Pressing On

Florida Ministers,

For one year, I watched as it sat in total silence. Gates closed, doors locked, and the lights were out. For the first time in decades, the Florida Campground was not bustling with the activity of multiple events that generally fill our calendar year.

However, a few months ago, we began to see some light at the end of the tunnel. With that glimmer of hope, we began to get ready for 2021. I will never forget the feeling of finally seeing people driving in. The first wave was precious people who were busy preparing the buildings for the events that were coming. It was refreshing to see the anticipation on the faces of those that were working to ensure an excellent kickoff for the New Year.

Buildings and equipment that had sat in utter silence were now back up and running. Excitement filled the air; we were going to, once again, gather back around the fire we've come to expect when we pull through the gates.

Of course, in the back of everyone's mind loomed many questions. But with measured steps, we forged gently but intentionally ahead. First, we had our District Conference. The people came, and the Lord met us there. Our Men's Conference would soon follow, and on the heels of that meeting would be our Ladies Conference. All three meetings were a great success.

Now, we stand at the precipice of our busy summer schedule. On June 7th, we will begin eight consecutive weeks of camps. Two Children's Ministry camps, three Youth Ministry camps, Camp Meeting, Spanish Ministry Camp, and North American Youth Congress (NAYC), live-streamed from the campground.

I want to applaud the efforts of our Department Directors and our District Board. Together, we have put measures in place to help these events get back underway safely and reasonably. We have a great district.

Jacque and I appreciate the support we have received over the last several months, and we look forward to seeing you at some point along the way this summer.

Steve A. Boyd
Florida District Superintendent