Good News - May 2026

Largest Christian Newspaper in America • goodnewsfl.org • May 2026 • Volume 28, Issue 2

PUBLISHER 6 MAY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition “I am reminded” is a common phrase we hear repeatedly when applying Scripture to parables in life. Over and over we surf through the 66 books like Matthew, Timothy, Luke, Proverbs and… gentle whispers live in our minds. What does it mean? What is the context? What will I learn from it? How can I use it? The surprise and discovery from seemingly ancient morsels of profound wisdom. The tendency to utilize AI and Google search can turn your mind into mush. AI is certainly more intelligent and thorough than my tiny brain I am reminded all too often, and it’s available at my fingertips, no less. AI is a drug, an amphetamine, but that’s a new story as I digress from the old story. I am reminded that during my early days in school, we sat in class to learn math and science. We learned how to count, we learned how to add and subtract, and then along came adding machines, slide rules, calculators and more recently computers… Ever watch a young person now try to make change from a $20 bill? It’s a social experiment in irreverent humor. I am reminded that taking geometry in school was not a waste of time. In my decadent early years, I won a lot of needed spending money shooting pool, diagnosing angles on a pool table. I still have a pool table in my house today, perhaps as a memory of some thrilling wins, but more likely the humiliating and humbling wounds to be overcome? Scripture offers profound reminders that guide daily life, providing comfort, wisdom and direction. My take-away Is that key lessons often include trusting in God’s presence, rather than fearing the future, forgiving others and maintaining a heart of gratitude. I am reminded to trust in God’s timing and plan. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds believers that God has a plan for a future filled with hope. I am reminded of kindness and generosity in Proverbs 19:17 that being kind to the poor is equivalent to lending to the Lord. I am reminded that words matter as James 1:19 advises us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.” I am reminded that life’s greatest lessons are often learned during difficult times and from your biggest mistakes. I am reminded that happiness comes from within. I am reminded that people will often disappoint you, and I am reminded to embrace change. I am reminded that the Miami Heat should’ve won all four NBA championships during the big three “glory years” of 2010 through 2014 not just two of them. I am reminded that the University of Miami Hurricanes should’ve never lost the National Championship in 2003 to the Ohio State Buckeyes because of a late referees’ penalty flag. Yes, I am reminded and even haunted by that; I will never forget that play. I am reminded that I will never forget the importance of Lifework Leadership, and the enduring lifelong friends I have made because of that experience. I am reminded of the many setbacks in life that I have unfortunately repeated and many that I have learned from. I am reminded of the love and joy of family and friends, the resiliency to deal with, process and overcome life’s disappointments, and the joy of triumph, praise God. Most of all I am reminded that in Hebrews 13:5 to keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Yes, I am reminded of that daily, inspiring me to stay focused, appreciative and humble. n - Leslie J. Feldman - Publisher On The Cover Good News honors the 2026 Women of Distinction with a striking cover photo taken at the elegant Coral Ridge Country Club, beautifully set along Bayview Drive in Fort Lauderdale. We extend our sincere thanks to the gracious staff for their outstanding hospitality and impeccable service. We are especially grateful to Managing Partner JJ Sehlke and his exceptional team for so warmly welcoming our honorees. Pictured from Left to Right: Alina Ali, Lisa Hughes, Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy, and Eileen LaMarca. Read the cover article on pages 24 – 26. Photo Credit: Luis Feliz, www.luisfelizproductions.com I Am Reminded Advertising: We reach over 110,000 readers each month. 80,000 in print and 30,000 via our online digital edition. Placing an ad in our publication is affordable and effective to help grow your business. Call us today! Distribution: Available in more than 800 locations throughout South Florida. To become a free distribution point for the newspaper, please contact Shelly. The Good News is published by Good News Media Group, LLC, Reproduction in whole or part strictly forbidden without the consent of the publisher. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Good News Media Group, LLC. 600 S.W. 3rd St., Suite 4000, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 954-564-5378 • www.goodnewsfl.org Publisher: Leslie J. Feldman [email protected] Editor: Shelly Pond [email protected] Advertising & Marketing: Robert “Buddy” Helland Jr. V.P. Sr. Marketing Manager [email protected] Art Director: Milton McPherson [email protected] Cover Photography: Luis Feliz [email protected] Associate Art Director: Joseph Sammaritano [email protected] Social Media Manager: Ariel Feldman [email protected] Editorial Assistant: Eric Solomon [email protected] Good News •May • Volume 28 Issue 2

