Spring 2026

6 CHURCH SPOTLIGHT 10 ABC CAMP MEETING SPECIALS 14 WORTHY CAMPERS

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

ALL ABOUT JESUS

“I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Jesus is at the core of who we are, everything we do, and why we exist.

Across Florida, in our churches, schools, and the Conference office, I have often been heard saying, “If you give me an opportunity, I am going to talk about Jesus.”

I wholeheartedly believe Jesus is the catalyst for movement and change. Everything the Conference does, every ministry, and every life reached must point back to one thing: exalting the Holy name of Jesus.

Evangelism for kingdom growth is at the heart of the church’s mission. Florida Conference departments and ministries align under one unified voice that uplifts Jesus before a world eager to know Him. This is not achieved by human merit, but rather by the merit of the One who dwelt among us, died to save us, rose to defeat the bond of death, and is returning soon to take us home!

To live the gospel means to rest in that eternal truth, live according to His word, and share His goodness with all.

Confidently, we proclaim: worthy is the Lamb!

In this special Camp Meeting issue of the Florida Focus, you will explore stories of how living the gospel can be reflected in our everyday lives. See how one of our churches is growing the Kingdom and experiencing God’s power in transformative ways. Learn about the impact of prison ministry in South Bay. Discover the life-changing results of Camp Kulaqua’s summer camp programs.

I challenge you to let the gospel shape your daily actions and boldly share and exalt Jesus wherever you are. He alone is worthy!

Join us at Camp Meeting this April, either in person or online via livestream. Be part of an inspiring community and take the opportunity to actively grow, serve, and share Jesus’ love. See you there!

Let us commit to ensuring that everything we do and every place we go points to Jesus. Take action today to make Him known.

Orlando Lopez Florida Conference President

Table of CONTENTS 4

CHRIST IN THE EVERYDAY

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20 INMATES BAPTIZED

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ABC CAMP MEETING SPECIALS

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CHURCH SPOTLIGHT: LIFESPRING

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CAMP MEETING & CAMPESTRE

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ABC BOOK SPECIALS ABC FOOD SPECIALS ABC DELIVERY SCHEDULE WORTHY CAMPERS NEW LEADERS IN FLORIDA CONFERENCE

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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 @florida.adventists Treasurer: Elisa Rahming florida.adventists Editor: Raquel Levy Editorial Staff: Pedro Pablo Osorio / Communication & Public Relations Department

C H R I S T I N T H E E V E R Y DAY

by Raquel Levy Gonzalez

Think about a movie you’ve seen, or a book you’ve read, and the scene that changed everything. You know the kind of scene, when the music swells, everything slows down, and a single choice changes the course of someone’s life. Or consider a testimony you’ve heard, where one moment becomes the ultimate turning point. Those stories stay with us because they feel so clear, defining, and powerful.

Those moments are real and meaningful, but most of us don’t live in constant highlights. There’s no soundtrack or spotlight, just a series of ordinary moments. Living the gospel is often imagined in grand gestures like mission trips, big projects, or baptisms, but we can live out our faith just as strongly in the quiet rhythm of the mundane. Christ can be found in the choices no one applauds, the small gestures of kindness, and the words we choose when we’re tired. To live the gospel is to carry Christ into the everyday.

Jesus did not reserve His ministry for platforms or crowds, even though those are some of our favorite Bible stories. He also met people along dusty roads, at dinner tables, and beside wells. He showed that faith is not confined to moments of worship but woven into how we treat people, how we respond 4

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to inconvenience, and how we navigate both joy and frustration.

Following His example means recognizing that every interaction is an opportunity to reflect Him. In a world that often pushes us to look out for ourselves first, the gospel calls us to respond differently. It looks like choosing patience when irritation feels justified, offering kindness when it is not returned, and extending grace when it would be easier to hold onto bitterness and offense.

There is also a quiet courage in living the gospel. It requires trust that God is at work even when we can’t see it, and the outcomes are uncertain. Some of the most meaningful expressions of faith happen in decisions that feel familiar: choosing peace instead of panic when plans fall apart and surrendering control when the future feels unclear.

Living the gospel also reshapes how we see people. Jesus consistently noticed those whom others overlooked. He moved toward the hurting, the marginalized, and the misunderstood.

