This lone state, extending from the U.S. into the subtropics, is in the south but shares little of the common culture of the other southeastern states. Now, except for the remoter towns in the center of the state, it is highly cosmopolitan and greatly influenced by its burgeoning transplanted population.
Comprising an area of almost 54,000 square miles, it contains a population of more than 17 million souls (the fourth most populous after CA, TX, and NY). Its growth rate from 1990 to 2000 was an astronomical 23.5%, almost double the national rate. Contrary to popular belief, those under age 18 in Florida are almost the same percentage as the overall U.S. population (about 4 million young people as permanent residents). Some mission field!
VISITING FLORIDA SHORT-TIME
With its nickname as “The Sunshine State,” it is no surprise that Florida is a favorite vacation spot not only for Canadians and Americans, but for visitors from around the world. It is estimated that about 75 million swelled the local population to enjoy its weather or visit its well-known tourist destinations.
Many believers from assembly fellowships are familiar with Florida as a vacation spot. It’s a great place to get away from the winter grays, isn’t it. But is that all it is to us?
True, the Lord Jesus instructed His disciples, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure…” (Mk. 6:31). He is not a hard Master and remembers that we are dust. Without our glorified bodies yet, it is wise to take some leisure to be refreshed to carry on in the service of the Lord.
But is it not possible to include in our holiday times a visit to encourage the local believers as well? (Please remember to ask your elders for a letter of introduction; it is a courtesy to the assembly you are visiting.)
Would it not be appropriate to take along some good gospel tracts to leave along the way? And we should always be on the watch for some weary soul who could use a word from the Lord through us.
SPENDING WINTERS IN THE SUN
Florida also seems to be ideal for older folk looking for a place unencumbered by ice and snow—to spend the winter, or to live year-round in their retirement. And if they feel it is a good way to spend their later years, who would begrudge or envy them? But again, this deserves some serious thought.
Did you know the Lord Jesus was in the resort business? Some time before the verse we read earlier, concerning the disciples resting, we read this: “And He went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them” (Mk. 2:13). Yes, always being about the Father’s business, on this occasion He made His way to the sea side, where many resorted to Him. Never missing an opportunity, He opened to them heaven’s treasures and “taught them.” No doubt, many of His hearers would never forget what they heard from His lips as they sat under a Middle Eastern sky by the lovely Galilean shore.
So in light of the example of Christ, may I ask a few questions respectfully of my senior brothers and sisters? Is it possible that you might, while enjoying the Florida weather, look for an opportunity to have more than a token ministry there as well? Would you think of choosing a smaller assembly of indigenous Christians to help and encourage, rather than flocking together with a host of snowbirds?
I spoke with an elder in an assembly there and asked him if any of the believers who winter in Florida ever asked the assembly if there were any they could visit. He answered, “We have many who come here for the winter, but just one brother ever asked if he might help by visiting, as far as I know.”
If you feel the Lord calling you to sunnier climes for the winter months, ask Him to show you where, and how you should spend your time. You might be happily surprised at the open doors He gives you.
EVER THINK OF PIONEERING THERE?
As one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. and with a population half that of Canada’s, it definitely needs more gospel work. Here is a sketch of the need for New Testament works, as far as we can ascertain:
In the Panhandle (mentioned in the last Uplook): Both Pensacola and Panama City are open fields for assembly planting. There are small works in Niceville (Fort Walton Beach area) and Tallahassie, the state capital. Both could use help.
On the Gulf: There is very little work to our knowledge from Marco Island in the southwest until you reach Tampa/St. Pete. There are small assemblies in Cape Coral (Ft. Meyers) and the Port Charlotte area. But what about these cities: Naples, Venice, Sarasota, and Bradenton? There is some possibility in the last two. There are several in greater Tampa (including relatively new assemblies in Clearwater/Dunedin and Land O’ Lakes), but a real need in the fast-growing Pasco County. A young couple have asked for those interested in the Lakeland area to contact them regarding possibilities there. And there is some interest in a new work west of Orlando, in Clermont.
In the Center: Archer (s. of Gainesville) has had a small work for some time, but there is a great field in this home of Florida State University. There is also a need in the Haines City/Winter Haven/Bartow/Lake Wales area. We’re thankful for nearby Frostproof.
On the East: Jacksonville lists 2 works, but this is a huge city; then St. Augustine and Palm Coast; and further south there is Titusville, Melbourne and a long stretch to Ft. Pierce. South of that there are some eager saints in the Jenson Beach area who presently meet with some from Jupiter/Palm Beach. South of this (the 3 most populous counties) are scattered a number of assemblies of varying strengths. Pray for Florida!