Good News - January 2020

Looking back on 2019, what surprised you the most on a personal, national or international level? I found the passage of the Repro- ductive HealthAct that was signed into law on January 22, 2019, in NewYork, to be one of the most troubling things I’ve seen all year. It expanded abortion for any reason through all nine months of pregnancy. Being a pro-life leader in the community, I see and hear a lot of dreadful things related to this issue. But, watching the governor of New York and pro-abortion supporters cel- ebrate the passage of this law was be- yond heartbreaking. But here in Broward, we are working diligently to protect the unborn and bring life to Broward. TewannahAman , President, Broward Right to Life I was pleasantly surprised this year by friendships with several Amish & Mennonite brothers and sisters in Christ. Participation in The Center for Serving Leadership’s Master Executive Cohort brought me to Ohio where several friend- ships formed, which allowed me to witness a unique lifestyle of excellence in almost everything, industrialism and a devoted faith to the Lord! Dr. Andrea Hazim , Founder and President, Elev8Life Educational Foundation In 2019 I was surprised, and shouldn’t have been, by how our great country despite unprecedented prosperity is being influenced by many desperately seeking to shift it from the values upon which it was founded. The respect for human life from the time of conception, a melting pot where people come and are merged into our culture vs seeking to undermine our culture, freedom to speak without being tagged and the respect for the office our president despite disagreement. This dangerous and slippery slope should be to us more than a warning sign but should instead be a flashing stop sign based upon the devas- tating examples we know from history. William “Bill” C. Davell , Director, Tripp Scott Attorneys at Law The ‘biggest’ event for PalmBeachAtlantic University in 2019 has been the construction of the eight-story, 510-bed new student residence on our campus. Construction has proceeded rapidly and we are thankful to Hedrick Brothers Construction, led by Dale Hedrick. The topping out will be December 18 and move-in date will be mid-August 2020. William M. B. Fleming, Jr ., President, Palm Beach Atlantic University 2019 was supposed to be the year of free wifi, flying cars, and world peace. Sadly these things were replaced by Tik-Tok, succulents, and the return of fanny packs AND mom jeans :( Bob Denison , President, Denison Yachting Perhaps it should not surprise me and perhaps we should not find it strange, but the level and depth of corruption in our federal government over this past year is absolutely beyond measure. Charles Bender , Founding President, Place of Hope Earlier this year I had the privilege of traveling with Governor Ron DeSantis on his first trade mission to Israel. I was most surprised at the love and respect for our delegation, our fellow Americans and the work of our President. I was further intrigued by the admiration of their leader by so many Americans and told that story to many in Israel. The work that was accomplished on this mission was important for our Florida higher educational institutions and many sectors of business. The Israeli people have accomplished so much with so few re- sources in a place where there is constant pressure on success and the very safety of their lives. Chip LaMarca , State Representative, Florida House District 93 This past year, 2019, was full of surprises for me: My oldest son, Tim, got engaged to Becky Keilin of DeWitt, MI, in May and married her in September. Two of my sons, John and Nathaniel, and their wives told Jennifer and me that they are expecting their first child in the first half of 2020. And, perhaps most surprising and at the same time disappointing, currently I am watching my third set of impeachment hearings which has only happened four times in our 243 year history. H. Collins Forman, Jr., P.A. Something the Lord surprised and delighted me with this year was that I was blessed to take university students from three different religions, Muslims, Hindus and Chinese, to the amazing Ft. Lauderdale Baptist Christmas Pageant and most of them cried over the depiction of Christ. Also, the Iranian said, “We don’t have joy like this in our religion, only sadness and mourning for martyrs.” She wanted to know more and is watching a movie about Jesus (according to the book of Matthew) this week. Yay God! Deborah Cusick , FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship As I look back on 2019, what surprised me most on a personal level was unexpected health crisis in my family. In your 40’s you don’t always anticipate hearing the words “your mom has cancer” or “your wife needs surgery.” While this is common for many, it hits one like a ton of bricks both personally, financially, and spiritually. The joy that is found in having a solid foundation in Jesus, the support that is found in friends, and the skill of medical professionals can be an unexpected blessing in times of crisis. Walking alongside the women you love, the children you raise, in the times of tears/doubt, and in the quiet times can be life changing. It’s a privilege to be part of the journey... and God can get the glory in your story! Dennis DeMarois , Executive Director, Gathering Palm Beach County Wants to Know… Andrea Hazim William “Bill” C. Davell William Fleming Tewannah Aman Bob Denison Charles Bender Chip LaMarca