Year End Review 2024

YEAR IN REVIEW

20 24

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Hello!

MY 2024 RABBIT ROOM COFFEE MUG! GETTING IT FILLED AT FOXTAIL COFFEE UP THE ALLEY.

If you were to visit me in the New Dimensions office in downtown Mount Dora, we’d go for a latte at Foxtail Coffee, up the alley and around the corner.

Or, maybe, a chai at Allisions Bakery across the street. Then again, if we wanted to eat, too, the coffee at Cody’s Cafe, on the lower floor of the onehundred-year-old building that houses our office, is great, too!

I love coffee. Actually, I love coffee shops better. I love the smells and, of course, the conversations. As I travel, I inevitably end up finding a good coffee shop. I love having good conversations over a cup of tea.

In 2024, I traveled a bit. I shared Jesus and encouraged believers and unbelievers, too. Mostly, I share from the stage. But over the last few years, I have discovered the potency of spiritual conversations over coffee. Sharing Christ over a latte is a good thing, too.

As my friend Tim DeTellis says, “Drink Coffee. Love Others”.

So, we've themed NDE's 2024 Year In Review around the love of coffee. And people!

Cheers!

Steeped with HIS Wonder,

January

A F R E S H P O U R O F 2 0 2 4 M E M O R I E S !

GULF BREEZE ELEMENTARY IN GULF BREEZE FLORIDA. ALWAYS A FULL HOUSE!

surprise evening for their pastor, Rev. Donnie Burchfield. This was a fun group! I was also invited to be with an exceptional group at the end of the month; Life's Choices, our local pro-life clinic, hosted “An Evening Of Wonder" for families at their Eustis, Florida clinic. The kids and parents had a delightful time! And so did I! Something Wonder-Full took place at my local show on the 27th! At the beginning of the month, I received a call from a television station in Nashville. They wanted to feature my late mentor, Fetaque, at the beginning of February for Black History Month. So, the reporter Forest Sanders (no relation

REPORTER & PRODUCER FROM NASHVILLE’S CHANNEL 5 NEWS, FORREST SANDERS. (NO RELATION TO FETAQUE)

to Fetaque) drove here from Nashville to attend my show and interview me, as well as friend and mentor Sammy Smith, who lives close by and introduced me to Fetaque when I was 18. The story came out beautifully! You can watch it using the QR link at the end of this report.

And speaking of Wonder-Filled events, my wife, Debi, turned 50 on January 16th! Leading up to the day, I planned "5 Days of Fun at 50!" The five days of Florida fun wrapped up on the fifth day with dinner and a private boat ride here in Mount Dora with friends. It was a simple celebration with some of Debi's closest long-time friends. Welcome to the 50+ Club, Debi!

February

SCOTT & TAMMY CALVERT, JOHN CALVERT’S WIDOW.

B O L D B L E N D O F L A U G H T E R , L E A D E R S H I P , A N D L O V E

I kicked off the month of February with a conference here in Orlando. Some of you have heard me speak of John Calvert, a friend who had a fantastic career as a movie star and magician and lived to be just shy of 103. Seeing his widow, Tammy, was a delight at the conference in Orlando.

On the 10th, I woke up at about 4:00 am, flew to Washington, D.C., and headed to be with Journey Christian Fellowship in Quinton, Virginia. It was the first Laugh All Night with New Missions of 2024. Being part of a Christcentered mission impacting the least of these is an honor.

BEAUTIFUL EVENING AFTER A LAUGH ALL NIGHT EVENT AT TRINITY LUTHERAN IN DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA

EXCELLENT CUBAN COFFEE IN WINTER PARK, FLORIDA.

GETTING READY TO LOAD IN AT JOURNEY CHRISTIAN IN VIRGINIA

Next up, it was back to the Florida panhandle for another school outreach event, returning to Dixon Primary in Pace for a full day of fun with kids, teachers, and parents!

