Spring 2024

A quarterly journal of Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists AMPLIFY

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

THE STONES WILL CRY OUT

“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen. ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’” Luke 19:37-40

In Luke 19, Jesus makes a triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This is a pivotal moment in his ministry; thousands have already seen His miracles and know He is the King they have been anticipating. As He rides into the city, His followers have gathered, and their voices are rising in praise. “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord,” they say. “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Yet, some religious leaders in the crowd don’t approve and urge Jesus to silence His followers. Jesus’ response is surprising, but it’s a theme we see throughout the Bible: “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

In both the Old and New testaments, we see similar imagery of nature praising God. In Job 12, the animals, birds, fish, and even the earth are said to be able to teach you about His works. In Isaiah 55:12, we read that the mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees will clap. The Book of Psalms is full of verses like these: mountains leaping (Psalm 114:6), the skies and heaven proclaiming His glory (Psalms 19:1), the sun, moon, stars, sky, and animals praise Him (Psalm 148). Everyone and everything was created to proclaim Him.

Even more so than the stones, we were also created to praise Him. We are called to proclaim and amplify the Gospel, the Good News of Christ. Jesus’ message of love cannot be contained; it must be amplified. Though we live in a world overwhelmed with distractions, the message of the Gospel is powerful and can be heard above all the noise. We may be hesitant to share our testimonies, but each of us can inspire and uplift others, showing them the character of Christ.

At Florida Conference, our calling is to Amplify the Gospel. God has given us the remarkable opportunity to proclaim Him and amplify His message of faith, hope, and love. That’s why we have made “Amplify the Gospel” our main focus for this year, and the theme of our upcoming Camp Meeting.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at Camp Meeting on April 19-21 at our beautiful Camp Kulaqua or virtually through our livestream. It fills my heart with joy to join with you in prayer, worship, and fellowship. Like the crowd in Jerusalem, I want to exclaim, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

May the Lord bless you always,

Allan Machado, D.Min. Florida Conference President

Discipleship: Amplified

Unveiling the Crucial Role of Digital Missions

by Juan Rodriguez

Imagine spreading the Gospel further than ever before, not by traveling the world, but through your phone. That’s the power of digital missions.

In an era dominated by digital connections, the idea of missions has transcended geographical boundaries. Digital missions represent a paradigm shift in outreach efforts, maximizing technology to spread messages of hope, faith, and love. This transformative approach has emerged as a vital tool in addressing societal challenges, fostering global unity, and

advancing humanitarian causes. Learning to become a digital disciple can have a profound impact on shaping how we amplify the Gospel.

Reaching Billions

At the heart of digital missions lies the power of connectivity. In a world where billions are interconnected through the internet and social media platforms, digital evangelism has unparalleled reach and influence. Through compelling storytelling, interactive

content, and targeted campaigns, organizations and individuals can engage with audiences on a scale previously unimaginable.

Justin Khoe, known as the godfather of digital mission work in the Adventist community, has almost 80,000 followers on Instagram. That’s more than the membership of our conference, which is the largest in the United States. He also has over 121,000 followers on YouTube. In addition, as he interacts with individuals, he has had thousands of Bible study interests, and hundreds have been baptized in different Adventist churches worldwide because of his ministry.

New Pathways

One of the most compelling aspects of digital missions is the ability to access information and resources. In regions where traditional missionary work may be restricted or challenging, digital platforms provide a pathway for individuals to connect with communities in need, offer support, ignite positive change, and share the Gospel.

For example, one of our local pastors in Central Florida will soon be flying to Ireland to baptize someone who faithfully watches their church services online. This individual lives in a remote part of the country, and digital worship has allowed them to connect with a church community thousands of miles away. From educational initiatives to healthcare outreach programs to sharing God’s Word, digital missions empower individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, regardless of their physical location or resources.

A Catalyst for the Next Generation

Digital missions also serve as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration with young people. This next generation are digital natives. I remember learning to use very slow internet when I was in college and then needing to relearn every time a new piece of technology emerged. However, young people are natives of this technology, and by harnessing the collective expertise of the next generation, we can create a fantastic opportunity to help our church create content for digital mission work that expands the local church outreach.

What if a church gathered a team of young people interested in sharing the Gospel in a unique, compelling manner? They could gather videos from the local pastor’s sermons and create one-minute clips with creative content to post on social media throughout the week. This could be one way the church can reach people who live within 10 miles of your church building.

