ISSUU Oct Focus 2025

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

BE NOT TROUBLED! “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." John 14:1 Among the violence, hatred, and bitterness we see in most headlines today, the world needs to know that there is GOOD NEWS. There is someone who can mend our brokenness, bring peace where there is pain, and in the fullness of his time, make all things right. His name is Jesus. This is the message that every one of us carries.

As I travel across Florida, I have the privilege of meeting many of our kingdom builders, including pastors, teachers, students, and members who faithfully share the message of hope. I also hear the concerns and fears people carry. Yet Jesus’ words remind us, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). As we see the world crumbling around us, we can find rest in His promises and courage in His calling.

The intent was never for evangelism to become the responsibility of a select few, such as pastors or church elders. Evangelism is the mission of EVERY believer. 1 Corinthians 12:27 tells us, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Together, as His hands and feet, we will finish the work.

The message we carry is beautiful, and it is worth sharing. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, a writer, a speaker, or a content creator, there is someone out there that only you can reach with your unique gifts.

In this issue of Florida Focus, you will read how schools, churches, ministries, and entities across the Florida Conference have embraced Pentecost 2025: a North American division-wide effort to hold at least 3,000 proclamation initiatives in 2025. We will explore the vital role of evangelism and glean relevant lessons from Ellen G. White’s writing that remain pertinent today.

May we each do our part to proclaim to the world: be not troubled, Jesus is coming soon!

Orlando Lopez Florida Conference President

After faithfully serving as President of Florida Conference, Allan Machado has accepted the appointment to a new role as Southern Union Executive Secretary. We are deeply grateful for his dedicated, impactful, and Christ-centered leadership during his seven years as president and 25 years of ministry within Florida Conference. Allan and Elsa Machado’s steadfast servant leadership has left an indelible mark on our mission and community, especially in the areas of Kingdom growth, evangelism, advancement, and innovation.

Machado’s ministry began in Florida as a Bible worker, and his commitment to building the Kingdom continued as pastor, lay pastor coordinator, vice president for Spanish-language Ministries, assistant to the president for strategic planning, and Executive Secretary. He was appointed Florida Conference President in 2018 and was elected to continue serving as President at the 2022 constituency session.

In a letter to his conference family, Machado shared, “Florida Conference has been my home. It is where I began my ministry, grew up, got married, and raised my children. . . [. ]Even though my family has grown to embrace eight conferences, Florida Conference will forever hold a special place in my heart. . . [. ]Though my responsibilities will shift, my calling remains unchanged. I step into this new role with the same heart and unwavering commitment to the mission God has placed before us: to share the gospel, make disciples, and serve His people.”

While we will greatly miss Allan, Elsa, and the Machado family, we know the Lord is opening a new door where they will continue to bless others. Please join us in prayer for them as they take on their new responsibilities, and in expressing our deepest appreciation for their many years of service to Florida Conference.

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OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE LIVING WATER, BREAD OF LIFE EVANGELISM IN FLORIDA EVANGELISM IN FLORIDA, CONT. ABC CHRISTMAS SALE ABC DELIVERY SCHEDULE COMING IN 2026 75,000 MEMBERS STRONG

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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.

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Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® 351 S. State Road 434, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714-3824 (407) 644-5000 • www.floridaconference.com • floridafocus@floridaconference.com President: Orlando Lopez floridaadventists Executive Secretary: Tim Goff fl_adventists Treasurer: Elisa Rahming florida.adventists Editor: Raquel Levy Editorial Staff: Pedro Pablo Osorio / Communication & Public Relations Department

Our Spiritual Heritage: Jesus in the Story of Ellen G. White

By Pedro Pablo Osorio In a quiet corner of a family gathering— surrounded by laughter, memories, and cousins sharing childhood adventures—Julie Cook grew into a truth that reaches the world.

She carries a unique connection to Adventist pioneers Ellen G. White and James White. Yet, as Julie reflects, the beauty of her heritage is not in bloodline, but in a Savior who calls every generation to a living, personal relationship.

“There was never a time I first realized it …,” she says. “But there was a time when it started to become more meaningful.”

Those reunions weren’t dry history lessons.

They were lively, joy-filled gatherings—rafting trips, children’s games, and the unmistakable warmth of belonging.

A Family of Faith and Joy As a child, Julie played in the same spaces where her great-greatgreat-grandmother prayed, wrote, and ministered. Elmshaven, often pictured in sepia tones in Adventist memory, was, to her young imagination, a place full of life, stories, and old photographs meant for children to explore.