Then, I hosted my local show, Mind, Myth & Magic, for two sold-out crowds here in Mount Dora.

Next was another Laugh All Night, three hours south in Delray Beach. Tim DeTellis, the president of New Missions, drove us to be with Trinity Lutheran.

It was a lovely evening connecting with new friends and seeing people give hope to children in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

I wrapped up the month attending the Florida Baptist Gathering in Orlando, a day of worship and teaching for leadership teams from around the state.

March

A R I C H B R E W O F C O M M U N I T Y A N D C O N N E C T I O N

March started with another sold-out weekend of my local event, Mind, Myth & Magic. The local show has been a delightful monthly performance in my community, Sharing Wonder with tourists, friends, and neighbors!

Then, it was a return trip to South Florida to be back with the families at Hagen Road Elementary for our school outreach event, The Pro Kids Show!

On the 17th, I preached here at First Baptist Mount Dora. I am honored to preach five to six times a year. This was my second Sunday sharing this year,

, THE NDS E I R !

TON NG F HING E-LO S F I A L IN W EING HILE T SE GREA FAMILY W IS GILL

A GREAT CUP AT THE GLASS KNIFE IN WINTER PARK

and it was great to be speaking on St. Patrick's Day! I brought in a bit o' history about Saint Patrick, too. (You can watch the sermon with the QR link printed at the end of this review.)

During the third week of March, I headed out early to Washington State for two Laugh All Night events in Centralia and Olympia. It was great returning to the Northwest, meeting new friends, and catching up with old ones!

Ray & Emily Gillis have been lifelong friends since we were all in the same small group class at church here in Florida twenty-some years ago. (Church small groups ARE essential!)

A CUP WHILE WRITING AT FOG & FERN COFFEE HOUSE IN LACEY, WA

LAUGHS ON STAGE IN OLYMPIA, WA.

April

B L E N D E D B L E S S I N G S

I started April with my local show and then popped down the road to First Baptist Central Florida for a Laugh All Night event. Once again, it was another great evening of fun while making a difference for children on the island of Hispaniola.

CHURCH OF THE CROSS, OCOEE, FL

Next, I participated in a two-day kid-focused event in Lakeland for Florida District Nazarene Advance, a training, teaching, and worship experience for pastors and leaders.

It was time for another school outreach, this time to a very special school: Prosperity-Rikard Elementary in Prosperity, South Carolina. I have been sharing at this sweet little school for twenty years. It was the last school I visited in March of 2020, just before everything for me stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LONG TIME FRIEND, AND FORMER PRINCIPAL IN PROSPERITY, SC, MR. TIM LYDEN

HAVEN COFFEE ROASTERS, WINTER HAVEN

GENESIS COFFEE IN NEWBERRY, SC

MY FAVORITE MUG. WORKING IN DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA.

Returning to such a welcoming school was an incredible experience. The response from the kids, teachers, and parents was encouraging, as always! Tim Lyden, the former principal I had worked with for most of the previous twenty years, even came back to the school to see me. It was a great day being salt & light in this place!

F A I T H F L O W S R I C H L Y W H E N W E G A T H E R , L E A R N , A N D S H I N E A S S A L T A N D L I G H T .

I wrapped up the month by attending a new conference just down the road in Winter Garden, titled Mere Christians: A C.S. Lewis Conference. I have been a Lewis fan since my college days, so my son Nate and I attended, meeting new friends and leaning into the fantastic writings of Lewis.

The event will be hosted again in Winter Garden, Florida, on May 2 & 3, 2025. See the QR code for a link to more information and to register.

A NEW FRIEND! FATHER ANDREW LAZO, MERE CHRISTIANS CONFERENCE.

MY SON NATE TAKING NOTES AT THE MERE CHRISTIANS EVENT.

FORMER ORLANDO NEWS ANCHOR BOB OPSAL & HIS WIFE, AFTER MY LOCAL SHOW.