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LETTERS 8 MAY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition A person tied up to politics has no ground to pretend he’s a Christian. - Rudy Santana All of GODS Promises are still true yesterday, today and tomorrow!! - Kenny Ashcroft God made a promise to Netanyahu? That’s funny. - Gordon Langley Someone should tell the Jewish people about the man named Jesus Christ! - Doug Updike Canada’s New Hate Law and the Future of Religious Liberty by Dr. Rob Pacienza, Senior Pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Dr. Rob Pacienza's article warning of the assault on religious liberty in Canada, and ultimately in the USA, was a welcome foray into the culture battles that are too often ignored by the church until it is too late. Government hostility to Christianity is exploding around the world while tolerance of, and outright support for, Islam and Sharia Law continue mostly unabated. Florida and Texas are leading the fight against this pernicious political system disguised as "religion" but, as Dr. Rob stated in his message, "The question is whether we will recognize the warning while there is still time to respond." - Mike McDermott Far too many critics of Israel and by extension, Jews, have apparently not been to Israel to see the mixed multitude of religions living and working together at all levels of education, occupation without restrictions, for themselves. - Bruce Portnoy Sad, the moral fiber of Canada, UK, etc. all around the USA is crumbling. And the USA was on the brink of doom when Pres. Trump was elected. He has made it known WE ARE ONE NATION UNDER GOD and has made sure we have religious liberty. Thank God for President Donald J. Trump. - Dorothy Ann Holloway-Taylor The problem is that “hate” laws are another way to stifle freedom of speech. In Great Britain, you can be jailed for criticizing Islam, but Muslims are free to disparage Christianity and Judaism. - Sean Tresach It becomes hate when you try and force your beliefs on others or try to persecute them simply for existing. You know, like the conservatives do to gay and transgender people and immigrants who aren’t white. Or to anyone who doesn’t follow their religious beliefs. - Cris Armbruster If a pastor in Canada calls out certain lifestyles as sinful then they are in big trouble. I am glad that the Equality Act never became law in the USA because Bible preachers here would be prosecuted for hate speech. Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil. Woe means that you are in big trouble with God. So, how are you doing? - Bill Myers Censorship is the beginning of fascism. - James L. Baker Hate speech is already criminalized in Canada, and rightly so. Bill C-9 prevents religion from being used to justify hate against other people as distinguished by race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. - Michel Fradette StrikeForce Giving’s Impact Exceeds $2 Million by Shelly Pond, GOOD NEWS Editor Thank you so much for highlighting StrikeForce in the most recent GOOD NEWS Magazine. We were truly honored, and the article you wrote was so compelling. We are deeply grateful for the work you do to keep our Christian community informed and connected. - Christine Auker Thank you for the AMAZING coverage of StrikeForce's season and history. It was a WOW for us. God is truly at work. With much appreciation… - Kim Kent The most amazing charity. Incredible how much they give to the community!!! Thank you. - Coni Rhudy Love StrikeForce and all they do, especially for SONrise Mission BTC. - Roselyn Ogbourne YES, Ladies!!! Thank you Good News. - Stephanie Weigle Such fabulous ladies!! - Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson We’re blessed to be a part of this community! - StrikeForce Giving Franklin Graham: Standing on God’s Promises to Israel by Franklin Graham, President and CEO, Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association No other grounds to stand on but faith in Jesus’ name. For Eternity. - Charles Burdine Absolutely God is always the same, he doesn’t change. The Jewish people are his chosen people. - Catherand Rock Without God in my life, I wouldn’t be here today. He is not the one who leaves us. We are the ones who leave him. - Rosie Robertson God said that Israel would never fall to another. It is in the Old Testament. - William Ball Every word of God is true. We serve a living God. His Word is alive and true. - Rhonda Nation PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 I Am Reminded – by Leslie J. Feldman WE GET LETTERS . . . . . . . . . .8 PASTOR PROFILE . . . . . . . .10 Pastor Virgil Sierra: Bridging Cultures and Generations at Vertical Church – by Anitra Parmele FAITH & CULTURE . . . . . . . .12 What Has Harvard to do with Jerusalem? A Christian Perspective on Higher Education – by Dr. Rob Pacienza IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . . .14 Franklin Graham: Until the Whole World Hears – by Franklin Graham PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Is Your Teen Caught in a Race to Nowhere? – by Dr. Bob and Torrey Roberts THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Be Filled – by Dr. O.S. Hawkins FOSTER CARE . . . . . . . . . . .20 The Origin of Home – by Andrew Holmes STEWARDSHIP . . . . . . . . . .22 Risk – by Patrick J. Kelly COVER ARTICLE . . . . . .24 - 26 Good News Applauds Women of Distinction 2026 – by Shelly Pond GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW . . .28 - 30 Who would you nominate as an unsung hero in this community that others should know about and why? HEART AND SOUL . . . . . . .32 The Place of Higher Ed in Civil Discourse – by Stephanie Bennett, Ph.D.; Intro by Dr. Debra A. Schwinn GOD STORIES . . . . . . . . . . .34 Ashley’s Story of God’s Relentless Pursuit – by Antony Tchividjian ENCOURAGEMENT . . . . . .36 Enough Is Enough – by Omar Aleman HOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 A Fragrance That Endures – by Joseph Kenner LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Going to Court in Florida: What to Expect – by William “Bill” C. Davell and Lexy Semino COMMUNITY NEWS . .42 - 43 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . .44 - 47 We Get Letters South Florida Edition • Good News • May 2026 • Volume 28, Issue 2 CONTENTS

