & Serita Jones Joseph Kidder

10:30-12:00 Morning Message José Rojas

11:00-12:30 Sabbath School 11:00-12:30 * Lesson Discussion Multigenerational Steve Sherman Worship Service Seminar Sessions José Rojas Roy Gane Frank & Serita Jones Joseph Kidder

12:30-1:45 Lunch

12:45-2:00 Lunch

floridaconference.com/ campmeeting/ Online registration also at campkulaqua.com or call (386) 454-1351 to request a registration form by mail.

Youth Program

Jungle to Jungle Featured Speaker Jeremy Anderson Motivational Speaker, Jeremy Anderson Ministries

Beginning Thursday at 7:00

Young Adult Program The Power of One Featured Speaker Jeff Carlson Religion Teacher, Auburn Adventist Academy, Washington

Beginning Friday at 7:00

2:00-3:15 1:00-3:00 1st Afternoon Camp Seminar Sessions Activities at Jason Brooks Claudio & Pamela Consuegro Discounted Rates Roy Gane Don Jacobsen Go-Carts Canoes Putt-Putt 3:30-4:45 Disc Golf 2nd Afternoon Field Games Seminar Sessions Claudio & Pamela Consuegro (See prices Matthew Janetzko in Sunday Joseph Kidder 10:15-5:00 Heather Quintana grid)

9:00-10:15 Morning Seminar Sessions Wanda Davis Ruthie Jacobsen Frank & Serita Jones

12:00-12:30 Lunch 10:15-5:00 Camp Activities at Discounted Rates

2:30-3:30 * Personal Testimony Joseph Kidder 2:30-5:00 Zoo Open 3:45-5:00 Music In the Park

5:15-6:30 Supper

5:15-6:30 Supper

5:15-6:30 Supper

6:30-7:00 In the Garden Prayer Experience Abel Paulín

6:30-7:00 In the Garden Prayer Experience Abel Paulín

6:30-7:00 In the Garden Prayer Experience Abel Paulín

7:15-9:00 Evening Meeting José Rojas

7:15-9:00 * Evening Meeting José Rojas

7:15-9:00 * Evening Meeting Mike Cauley

9:00-9:30 Afterglow

9:00-9:30 Afterglow

9:00-9:30 Stars, Planets, and Galaxies

• Go-Carts: $4.00 per ride • Horse Rides: $12.00 per 90-minute ride • Pony Rides: $2.75 per ride • Canoes: $9.00 per day • Putt-Putt: no charge • Disc Golf: no charge • Field Games: no charge • Tower of Faith: $15.00 per person, includes one trip on each of four activities • River Ranch Water Park: $9.00 per person WEATHER PERMITTING

56° Campestre Hispano de la Florida • Abril 18–20 de 2014 • Un gran movimiento—Evangelizad las ciudades VOL. 30, NO. 2 • SPRING 2014 • FLORIDA FOCUS • PAGE 9

Florida ABC Camp Meeting Sale April 10–20, 2014

Bridges to the Cities Camp Meeting Discounts: Categories: Discount Books • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 10% OFF* Bibles • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 20% OFF* CDs & DVDs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 20% OFF* Gifts • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 20% OFF* Food (single items) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 10% OFF** * Applies to all regularly priced items $6.99 & up * Excludes: Hymnals, Songbooks, Newsprints, and * Remnant Study Bible **Applies to all regularly priced food items $3.99 & up * Excludes MorningStar Farms products

Block Party Join the fun Sabbath evening after the program at the Block Party, located between the store and the gym. Enjoy food samples, face painting, games, and music.

PAGE 10 • FLORIDA FOCUS • SPRING 2014 • VOL. 30, NO. 2

ABC Locations: Altamonte Springs ABC

351 S. State Road 434 • Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 407-644-4255

Miami Springs ABC

1 S. Royal Poinciana Blvd. • Miami Springs, FL 33166 305-805-9900

Camp Kulaqua ABC

23400 NW 212 Ave. • High Springs, FL 32643 386-454-7956

Camp Meeting discounts are valid at all three locations.

In the event the central Florida location is closed during the sale due to our relocation from Winter Park to Altamonte Springs, we will extend the sale at that location only.

Camp Kulaqua ABC Hours: Thursday, April 10 • • • • • • • • Friday, April 11 & 18 • • • • • • • Saturday Night, April 12 & 19 • Sunday, April 13 & 20 • • • • • •

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10:00 am–7:00 pm • 9:00 am–5:00 pm 9:00 pm–11:00 pm • 9:00 am–3:00 pm

Store hours are for English & Spanish Camp Meeting weekends at Camp Kulaqua store. Call your local ABC for store hours.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

José: God Found Me in Los Angeles

by: José Vicente Rojas Born into an abusive home and grown to fear his father’s drunken rampages, José overcame failing grades, fanaticism, and institutional inertia to develop a life-changing youth outreach based on love and prayer. Follow him through a street ministry in Fresno, where he became the target of a gang who trashed his house, to meetings with the president of the United States.