Travis Walker, senior pastor of the Fort Myers church, has been harnessing this opportunity in various ways. One of them was creating a podcast entitled “Adventology,” where he spoke about doctrinal truths. A young man who lived close to the church in Daytona where Walker used to minister heard his podcast, walked into the church, and stated, “I’m ready to be baptized.” He had been listening to all of the episodes and wanted to become a member of his church. It is an incredible story featured

on our YouTube channel, and you can watch it by scanning the QR code below.

Scan here to WATCH:

One pastor’s story of reaching people through digital missions.

Belonging: From Anywhere

Digital missions hold immense potential for spiritual and personal transformation. In an age of digital distraction and disconnection, these initiatives offer individuals a sense of purpose and belonging, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement. Whether through virtual worship services, online prayer groups, or church apps, digital missions provide a sanctuary for seekers to explore their faith, connect with like-minded individuals, and find solace in times of uncertainty.

One of the most positive ways to engage with others digitally is to share things that interest you. As people get to know who you are, you can share about your faith. Pastor Kevin Wilson, dubbed the “CEO of Chai,” loves to make chai and talks about God’s love and His message of salvation on social media. Wilson has more than 414,000 followers on TikTok and 92,000 on Instagram, and his videos have reached millions. In comparison, the Southern Union has more than 300,000 members.

Sharing with Integrity

Though there are countless opportunities and much to gain from digital missions, there is also much to consider. It’s important to protect others’ privacy and ensure that what we share is true and accurate, so we do not disseminate misinformation. When sharing our message of faith online, we should prioritize transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship.

The importance of digital missions in today’s world cannot be overstated. You can amplify the Gospel, foster spiritual growth, and meaningfully connect with others through the power of technology. Let us harness the power of digital missions with this generation to build a more just, compassionate, and interconnected society for generations to come.

If you want to learn to become a digital missionary or would like to pilot an intergenerational evangelistic project that includes digital evangelism in your area, contact the Florida Conference Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Our next Digital Missions Lab is January 31-February 2, 2025, at the Fort Myers Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Juan Rodriguez serves Florida Conference as director for Youth & Young Adult Ministries. His purpose is to love Christ with all his heart and help others do the same. He is married to Odalys Rodriguez, and they share three sons: Cristian, Nico, and Alexander.

Por Abdiel Hernandez

Según el psicólogo Daniel Goleman en su libro Inteligencia Social (editorial Kairós), “Los circuitos neuronales que operan en paralelo en el cerebro de los implicados durante las relaciones interpersonales propagan un contagio emocional que abarca el amplio rango de los sentimientos, desde la tristeza y la ansiedad hasta la alegría.” Fortalecer relaciones con nuestros amigos no adventistas fue el móvil de una iniciativa propuesta por la directiva del Ministerio Hispano de la Conferencia de la Florida que proponía que 2000 hogares en todo el territorio del estado abrieran sus puertas para recibir con cariño y entusiasmo a un vecino, un amigo, un conocido, o a cualquier otra persona a la que pudiéramos bendecir al compartir nuestros alimentos.

Lo novedoso de esta actividad fue que a diferencia de la antigua tradición alemana llamada  stammtisch o mesa de la tertulia, nuestros invitados no serían viejos sino nuevos amigos, a quienes estamos tratando de conocer y al mismo tiempo enseñarles el amor de Dios con acciones más que palabras. Tampoco una ocasión para rememorar momentos compartidos tiempo atrás, ni para comentar las últimas novedades de cada cual, sino para comenzar a escribir una historia que será contada en la eternidad, como el inicio memorable de lazos indisolubles en Aquel, que según Pablo toma nombre toda familia en los cielos y en la tierra (Efesios 3: 14-15). Jesús, es el único que hace que el pan compartido, una mesa servida y una oración sincera puedan dar frutos de amor y salvación a la familia humana.

Nuestro distrito tomó con entusiasmo el compartir los alimentos como una manera única y diferente de evangelización, y el pasado 4 de agosto, gran parte de nuestros hogares fueron abiertos para compartir risas, historias y oraciones con aquellos a quienes queremos predicar el mensaje de Jesús. Recuerdo la alegría contagiosa de nuestras iglesias en la víspera de este acontecimiento, hermanos sin abundantes recursos pero deseosos de compartir sus bendiciones, abrieron sus hogares y la puerta de sus corazones con aquellos a quienes deseábamos alcanzar.

