ON A PERSONAL NOTE, 2011 WAS A GREAT YEAR

by Mike Cauley, D.Min.
Florida Conference President
In many respects, this past year has been a great one for the Florida Conference family. Jesus has drawn many to Him as His Word has been lifted up through evangelistic preaching. Many people have been introduced to the Savior. Churches and schools are becoming more and more characterized by a sense of mission in recognizing their purpose is to be God’s instrument to reach a world in need of His saving grace.
We have seen continual growth of enrollment in Christian education, and several churches are considering opening new schools. The publishing ministry in Florida continues to impact hundreds of thousands of homes each year, and our youth and young adults do most of this work!
We continue to see young and old members alike make decisions at special events, local church retreats, and Camp Meetings that are held annually at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs. After having conducted Camp Meeting at Camp Kulaqua for the past two years, I have been blessed to hear many testimonies of our members attesting to the blessing of this experience and how it is so reminiscent of the way Camp Meetings used to be.
Many churches are involved in some phase of building to further provide for the needs of congregations regarding facilities. Having the privilege of hearing reports from all across our field, it is gratifying to hear of so many miracle stories about how God is opening doors for congregations to expand facilities or occupy their own property for the first time.
On a personal level, my family has much to be thankful for. We celebrated the marriage of our daughter and her husband in September. We continue to enjoy the precious times we have with our son and his dear family, including our grandchildren.
As we open 2012, my heart is filled with expectation of God’s continued guidance and blessings. We will face challenges. Some of our members suffered great losses in 2011, and others may face hardship, but Jesus is coming. He is still in charge! Even in the face of difficulties, He will be at work and faithfully guide and comfort His people.
On behalf of the Cauley family and the Florida Conference family, I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year. Trust Jesus! He will never forsake you.
May God bless your hearts and bring joy to your family during 2012.