March 2026
Ladies Ministry Update
FLORIDA DISTRICT UPCI CAMPGROUNDS
Join us at the Florida District UPCI Campgrounds as we rejoice through the ministry of the Word, anointed worship, and fellowship.
(352) 239-3505
Visit flupciladies.com for more information or to register.
Section 1 Youth Update
All rallies start at 7:30pm
May 1 – Move the Mission Kickoff & Children’s Holy Ghost Rally
Speaker: Youth: Rev. Wesley Stephens (TN)
Children: TBD - Host Church: First Apostolic, Milton – Pastor Webb
August 7 – District Back to School Rally
Speaker: Rev. Kyle Thayer, YM Promotional Director
Host Church: TBD by District Youth Team
October 2 – Youth & Children’s Holy Ghost Rally
Speaker: Youth: Rev. Luke Kyle (FL)
Children: TBD
Host Church: First Apostolic, DeFuniak Springs – Pastor King
May 1st and October 2nd will be joint Children’s & Youth Rallies
2026 District Dates
June 22 - 26: Junior High Camp
June 29 – July 3: Senior High Camp
Children’s Ministry Update
Children’s Ministry Summer Camp applications are LIVE! Please visit FLDistrictChildrensministry.com to register or for more information.
Why Give to SOC FL Childrens Ministries
50% OF THE FUNDS RAISED BY our DISTRICT STAY RIGHT HERE AT HOME IN FLORIDA
JUNIOR BIBLE QUIZZING:
HIDING GOD’S WORD IN THE HEARTS OF THE UPCOMING GENERATION AND FUTURE UPCI LEADERS
North American and Global SOC Holy Ghost Rallies
OUR GOAL IS TO SEE 2 MILLION CHILDREN RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS:
HELP CHILDREN FROM NAM CHURCHES WITH JUNIOR CAMP REGISTRATION AND HELP FUND NAM CHURCH RALLIES
NORTH AMERICAN AND OVERSEES ORPHANAGE ASSISTANCE
SOC FUNDS SUPPORT THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS
TRAINUP CONFERENCES:
Training those that minister to
Children
DISASTER RELIEF:
PROVIDES CRITICAL HELP TO
CHILDREN IN NEED
KINGDOM. NOW.
Offering Date: Sunday, April 5
STATE GOAL: 164,000
SECTION 1 GOAL: 35K
If you have children who want to participate in the Toby’s Top Dog Program, please visit the Children’s Ministry website or go to this LINK for resources.
Section 1 News
Let’s congratulate Brother King on his Ordination at the 2026 UPCI Florida District Conference. “What an honor to present the towel to Brother King for Ordination.” -Pastor Kinsey
Lessons I Have Learned from Giant Killers
Early in my ministry, I remember reading the familiar story of David facing Goliath—and realizing I was staring down my own “giants.”
The world was changing at a very fast pace with a flood of noise, distraction, and voices always competing for my attention. But God used the voice of an elder to speak a word of affirmation into my life that reassured me God was going to fight my battles.
God has always placed elders around me to walk with me, for none of us is supposed to walk alone. It was only after battling giants that I realized God used them to shape my ministry.
You too will fight your own Goliaths and I hope to impart the principles I learned from the Samuels and the giant killers who trained me and showed me the way to overcome.
Facing the Giants: What They Reveal
Every minister will face “giants” - overwhelming challenges or adversities that intimidate us in ministry, personal trials, or inner struggles like fear and doubt.
I have learned that every giant reveals something about oneself. When we fight insurmountable odds, our true character and faith (or fear) often come to light.
The giants we face become opportunities to learn about God’s power and faithfulness, and as we learn about God, we learn about ourselves and our place in the world.
During these times one must pay attention to what God is teaching you. You may discover fears to surrender and changes to make. We all desire success but one must be willing to make the changes needed.
Great Leaders and Their Giants
A key insight I learned is that all great leaders have faced giants.
Moses confronted Pharaoh with signs and wonders,
Elijah challenged the wicked Jezebel,
Esther risked her life to save her people,
Paul carried a “thorn” in his flesh and endured relentless persecution.