When we live with that same awareness, our days begin to change. Interruptions become opportunities. Conversations start to matter in a deeper way. Going out of the way for someone is

not an inconvenience, but rather a chance to reflect Christ. We start to see people not as obstacles or side characters in our movie, but as individuals deeply loved by God. This way of living is not driven by obligation, but by transformation.

The gospel is not just a set of instructions; it is the story of a Savior who loved first, gave fully, and continues to extend grace.

When we truly understand that, Christ naturally overflows into how we live. Generosity becomes less about requirement and more of a natural reflex that doesn’t feel sacrificial. Forgiveness becomes possible because we have been forgiven. Serving others becomes a reflection of the One who first served us.

kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol.” Galatians 5:22-23. Others may not always recognize them immediately, but they will notice something is different, and they’ll want to know why.

Living the gospel is not about trying to stand out, but about faithfully reflecting Christ where we are. It is about allowing His teachings to shape our responses, our actions, and ultimately our lives. Unlike those big movie moments, it is often in the smallest moments that the gospel shines the brightest, transforming not just our lives, but the lives of those around us.

Of course, living the gospel does not mean living perfectly.

There are moments when we fall short, but even here, the gospel meets us. It calls us back, reminds us of grace, and invites us to begin again. The same hope we share with others is the hope we rely on daily.

Over time, these small choices add up to something significant.

A life lived with Christ becomes a quiet testimony that reflects the ideals found in the Gospels. When writing about the fruit of the Holy Spirit, Paul mentions, “love, joy, peace, forbearance,

Raquel Levy Gonzalez is the Communication and Public Relations Director at Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

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C H U R C H S P OT L I G H T: L I F E S PR I N G

Where God Keeps

SHOWING UP

by Maria Kindell

God keeps showing up at Lifespring Seventh-day Adventist Church, not because we have it all together but in spite of us.

Lifespring is a church made up of imperfect people who are choosing day by day to say yes to God. We are learning to walk in faith, one decision at a time, trusting that God meets us right where we are. And again and again, He does.

Over the past year, God’s presence has been unmistakable in our gatherings. You can feel it in worship. You can see it in changed lives. And you can witness it most clearly in the simple yet powerful act of people saying yes. Yes, to Jesus. Yes, to baptism. Yes, to a life surrendered to Him. It began with a young girl who made the courageous decision to say yes to Jesus and be baptized. What followed felt nothing short of miraculous. Her yes became a spark as one person after another felt called to respond. Ten individuals gave their lives to Christ, and over the following months, that number continued to grow.

In ten months, nineteen people have been baptized, each one a testimony to a God who is alive, active, and calling His people.

Others have joined Lifespring through profession of faith, bringing with them rich stories of God’s leading. Families like the Lombardos, who love Jesus and faithfully keep the Sabbath, were introduced to Lifespring through North Tampa Christian Academy.

Their journey reflects what we see so often: God drawing people together through unexpected paths, uniting hearts around His truth.

There are also those whose stories speak of return. Individuals who have stepped away from the Seventh-day Adventist community and whom God has called back home and back to their roots.

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Their testimonies remind us that God is always at work, calling His people closer, restoring what was lost, and renewing faith. Yet, faith at Lifespring does not stop with personal transformation. When God changes hearts, He moves His people outward, calling them to love, serve, and reflect Christ beyond the church walls.

Through the ministry of SALT, Lifespring is serving the homeless community with compassion and dignity. SALT provides showers, haircuts, clothing, and something just as essential, a human connection. Recently, the ministry outfitted a trailer to better serve those in need and is now working toward purchasing a dedicated shower trailer for the community surrounding the church. It is a tangible expression of God’s love in action.

Lifespring is thriving not because we are perfect but because God is faithful. Lives are being changed. Faith is being renewed. Hope is being restored. Every day, one choice at a time, we keep saying yes.

Maria Kindell is a daughter of God, learning to walk in His purpose and serve wherever He places her. She is a brand strategist, Army veteran, and member of Lifespring Church.

20 PRISON INMATES BAPTIZED INTO MEMBERSHIP OF

S U N R I S E CH U R CH

by Jeffrey Thompson, Ph.D.

On a warm Sabbath afternoon in August 2025, 20 inmates at the South Bay Correctional & Rehabilitation Facility (SBCRF) experienced a memorable and life-changing day. They followed Jesus Christ in the watery grave of baptism, a transformative act that brought hope to their lives. The rite of baptism was led

by Jeffrey Thompson, senior pastor of the Sunrise Church.