Entre el delicioso aroma que emanaba de nuestras cocinas, la rica variedad y diversidad de alimentos servidos, la calidez de nuestros hogares y lo emocionante del momento dio lugar a que nuestros invitados nos compartieran un poquito de sus historias. Cada familia que participó en este evento, al final de ese sábado, creó vínculos, fortaleció corazones y tuvo muchísimas anécdotas que compartir. Uno de los relatos más impactantes fue contado por una de nuestras invitadas, que relataba que hacía más de 20 años había recibido un trasplante de hígado y que era sobreviviente de un terrible accidente, donde perdió su único embarazo de 8 meses y donde casi pierde la vida producto de las hemorragias internas sufridas como consecuencia del impacto. Fue impresionante escucharle decir que estaba muy agradecida a esa persona, que de una forma generosa le dio una segunda oportunidad de vida, pero sobre todo reconocía que Dios, el Todopoderoso, la había cuidado y protegido de manera sorprendente en cada una de las etapas difíciles de su vida. Orar tomados de las manos para agradecerle a Dios por su cuidado fiel y protector fue un acto casi inconsciente porque todos los reunidos en la mesa, rebosantes de gratitud estábamos plenamente convencidos que tenemos un Dios que obra milagros y que hace lo imposible para alcanzarnos aun en medio del dolor.

Nuestras iglesias esperan con ansias abrir las puertas de sus casas nuevamente para que Jesús sea supremo en cada hogar, el huésped invisible en nuestra mesa y el oyente silencioso de nuestra conversación. Muy pronto nuestro silencio se tornará en cántico, un cántico nuevo, diciendo: Digno eres de tomar el libro y de abrir sus sellos; porque tú fuiste inmolado, y con tu sangre nos has redimido para Dios, de todo linaje y lengua y pueblo y nación (Apoc 5: 9). Tú, Jesús, eres el Verbo de Dios.

Pr. Abdiel Samuel Hernandez es pastor del distrito de Bradenton, Wauchula, y Wimauma. Esta felizmente casado con Yurdania Hernandez.

EPISODE 3

Dear Florida Conference family, I am so excited to share with you the first Focus on Florida president’s report for 2024. It’s a new year, full of possibilities and opportunities to build the Kingdom of God in Florida Conference. As we look forward, we turn our minds to our theme for 2024: Amplify the Gospel. More than a theme, this calling will guide everything we do this year, big or small. We are called to share the love of Jesus Christ with the world, louder and clearer than ever before.

A New Life Through Baptism

Last year, we witnessed the miraculous power of working together to build His kingdom. More than 3,100 individuals chose Jesus and gave their hearts to Him through baptism and professions of faith. The work never stopped, never faltered, and churches were conducting baptisms even to the last Sabbath of the year. One mission group in Wekiwa baptized 16 precious souls on December 30.

Amplifying Through Church Planting

Most work slows down around the holidays, but not the work of the Holy Spirit. Speaking of Wekiwa, we also celebrated their mission group organization. December and January were full of joy as we organized their mission group and three new churches: the flourishing community at Argyle Forest, the dynamic Tallahassee Spanish Church, and the thriving Haitian congregation at Mont-Galilee. These are just a few examples of how God is amplifying His message through the diverse tapestry of our Florida Conference family.

Youth Ministries

We praise God that our children and young people continue to choose Jesus in a secularized world. In January, 20 students made decisions for baptisms at the Southern Union Academy Prayer Conference in Camp Kulaqua; four students from Florida were baptized in the Spring and began a new life in Christ.

Innovus Innovation Center: Grand Opening

This year, we are also amplifying through innovation. On January 21, we celebrated the grand opening of Innovus Innovation Center. This state-of-the-art facility in Orlando will equip young minds to use their curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to explore, discover, and create to their fullest potential.

Looking Forward

Dear friends, we ask that you join us in prayer for the innovation center and for the projects the Lord has placed on our hearts for 2024: our lay evangelism training efforts through FCLIFE, the expansion of prayer ministries, our disaster response efforts, church growth and evangelism, and so much more.

We invite you to join us in amplifying the Gospel. Whether it’s sharing your testimony with a neighbor, serving in your community, or getting involved in your church or conference, each act ripples outward and makes a difference for Christ. I also invite you to join us at Camp Meeting 2024: Amplify the Gospel, whether in person at Camp Kulaqua or virtually through streaming.

Together, let’s make 2024 a year where the Gospel resonates louder than ever before.

WE WANT TO SHARE WHAT GOD HAS DONE IN YOUR LIFE

The Florida Focus is a place where you can share how God has impacted your life and others can be encouraged through the power of your testimony.

Whether you have an answered prayer, a testimony, a witnessing moment, a struggle that has been overcome, or any other situation where God revealed His Glory, other people can find inspiration and healing through your words.

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