May

MY SECOND COUSIN, ALLIE GRACE, AT HER BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP IN LAWRENCEBURG, TN. SHE MAKES A FANTASTIC LATTE!

E S P R E S S O E N C O U N T E R S : S H A R I N G W O N D E R , N E A R A N D F A R .

THE OLD SAINT JOE COFFEE AT THE YELLOW DELI, IN PULASKI, TN IS ONE OF THE BEST YOU’LL EVER HAVE!

Again, the first of the month kicked off with my local show, Mind, Myth & Magic, which had two sold-out audiences, including long-time Orlando news anchor and personality Bob Opsal. He had heard about the show from some friends, and he and his lovely wife loved every minute!

In the middle of the month, I traveled to Southeast Florida to return to Citrus Cove in Boynton Beach. We have been doing outreach events with this school for over 15 years!

Another Laugh All Night was on the schedule, this time for LifeBridge Church in Windermere, just down the road from Mount Dora. Fun Fact: This church opened years ago as a "Harvest Bible Chapel," and I performed for them during their opening weekend!

MY LONG TIME FRIEND, MEENA, BROUGHT A GROUP OF FRIENDS TO LAUGH ALL NIGHT WITH ME AT LIFEBRIDGE!

June

WAITING FOR THE DOORS TO OPEN FOR LAUGH ALL NIGHT AT LIFEBRIDGE CHURCH IN WINDERMERE, FL.

G R O U N D E D G R A C E

MY SWEET MAMA SHOWING OFF HER TSWIFT MUG. ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE HER WHEN I AM IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE.

My son, Nathaniel, left in midMay to serve as a volunteer for work staff at Lake Forest Ranch in Macon, Mississippi, for the summer. It was bittersweet knowing he'd be gone all summer—but so encouraging as he spent a week or two each summer there for his entire life until 2020.

I N

I preached again on the first Sunday of June here at First Baptist and then led our Vacation Bible School event.

It was a packed week! Little hearts drew closer to Christ during the fun-filled days.

WE CELEBRATED RACHEL’S 16TH BIRTHDAY ON THE 3RD OF JUNE!

Again, this summer, I led a small group of FBMD kids to kids' camp. As they sang, played, and deepened friendships, they also deepened their faith roots. Kids' camp can be a positive and vital part of a child's faith journey!

I also shared Wonder at United Church of the Nazarene in Orlando, helping them wrap up a week of summer outreach to their community.

At the end of June, I found myself back in Pekin, Illinois, with the wonderful people of Pekin First Nazarene.

I led a three-day family event, and we had a wonder-filled time of fun! More than twenty adults and children responded to the prayer room.

I wrapped up the month on the 29th with two incredible family events at Summit Church in Orlando.

Whew! What a month!

ABOUT TO ENJOY A CUP OF STRONG CUBAN COFFEE WITH NEW MISSIONS PRESIDENT, TIM DETELLIS.

AN EXCELLENT LATTE AT REVERENCE COFFEE IN EAST PEORIA, IL.

WORKING, WRITING AND WAITING TO HEAD TO AIRPORT AT THE PROTAGONIST CAFE IN ST. LOUIS.

ALWAYS ONE OF MY FAVORITE VIEWS; LANDING BACK IN ORLANDO AT NIGHT.

C O F F E E I S G O D ’ S G I F T T O M A N K I N D .

- R A L P H W A L D O E M E R S O N

July

S A V O R I N G T H E S T I L L N E S S O F A Q U I E T C U P

I am slowly learning to be more intentional about rest. Since June was a little over the top with both church events and my own, I purposely took no out-of-town events this month.

I had two small events in neighboring towns, Leesburg and Lady Lake. Although operating this work with a reduced income is challenging, God provided during the month, and all of NDE's needs were met.

(If you support this work, I am so thankful for you. As you may know, 100% of your donation keeps the ministry operating. I take no salary from NDE.)

