What began as a Sabbath School picnic at the beach became an unexpected baptismal celebration that helped prepare Solid Rock Church in Orlando, Florida, for two weeks of evangelistic meetings.
A woman who had been preparing for baptism expressed a desire to be baptized in the ocean rather than the church baptistry. Stephen Stewart, pastor of Solid Rock Church, agreed to baptize her after the beach picnic.
Her baptism prompted others to respond. One member requested rebaptism, and several others came forward, including a young man who had studied the Bible with Stewart. When Stewart appealed for others to make a decision, the young man’s mother pointed toward her son and asked him, “Why not now?”
The beach service also touched Monica Ortiz, a Pentecostal Christian visiting from Queens, New York, who happened to be at the beach. After talking with Bible workers Josie Oates and Dannet Simon about the service and Adventist beliefs, Ortiz asked to rededicate her life to Jesus.
By the end of the picnic, 12 people had entered the water. Stewart said the experience generated enthusiasm throughout the congregation as members prepared for the “Back to the Bible” revival series. “It was like a tornado,” he said of the momentum created by the beach service.
The meetings were held August 15-29, 2026, with Gervon Marsh, ministerial field associate, presenting Bible-centered messages Wednesday through Sunday and Sabbath mornings. Bible workers began working with the congregation a month before the meetings and continued following up with participants afterward. Stewart reported that 26 were baptized or rebaptized through the outreach associated with the series.
Church members invited relatives, friends, and coworkers to the meetings, an involvement Stewart saw as evidence that members were sharing their faith beyond the church building. “That means they’re sharing the Gospel,” he said.
Among those who attended was a deacon from another Christian denomination. After the final meeting, he spoke privately with Marsh, expressed belief in the messages he’d heard, and said he hoped to become a Seventh-day Adventist. The church continues to follow up with him.
The momentum has continued beyond the meetings. Stewart has a board in his office listing 10 people preparing for baptism and six additional prospects the church is working with. Solid Rock is also preparing for another two-week evangelistic series in December. “The groundwork is key,” Stewart said. “God is moving.”
Florida | December 2026
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