HIALEAH, Fla. — August 1, 2026 —The Southeastern Conference members and leaders from South Florida Hispanic Community gathered at Pilgrims Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hialeah, Florida, for a dynamic Discipleship Conference designed to equip believers to become more effective leaders and followers of Jesus Christ. Hosted by Pastor Ruber Alvarez, senior pastor of Pilgrims Seventh-day Adventist Church, and organized by Dr. Juan Gonzalez, Stewardship Director for the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SEC), the conference provided practical, biblical, and inspiring messages on discipleship from multiple ministry perspectives.

Throughout the day, four Southeastern Conference ministry directors challenged attendees to deepen their commitment to Christ while discovering practical ways to disciple others within their churches and communities.

One of the morning highlights featured Pastor Olinto Groce, SEC Sabbath School, Children’s, Personal, and Prison Ministries Director. With Spanish interpretation provided by Esmeralda Harris-Guzman, Pastor Groce presented a compelling Bible study on discipleship using the account of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5:18–20.

Pastor Groce reminded attendees that the transformed man first ran to Jesus, experienced complete restoration, and was found “in his right mind.” Although the man desired to follow Jesus physically, Christ commissioned him instead to return home and share with his family and friends the wonderful things God had done for him. This biblical example illustrated that every believer is called to be a disciple by sharing their testimony, introducing others to Jesus, and mentoring them in their spiritual journey.

To reinforce the lesson, Pastor Groce engaged participants with an interactive handout, encouraging them to identify practical ways they could become intentional disciple-makers. His presentation emphasized that discipleship is more than church attendance—it is a lifelong commitment to leading others into a relationship with Christ and nurturing their spiritual growth.

Conference organizer Dr. Juan Gonzalez delivered a powerful sermon centered on obedience and sacrifice, drawing from the story of Abraham and Isaac. He highlighted Abraham’s unwavering willingness to obey God’s command to offer his beloved son and Isaac’s remarkable trust and submission. Dr. Gonzalez then pointed the congregation to God’s provision of the ram as a substitute sacrifice, reminding listeners that this event foreshadowed Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, whose sacrifice secured salvation for humanity.

His message challenged attendees to consider whether they are willing to surrender everything to God in faithful obedience, trusting Him even when His plans are difficult to understand. The sermon deeply moved the congregation and set a spiritual tone that carried throughout the remainder of the conference.

Following the morning sessions, the church’s hospitality ministry served a nutritious and delicious lunch that provided fellowship and renewed energy for the afternoon presentations. The warm fellowship reflected the welcoming spirit of the Pilgrims church family and encouraged participants to remain engaged throughout the day’s activities.

During the afternoon, Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Health and Possibilities Ministries Director for the Southeastern Conference, presented “Your Health Matters,” emphasizing that caring for the body is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship and faithful stewardship. With Spanish interpretation provided by Esmeralda Harris-Guzman.

Using Scripture and practical health principles, Dr. Sankey-Battles reminded participants that the body is God’s temple and that honoring Him includes making healthy lifestyle choices. To reinforce this message, she taught the congregation an engaging song entitled:

“My body is the temple of God; whatever I eat, drink, and do, do all to the glory of God.”

The congregation enthusiastically joined in singing, creating an atmosphere of joyful participation while reinforcing biblical principles that attendees could easily remember and share with others.

The conference concluded with another informative presentation by Dr. Gonzalez, who introduced participants to the wealth of ministry resources available through the Southeastern Conference website. He also provided practical instruction on important stewardship topics, including Living Wills, Trusts, estate planning, and other resources that help individuals become faithful stewards of the blessings God has entrusted to them.

Throughout the conference, attendees expressed appreciation for the practical nature of each presentation and the opportunity to gain biblical tools that could immediately strengthen ministry within their local churches.

The gracious hospitality extended by Pastor Ruber Alvarez and the members of Pilgrims Seventh-day Adventist Church, combined with the congregation’s enthusiasm, thoughtful participation, and eagerness to learn, created an atmosphere where faith, fellowship, and discipleship flourished.

By the close of the conference, the South Florida Hispanic participants departed encouraged and equipped with valuable spiritual, health, and stewardship resources to strengthen their personal walk with Christ and expand their ministry to others. Through inspiring messages, interactive learning, heartfelt worship, and Christian fellowship, the 2026 Discipleship Conference proved to be a God-blessed success, reminding every attendee that true discipleship involves following Jesus wholeheartedly while helping others do the same.

The Southeastern Conference Office of the President joins our Conference family and the global community in expressing our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for the people of Colombia following the devastating earthquake that struck the western region of the country on August 10, 2026. The loss of life, injuries, displacement, and destruction have brought tremendous grief and hardship to families and communities across the affected areas.

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As we begin the 2026–2027 academic year, it is my earnest prayer that this new school year will mark the beginning of something truly remarkable across our Southeastern Conference schools. As our students return to the classroom, we pray for their safety, well-being, growth, and success throughout the year.