Reflecting back on the past year, Good News Wants to Know… what lesson did 2025 teach you that you didn’t expect?
Seeds you planted 10, 20, 30 years ago and forgot about, will suddenly grow in ways that are surprising. Jesus said the Kingdom of God works like that. (Mark 4:26-29)
Doug Sauder, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale
2025 taught me that triumph absolutely comes from trials!
Andrew Holmes, President, 4KIDS
In 2025, I learned that when God calls me to a work, He faithfully equips me for it. Even in moments of doubt, He carried me through, strengthened my faith, and allowed me to serve others with greater purpose at The Caring Place.”
Antonio Villasuso, President, The Caring Place
As we enter 2026, 2025 has reminded me that time is in fact, “flying by”; that the harvest of lost people all around me is vast; and that I need to be more intentional and bolder in sharing the Gospel and the love of Christ.
William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott
1)The Dolphins don’t care about any of our feelings; 2) 100 grown-men can easily defeat a single gorilla; 3) Greenland isn’t easy to take ; 4) Aging starts sooner than we think; 5) Popes like baseball; 6) Six-seven.
Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting
Sadly, 2025 taught me that we have to continue to be vigilant against hate. With the tragedy of October 7th, 2023, behind us, I was optimistic that the attacks on our Jewish friends would end. Not only has that not been the case, but Christian leaders who speak their mind, like Charlie Kirk, have been silenced by hate. We must stop it where it starts – with the children. Let us all pray that 2026 will be a year that the light shines brightly for all of us.
Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100
What I learned is: The best thing I can do for a ministry or a person, better than giving money, better than giving advice or counsel, all of which may be needed or appropriate, is simply to consistently pray for them. It is the LORD who changes people and circumstances, not us.
H. Collins Forman, Esq.
2025 was a great reminder that God always has a plan. His ways are always best, and my job is to trust and obey! He is faithful.
Chris Lane, President, First Priority South Florida
An unexpected lesson for me this year came through a double dose of heartache when two pastors I love and trusted proved to be unfaithful men. I shouldn’t have been so shocked since our Lord answered my frequent prayer for hidden things in His church and our culture to come into His light – so healing can come. This reminded me not to put my trust in man, and it sure inspired me to pray for, appreciate and honor even more all those pastors and mighty men who are faithful and standing strong for our Lord.
Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
A lesson 2025 taught me that I didn’t expect was empathy/admiration for those who deal with chronic physician pain. I suffered a back injury and have had side effects for half the year. God has helped me better understand the difficulties and struggles associated with a ‘thorn in the flesh’. I marvel at those who smile through the pain, who don’t succumb to depression, who don’t over medicate themselves to a negative point, and those who continue to ‘soldier on’ with work and service to others.
Dennis DeMarois, Executive Director/CEO, Gathering Palm Beach County
This year, I re-learned that when I disagree with the majority or a person in leadership on a serious issue, and I have the opportunity, I need to speak up more firmly, which can be done while maintaining a spirit of love and respect.
Dolores King-St. George, President, King Communications and GraceNet Radio
I have been praying for years for the 200+ homeless families that sleep in their cars each night in Broward County. The first families just moved into our parking lot ministry this week. The lesson is never give up on what God can do!
Dr. Fred Scarbrough, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida
During times of insecurity and stress, never underestimate the power of Prayer, Faith and Trust to get you through your latest Challenge. BTW, Challenges never stop so learn to handle them.
Gregg Wallick, Wallick Family Office
Lessons learned in 2025. People come and go, people change. In all things God remains faithful. Turn off the noise and listen to His still small voice.
Helen Wayner, P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty
The lesson that I learned in 2025 is that I am not in charge and that my faith in God gives me strength to preserve. I experienced God’s love through healthcare providers, my family, my friends and work team. It has been a powerful year in learning this lesson.
Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., President/CEO, Community Foundation of Broward
God’s plans are bigger than we can comprehend. My mom used to say that if we can think of it, God probably has something bigger in mind.
Jesse Carroccio, Community Impact Director, Moody Global Media
That one of the best parts of answered prayer from the Lord is found in the waiting. Our testimony isn’t so much based on the answer to our prayers, but on the incredible journey of patience, faith, and perseverance we go through as we go through the waiting process.
Joe Vitkus, Senior Rabbi, Temple Aron HaKodesh
Reflecting on 2025, I was reminded how quickly life can change with one phone call, one diagnosis, one tragedy or one unexpected blessing. This year taught me to hold my plans loosely and my faith firmly because tomorrow is never guaranteed but God’s presence is. I’ve also learned the importance of always being ready with a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a listening ear; you never know when someone is hanging on by a thread. More than ever, I see how urgent it is to share hope in Christ in every moment we’re given.
Ken Kerrigan, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Pompano Beach
2025 taught me the importance of relying on God to accomplish your goals and expectations. He asks us to work in a way that brings glory to him, but to leave the outcomes to Him.