One staircase held a family tale she treasures: Ellen White’s grandchildren would sneak up to surprise her during writing hours.

Some might picture stern discipline. Instead, Ellen White opened her arms, as soon as she set down her pen. “She would always pay attention and show them love because she was a grandma, and how many grandparents can say no to their grandkids?” Julie recounts.

Another soft memory lingers: “Auntie Grace”, Evelyn Grace White, later E. Grace Jacques, Ellen White’s granddaughter. “She was amazing,” Julie remembers. “What I remember is that she exuded the sense of love. Whenever I think about Ellen White, I think about my Auntie Grace, because if Grace was like Ellen White, then Ellen must have been such an amazing person.”

A Candid Side Julie smiles at family stories that reveal gentle humor and humanity behind the public figure: a grandmotherly matchmaker helping her son and future daughter-in-law overcome financial obstacles to marry; skirts tangling at a boat landing in Samoa as laughter broke out; and a fondness for lemon meringue pie.

These stories, she says, remind us that God uses real people to accomplish His work.

Anchored in Christ Alone

She encourages new readers to begin with “Steps to Christ,” concise, accessible, and centered on the grace of God. For those ready to go deeper, she highlights “The Desire of Ages” and “Patriarchs and Prophets,” books that reveal Christ’s heart and God’s power working through ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

Faith for Everyone When asked what matters most about her heritage, Julie answers without hesitation: “I’ve always loved being related to her, but at the end of the day, what matters is the spiritual heritage, and that’s available to anyone. You don’t have to be related to her to cherish and treasure the spiritual birthright conveyed through her writings.”

A Legacy Shared Julie’s story reminds us that the most enduring legacy is not written in history books, but etched into hearts through love, humility, and a Christian journey well lived. Her family’s story is not about placing a figure on a pedestal, but about a God who faithfully guides His people, generation after generation. “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” —Amos 3:7, NIV. And in that gentle truth, we find our calling: To know Jesus To reflect His love.

To pass faith to those who come after us.

The greatest inheritance is not earthly, it is the Savior who claims us as His own.

While she cherishes the family stories, Julie is most grateful for how Ellen White’s writings shaped a clear picture of Jesus’ character.

In eighth grade, she opened “The Desire of Ages” and met her Savior in a new way. “I liked Jesus and loved Jesus, but it was then that He became my personal Savior.”

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by Abel Paulin

Noon can be a challenging part of the day, a moment of urgency, especially on a scorching summer afternoon. A glass of cold water can feel like a blessing, as the body screams for hydration and food when both clock hands reach their highest point.

At that moment, Jesus arrived at a historic well near Sychar. The urgency of the moment made it the perfect time for compassion.

Yet the woman who came to the well alone was too wrapped up in her own pain and struggles to feel it. And that’s how, despite the Master’s needs, a simple request turned into a profound conversation about the deepest needs of the human heart.

When the disciples returned from town with bread, the Master didn’t want it. “Someone must have brought Him food,” they thought, for surely He would not refuse it otherwise. And besides, “Why is He speaking to a Samaritan woman?”

Still hot and thirsty, Jesus seized the opportunity to teach a timeless lesson: the urgency and primacy of mission above material concerns.

Jesus said unto them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to finish his work.” (John 4:34)

But the church must grasp the urgency of the moment. Even when she is hot, hungry, and thirsty, there remains a higher duty and a greater purpose. She must lift up her eyes and see the harvest. She must feel the same urgency for obedience to the mission as the body feels for water and food.

We are blessed with beautiful ministries in Florida Conference that embody the church's mission. Many of these ministries are evidence that effective evangelism can come from anywhere.

The Florida Conference Lay Institute for Evangelism (FCLIFE) provides training across the state through teaching, resources, and equipping for mission. Recent sessions held in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando focused on public evangelism, personal discipleship, and church unity. Evangelistic efforts are planned for this fall in every part of the state. If you haven’t yet participated, plan to attend the next FCLIFE session in your area and embrace the urgency of being part of God’s mission.

This summer, hundreds of churches in Florida Conference came to the rescue of busy families with a fantastic outreach tool, Vacation Bible School (VBS). Thousands of volunteers came together to sing, tell stories, cook, and dress in costumes, all while kids had an amazing time. And what a joyful, natural, and effective way to share Jesus! Many families from the community took advantage of this opportunity and brought their children.