So, July was restful as I continued to carry out my pastoral responsibilities including two second summer weddings! It was good to slow down this month.

August

F U L L R O A S T : M A G I C , A N D M I L E S T O N E S

M E M O R I E S ,

I helped lead my church at our Clothes For Kids event on the first Saturday in August. This is one amazing day that takes four months of preparation!

We provided over 1,000 kids with brand-new clothes, shoes, underwear, and more.

Once this massive event was wrapped up, I headed to Las Vegas to attend Magic Live! and hang out with 2,000 of my closest friends. Seriously, it was an excellent three days of learning and inspiration! This year's bonus? My son Nate came along! Thanks, Nate!

The day after we returned from Vegas, it was time to return to WonderWorks in Orlando. I've been filling in here for Tony Brent for eight years—thanks, Tony!

In the middle of the month, we started the fifth season of my local show, Mind, Myth & Magic. Not only did I "rebuild" the show over the summer, but I also began the new season in a brand-new location!

I had become friends with the sweet couple, Ben and Eve Passmore. As former overseas missionaries, they opened Eden Abbey Restaurant about three years ago, and I discovered their event space called The Vestry. They loved the idea of my show in that space—and so did I! Learn all about the show at the QR link.

THE AMAZING CHAPLAIN GARCIA AT HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL.

It was also a delight to return to Trinity Christian School for an evening assembly program this month. Then, I shared Wonder again with First Baptist Leesburg at their annual Widows Banquet.

The month wrapped up with another long-time school partner: Holy Trinity Episcopal School in Melbourne. I believe this was at least my 20th year kicking off their school year! Thank you, Chaplain Garcia, for a fantastic morning!

Special Highlight

August 20th marked our 30th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe so many years have passed—what an adventure for both of us!

We got away for a couple of days back to where we went on our honeymoon, even staying in the same little house that is part of the Fairbanks House Bed & Breakfast on Amelia Island, just off the coast of Jacksonville.

We had a delightful time, and I even discovered two new coffee places—yay!

Thank you, Debi, for 30 years. Remember those words on the sundial?

"GROW OLD WITH ME, THE BEST IS YET TO BE."

September

5 2 C U P S O F G R A T I T U D E : T E A C H I N G , T O U R I N G , A N D T U R N I N G T H E P A G E

The month kicked off with another in-person workshop I first hosted in the spring. This two-day teaching and mentoring workshop has been a great success. In May, I had three men participate, and this month, four more joined us from around the country. Both the spring and fall sessions have been very well received, and I’ll be hosting the third in February 2025.

Next, it was a quick trip to Charleston, South Carolina. This time, Rachel joined me as I returned to Orange Grove Charter School. Family night always brings a massive response—and this time was no exception!

In the middle of the month, I filled in at WonderWorks and hosted my local show, Mind, Myth & Magic.

I also turned 52 this month! If you haven’t yet, check out my post about it.

You can find a link to it with the QR code in this booklet.

October

S T R O N G B R E W : S T O R M S , S T O R I E S , A N D S H A R I N G W O N D E R

RECORDING MY BOOK FOR AUDIO. AND OF COURSE, A GOOD COFFEE TO KEEP ME GOING!

Florida dealt with two sizable hurricanes in just about two weeks, causing havoc in so many ways. Personally, my family, home,

and neighborhood came through remarkably unscathed. The church I serve had very minor damage, as well. Overall, our community was incredibly blessed.

In October, I had many church responsibilities, so I kept a lighter tour schedule. We had a super Laugh All Night up the road in Ocala at Marion Oaks Assembly of God. I also performed for a sold-out crowd at my local show, Mind, Myth & Magic.

This month, I finally accomplished something that had been on my "to-do" list for three years—I recorded my book, Sharing Wonder, as an audiobook! I am thrilled that it will be available to listen to!

Scan the QR code for more information on how to get the audiobook FREE!