Kevin Granato, Vice President of Engagement, 4KIDS
For me it was the strength the Lord gives us in the face of trial and adversity! It’s amazing when He intervenes and carries us through!
Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church
At my daughter’s wedding, I discovered the power of shared joy — how laughter, love, and celebration ripple through a room, transforming our family’s milestone into a collective moment of connection and gratitude.
Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Development, Palm Beach Atlantic University
I came into our 40-year celebration thinking that success would look like clear progress — goals met, plans fulfilled, steady forward motion. But 2025 taught me something deeper: some of the richest moments of growth come through the unexpected paths and the detours that God brings into our lives. I have learned over decades that relationships, timing, and God’s faithfulness matter more than timelines or agendas. I’ve seen firsthand that what seems like a ‘setback’ often becomes a blessing in disguise, shaping us in ways we never could have scripted. This year taught me that true success isn’t measured by how smoothly we move forward, but by how faithfully we embrace every twist along the way — trusting that God uses each step, even the surprising ones, to lead us closer to His purpose.
Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary
As I read through some of my journals for 2025, I was pleasantly surprised to see that many of my very specific prayers had been answered. That should not be unexpected as God is supposed to answer our prayers, isn’t He? However, it can be easy to pray routinely for things when the expectation of an answer is not as strong as it should be. During those times when my prayers didn’t feel effectual or fervent, I learned that God is faithful to provide answers even in those moments when I have stopped expecting any.
Mike McDermott, Seniors and Probate Specialist, The Keyes Company
I learned the lesson of grieving. Grieving is defined as the natural, deeply personal reaction to significant loss. Although the meaning is the same for everyone, the reaction is not. We all grieve differently, and I learned that with the passing of my father this year and watching friends deal with their own loss.
Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters
Despite all the changes in the world and the circumstances that arose this year, I learned the need to keep my soul settled in Christ alone. During the issues and struggles of life, I recall what Paul wrote, “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6 NASB).
Oksana Horton, Creative Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company
I really thought that by turning 70 this year, I would not have much to offer in service to others. God had other plans. Now I am running an English Writing Lab, teaching, and working as a consultant for SFBC&TS. Not only that, God has me doing something else I love. I am blessed to be on the Prayer Team at The Local Church serving others by praying for them during services. We are never too old to give of our time and talents!
Patricia Colangelo, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary
In 2025 homeschooling has TRIPLED in the United States (if not around the world.) 28 years ago (1997) I started SAINTS HOMESCHOOL PE. I would have NEVER expected the explosive growth we are experiencing right now. As we have expanded to 5 States and 18 Countries, I am convinced “we have been called for a time such as this!”
Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder/President, SAINTS International Sports Ministry and SAINTS Homeschool P.E.
In that our law firm that my grandfather founded with his law school classmate, John Morris, turned 100 years old in 2025, I have spent numerous hours reflecting on the storied history of the firm and those great lawyers and staff who came before us. What surprised me the most about all this reflection was how much it has inspired me to keep going strong, as opposed to just resting on our laurels. All the reflection turned to inspiration to keep it all going stronger and longer and realizing that RMZ has such a bright future with my son Cam as the fourth generation Rogers lawyer leading the way!
Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler LLP
I had the opportunity to teach a church history class in China this summer. While I was technically the one teaching, I was surprised how much more I learned from my students and their ministries there. So, one lesson I learned was seeing how much bigger and diverse God’s church is than I had experienced or understood before.
Dr. Scott Manor, President, Professor of Historical Theology, Knox Theological Seminary
2025 taught me that no matter who in your life comes and goes, God is always with us. This is what we celebrate on Christmas, Immanuel means God with us. The older we get, the more we experience loss through death or by people physically moving away. This year, we had the unfortunate circumstance of our dog, Cooper, passing away in January at 12 years old. He was our ‘first born” before the 4 children and used to follow me around everywhere. Losing Cooper was harder than I thought and definitely left an emptiness in our home. A different kind of loss was my twin brother moving to another state with his family for a job promotion. Regardless of how they leave, loss always hurts. The good news through all of this is that we have a God who promised in Deuteronomy 31:6, “…he will never leave you nor forsake you.” People will come and go, but our God will never leave us. Jesus came to die for us, though His Body left the Earth, He gave us His Holy Spirit that guides us through life and when we die, we have the hope of Heaven, where we will be with Jesus forever. We are never alone!
Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland
The lesson is God has a plan and we always need to wait on His plan and yet act on those things that we can that align with His plan. Only in that way will you get the peace that only He can provide!
Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC South Florida
The greatest lesson I learned — and one I didn’t expect — was how often life can catch you off guard. I faced challenges I never saw coming; moments that left me shaken, hurt and searching for clarity. I learned that unexpected trials are often where His presence becomes most clear. Those unforeseen situations were used by God to reveal His glory, bring good from them, and help me see His mighty Hand at work. Always faithful and true!
Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward Right to Life
For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS January 2026 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2026/january/