Events like this underscore the growing impact of prison ministry and its vital role in sharing the gospel with all people.

What took place at SBCRF is not just a moment to celebrate, but a mission to continue to bring restoration to a community often forgotten. As these 20 new members begin their journey of faith, the church is reminded that the call to make disciples extends far beyond its walls.

The inmates were baptized in a portable baptismal pool in the noonday sun, surrounded by a large group of fellow inmates who witnessed the colorful ceremony. Each baptismal candidate was called by name and baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Before the baptismal service, Rocksroy Bailey, a local elder at Sunrise Church, read the 13 baptismal vows of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which the new believers agree to follow, fostering a deep sense of unity and connection within the church community.

The day began with about 100 inmates attending the vibrant Sabbath School program, which began at 9:00 a.m. Inmates led the welcome, prayer, announcements, and a summary of the Sabbath School lesson. Next, a testimony service took place, during which several inmates answered the question, "What has God done that was special for you?" Afterward, the SDA South Bay Praise Team, a group that has always been a source of inspiration and connection, led the welcome song and all the preliminary items during the Divine Service.

"The Art of Thankfulness" was the topic of Thompson's powerful sermon, which resonated with all attendees. The Sabbath worship services are coordinated each Sabbath by Peter Lopez, senior chaplain of SBCRF. Lopez is also a member of the Sunrise Church. "I want to commend Peter Lopez for this amazing prison ministry. He is a compassionate chaplain who has a passion for evangelism," said Thompson.

The inmates also received communion, the first communion service conducted by an Adventist pastor at South Bay Correctional & Rehabilitation Facility. Moreover, 59 inmates at SBCRF completed a one-year Faith and Character Base Course and graduated with cap and gowns on July 3, 2025.

Assisting with the baptism of twenty inmates were Peter Lopez, chaplain; Jeffrey Thompson, Ph.D., senior pastor of Sunrise Church; and Rocksroy Bailey, elder.

Leading out in the communion service were Jeffrey Thompson, Ph.D., senior pastor of Sunrise Church, and Rocksroy Bailey, elder.

Jeffrey Thompson is the Senior Pastor of Sunrise Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Sunrise Church is deeply rooted in its community and has an active prison ministry outreach.

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Main Speaker | Alex Bryan President, Walla Walla University

Musical Guest | Tim Parton

Speaker | Orlando Lopez President, Florida Conference

Youth Speaker | Angelo Grasso

Seminar Presenter | Pavel Goia

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A WEEK THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING

T H E I M PAC T O F T H E WO R T H Y CA M PE R SCHOL ARSHIP FUND

by Theresa Stride

Each summer, Camp Kulaqua becomes more than a fun destination; it becomes a place where faith comes into focus and lives begin to change. Last year, through the Worthy Camper Scholarship Fund, 68 campers were given the opportunity to attend who otherwise may not have been able to. With more than 80 applicants and a total of 1,002 campers on site, the need continues to grow.

Camp operates through the dedication of 140 staff members and 16 medical volunteers who pour into each child’s experience. Together, they create an environment where kids can step away from the noise of everyday life and encounter something deeper. Through worship, outdoor adventure, and intentional relationships, campers are invited to experience the love of God in a real and personal way.

This summer, 80 campers made the decision to be baptized, along with four staff members and even one parent who chose to be baptized alongside her daughter. A moment so powerful there wasn’t a dry eye at the spring. For more than 70 years, Hornsby Spring has been a place where thousands of young people have chosen to give their lives to Jesus. This upcoming summer, we know we will continue to see these powerful stories of God’s goodness at Camp Kulaqua.

One of those stories is Sam’s. When he arrived at camp, he was quiet and unsure, carrying the kind of nervousness that often comes with new experiences. But over the course of the week, something changed. Through time spent learning wilderness skills and caring for animals, Sam began to find confidence and peace. Surrounded by God’s creation, he discovered that the same God who made the mountains also made him, on purpose and with love. By the end of the week, Sam was 14

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leading his cabin with joy and boldness. More importantly, his faith had become real. He chose to give his life to Jesus and was baptized on Sabbath. When he returned home, he shared his experience with his brother, who later made the same decision. One week at camp became the start of a ripple effect of faith.