Camp Kulaqua is another ministry that greatly blesses families, and has done so for more than 70 years. This summer, 1,021 happy campers, from ages 7 to 17, attended. Eighty campers, one parent, and four staff members gave their lives to Jesus and were baptized in the spring. This is another example of summer fun evangelism.

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The Lake City Church and Youth and Young Adult Ministries collaborated on an exciting outreach initiative. Through Adventist Connect, a digital missionary service of the North American Division, they posted prayer ads on social media with messages like: “Do you need to talk to someone? Message us with your prayer request now.” or “Do you know where to go for help?

How can we best pray for you?” Adventist Connect digital Bible workers responded to these requests and screened them. They referred 82 strong leads back to the church. Thirty-nine local members have been trained to follow up and minister to these interests. This is evangelism in the digital era.

to the woman and his disciples: salvation is more important than material things. Our heavenly Father is aware of your needs and will provide for them again. He is with you as you labor for Him.

Twenty young colporteurs, or literature evangelists, braved the heat and rain this summer to spread the Word. These high school and college students came from New York, Tennessee, Alabama, California, Mexico, and Florida. Together, they received $135,000 in donations from more than 7,000 magazine-books (magabooks), including writings by Ellen G. White and healthy living cookbooks such as Fighting Disease with Food and A Better Way of Life. These students participated in frontline evangelism while earning scholarship funds to support their education.

Remember, you are not a storage for the Bread of Life or a container of Living Water. You are a disciple who takes the bread from the Master’s hands and passes it on to those hungry around you. And you are a flowing stream of Living Water.

Innovus Innovation Center is an excellent ministry, just one part of the Florida Conference Office of Education’s innovation initiative.

It is a learning hub where students explore STEM+C, design, and technology through hands-on creative projects. This summer, it hosted more than 30 camps, programs, and field trips, including one for eighth-grade students from the Bronx, New York. This is evangelism through fun learning.

Like the Master on that hot afternoon in Samaria, you might feel weighed down or tired. But remember the meaning of His words

Be mindful of those around you searching, even if they don't realize it themselves. Pray for them, and for yourself, that the Holy Spirit may use you to touch their hearts. You don’t need to be a preacher or a professional. You can be God’s effective chosen instrument to reach that soul in that moment, whether at the well, the valley, or the mountaintop. And as you witness, He will bless you with His presence and grace.

“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)

Abel Paulin served the church for 28 years as a pastor in Texas and Florida, and for 15 years at the Florida Conference Office in Spanish-language Ministries and as Evangelism Coordinator. Currently, he serves as Assistant to the President. He shares his journey with his wife, Raquel. They have three children and three grandchildren.

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EVANGELISM In

Pathfinders / Adventurers Pathfinders and Adventurers celebrated another remarkable year. All 19 Florida Pathfinder Bible Experience teams achieved first place at the Division level, and 14 Adventurer families participated in the new Adventurer Bible Game. From Red Zone and area camporees to weekend activities and camping, Pathfinders and Adventurers had fun while praising God. Recently, 23 Pathfinders were baptized at area camporees this fall.

Family Ministries Family Ministries is leading the way in evangelism for children, marriages, singles, and seniors. This summer, hundreds of churches brought the message of Jesus to their neighborhoods through Vacation Bible School (VBS). The conference provided bilingual training and resources, helping new churches host VBS for the first time and guiding others to expand their reach.

Community Services and Disaster Response Community Services and Disaster Response embodied the Gospel through action.

Teams across Florida responded to hurricanes and community crises, providing food, shelter, and hope to those affected.

Every meal served and every prayer offered became a living sermon of Christ’s compassion.

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Camp Ministries Camp Kulaqua remains a powerful evangelistic platform. This summer, 1,021 campers and 140 staff enjoyed five weeks of programs filled with worship, fellowship, and adventure, culminating in 85 baptisms at the camp spring. Camp Kulaqua is active in ministry year-round, bringing a peaceful retreat and place of renewal for thousands of people every year.

Florida Living Retirement Community (FLRC) Known as a vibrant, faith-based community for seniors, FLRC is also a hub for local outreach. In partnership with the Florida Living SDA Church, residents and staff participate in a weekly food bank for the community and friends, and a lively book club that brings together church members and guests from the area.

Twice a year, FLRC also prepares Bags of Love for children and youth in foster care, including toys, essentials, and beautiful handmade quilts.