And his dad has become a loving, spiritual presence in the family. Reg. price $10.99 SALE PRICE $6.99

E SAV

%

25

Deal of the Month

By Jerry D. Thomas Our daily lives keep us so busy it’s hard to find an hour studying the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life.

This book is designed to make the thoughtful hour easier, to give a little structure and focus to a study of the life of Christ.

You will find a fresh look at the gospel story.

Reg. price $9.99

SALE $7.49

L A S T

A T T H I S

C H A N C E

P R I C E

Reg. price $79.99 SALE PRICE $9.97

Ellen G. White Encyclopedia Young Scholar Study Bible

E SAV

%

20

Everything from the hymns Ellen White loved to the homes she lived in are covered in heavily referenced articles. You’ll find a detailed chronology of her life and extensive articles on her ministry, her theology, and her statements in the light of advancing scientific knowledge. Whether you’re preparing a sermon, teaching a class, or finding answers to personal questions, this single resource has the answers you need.

Reg Price $69.99 SALE $39.99 Will God finally keep millions of men, women, and children alive forever in a place resembling a fiery furnace? Will God torment them endlessly throughout all eternity?

$19.95

$13.99 VOL. 30, NO. 2 • SPRING 2014 • FLORIDA FOCUS • PAGE 11

New Items for Camp Meeting Reg. Retail Sale Price $19.99 1. Beautiful in God’s Eyes $13.99 $17.99 2. C.D. The Man Behind the Message $12.99 3. Are You More Spiritual Than A 5th Grader? $16.99 $11.99 $14.99 4. Kidnapped! $11.49 $11.99 5. Help for the Harvest $8.99 $11.99 6. Living in a Man’s World $8.99 $18.99 7. The Micheff Sisters Cooking w/Kellogg’s $12.99 $21.99 8. The Close of Probation $14.99 $11.99 9. Guide’s Greatest Funny Stories $8.99 $17.99 10. The Man With the Reversible Foot $12.99 $13.99 11. 100 Creative Worships for Busy Families $10.49 $29.99 12. I Surrender $19.99 $11.99 13. J.N. Loughborough $8.99 $14.99 14. Prophecies of Daniel Made Simple $9.99 $14.99 15. Journey Through the Bible 3 $9.99 $12.99 16. Deliverance $8.99 $19.99 17. The One $13.99 $13.99 18. Sooty, the Green-eyed Kitten $9.99 $13.99 19. Heartlift $9.99 $11.99 20. Reaching the Unreachable $8.99 $29.99 21. Your Bible and You $19.99 $9.99 22. A Thoughtful Hour $7.49 $15.99 23. My Favorite Angel Stories $11.99 $19.99 24. Strength and Conditioning $13.99 $19.99 25. Jesus: Desire of Ages DVD $13.99 $19.99 26. Fulfilling God’s Endtime Mission $13.99 $15.99 27. Miracles in Unexpected Places $11.99 $12.99 28. Warriors $8.99 $19.99 29. White Lie Soap $13.99 $10.99 30. Out of the Blue $7.99 $7.99 31. My Quiet Time with Jesus $5.99

www.AdventistBookCenter.com or call 877-553-5222 PAGE 12 • FLORIDA FOCUS • SPRING 2014 • VOL. 30, NO. 2

Florida Adventist Book Center Camp Meeting Food Sale Description

Size

Case Price

Sale Price

Worthington Canned

Chili 12/20oz $49.39 $35.75 Chili 12/50oz $129.79 $81.75 Choplets 12/20oz $66.99 $53.75 Diced Chik 12/13oz $55.99 $43.75 FriChik 12/12.5oz $54.89 $40.75 FriChik (low fat) 12/12.5oz $54.89 $39.75 FriChik FS 12/42oz $142.89 $106.75 Prime Stakes 12/13oz $54.89 $40.75 Prime Stakes FS 12/47oz $146.19 $109.75 Saucettes 12/19oz $65.89 $51.75 Super Links 12/19oz $66.99 $53.75 Vegetable Skallops 12/20oz $63.69 $47.75 Vegetable Skallops FS 12/50oz $168.19 $106.75 Vegetable Steaks 12/20oz $64.79 $48.75 Vegetarian Burger 12/20oz $62.59 $46.75 Vegetarian Burger FS 12/50oz $139.59 $103.75 Veja-Links 12/19oz $65.89 $49.75 Veja-Links (low fat) 12/19oz $65.89 $49.75

SAVE!!!