10 MAY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition PASTOR PROFILE Vertical Church, in Sunrise, Fla., and its lead pastor, Virgil Sierra, share the same origin story — and it starts in a living room. "My father, Virgilio Sierra, Sr., never intended to be a pastor, but in 1993, a Bible study outgrew our house, and Iglesia Buenas Noticias de Fe (Good News of Faith) was born." By 15, Virgil was in Paraguay for his first missions trip and something clicked." That experience got my heart pumping for evangelism and sharing the gospel." He went on to lead worship, earn a master's in occupational therapy, marry his childhood sweetheart Gislaine, and launch Contagious, a Christian band that had him recording and touring internationally. At a church conference in 2014, Virgil sat in a session called "Burn Your Plows" about Elisha taking on the mantle of Elijah. Mid-session, he felt the Holy Spirit stop him cold: “Your time at the hospital is up. Your dad's getting older. You need to talk.” Down the hall, Gislaine was listening to Tom and Todd Mullins of Christ Fellowship speak on transitioning a church from father to son. "My salary as an OT and with Contagious was our main income," Virgil says, "but when I finally told Gislaine what I sensed God was saying, she looked at me and said, 'I was waiting for you.'" How did Iglesia Buenas Noticias de Fe become Vertical Church? We speak Spanish and English, so we started asking, 'What if the church looked like us?' We became one church, two languages. In February of 2015, we needed a name consistent in both languages and landed on vertical for our relationship up to the Lord. Same logo, same name, same spelling in Spanish and English. At Vertical, grandparents who speak Spanish and grandkids who prefer English can be part of the same church. How has your leadership style evolved in the past eleven years? Our leadership has evolved throughout the years as the church has grown. For example, the way we led and pastored the church when we were 250 members as compared to when we grew to 500, and then 1,000, and serving 2500 people in eight services for our special Easter services this year. Each season requires different leadership, skills and shepherding strategies. What keeps you up at night when you think about the church in South Florida? A 2020 Barna study said only 3% of Broward County would be considered evangelical Christians based on essentials like ‘the Bible is the word of God’ and ‘Jesus is the only way to a relationship with God.’ That’s a lot of people who don’t know Jesus. Because of that, I am passionate about raising up the next generation of leaders. I have a passion for training and equipping leaders and pastors, in both English and Spanish, locally, nationally and internationally. What do you think people misunderstand about Vertical? Because the church began in Spanish, English only speakers might not consider attending. I want them to know that like so much of South Florida, Vertical Church is multicultural, multigenerational, multiethnic. Everybody’s welcome here. We want Vertical Church to be a place where everyone can experience healing and restoration. What are the rhythms and practices that keep your personal relationship with Christ fresh? In my personal walk, remembering that God doesn't call me pastor has been so helpful. My wife is good at reminding me I'm just Virg, and I need that. Second is truly honoring the Sabbath by truly, truly honoring the day of rest. We forget it's one of the commandments. No Christian would consider committing adultery or murder but somehow working seven days a week is okay. Finally, the principle of tithing. God first, the first and the best goes to Him. I'm not an owner, I'm a steward. These things keep me, my family and my marriage aligned with a true view of who we are and who God is. Tell us about your wife, Gislaine, and your children. What are some of the pros and cons of ministry for them? It doesn't look the same for every pastor or church, but our skills complement each other, and we love having a together calling to ministry. Dr. Bob Barnes from Sheridan House counseled me, "Virgil, when you're praying to your Father, you're also praying to your father-in-law. Would you call your wife's father and complain about her?" That gave me so much perspective. We have three kids. Caleb, a senior in high school, Sophia, a junior, and Nico, in seventh grade, are all active and serving in youth ministry and church. We've found wisdom in mentors, counselors, and coaches who bring perspective. We're thankful our kids love Jesus, love the church and love us as their parents. As pastor's kids, we didn't want them feeling the pressure of others' expectations, so we remind each of them that God's view of them is what matters. What would surprise people about you? Number one, I'm passionate about basketball. I love it, I'm really good, and it gives me joy. I've been a Miami Heat fan since they started in 1988. Second, people might be surprised that I'm very goofy with those close to me. I like to be funny and make people laugh. And recently I've really gotten into fragrances and colognes. What advice would you have for your younger self? Everyone who starts with you may not finish with you, and that's okay. There are friends for a reason, friends for a season and even friends of treason. For any new church project, double the time and cost estimate. Enjoy the journey; don't rush it. A mentor is Dr. Sam Chand, who wrote Leadership Pain. The premise is you will only grow to the threshold of your pain. Most of us avoid pain because it isn't fun, but I can't choose both comfort and growth. God's calling us to grow, and that's going to cost us comfort. Is there an area where your position has evolved? In my later teenage years, I had tension around how the Holy Spirit works and the gifts of the Spirit. I wanted everything God has for me and He broke through in ways I wasn't expecting. Through our Freedom curriculum, we've seen personal restoration, inner healing and people filled with the Spirit. Early on, I underestimated how much people need spiritual breakthrough — whether healing from deep wounds or walking through true forgiveness. What does it mean to you to be part of Church United? When we look at the spiritual lostness, social pain and cultural brokenness of South Florida, no single church is going to make a dent alone. It's impossible. We need all Christian churches, pastors and believers pushing in the same direction — unifying, connecting, collaborating. I've been part of Church United since its inception and now serve on the board. Looking back, being part of Church United will likely be one of the most significant things I've done as a pastor. To learn more about Vertical Church or plan your visit, go to GoVerticalChurch.com Virgil Sierra Bridges Cultures at Vertical Church Anitra Parmele GOOD NEWS Senior Writer Photo credit: Leslie J. Feldman - Pastor Virgil Sierra -

