Adriana sat quietly in the pew, listening as Scripture unfolded in a way she had never heard before. What began as a simple invitation from her boyfriend to attend a church in Brandon, Florida, soon became a turning point.
Adriana had not grown up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The teachings were new to her, but she later shared that she sensed God leading her even before she fully understood what she was hearing.
In January, Rolando Rodríguez, pastor of Brandon Spanish Church, presented a four-part series on the three angels’ messages. The messages were rooted in Scripture and centered on Jesus, emphasizing hope and grace, rather than pressure or fear. As the series progressed, Adriana found herself especially moved by the biblical teaching on the Sabbath.
DAdriana began to understand that the Sabbath was more than a day; it was about worship, relationship, and trust in Jesus. Wanting to understand more, Adriana approached Rodríguez and requested Bible studies. As they opened Scripture together, her conviction deepened. She chose to embrace the Sabbath, not as an obligation, but as a response to Christ’s love.
Her journey has had some challenges. Without an Adventist background, Adriana was stepping into unfamiliar territory. Yet, God has been opening the way. When she shared her convictions with her family, her mother encouraged her to follow what she believed was right. Taking another step of faith, she wrote a letter to her employer requesting Sabbath accommodations. Today she attends church regularly and continues to grow in her understanding of God’s Word.
A Church Prepared for Growth
Adriana’s story reflects a broader movement taking place in Brandon.
When Rodríguez began his ministry at the church, he carried a clear commitment: to faithfully preach the Word of God and lift up Christ in every message. That dedication has shaped the congregation’s approach to outreach and discipleship.
The city of Brandon has experienced rapid population growth in recent years, bringing new families and new opportunities for ministry. In many ways, the church has found itself prepared to meet those opportunities.
Evangelism Every Sabbath
At the heart of the church’s growth is a simple but intentional approach. Evangelism is not limited to special meetings or events; it happens every Sabbath. Weekly messages are deeply biblical, clearly Christ-centered, and faithful to the full Adventist message, including prophecy, the Sabbath, and the sanctuary. Yet these truths are presented through the lens of grace, focusing on what Christ is doing for us rather than what we must do.
“The goal is not superficial religion, but real transformation,” said Rodríguez. “It is not only to say, ‘Jesus loves you,’ but to help people understand what that love means and how it changes their lives.”
A Growing Church Family
The impact is visible in the life of the congregation. The church now averages more than 300 in attendance across two Sabbath services, with at least one new family visiting each week.
In the past year, 20 individuals were baptized. New members are becoming involved, finding their place in ministry, and helping carry the mission forward.
To accommodate continued growth, the church is making plans for expansion. Brandon members are planning to move from the current building, which seats 180 on a 2.3-acre property, to an 8-acre property they acquired across the street, with a new sanctuary seating more than 500.
Adriana’s journey is still unfolding, but it reflects something greater: the power of the Gospel and the transformative love of Christ demonstrated by His church.
In Brandon, God continues to bring new families week by week, changing lives, one story at a time.
Florida | May 2026
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