SAVE!!!

Worthington Frozen

Chicken Roll 4/4# $95.30 $71.75 Corned Beef Roll 4/72oz $102.63 $76.75 Dinner Roast 6/32oz $76.95 $57.75 FriPats 12/9oz $54.89 $40.75 FriPats FS 4/12pk $48.36 $36.75 Leanies 12/10oz $68.09 $53.75 Smoked Turkey Roll 4/4# $95.30 $71.75 Wham Roll 4/72oz $102.63 $76.75 Loma Linda Canned

Big Franks 12/20oz $63.69 $47.75 Big Franks (low fat) 12/20oz $63.69 $47.75 Big Franks FS 6/96oz $123.19 $77.75 Fried Chik’n w/gravy 12/13oz $54.89 $40.75 Linketts 12/20oz $64.79 $49.75 Linketts FS 6/96oz $128.39 $88.75 Little Links 12/19oz $63.69 $48.75 RediBurger 12/19oz $59.65 $48.75 Swiss Stake 12/13oz $54.89 $40.75 Swiss Stake 12/47oz $142.89 $107.75 Tender Bits 12/19oz $65.89 $50.75 Tender Rounds 12/19oz $65.89 $50.75 Vege Burger 12/19oz $62.59 $46.75

SAVE!!!

www.AdventistBookCenter.com or call 877-553-5222 VOL. 30, NO. 2 • SPRING 2014 • FLORIDA FOCUS • PAGE 13

Lay Advisory Committee and Florida Conference Work to Hasten Christ’s Return

BY ERIC CANTILLO, LAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

T

MARTIN BUTLER

he Lay Advisory In order to facilitate Committee is the these goals, a reprelayperson’s direct line sentative is chosen of communication to from each church to Florida Conference meet quarterly at their Administration and respective regional Executive Committee. meeting. Listed in It is the voice of our the table below are laypeople working as a the newly elected team with Conference state-wide Lay Adleadership toward finvisory Committee ishing God’s work. members and their Lay Advisory Committee members at work, clockwise from left: Eric Cantillo, quarterly regional If we are to continue moving forward Santiago Cuellar, Joe Grasso, Thomson Paris, Adriel Bermudez, Michael meeting locations.

Sutherland, Jimmy Mitchell, Eugene Torres, Josie Oates, Pat Holness. in unity, just as the There are three disciples did in the remaining quarterly early church, we must listen to ideas, 2. Receive reports from Conferregional meetings this year, convenconcepts, and troubles our constituents ence officers and communicate ing at 10:00 a.m.: share, and pray that God will direct us the appropriate information • Second Quarter—April 6 in providing help with situations we can to church members.

• Third Quarter—July 13 address, and intervene and guide those 3. Originate new concepts of • Fourth Quarter—October 5 where we can only ask for His help. activity and/or policy.

The state-wide Lay Advisory Com4. Make informal evaluations of To participate in a meeting in mittee is committed to the following: the effectiveness of Conference your area, contact your local church 1. Study problems identified by Condepartments and programs. lay activities worker or one of the ference officers or the local Lay 5. Help promote Conference proindividuals listed below with your Advisory Committee and make grams in the churches. concerns, suggestions, and comrecommendations to the Conference 6. Solicit information from church ments. Together, we can facilitate Executive Committee and/or other members concerning problems or the work in Florida Conference to appropriate persons. areas of concern they may have. hasten our Lord’s soon coming.

Region

Chairperson

Secretary

Meeting Place

North Florida

Thomson Paris t4christ@gmail.com

to be announced

High Springs Church

Ridge

Pat Holness pholness1@gmail.com

Felix Kelmes fkelmes@yahoo.com

Arcadia Church

Gulf

to be announced

Jimmy Mitchell mitchellj9931@yahoo.com

Brandon Spanish Church

West Central

Joe Grasso joeyvilma@gmail.com

Tony Corbin corbintony1@gmail.com

Forest Lake Church

East Central

to be announced

Josie Oates joates116@aol.com

Florida Conference Office

Upper Gold

Adriel Bermudez abermud1@gmail.com

Michael Sutherland michaelshaen@yahoo.com

West Palm Beach First Church

Lower Gold

Eric Cantillo canti7@bellsouth.net

Santiago Cuellar

Miami Temple Church

PAGE 14 • FLORIDA FOCUS • SPRING 2014 • VOL. 30, NO. 2

How to Bring the Gospel Overseas Through

The China Connection

BY PHIL BOND, FLORIDA CONFERENCE DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNED GIVING DIRECTOR

What Is the China Connection Project?

