Summer 2026

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

LOVE BEGINS WITH GOD

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10

Before we ever chose Him, He chose us. Before we ever loved Him, He loved us. The greatest expression of that love was not found in words alone, but in the gift of His Son. Jesus willingly gave His life so that we could have eternal life. Imagine the worthy Lamb on the cross, for you and for me. What a privilege it is to be called sons and daughters of God. I hope that truth fills your heart with gratitude and confidence. The Lord loves you. He looks upon you with compassion and grace and declares that you are worth His sacrifice.

Throughout Scripture, we see a Savior whose love cannot be contained. In Luke 7, Jesus approached the town of Nain and encountered a funeral procession. A widow was burying her only son, the last source of companionship she had left. Seeing her overwhelming grief, Jesus was moved with compassion and said, “Do not weep.” He then touched the coffin and commanded, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” The young man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus restored him to his mother.

Jesus saw her pain and responded with love and compassion. That same Jesus still sees us today. He is the God who promises, “I will never leave you” (Deuteronomy 4:31).

When we truly experience that kind of love, it changes us. It is not something we can keep to ourselves. Think about someone who is deeply in love. If you ask them about the person they love, they can talk for hours. In the same way, when we fall in love with Jesus, His love overflows into every part of our lives. It shapes how we serve, lead, treat others, and share His goodness with the world.

In this issue of Florida Focus, you will discover inspiring examples of what it means to love like Jesus. Meet Florida Living residents who have transformed retirement into a season of serving others. Learn how Florida Conference students are using innovation and problem-solving to make a positive impact in their communities. Explore practical ways we can lead the way in demonstrating Christ’s love to those around us. You’ll also find opportunities to join together in fellowship through upcoming events across Florida Conference.

As we reflect on God’s immeasurable love, may we respond with hearts full of praise. “I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart” (Psalm 9:1). My prayer is that His love would be so real in our lives that it naturally overflows to everyone we meet.

Orlando Lopez Florida Conference President

Table of CONTENTS 4

LOVING LIKE JESUS

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LITTLE READERS

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INNOVATIONX 2026

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FLORIDA LIVING VOLUNTEERS

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: NTCA

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ABC SUMMER SALE ABC BOOK SPECIALS ABC FOOD SPECIALS ABC DELIVERY SCHEDULE UPCOMING EVENTS

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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

T H E C H U R C H AT I T S B E S T:

LOVING LIKE JESUS

by Amado Luzbet

As Jesus made His way through the crowd near Jericho, He stopped for one voice calling out above the noise. While many dismissed and rebuked Bartimaeus, a blind man sitting by the roadside, Jesus noticed and healed him, responding with compassion. In that moment, Christ demonstrated a love that sees people whom others overlook.

As the body of Christ, there are significant opportunities we sometimes overlook or unintentionally dismiss, moments rich with opportunities to reflect the love of Jesus. Weddings, funerals, the Lord’s Supper, and weekly Sabbath services are not merely events on a church calendar; they are sacred intersections where heaven touches a human experience.

To love like Jesus means to intentionally embody His character and slow down long enough to recognize the hurting, the lonely, and the forgotten. The love of Christ was never meant to remain confined to the messages we share on pulpits or the devotionals we read. It was meant to be seen, heard, and felt.

The church is at its most powerful when the love of Jesus is not only proclaimed on Sabbath but practiced every day of the week in our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.

Weddings celebrate covenant love and reflect Christ’s commitment to His church (Ephesians 5:25). Funerals create space for comfort and hope in the face of grief, pointing to the resurrection promise (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14). The Lord’s Supper invites us into a shared story of sacrifice, forgiveness, and unity (1 Corinthians 11:26).

Jesus modeled a love that was deeply relational and intentionally present. He met people where they were: at wells (John 4), at dinner tables (Luke 19:1–10), in funeral processions (Luke 7:11–15), and along dusty roads (Mark 10:46–52). He healed, listened, restored dignity, and revealed the heart of God through action. Christ’s ministry reminds us that loving like Jesus means showing up with love, grace, and truth in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.

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Weekly Sabbath services, when filled with genuine hospitality and spiritual authenticity, can become transformative encounters with God rather than routine gatherings. School functions and campus activities also provide meaningful opportunities to demonstrate Christlike love through encouragement, excellence, and presence.