Another camper arrived full of smiles, but quietly carrying a heavy burden. During a moment of reflection, she shared through a prayer card that she was struggling deeply. Our staff prays over every card, and her words did not go unnoticed. She was connected with our Camp Medical Director, who took her concerns seriously and arranged for her to meet with a local doctor alongside her mom. The doctor confirmed what we already sensed, this precious camper was hurting and needed help.

But here’s the beautiful part of the story: when asked what she wanted, she said she loved camp. She felt safe, loved, and close to Jesus.

With the right support in place, she was able to finish the week surrounded by people who reminded her she was not alone. At the end of camp, she went home ready to continue the journey toward healing, with professional help, family support, and the memory of being seen, known, and loved at camp.

These stories are why the Worthy Camper Scholarship Fund matters. Camp is more than activities and memories; it is a place of

transformation and hope. This year, the Camp Meeting offering is set aside to support this fund. Donations toward this scholarship ensure that more children can experience the love of Jesus in a setting where they are fully known and deeply valued.

To contribute to the Worthy Camper Scholarship Fund, visit: floridaconference.com/give

Theresa Stride is the Summer Camp and Year-Round Programming Director for Camp Kulaqua. She is also a proud former Kulaqua camper herself, a connection she holds close to her heart.

NE W LE ADERS

IN FLORIDA CONFERENCE Brad Cassell, D.Min

Rachelle Wetmore

Pastor Brad Cassell is the Vice President for Pastoral Ministries in the Florida Conference. He is married to his wife Julie, of 30 years, who is a middle school Bible teacher at Forest Lake Education Center (FLEC).

Brad and Julie have three adult boys who all live in the Orlando area. Brad holds a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate in Ministry from Andrews University. Pastor Brad has been in ministry for over 30 years, spending 15 years in the Florida Conference. Brad has several hobbies, including fitness, sports, and working on cars. Pastor Brad’s greatest joy is to see people find Jesus as their personal Savior and spiritually grow by His grace into devoted disciples for the kingdom of Christ.

Rachelle Wetmore was born and raised in Northern California. She is a graduate of Southern Adventist University, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology with licensure to teach K-8, and later completed a Master of Education specializing in Early Childhood Education at Northern Arizona University. She and her husband, Ken, have spent their adult lives serving together in ministry, beginning as volunteer Sabbath School teachers, then working alongside other volunteers to plant a church for the local community on the island of Guam, and later continuing in full-time ministry while raising their two children. Rachelle believes that establishing healthy, connected relationships with God, family, and community is key to living a happy and fulfilling life. She strives to love people by staying present, really listening, and honoring each person’s perspective and individual journey. When not immersed in ministry, Rachelle enjoys being in nature, kayaking, walking on the beach, and spending time with her family.

She is also an animal lover who adores her two cats and one very friendly dog.

Vice President for Pastoral Ministries

Director of Family Ministries

Jennifer Frost

Director of Development, Planned Giving and Trust Services Jennifer N. Frost, MA, CFRE, CSPG, joins Florida Conference as the new Director of Development, Planned Giving and Trust Services, bringing more than 13 years of experience in philanthropy, donor engagement, and missioncentered leadership. She has helped raise millions across the nonprofit and Seventhday Adventist sectors, always emphasizing collaboration and shared purpose as the heart of successful ministry. Jennifer previously served in Planned Giving roles at both the Northern New England Conference and Loma Linda University Health, working closely with colleagues, donors, and ministry partners to strengthen longterm giving programs. She also continues her national service as a member of the North American Division Standing, Marketing, and Education Committees. Jennifer’s ministry blends technical expertise with a genuine commitment to people and teamwork. During her decade in Northern New England, she and her colleagues expanded donor education, strengthened stewardship engagement, and supported members across a threestate region, achieving strong results together, including toptier audit outcomes and more than $1.2 million in documented planned gifts in a single year. Her parallel service as a pastor deepened her passion for nurturing healthy communities, fostering unity, and inspiring generosity. With advanced training in philanthropy, religious fundraising, and AIsupported nonprofit strategy, Jennifer looks forward to partnering with Florida constituents, churches, and conference leadership to grow a culture of generosity that strengthens Adventist education, local ministries, and mission across the state.

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