Stewardship, Sabbath School, and Membership Retention Stewardship, Sabbath School, and Membership Retention focused on strengthening and supporting evangelism by resourcing churches, improving leadership systems, and aligning goals with the vision for Pentecost 2025. Stewardship workshops and leadership development sessions trained pastors, elders, and church members to cultivate missional churches centered on prayer, outreach, and sustainable growth. These combined efforts emphasized faithful resource management, intentional member care, and the development of healthy congregational systems that promote engagement, accountability, and long-term vitality across all churches.

Communication The Communication and Public Relations department supported Florida Conference’s more than 30 ministries and entities through every step of Pentecost 2025. They kept the story of God’s movement alive through video storytelling, photography, digital and social media, as well as the Florida Focus and Southern Tidings magazines. At every ministry milestone or church organization, the team was behind the scenes, ready to share all the incredible ways the Lord is blessing Florida Conference.

Development & Planned Giving Evangelism and the Development & Planned Giving Department work hand in hand to fulfill the mission of spreading the gospel and advancing God’s kingdom. While evangelism shares the message of hope and salvation, Planned Giving provides the financial support that sustains this mission for future generations. By helping members turn their faith into lasting legacies through bequests, endowments, and other gifts, the department ensures that churches, schools, and ministries continue to thrive. Together, they unite generosity and mission, keeping the message of Christ alive for generations to come.

Innovus Innovation Innovation

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Education Florida Conference schools opened their doors to nearly 5,000 students this academic year. Our educators continue to provide not only academic excellence, but also spiritual growth. Through our 4TK Collaborative program, we’ve built a thriving community of teachers focused on internal coaching and strategy sharing, delivered over 2,000 hours of STEM-Innovation and Adventist Robotics training, and strengthened wellness development to help educators guide students toward their God-given callings.

FLCOE

For over 12 years, the Florida Conference Office of Education has been on an innovation journey, shaping the future of evangelism through creativity and learning.

Rooted in the belief that every student’s unique talents are gifts from God, the Innovus Innovation Center—an outward, community-facing hub—was opened in March 2024. Innovus equips young minds to use their skills for service and impact, pioneering new approaches to engage the homeschool population and bridge learning gaps. In just its first year and a half, Innovus has served nearly 100 students during the school year. This summer, more than 30 camps empowered students to explore coding, design, and science as acts of creativity inspired by the Creator. Innovation is rooted in FLCOE, our students even captured first place in the InnovationX competition, developing a life-saving medical device that demonstrates how faith and innovation can advance God’s mission.

Health Ministries Health Ministries inspired hundreds at the Fit Together Retreat, helping participants care for their bodies as God’s temple while combining physical and spiritual wellness. These efforts built bridges with the community through health education and outreach.

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Men’s Ministries Men’s Ministries strengthened families and leadership through prayer, mentorship, and evangelistic events. Regional rallies in Orlando and Miami united hundreds of men in worship and service, empowering them to live out their faith in their homes and communities. Over the past two years at regional rallies and statewide conventions, more than 500 men have recommitted their lives to Christ. At conventions in Camp Kulaqua, 30 men have been baptized in the last three years.

Pastoral Ministries

Florida Conference’s 75,000 members, 309 congregations, and almost 200 pastors are supported by Pastoral Ministries.

This year, Pastoral Ministries continued to serve, train, and equip our ministers through transformational leadership programs. Through the Florida Conference Lay Institute for Evangelism (FCLIFE), hundreds of members were trained and inspired to become kingdom builders and share the good news of Jesus in their communities.

Prayer Ministries Prayer Ministries fueled every campaign and revival through dedicated prayer summits, such as those held in the Gulf Coast, Treasure Coast, and North Region, where hundreds of members gathered to seek the Holy Spirit’s power for evangelism.

Across Florida, these gatherings reminded believers that lasting revival begins with united prayer—igniting churches to prepare hearts and communities for Pentecost 2025.

Prison Ministries Prison Ministries reached those behind bars through Bible studies, materials, pen-pal connections, and chapel services, offering freedom in Christ even in confinement, where many experienced the transforming power of the Gospel.

Spanish-language Ministries In addition to supporting our Spanish-language churches and pastors, and planning statewide evangelism campaigns yearround, the Spanish-language Ministries team mobilized thousands through FIEL training conventions in Hialeah Springs and Forest City. More than 1,300 members were equipped for evangelism, and lay leaders were strengthened and equipped to reach their communities.