Beyond church walls, we love like Jesus in the places we frequent every day. Our workplaces become mission fields when we act with integrity, kindness, patience, and humility (Colossians 3:23).

The way we treat coworkers, respond under pressure, and speak truth with grace reflects the character of Christ. Even our interactions while doing something as simple as shopping can reflect Jesus. How we speak to cashiers, respond when things don’t go our way, or notice those in need, can quietly preach a powerful sermon. Jesus taught that faithfulness in small things matters (Luke 16:10).

Practical ways the church can love like Jesus include cultivating a culture of listening, practicing radical hospitality, serving without expectation, and engaging our communities intentionally. Acts of compassion, mentoring youth, supporting families, and partnering with local needs make the love of Christ visible and credible.

"The love of Christ was never meant to remain confined to the messages we share on pulpits or the devotionals we read. It was meant to be seen, heard, and felt."

There is reason to be hopeful. The Holy Spirit is constantly at work in hearts and circumstances, preparing people to encounter God’s love. As Dr. Henry Blackaby reminds us in his book, Experiencing God, “watch to see where God is at work and join Him in His work.” When the church loves like Jesus daily, the world does not just hear about His love; it sees it lived.

Amado Luzbet is a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ who has been blessed with more than 30 years of pastoral ministry. In partnership with his loving wife, Jane, with whom he has shared nearly 40 years of marriage, the Lord has blessed them with two sons, three grandchildren, and one more grandchild on the way. He currently serves as pastor of the Kissimmee Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kissimmee, Florida, the constituent church of Osceola Adventist Christian Junior Academy.

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H E A R T, H A N D S , A N D H E R I TAG E :

T H E R E S I D E N T S O F F LO R I DA L I V I N G MAKING A DIFFERENCE

by Katty Castro

At the Forest Lake Thrift Store, the hum of activity isn't just about commerce; it’s about a mission. While many choose a quiet pace for their golden years, a dedicated group of women and men from the Florida Living Retirement Community has decided that "retirement" is simply another word for "service."

These volunteers are the backbone of an operation that provides for families in need throughout our area. From sorting through mountains of donations to mending torn seams or organizing toy displays, their hands are rarely still. According to Wynn Smith, director of Give and Thrift, “The gift of time these volunteers have given has helped in our mission of helping people. They have been God’s hands and feet, providing goods and services for our neighbors in the community.”

With decades of dedication, the commitment found within this group is nothing short of legendary.

• Beverly Walden, a powerhouse of service, has dedicated an incredible 29 years to the store.

• Shirley Menhart: 20+ years of faithful service.

• Noel Johnson: 15 years of consistent giving.

• Kathleen Johnson: Four years of vital contribution.

• Michelle Tombrello: Three years of energetic help.

• Emily Morada: Two years of fresh perspective.

• Kathleen Mitchell: More than one year of faithful service.

• Joy Gay: A strong contributor for years.

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More Than Just a Shift Spend five minutes in the back room, and you’ll see this isn't just a workplace, it’s a family with laughter, shared meals, and support. The real 'payoff' isn't camaraderie, but the impact: preparing clothes and household goods for local families. The greatest satisfaction is knowing that a child has a warm coat or that a family has a furnished home because of their work.

A Heart of Service Their lives embody Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." To Beverly, Shirley, Noel, Kathleen J., Michelle, Emily, Kathleen M., and Joy: Thank you. We're proud of your commitment and tireless giving. Thank you for your sacrifices and for making a difference in our community. You are the heart of Florida Living!

If you feel inspired to volunteer or donate, call the thrift store at 407-772-0441.

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: North Tampa Christian Academy Triumphs at State-Wide InnovationX On April 22, the halls of AdventHealth Orlando buzzed with creativity and problem-solving as students from North Tampa Christian Academy represented the school at the statewide InnovationX competition. In only their second year, NTCA students demonstrated that they are not just learners, but true world-changers.

InnovationX is a rigorous academic competition designed to prepare the next generation of leaders. The program is led by Robert Henley, Innovation Director for Florida Conference, and operated by Florida Conference Institute for Leadership and Innovation. Using the design thinking method, students must empathize with a real-world issue, define a specific problem, iterate solutions, and build a working prototype to test their ideas. To qualify for the state level, each team had to place first or second at local competitions.