November

G R O W T H

A N D

G R A T I T U D E

As we started toward the final few weeks of 2024, November brought great events and memorable family moments.

My son, Nathaniel, turned 18 and was accepted into the gap year program Impact 360 in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Founded by the Cathy family (Chick-fil-A), this immersive nine-month program has been lifechanging for many, including our oldest, Hannah, who was part of year eleven. I know it will be powerful for Nate, as well.

WHEN IN THE BIG EASY, CAFE DU MOND IS A MUST! (THERE’S ONE IN THE AIRPORT NOW!)

ONSTAGE FILMING LAUGH ALL NIGHT AT THE CREEK CHURCH AT THE CREEK CHURCH, SOMERSET, KY.

On the live program front, I started the month with an event for Hand-In Hand Recovery, a drug and alcohol inpatient Christian-centered rehab program in my area. They celebrated 20 years of service and honored the volunteers—it was a great evening!

Once again, I hosted Mind, Myth, & Magic to two sold-out crowds. Then, it was a quick trip to Somerset, Kentucky, to return to The Creek Church for a Laugh All Night live-taping event—what a fantastic night!

I wrapped up the month at Rainbow Christian Academy in Miami for a twoday family Thanksgiving event. I even had time to escape down to the islands of Key Largo and Islamorada in the Florida Keys for a few hours— such a beautiful place!

Finally, I shared Wonder at WonderWorks in Orlando on a couple of evenings. I was truly Thank-Full!

December S I P S

O F

C H R I S T M A S

J O Y

The first part of December found me returning for year 34 of Sharing Wonder at the City of Brentwood's Morning with Santa event. I also made a return visit to First United Methodist of Franklin—always a joy!

Next, it was my Christmas version of Mind, Myth & Magic here in Mount Dora, bringing festive wonder to the season.

An excellent evening in Rockledge, Florida, marked my final Laugh All Night event of the year. Finally, I wrapped up December with three days of matinee shows at WonderWorks in Orlando.

KIDHAMCKINS Recap “THE START OF” SERIES This 4-week series is all about helping kids discover and connect with Jesus in an engaging and meaningful way.

Perfect for building faith and creating memorable moments.

THE GREATEST LOVE & THE ULTIMATE LOVE STORY A heartfelt booklet that beautifully shares the depth of God’s love. It’s a simple yet powerful way to teach kids how much they are valued.

VBS PLANNER Keep your Vacation Bible School running smoothly with this organized and easy-to-use planner. It’s the ultimate tool to plan a stress-free and successful event.

“WELCOME TO THE FAMILY” BOOKLET Help new kids feel right at home with this fun and interactive booklet. It’s full of activities that encourage friendship, Bible learning, and creativity.

BAG TAGS Fun and meaningful tags with playful, faithinspired messages for kids to carry everywhere.

PRAYER KIT (CARDS,JOURNAL BOOKLET) A complete set to nurture a heart for prayer in kids, featuring interactive Prayer Ministry Cards to encourage prayer in all moments, a beautifully designed Prayer Journal for heartfelt expressions, and a poetic storybook that highlights the beauty and power of prayer.

EGGSPLORING JESUS (4-WEEK SERIES) A captivating journey through the story of Jesus, highlighting His death, burial, and triumphant resurrection, perfect for celebrating the hope of Easter.

THOUGHFUL CARDS A thoughtful collection of cards for every moment—whether it’s celebrating, comforting, or encouraging kids during tough times.

JOY BOOKLET Teach kids about finding true joy through faith. This booklet is filled with creative activities and reflections to help them connect with God on a deeper level.

Everything I’ve shared—links, videos, and all the good stuff— is right here! scotthumston.com/the-2024-year-in-review/

To donate or learn more, please visit: scotthumston.com

PO BOX 283 - MOUNT DORA, FL 32756

NEW DIMENSIONS EVANGELISM