Looking back on the past year, Good News Wants to Know… what is your most cherished memory of 2024?
2024 has been a challenging year for many. Personally, we have experienced a lot of loss in our church and even in my own family; however, with Jesus, there is always hope. My most cherished memory of 2024 was the opportunity to celebrate our church campus’s 5 year anniversary at Calvary Chapel Parkland in April. It was such a milestone to look back at all that God has done, what He is still doing and look forward to what He has next. It is the same way with our lives at the end of a year, we should always reflect on the past, look forward to the future and make the most of the present that we are in. Happy New Year!
Steve Daigle, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland
As I reflect on 2024, I am thankful for health and the ability to continue being productive with my most cherished memory being the hugs from our grandchildren.
William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott
Dani and I had another baby this year (#5). It was pretty easy (for me). His name is Finn (Winslow). We named him that because we’re done having babies (probably).
Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting
I have been thinking a lot about this question. Looking for an answer, perhaps that’s less emotional and personal, but there is nothing more cherished than feeling God’s presence in your life. This occurred several times this past year. Most significantly when I lost my only sister to cancer this summer. She was truly amazing. Impacting lives across South Florida. God’s presence in my life allowed me to publicly speak in her honor. He gave me the perfect words as only He can. His words impacted lives with the truth that He is the only worthy vine. I miss her terribly but cherish His real and powerful presence in times of need.
Char Talmadge, Executive Director, Rescue Upstream
My most cherished memories of 2024 (and every other year) will always be those precious moments with my family and friends. They can be spending time on vacation, a family dinner or just being together in the backyard on a Sunday. Family is everything – treasure every moment with them. Happy New Year!
Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100
Jennifer’s and my most cherished moment for 2024 was while the whole family was gathered at our house, in person and via Facetime for my birthday, Tim and his wife Becky shared they were expecting their first child, a boy, who will be born in March 2025. We have prayed for this little one and will continue to do so for his whole life.
H. Collins Forman, P.A.
A cherished memory of 2024 was meeting couples from an online parents group that Madelyn and I lead. It’s a virtual small group with couples from multiple states. In November, the entire group flew to Atlanta to spend a weekend together and finally meet in person. The group has grown very close and the chance to dine together, attend church together and simply spend time together was something very special.
Craig D. Huston, Summit Achievers
My most cherished memory in 2024 was a trip down memory lane to my beloved Rocky Mountains where I fell in love with the West while attending the University of Colorado. I stayed with and witnessed to three families I hadn’t seen in many years. We toured ski resorts, rescued wildlife, crossed the Continental Divide, almost got trapped by a wildfire and had various wolf breeds, at a reserve, respond in kind to our howling at them. Gratifying time–my college roomie received the Lord!
Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
My most cherished memory of 2024 was spending two weeks by my mother’s bedside in the hospital. She was hospitalized for 8 weeks and was able to go home. The cherished moments together reading scripture, singing hymns, walking the hospital and watching her sleep changed my life. Grateful to see my dad change his life to become her primary caregiver over this last year too.
Dennis DeMarois, CEO/Executive Director, Gathering Palm Beach County
Cherished memory for 2024 was a family reunion in Canada – 30 of us on a lake for a week. My three sisters and all the nephews and nieces with their kids was a special time of memories and stories.
Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service, Inc., and Team Lead, Egbe Medical Mission
Conducting the wedding ceremonies for my only nephew and only niece. It was enough to make an old man cry.
Doug Sauder, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale
My most cherished memory of 2024 is easy. It is the partnership between HOPE South Florida and Calvary Chapel. It was truly a God sent blessing!
Dr. Fred Scarbrough, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida
After nine years of hopes and prayers, my son Ian and his wife Gabby gave birth to a son named “Henry”…they named him after my son’s dog at FSU.
Gregg Wallick
Good memories are cherished moments with family and friends. Having my family here from Ohio for the holidays is the best! Sharing meals, coffee and conversation with loved ones is forever in our hearts!
Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty
One of the most cherished memories of 2024, among so many wonderful moments, is the arrival of our beautiful new granddaughter, Amelia May Kerrigan. Her birth has brought so much joy and love to our family, and she now proudly joins the “granddaughter team” as its third precious member. Seeing the bond between her and her sister has been an incredible blessing, reminding us once again of God’s goodness and the beauty of family.
Ken Kerrigan, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Pompano Beach
My most cherished memory of 2024 is the sight of my mom walking through the threshold of the doors of my home. She has had a rough 87th year filled with health issues and significant pain and a fall at the airport to boot. Yet despite it all, her determination to get here, to see her only daughter and granddaughters during our Savior’s day of birth is a testimony of the supernatural strength undeniably only from God. Her being with us here in Florida is a Christmas miracle!
Dr. Jessica Vera, Founder/CEO, Elite Foundation
In late July I sat atop the crows nest on a salmon fishing boat in Alaska watching the sunset take nearly 40 minutes to set beyond the mountains. I was in one of the most picturesque places I’d ever been, and might ever be, and felt uniquely and incredibly special to be there at that moment.