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FAITH & CULTURE 12 MAY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition In the United States, higher education has become a growth industry. Since 1970, the number of college students has more than doubled. However, it seems that Americans cannot quite agree on what a college should do and what type of graduate it should produce. Some Americans want universities to be merely job-training institutions. Others want them to be hotbeds of political activism. Yet others want universities to produce culturally literate citizens. For Christians, this raises the question: “In God’s design, what is a university for?” More to the point of this article, “What is a distinctively Christian university for?” The short answer is that the proper purpose of a Christian university is to educate its students for witness. As God’s people, college students are called to witness to God’s goodness, his design for human flourishing, and his desire for human beings to be grateful learners, constructive citizens and productive workers. The slightly longer answer is that Christian education is a unique and significant endeavor to which the Bible’s grand story speaks. To that subject we now turn. The Bible’s storyline in relation to higher education The Bible’s opening narrative has implications for Christian higher education. In the first two chapters of Genesis, we learn that God created the world not only to have different kinds of animals and vegetation, but also to have different “kinds” of culture. Thus, as human beings we enjoy culture in various forms such as art, science, politics, entertainment, sports, business and — to the point of this article — education. Each kind of culture has its own unique purpose. Higher education is no exception. What, therefore, is the purpose of education in general, and higher education (colleges and universities) in particular? The purpose of education in general is to give students knowledge and skills that will help them mature intellectually, spiritually and vocationally, so they can be effective ambassadors of Christ. Thus, the mission of a Christian university should help students mature in this way by offering a curriculum that aligns with the Christian worldview. Of course, in a fallen world, many historically Christian universities (e.g. Ivy League institutions) do not strive to unify their courses around a Christian worldview. For example, a given university might hire professors who actively undermine the historic Christian faith. Or it might be that a university has inadvertently hired professors who do not have a fully formed Christian worldview themselves and thus wouldn’t know how to frame their courses in light of Christian teaching. Under these scenarios, the university’s educational culture is diminished and the institution suffers. We must pray that our evangelical universities unify their mission, curriculum and faculty around basic Christian truths. They cannot be content to deliver an essentially secular education with a few Christian insights tacked on here and there. Instead, they must consciously hire and develop faculty and administrators who frame their subject matter from within the Bible’s story about reality and who norm their lectures and research with the truths of scripture. Christian professors in the university community In America’s increasingly secular culture, the work of Christian professors may very well be mocked or excluded from broader educational discourse. In fact, this often happens. Consider the point made by John C. Green, political science professor: “If a professor talks about studying something from a Marxist point of view, others might disagree but not dismiss the notion. But if a professor proposed to study something from a Catholic or Protestant point of view, it would be treated like proposing something from a Martian point of view.” Similarly, historian George Marsden writes, “The fact is that, no matter what the subject, our dominant academic culture trains scholars to keep quiet about their faith as the price of full acceptance in that community.” Thus, Christian professors will find it challenging to introduce their ideas to the broader university community. The secularizing of American higher education — and the recent antagonism of the university community against the Christian faith — is distressing. Consider three ways this is seen. One, modern secular universities educate most of America’s students and, although aspects of their education are quite valuable, the graduates of those institutions are never taught to frame their subject matter within a proper understanding of overarching reality. Two, even worse, many students graduate thinking the Christian faith is not only irrelevant but backwards or even bigoted. Three, some of these students graduate with their faith intact but later become professors themselves and produce scholarly work that unintentionally is conformed to this world. There are, to be sure, Christian professors on the front lines of secular education, revealing gospel truth to their students. But their job is not an easy one and often goes unnoticed. Faithfulness and excellence for the sake of witness In light of God’s design for higher education, and the significance of colleges and universities in the Christian mission, let us pray for our Christian university administrators, teachers and scholars that God will enable them to fulfill their vocations with faithfulness and excellence. Regarding faithfulness, let us pray that God will guide them to frame the teaching-and-learning process in light of the Christian worldview. In The Idea of a Christian Society, T.S. Eliot writes, "The purpose of Christian education would not be merely to make men and women pious Christians… A Christian education must primarily teach people to be able to think in Christian categories.” Regarding excellence, let us pray that God will guide them to be excellent in their classroom instruction, their scholarly publications and their public speaking opportunities. Dr. Robert J. Pacienza is the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and the CEO and President of Coral Ridge Ministries. - Dr. Rob Pacienza - Senior Pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church What Has Harvard to do with Jerusalem? A Christian Perspective on Higher Education View of the architecture of the famous Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA showcasing it brick buildings with some students and locals passing by .

