12 JULY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition COMMUNITY NEWS Founded in 1926, the same year the Great Miami Hurricane forever changed South Florida, Christ Journey Church recently celebrated a milestone few institutions ever reach: 100 years of continuous service, community impact and ministry in MiamiDade County. The church commemorated its centennial anniversary with a weekend-long celebration culminating in a Birthday Bash and dedication of its new South Miami campus. Current and former members, community leaders, elected officials, ministry partners, and families spanning multiple generations gathered to celebrate. Florida State Senator Alexis Calatayud proclaimed May 24, 2026, as "Christ Journey Church Day." Founded as University Baptist Church in Coral Gables with just 78 members, Christ Journey rebuilt after the devastating 1926 hurricane and has remained a lasting presence in South Florida. Today, Christ Journey serves thousands locally and globally while remaining committed to helping people find and follow Christ. "What we celebrated wasn't simply a church anniversary," said Senior Pastor Bill White. "We celebrated the faithfulness of God and the thousands of people whose prayers, service, generosity, and faith helped shape Christ Journey over the last century… We're even more excited about the future." Two devastating backto-back earthquakes struck Venezuela Wednesday evening, June 24, causing widespread damage and collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas. Many are injured, and thousands are feared dead. The quakes came less than a minute apart and the stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor was the most powerful to hit the country in over a century. Local hospitals are overwhelmed and countless families are now homeless. Samaritan's Purse is responding to the hardest-hit areas. Their Disaster Assistance Response Team is flying to Venezuela to evaluate medical, water, sanitation and hygiene needs, with dozens more joining them in the coming days. They plan to airlift an Emergency Field Hospital to the area onboard their 767cargo plane as well as shelter tarp, solar lights, blankets and water filters. Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, urged supporters to “Please join me in praying for those who have lost loved ones and for the thousands of others who are suffering after this tragedy.” For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org. Christ Journey Church Celebrates 100 Years Senior Pastor Bill White, FL. Senator Alexis Calatayud, Executive Pastor Ryan Reed Caracas, Venezuela - June 25, 2026: Emergency services work at the site of a collapsed building in Caracas as rescue teams conduct search and recovery operations following a powerful earthquake. Samaritan’s Purse Responding in Venezuela After Massive Quakes Florida’s new “Security in Places of Worship” law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 23, takes effect July 1. Despite some confusion surrounding the legislation, the law primarily removes the requirement that churches, ministries, synagogues and other places of worship use state-licensed security guards to provide security services. According to Robert Dummett, Executive Director of InGauge of Polk County, the new law does not require places of worship to submit security plans to local sheriffs, conduct background checks on volunteer security team members, require state-approved training, or mandate concealed carry licenses except where school-zone laws apply. If a place of worship is located within 1,000 feet of a public or private school, armed volunteers must possess a valid Florida concealed carry license or a recognized out-of-state permit. The law also clarifies that places of worship are not required to provide security. However, organizations that choose to establish in-house security teams may use unpaid volunteers who serve only on property owned or operated by the religious institution. While the Florida Sheriffs Association recommends training, background checks and written security plans, those recommendations are not required by law. To help churches understand the new requirements, In-Gauge of Polk County will host a Guardian Training Class on July 11 from 1–4:30 p.m. For information, email [email protected]. New Law Governs Church Security in Florida
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