Publishing Ministries Publishing Ministries made a strong impact in Florida through adult and student literature evangelists who distributed over 10,000 books and tracts, led Bible studies, evangelistic campaigns, and prayed with many, resulting in 16 baptisms. Their mission ended with a dedication ceremony celebrating the efforts of missionaries, young and old, in spreading the Word of God. 10

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Treasury Treasury ensures financial accountability and stewardship across all departments, enabling funds to flow efficiently for areas such as evangelism, education, and ministry growth. Their commitment to transparency and mission-centered budgeting helps sustain outreach initiatives and long-term church development.

Women’s Ministries Women's Ministries annual English and Spanish retreats of 2025 saw a combined number of nearly 900 attendees, worshipping and fellowshipping together as they "Experienced God in their Transformation"! The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was evident as sixteen women gave their lives to Christ in the waters of baptism! The work of evangelism continued throughout the year, as four dynamic OneDay retreats came to North, Central and South Florida. Women were empowered to "Embrace God in their Storm", and inspired to grow in their faith, strengthen their families, mentor others, and share the love of Jesus through the power of their testimony. We praise God for His miraculous blessings throughout this incredible year and look forward in anticipation for His glorious handiwork to unfold in 2026!

Youth and Young Adults Youth and young adults engaged in outreach, campus ministries, and leadership conventions where hundreds of college and high school students gathered for renewal and commitment. One of the department's evangelism projects in Lake City led to hundreds of new interests, demonstrating the power of their dedication in action. Their energy and creativity continue to move the mission forward.

Volunteer Lay Pastors and Church Planting Volunteer Lay Pastors are extending the reach of the Gospel by partnering with senior pastors to strengthen local churches, companies, and mission groups throughout the territory of our Conference. This year, new Volunteer Lay Pastors have been trained and commissioned to lead our diverse, multiethnic congregations, organize community outreach initiatives, and conduct evangelistic series throughout Florida. Through their dedication, members are being baptized, equipped, and empowered to serve as shepherds within their own communities— advancing the mission of Christ one congregation at a time.

Working faithfully to ensure God’s church in Florida is mission-ready, departments like Human Resources, Property Management, Risk Management, Information Technology, and the Service Center form the operational backbone that supports every ministry. Human Resources led this year’s HR Summit, training and empowering our workers and leaders across the state. IT ensures that digital systems and communication networks remain secure and effective, while the Service Center provides infrastructure support to every department, as well as churches, schools, and institutions.

Membership maintains accurate records for over 75,000 members, documenting each baptism and new congregation with care. Property and Risk Management safeguard our facilities, events, and people, ensuring every church and ministry can operate safely and efficiently. Together, these teams work powerfully behind the scenes so that every evangelistic and community effort across Florida moves forward and advances God’s mission.

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Save the date! These are just a few of our upcoming events in 2026. Though rare, event dates are subject to change. Please visit floridaconference.com for more information and many more upcoming events.

Training for Youth and Young Adult Leaders January 10 Greater Miami Adventist Academy

PAD: Red Zone May 22-24 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL

Women's Ministries Retreat January 30 - February 1 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL

Haitian Camp Meeting July 3-6 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL

Spanish - Retiro de Mujeres February 6-8 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL

Single Parent Retreat July 31 -August 2 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL

Fit Together One-Day Retreat February 15

College Retreat July 31 -August 2 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL

VBS Showcase February 21: Orlando | Markham Woods Church February 28: Miami Central Spanish Church Keys Camp Meeting February 27-28 Haitian Men’s Convention February 27- March 1 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL Men’s Convention March 6-8 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL Disaster Response Training March 13-15 Miami Temple Church PAD: Show Your Colors March 15-21 Global Youth Day March 21 The Risen Experience April 4 Forest Lake Academy, Forest Lake Church Camp Meeting April 17-19 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL Spanish Campestre April 24-26 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL 14

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Family Camp September 4-6 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL Fit Together Health & Fitness Retreat September 4-6 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL Marriage Retreat September 25-27 High School Bible Retreat October 8-11 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL Young At Heart October 30-November 1 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL Spanish - REAL Discipleship & Evangelism Convention December 4-6 Camp Kulaqua | High Springs, FL Free Financially Savvy Retirement Webinars February 24: Trusts/Financial Planning March 24: Estate Planning April 28: Remarriage and Blended Families August 25: New Changes/Updates to Medicare September 22: Asset Protection/Irrevocable Trusts October 27: End-of-Year Tax Strategies To register, email planned.giving@floridaconference.com or call 407-644-5000 ext. 2246 or 2241

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