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14 MAY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition IN THE WORD Jesus’ last command to His disciples — before ascending into Heaven some 40 days after His victorious resurrection from the grave — were: “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to preach the Gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ near the southernmost point of South America — literally the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit moved mightily during the twonight Esperanza Ushuaia Festival, as hundreds of people in the capacity-filled auditorium and overflow area repented of their sins and professed Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. During my evangelistic visit to this Argentinian city, often called the “End of the World” and just 650 miles away from the frozen continent of Antarctica, I thought about the beginnings of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s (BGEA) global mission to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. It all came about because my father took Christ literally when He said in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” By the time my father joined our Lord in Heaven eight years ago, he had preached the Gospel to more people in person than anyone else in history — nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through the internet, radio, television, video and film. Last month, during the Esperanza Lima Festival, I preached on the western coast of central South America in the capital city of Peru, originally called the City of Kings. The power of the Holy Spirit was once again undeniable in this desert region at the foot of the Andes Mountains, as thousands of people made their way to the front of the staging area from across the massive National Stadium of Peru in response to the Gospel invitation to profess Jesus Christ as their Savior, Lord and King of kings. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read about Jesus’ encounter with His disciples in Galilee following His resurrection from the grave. And what He had to say then remains the marching orders for BGEA, now in its third generation. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20). After conquering sin and the grave, our Lord and Savior quickly and emphatically declares, in no uncertain terms, that His mission for His disciples then— and His followers now — is to take the Gospel to every nation on the globe until He returns to rapture His Bride, the church. Since 1989, it has been my joy and privilege to proclaim that same Gospel message at more than 345 outreaches in 50 U.S. states and three U.S. territories, and in more than 55 countries. Last year alone, by God’s grace and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, I was blessed to preach to over 430,000 people in Ethiopia. I shared the Gospel in London and Belgium, and held a two-day Festival in Buenos Aires, Argentina. And this year, I’ve shared the Good News in Siem Reap, Cambodia; Ushuaia, Argentina; and Lima, Peru. Lord willing, I will preach the Gospel later this year in Madrid, Spain; and Manchester, England. Meanwhile, my son Will is scheduled to proclaim the soul-saving message of Jesus Christ — the Way, the Truth and the Life — in Japan, Korea, Canada and Brazil. I am compelled to share the truth of God’s love, compassion and mercy for sinners because I’ve experienced it myself. Ever since I repented of my sins and surrendered my life to Christ more than 50 years ago, I’ve never been able to ignore or escape the personal responsibility for answering the Apostle Paul’s soul-searching questions in the Book of Romans. “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15). BGEA takes the Gospel to the ends of the earth —empowered by your faithful prayers and intercession for those eternally lost without Christ — because God’s Kingdom transcends nations — past, present and future. His Word is clear: “For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28). The future of all nations is equally clear: “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You” (Psalm 22:27). Conversely, “For the nation and kingdom which will not serve You shall perish; and those nations shall be utterly ruined” (Isaiah 60:12). This is because, as God says, “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10). Finally, God will be exalted among the nations in Heaven as well. John envisioned “a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb …” (Revelation 7:9). As Bible-obeying Christians, we have the privilege and responsibility to share the Good News of the Gospel as we go about our daily lives. Faithful Christ-followers embrace Jesus’ command, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Last words often have a profound impact on listeners, especially when they come from loved ones. Jesus displayed the ultimate act of love by shedding His blood on a cross and defeating death so that sinners may be forgiven and eternally reconciled with a holy and righteous God. How then, can we not obey Jesus’ final command to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth? ©2026 BGEA Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version. Decision magazine, April 2026; ©2026 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; used by permission, all rights reserved. Photo Credit: BGEA Franklin Graham: Until the Whole World Hears - Franklin Graham - President and CEO, Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association BGEA takes the Gospel to the ends of the earth — empowered by your faithful prayers and intercession for those eternally lost without Christ — because God’s Kingdom transcends nations — past, present and future. “ ”

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16 MAY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition PARENTING There was a movie circulating a few years ago that, in its time, caused quite a stir. The documentary movie: “Race to Nowhere.” The theme: we are jamming our high school students into such a frenzied schedule that they are missing the teenage years and learning to run rather than think. It can be found on YouTube today. It would be a good watch because even though we were shocked 10 years ago at the pressures on our teens, we didn’t change it. In fact, there seems to be even more pressure. The documentary follows four high performing teenagers in one family. It might be only one family, but this family does a great job of representing the American family. The overall goal revealed by this family’s schedule for the teens was expressed by the oldest child, a high school senior. “Our constant job is to Perform, Perform, Perform!” The reasoning behind the blinding schedule: “This is what you have to do to get