The China Connection funds 130 missionaries who are church planters in China. By faith, they are already serving there, believing that the funds will be available to sponsor them in 2014.

Why Is Florida Conference Involved ?

We are returning to and emphasizing the original purpose of the Seventh-day Adventist Church—the Gospel Commission—as given by Christ in Matthew 28:19–20.

We believe in the inspired words of Ellen G. White: “…for the prosperity of the home work depends largely, under God, upon the reflex influence of the evangelical work done in countries afar off.” (Gospel Workers, p. 465)

Who Is Coordinating This Project?

The project coordination is under the leadership of the China Union Mission President, Bob Folkenberg Jr., and his wife, Audrey.

How Can I Make a Donation to This Project?

If the donation is coming directly from your local church, it can be sent with the church’s monthly remittance to the Conference, marked “China Connection.”

Individuals may make donations online at Adventist Giving through their local church web site. Members at local churches not currently participating in Adventist Giving may instead use Florida Conference’s Adventist Giving link at floridaconference.com/adventistgiving Alternatively, checks made payable to Florida Conference Association may be written with “China Connection” noted then mailed to: Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Attention: Andrew Elliott, Treasurer P.O. Box 2626 Winter Park, FL 32790–2626 When Are Donations Due ?

Commitments to this project are due April 30, 2014. Payment on these commitments should happen as soon as possible.

Coming Events A complete calendar is available online:

http://www.floridaconference.com/calendar/ Ongoing Events– ––––––––––––––––––––––––– Florida Pathfinder Events. Call (407) 644‑5000 x127 or visit http://www.floridaconference.com/iym/pathfinders/events/ Singles’ Ministries Events and mailing list information.

Spiritual study groups, fellowship dinners, outings, and more. http://www.floridaconference.com/iym/childrenandfamily/events/, esalzmann@cfl.rr.com, (407) 521‑4751, or (407) 721‑3036.

Planned Giving and Trust Services Clinics.

May 31. Kissimmee Spanish.

Apr. 5. Winter Park Spanish.

June 7. West Palm Beach Spanish.

Apr. 26. West Palm Beach.

Sept. 27. Sunrise.

May 3. Lauderhill.

May 3. Miami Central Spanish.

April 2014– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 120th Annual Florida Camp Meeting. Apr. 10-13. Camp Kulaqua, High Springs. Theme: A Mighty Movement—Returning To the Cities. Guest speakers: José Rojas, Roy Gane, Joseph Kidder. Music: Kelly Mowrer, Charles Haugabrooks, Becca Murphy, Restoration, Harmony Quartet, and the annual Music In the Park outdoor concert. Free to attend.

Additional information, registration for accommodations rental, and online broadcasts: http://www.floridaconference.com/campmeeting/.

Rooms for entire families available in the new Woodland Lodges.

Read more, including the Adventist Book Center annual Camp Meet‑ ing sale, on pages 8-13.

Campestre Hispano (Spanish-language Camp Meeting). Apr. 18-20.

Camp Kulaqua, High Springs. Theme: Un gran movimiento— Evangelizad las ciudades. Guest speaker: José Rojas. Free to attend.

Additional information and registration for accommodations rental: http://www.floridaconference.com/campmeeting/. Rooms for entire families available in the new Woodland Lodges.

June 2014– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Impact Miami 2014. June 22-29. Week-long mission trip to Miami.

Ages 14+. Training an army of young people poised and ready to make an impact in the major urban centers of Florida through the Mission To the Cities initiative. Cost: $289/person.

Registration deadline: June 1. Save $40/person if registered by May 1. http://www.floridaconference.com/reservations/?ee=63.

Learn more on page 6.

facebook.com/floridaconference google.com/+floridaconferencesda twitter.com/floridaconf app.net/floridaconf youtube.com/floridaconference

VOL. 30, NO. 2 • SPRING 2014 • FLORIDA FOCUS • PAGE 15

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT #4190 Orlando, FL

351 S. State Road 434 • Altamonte Springs, FL 32714–3824

ARTIST: MICHELE N. DAUNS

Grand Opening

You Are Cordially Invited Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and A Better Choice Books • Natural Foods • Deli Sunday, June 1, 2014 • 2:30pm 351 S. State Road 434, Altamonte Springs • Located at the corner of State Road 434 (Forest City Road) and West Town Parkway.

• Tour the new Florida Conference offices after the Ribbon Cutting ceremony.

• Shop at the new bookstore, A Better Choice, with its expanded natural foods section.

• Receive free healthy food samples.

• Visit the new deli, open daily for lunch.

Special hours for A Better Choice bookstore on Sunday, June 1 — 9:00am–6:00pm