Students presented their ideas to an elite panel of judges, including AdventHealth CEOs, medical doctors, professional engineers, and successful entrepreneurs. Presenting to a distinguished group of industry leaders was an invaluable experience for budding innovators.

North Tampa Christian Academy brought a powerhouse delegation of eight teams to the event, competing against 41 different teams from 10 different schools. NTCA is thrilled to announce that five teams placed in their categories, bringing home medals and trophies!

Special Honors: Innovation Architect Teacher of the Year Students' success reflects the faculty's dedication. NTCA is proud to share that Amanda Darsey was awarded the Innovation Architect Teacher of the Year. Her commitment to fostering an environment of "hands-on" learning and project-based excellence has paved the way for students ' victories.

With two first-place trophies and a haul of medals across all three categories, North Tampa Christian Academy has solidified its place as a hub for innovation. Students’ ability to tackle complex problems and engineer solutions provides immense hope for the future.

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6th Grade (Social Innovation) The Flow Station – 2nd Place (Natalie Lane Garcia, Nayi Caban, Sofia Ortiz, and Genevieve Rodriguez) O2 You – 3rd Place (Grace Lubin, Grace Duval, Makayla Bennett, and DeliaMarie Lawrence) 7th Grade (Entrepreneurship) G.O.B.L.I.N. – 2nd Place (Lilly Rollitt, Annette de la Rosa, and Cason Iverson) The Gauntlet – (Katie Javier, Ana Lopes, Zoey Davis, and Quinn Schlereth) 8th Grade P.U.L.S.E. – 1st Place in STEM+C Research (Ethan Louine, Nia Burton, Mia Standley, and Kaleb Perez) Dream Dialogue Pillow – Social Innovation (Isabella Jetter, Zhariel Wright, and Jonathan Mulenga) Upper School Excellence Flo Band – 1st Place in STEM+C Research (Nifemi Aladesawe, Kyra Cross, and Olivia Abiose) Electro Track – Social Innovation (Gabe Javier, Bryce Gilliam, and Arhan Ramachandran)

InnovationX 2026

InnovationX2026 brought together 100 students from Florida Conference schools to present innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Hosted through a partnership between AdventHealth and the Florida Conference Institute for Leadership and Innovation — the research and development arm of the conference’s Office of Education — the event featured projects in STEM+C Research, Social Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. More than 900 students participated across the conference, with finalists advancing to present before industry professionals and community leaders.

Student projects addressed issues in healthcare, sustainability, accessibility, and everyday life, including AI systems for Alzheimer’s patients, wearable technology for asthma detection, solutions to ocean pollution, and stroke rehabilitation devices. The event’s overall winner was Mateo Solorzano of West Palm Beach Junior Academy, who developed SoleuStim, a device designed to lower blood sugar levels faster and provide more affordable diabetes support. Judges and industry leaders praised the students not only for their innovation but also for their confidence, creativity, and commitment to improving their communities.

Scan for an inside look at InnovationX 2026

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U P C O M I N G

College Retreat July 30 - August 2 | Camp Kulaqua floridayouth.com

FCLIFE – Free Evangelism Training

August 2 | Markham Woods Church fc-life.com

High School Bible Retreat October 8-11 floridayouth.com/hsbr

Whole & Chosen Singles’ Retreat August 7-9 | Camp Kulaqua floridaconference.com/singles

Fit Together Health Retreat

Camp Kulaqua FundRace

September 11-13 Camp Kulaqua floridaconference.com/fittogether

September 13 | Camp Kulaqua OR virtually from anywhere! fundrace.run

Save the date! These are just a few of our upcoming events.

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FLORIDA FOCUS | SUMMER 2026

Marriage Retreat

September 25-27 | B Ocean Resort, Fort Lauderdale floridaconference.com/couples

Retiro de Parejas, Español

September 25-27, B Ocean Resort, Fort Lauderdale floridaconference.com/parejas

Free Savvy Financial Seminar Series - On Zoom August 25 | New Changes/Updates to Medicare September 22 | Asset Protection Trust/ Irrevocable Trust.

October 27 | End-of-Year Tax Strategies Email planned.giving@floridaconference.com to register.

Essentials of Fundraising Workshops – Virtual August 30 | Development and Planned Giving November 8 | Fundraising & Grant Writing floridaconference.com/fundraisingworkshop

Though rare, event dates are subject to change. Please visit floridaconference.com for more information and many more upcoming events.

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