into a great college.” As the camera followed the family, the teens got out of bed at dawn, caught up on remaining homework, threw down a breakfast on the way out the door and raced to school. One got up even earlier to get to swim practice. After school, more practice, race home, start homework and then to bed hopefully before midnight. Then the blinding routine began all over again, with a sprinkling of other activities such as church, dance or music lessons thrown in. What is the goal of parenting a teen? Watching these teens was exhausting. Realizing they are just like our homes was discouraging. What is the goal of parenting a teen today? There have always been many things for high school students to do. In the past, they raced home to help their parents with the farm or general store. But those chores made sense. Those activities helped the family and made the teen feel like a member of something larger and more important than themselves. The sole goal of parenting was not to get them into a great college. The goal was to raise an adult who knew who he was, not just how much he could accomplish in a day. For today’s teen, everything boils down to “A’s.” Perform perfectly in school to make “A’s”, be an outstanding athlete and excel at something cultural, such as playing the piano — an existence that values the teen by his performance. Could it be that we are afraid there actually might be a verse somewhere that says, “Idle hands are the devil’s tool.” But constantly busy hands raise young adults with idle brains. The more likely answer is that we aren’t sure what to do with our teens, or we are afraid that if we don’t keep them busy, they’ll spend their lives on YouTube or TikTok or gaming and be unduly influenced or tempted by people we don’t know. Develop the whole teen It’s time for parents to look at the hamster wheel their kids are on, because, like a hamster wheel, it gets them nowhere. It’s time to stop the horrendous schedules and say enough. It’s time to admit that “getting into the top college” isn’t really the goal. It’s time to develop the WHOLE teen rather than just the body and the intellect. Parents have been duped into believing that the only things they bring to the teen’s training process is transportation. Arrange our schedules around the teen’s performance activities and to get them there on time. Little wonder parents are losing their teens when they go to college. We never had them to begin with. When our teens have been led to believe they are valued by performance, they will get to college and perform for professors, fraternities, peers and the people they date. Back up, look at what your teen really needs and change your schedule accordingly. Your teen needs you. It doesn’t take a village to raise a child. It takes a parent. What if we made choices and said that one sport a year was all each child was going to participate in? What if we really believed that being family was important, and we decided to have a family night once a week? What if we played games and laughed? What if we spent time together rather than racing our children out the door to nowhere? This will take focus on a parent’s part. It will initially be awkward for teens — awkward because they don’t know how to be a family member. They just know how to perform. When the mother of the family being filmed saw the film and the way they were driving her family, she burst into tears. But she also did more. She took steps to make changes so that her teens could be human beings rather than “human doings.” Pause and reflect As we wind down the school year, pause and take a breath, then take a moment to look at your family's schedule. Does it match up with the goal of raising a godly adult who is marriageable AND employable? We are allowed to say no to the pressure on our kids. We should be teaching and training them to find a balance in work and home life. That starts when they are in your home. Take this summer season as things are a little quieter to prioritize what the fall and next school year will look like! Visit parentingonpurpose.org for more advice from Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts. - Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts - Sheridan House Family Ministries Is Your Teen Caught in a Race to Nowhere?

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THE CODE 18 MAY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition There is only one commandment in all the Bible related to our relationship with the Holy Spirit. It is found in Paul's letter to the Ephesians: "Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5'18). Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not an option for the believer. It is imperative for Christian living. Every verb has a number, a tense, a voice, and a mood. When dissecting this phrase — "be filled" — in its original language, we find that the number is plural, meaning everyone, all of us. The tense is present, meaning it is to be a continual, ongoing action, not a one-time event. The voice is passive, which indicates that the subject does not act in and of itself; it is acted upon by another. Finally, the phrase is presented in the impressive mood, signifying that it is not a suggestion or something to think about; It is a mandate, a command to incorporate. Putting this all together then, we find that Ephesians 5:18 can more directly be translated as "all of us must always be actively being filled with the Spirit." The Bible draws a stark contrast between the negative admonition to "not be drunk with wine" and the positive command to "be filled with the Spirit. " I have found, however, that there is not much balance in the emphasis between these two commands in many of our evangelical circles. The positive command to be filled with the Spirit of God should be just as important to us as the negative one not to be drunk with alcoholic beverages. Think about lt. Next Sunday, what would happen if the preacher stumbled up to the pulpit, stammered through the reading of the Scripture with a slurred voice while staggering to and fro from one side of the pulpit to the other? A drunk preacher is in no condition to preach — we can all agree on that. But that is only half the story. A preacher who is not filled with the Spirit of God is equally in no condition to stand behind the sacred desk or preach. Influence and power Much of the issue with many today is found in two words: influence and power. Look at the early believers in Jerusalem. They had little political capital and zero influence with virtually anyone. They did not even have enough Influence to keep Peter out of prison. But they had enough power to pray him out (Acts 12). What a difference the church could make in our world if we rediscovered the difference