Justus Martin, Photographer, Justus Martin Photo
For me, it was visiting the Grand Canyon!
Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church
Being at game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals and watching our Cats win with my husband was pretty special!
Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Development, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Although many challenging and wonderful things happened this year, I had the incredible joy of traveling to London and Paris with two of my grandchildren — an experience I will forever hold close to my heart. To see the world through their eyes, full of wonder and excitement, was a gift I’ll never forget. I cherish these memories — of the sights we saw, the adventures we had, and most of all, the time spent together. They are treasures that will last forever in my heart.
Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary
Given the momentous election season that has just passed, it would be easy to point to Joe Biden being ousted, Kamala Harris being appointed as candidate, Donald Trump’s attempted assassinations or his ultimate resounding victory in the Presidential race. More recently is the plague of drones in the news. But all of those pale in comparison to April 13, 2024, when Noah Harrison McDermott, my fourth grandchild, was born. It doesn’t get any more memorable than that!
Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company
Without a doubt, my most cherished memory of 2024 was learning that my wife and I would become grandparents in 2025. We never thought we’d miss kids so badly. To unconditionally love a little person again is something we look forward to with gratitude and great anticipation.
Dr. Mike Rozenblum, Genesis Physical Medicine & Chiropractic
My most cherished memory of 2024 was being at my son’s Air Force base in Pensacola when he returned from his first deployment from the Middle East. Watching him fly and land the MC130J plane into the base was awesome. Our family was present, and we are all proud of him and all our men and women serving in the USA Military. God bless the USA!
Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters
My most cherished memory of 2024…was attending my oldest son’s wedding. The ceremony
was held amongst pomegranate, peach groves and vineyards in Fresno, California. Surrounded by family and friends from all parts of the nation, even Alaska, it was a romantic and gorgeous event enjoyed by all!
Oksana Horton, Artistic Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company
My most cherished memory of 2024 was when the Lord, Christ Jesus sent his angel (messenger) to me in my dream, dressed like a doctor, to inform me that the potential cancerous tumor that was seen on my previous MRI was removed. This dream was validated when I asked my Urologist if I could have another MRI done, which he approved and also requested that a particular radiologist that he had much confidence in to read and review my MRI, which was done. On my next visit to his office, my Urologist stated verbally and showed me in writing that my subsequent MRI was clean and showed no signs of any potential cancerous tumors. Praise the Lord, Christ Jesus, who is still working miracles!
O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center
My most cherished memory of 2024 was just this past week as our kids were home from College for the Holidays. We all gathered around the Christmas tree for a Family Christmas Photo. All of a sudden, in that ‘snapshot moment’ my heart was OVERWHELMED by the Grace and Goodness of our God, and the awesome Honor and Privilege He has given me to be able to be a Husband to the most amazing Wife on Earth and a Father to the two most incredible Daughters on the Planet! THANK YOU, JESUS!!!!
Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder and President, SAINTS Homeschool P.S. and SAINTS International Sports Ministry
My most cherished memory of 2024 was watching how the unification of First Baptist Church Fort Lauderdale (FBC) and Church By the Glades (CBG) has come together as a true work from our Heavenly Father. David Hughes and Raul Palacious from CBG and Steve Blount from FBC and all the staff from both churches, have truly been used by God to transform FBC into a modern-day soul saving station. The combined churches have provided an opportunity for our entire county and beyond to participate in an inspired worship experiences for all ages from the East to West! With over 1,500 Baptisms from the combined churches and plans for a Downtown Christian Academy at FBC in the works, the best is yet to come!
Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers, Morris & Ziegler, LLP
My family traveled a fair bit this past summer. The most memorable moment of that time was the ten days we spent in a tiny beach community on the Oregon coast, watching my two boys running around with their eight cousins (all boys) and getting into a bit of mischief.
Dr. Scott Manor, President; Professor of Historical Theology, Knox Theological Seminary
My most cherished memory of 2024 was in February…Three days before the Super Bowl and it had nothing what’s so ever to do with the Super Bowl. My brother Jack, 79 years old, came home after a 9-month stay at the Veteran’s Hospital nursing residency in West Palm Beach. When he went in, he could no longer walk, control his body and had memory issues…there was a really good chance he was not going to come out. But through God’s grace he was released on February 8th. He’s gone back a few times but always comes out fighting!!!!
Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC
Helping the Hurricane victims in Lake Lure North Carolina and surrounding towns.
Sue Trombino, Founder, Women Impacting the Nation
I have had so many special moments. This past election cycle, Florida was facing Amendment 4, which would have legalized abortion on demand until birth. On election night, I was busy teaching a class. When I got out, there were over 20 messages informing me that Amendment 4 had been defeated! I breathed this huge sigh of relief. And then, word came a few hours later that Trump had won the election. Hallelujah! That evening was my most cherished memory for 2024.
Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward Right to Life
For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS January 2025 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2025/january/