between having influence and having spiritual power by being filled with the Spirit. The result of the Spirit's fullness in our lives is always a new source of power. Jesus said, “You shall receive power.” When? "When the Holy Spirit has come upon you" (Acts 18). When we are not being filled with God's Spirit, we grieve Him. The Bible admonishes us, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). Most of us have at some point in life experienced real grief and can remember the emotion it brings. But did you know that when we are not allowing the Spirit to control every aspect of our lives, we are grieving Him? We can also quench His work when we do not allow Him to fill us with His presence and power. We are admonished not to "quench" the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5.19). That means a person who is not filled with God's fullness can actually quench or stymie the work of God in themself or in others. More of Him God's desire is that in place of always trying to get more of Him (remember He is a person, not a substance), we instead give Him more of us, daily surrendering every area of our lives to His Lordship, coming clean in daily confession, crowning Him as Lord of all, and claiming His promise that we can be filled by faith. Our greatest need is power to overcome and live in victory, and the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead lives in me and in you. As a believer you have no more option in being filled than you do in whether you will make your house payment or pay your taxes. It is God's command: "Be filled with the Spirit!" (Ephesians 5:18). Taken from The Spirit Code by O.S. Hawkins. Copyright © 2024 by Dr. O.S. Hawkins. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. O. S. Hawkins, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, is a graduate of TCU (BBA) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv, PhD). He presently serves as Chancellor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the former pastor of the historic First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and is President Emeritus of GuideStone Financial Resources, the world’s largest Christian-screened mutual fund serving 250,000 church workers and Christian university personnel with an asset base exceeding twentyfive billion dollars, where he served as President/CEO from 1997-2022. Hawkins is the author of more than fifty books, including the best-selling Joshua Code and the entire Code series of devotionals published by HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson with sales of more than three million copies. Criswell: His Life and Times is the sequel to his previous book, In the Name of God: The Colliding Lives, Legends, and Legacies of J. Frank Norris and George W. Truett. He was recently inducted into the White Rose Society by Israeli President Isaac Herzog for his long-standing support of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. He is married to his wife, Susie, and has two daughters, two sons-in-law, and six grandchildren. Visit him at OSHawkins.com and follow him on X (Twitter) @OSHawkins. - Dr. O.S. Hawkins - Chancellor, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Be Filled! Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The Holy Spirit hovers in radiant light, between two adoring angels. France.

FOSTER CARE 20 MAY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition Where home begins As we step into May, I find myself returning to a question that feels both simple and profound: Where does home begin? We talk about home in many ways — a place we live, a feeling we carry, the people who steady us and remind us who we are. But the more I’ve sat with it, the more I’m realizing that home didn’t begin with us at all. Home has an origin and that origin matters more than we might think. A home created first In the opening pages of Scripture, before there were families, before there were systems or structures, God did something deeply intentional: He created a home. Before humanity ever took its first breath, a place was prepared — a garden, filled with provision, beauty and presence. This wasn’t rushed or improvised, it was thoughtfully formed. It’s striking when you slow down long enough to see it. God didn’t create people and then figure out where they would belong. He created a place of belonging first. Home, in its truest definition, was always part of His design. And that reframes something for me. Home is not simply something we build over time. It’s something we were created for from the very beginning. More than a place We often say that home is more than a place. And the more I’ve reflected on that, the more I’m realizing how true it really is, not just as an idea, but as something we all feel. Because home has always been connected to presence. In the garden, God didn’t just create a physical environment. He created a space where He would dwell with His people — where there was connection, safety and peace. That’s what made it home. And that’s what we’re still longing for today. Not just structure, not just stability, but the kind of presence that allows a person to exhale. The kind of environment where hearts can begin to settle, where identity can take root and where healing can unfold over time. What this means for us When we begin to see home this way, it changes how we approach the work in front of us. At 4KIDS, we are not simply responding to needs as they arise. We are stepping into something far more sacred. We are participating in the restoration of what home was always meant to be. Yes, that includes preparing physical spaces, it includes supporting families and it includes walking alongside children with care, consistency and patience. But it also means helping to create environments where presence is felt, where safety is restored and where a child can begin to rediscover what it means to be known and valued. In many ways, we are helping to reintroduce the experience of home, not just as a place, but as something deeper, something whole. Home for every child This is why we continue to move toward a vision of home for every child. Not simply placement, and not simply a temporary solution, but the fuller expression of home — where a child experiences stability, connection, identity and healing over time. Because when we understand where home begins, we begin to see that it was never meant to be limited; it is something every child was created to experience. An invitation for May May is National Foster Care Month, and it’s always a meaningful time for us as an organization. It’s a time to pause and reflect, to pray, and to consider how each of us might take a step toward extending home to others. That step can look different for each person. For some, it may be opening your home. For others, it may be supporting families who are already doing so. For many, it may be giving, serving or simply choosing to stay engaged in the work. But at its core, the invitation is the same: to participate in something that began long before us. To reflect the heart of a God who created home with intention, and to help extend that reality to children and families in our own community. Because when we understand where home begins, we can begin to bring home to others. Since September 2024, Andrew Holmes has been serving as the President of 4KIDS--a ministry that provides Hope, Homes, and Healing to kids and families in crisis. Learn more and catch the vision of a home for every child at 4KIDS.us. The Origin of Home - Andrew Holmes - 4KIDS President

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STEWARDSHIP 22 MAY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition According to Sikorsky, the UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine medium-lift utility helicopter. Its development began in the 1960s when the U.S. Army recognized the need for a more capable helicopter following experiences in Vietnam. It was officially introduced into service in 1979. The Black Hawk is known for its robust design, featuring dual engines, advanced avionics, and a spacious cabin that can carry up to 20 personnel or significant cargo. It can achieve speeds of over 200 mph. The helicopter's design enables troop transport, medical evacuation and special operations. The Black Hawk has accumulated millions of flight hours and has been modified for various roles, including electronic warfare and search and rescue. Over the years, several variants of the Black Hawk have been developed, including the UH-60L and UH-60M, which feature enhanced capabilities and improved performance. The helicopter has been exported to numerous countries and presently serves in various capacities, including law enforcement and search and rescue missions. One key to its success is the built-in redundancy throughout the aircraft, ensuring safety and endurance. The Bible tells of many people groups, nations and individuals who sought to persecute, oppress, attack or destroy Israel. Modern-day Iran is just the latest in a long lineage, and a significant one at that. As another recently wrote in the Good News, “Did you know that in the year following Hamas’ evil attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, more than 10,000 antisemitic incidents were documented in the U.S.? Now, more than ever, Christians should stand with Israel and the Jewish people.” This brought Hillel the Elder’s thoughtful questions to mind: If not this, what? If not now, when? Safety and endurance Similar to the Black Hawk, safety and endurance are important focal points when investing. The Iran conflict showed many of us this in real-time, as most assets, except for energy-related ones, immediately came under significant pressure. That pressure is often where human emotion trips up a speculator, while an investor is better able to keep emotion in check. Well-researched investments with a margin-of-safety, low debt and wide business moats give investors the confidence to hold their positions during volatility or even increase exposure. On the other hand, a speculator often panics and sells when asset values drop, frequently at the worst possible time. Moreover, those exposed to illiquid assets realize the previously unnoticed peril their capital may be facing. Stress in the market allows us to draw upon the investing wisdom of Warren Buffett. Insurance underwriting has long been a major part of Berkshire Hathaway’s business, so it’s no wonder that risk has captured much of Buffett’s attention. And he possesses a very different observation on risk than what we typically hear from most financial commentators who emphasize metrics like beta or standard deviation. In finance, volatility is often used as the benchmark for risk, but this creates the false impression that an asset becomes riskier simply because its price drops — the complete opposite of how an investor views a lower price. According to Buffett, risk is the chance we will suffer a permanent loss of capital. Thus, a lower price doesn’t define risk, and it often presents opportunity. Experiences Experiences shape our thinking. If we’re young, we know stocks can drop quickly. But experience also tells us they rebound to new highs. If we’re older bond investors, we know almost nothing but decades of falling interest rates and equitylike returns. Those who lived through the 1929 market crash were deeply scarred, and many avoided investing in stocks for decades afterward. The same could be said about those who experienced the 2007-09 financial crisis. Our recollection of the past can mislead us. Experiences can help point us toward the future, but only if that future looks like the parts of the past we’ve already lived. And often, it doesn’t. Given recent market oscillations, it’s worth examining our market beliefs—asking ourselves whether they’re actually valid. As we do so, we should consult the longest-term data available, to capture periods we didn’t experience personally. Having a fuller grasp of market history can help tame our emotions when facing falling asset prices. Importantly, we should also take an honest look at whether we’ve been involved in speculation or actual investment. We have a personal stake when it comes to military conflict. Our son is a U.S. Army Captain, Medevac Company Executive Officer and pilot. He flies Black Hawk helicopters on life-saving rescue missions. Through occasional near-death experiences, every Black Hawk pilot and crewmember grows to value the safety and endurance features built into their aircraft. Likewise, successful investors value safety and endurance in their investment decisions, with a clear-eyed understanding that risk is the chance of suffering a permanent loss of capital, not daily swings in prices. Patrick J. Kelly has spent more than four decades at the most senior levels in the financial services industry. He has held executive leadership positions in banking and securities firms, served numerous profit and nonprofit boards, possesses advanced education in economics, accounting and finance, and has been a featured guest in numerous financial media forums. At present, he endeavors to impart his experience and knowledge to younger generations whenever possible while also offering consultation on securities and banking industry practices for litigation-related expert witness testimony. - Patrick J. Kelly - President, Kelly Advisory Group Risk Captain Patick Kelly in a Black Hawk helicopter on a search and rescue training mission in Alaska.

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