Even our Lord faced the ultimate giant of sin and death at the cross and overcame.
History and scripture show that no leader rises to greatness without walking through the valley of opposition or trial.
During a time of personal discouragement and feelings of failure, Brother Billy Cole advised me, “Say what you want to see, until you see what you say. Nobody is going to like what you say or what you see. They will not applaud you; they will not help you. But keep saying it and God will fight your battles and give you the vision He has put in your heart.”
These words stirred in me an uncommon trust in God.
Don’t be surprised by the fiery trial. You will not choose the crucible God uses to forge you into the man or woman of God He wants you to be.
God’s Higher Purpose in Giant Battles
Through the years I’ve also learned that God uses giants as tools to shape us for a higher purpose.
It is easy to view our Goliaths as merely enemies to avoid, but in God’s kingdom they become instruments for our growth and His glory.
David’s encounter with Goliath was not a detour, but a divinely appointed steppingstone in his destiny. Goliath’s defeat propelled David from obscurity into prominence in Israel. More importantly, the nation witnessed God’s power through David’s faith.
In my own life, some of the hardships I would never have chosen became the things God used to develop me as a leader and as a believer.
As Brother Tenney said, "If it doesn’t change your spirit, it can’t change your destiny."
All transformation comes from the heart, and we must conquer our own spirit to be able to walk in God’s victory.
Facing our giants with faith becomes a platform for God to demonstrate His power.
David declared the reason: “So that all the earth may know there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17:46).
I have seen prodigals return, sickness healed, needs miraculously met, but I have also seen times when the giant wasn’t removed. Yet God’s grace in suffering became the testimony. Whether in deliverance or in enduring strength, God uses our trials to point others to Him.
Traits of a Giant Killer (Lessons from David)
Facing giants is one thing: defeating them is another. In observing spiritual leaders, I identified several characteristics of giant killers – qualities I have sought to cultivate in my own life:
Conviction to a Higher Cause: Giant-killers are fueled by a clear sense of purpose and rightness. David was convinced that God’s honor and Israel’s well-being were worth the fight. Fighting a giant is easier when you know why it matters. Remember your calling, know why you are fighting, and make your why the Lord Jesus Christ and His cause and mission.
Prepare: David’s victory was not a fluke; it was the product of years of preparation in obscurity. Brother J. T. Pugh always said there would be no growth without a plan. All growth is intentional. One must plant and water, knowing only God can give the increase. This requires strategic planning, vision and intentional effort to prepare yourself for battle. As a young shepherd, David had faithfully protected his flock from lions and bears, honing his accuracy with a sling. In leadership terms, great victories often come after long seasons of faithful, small tasks. What does that mean for us? Don’t despise the smaller battles or the practice sessions God gives you. God uses the private disciplines, minor assignments, and the past experiences you’ve had to prepare you for Goliath. When my giants came, I found that past trials and failures had taught me strategies and resilience I needed in the bigger fight.
Depend on God: After the stone struck Goliath and the giant fell, David didn’t strut triumphantly as if he had achieved something great. He knew the victory was the Lord’s. There was no room for conceit in victory for David. Always remain grateful to the Lord.
Five Smooth Stones: A Daily Strategy for Growth
One practical lesson I gleaned from David’s story is the value of an intentional spiritual strategy in our daily lives.
Why did David choose five smooth stones from the brook for his sling? (1 Samuel 17:40). We aren’t told explicitly, but I’ve always seen it as a picture of preparation and strategy – David came prepared.
In modern leadership terms, I compare this to practicing a Rule of Five. This concept, popularized by leadership trainers, means identifying core actions or habits you will do every single day to advance your mission or personal growth.
In a spiritual context, your five smooth stones are daily habits that keep you connected to God and sharpened for battle.
My personal Rule of Five includes
prayer,
scripture reading,
worship/praise, a word of encouragement for someone, and
reflecting on the day while preparing for the next day.
These are my non-negotiables.
Even on hectic days, I try to cast these five small stones to stay spiritually healthy and ready.
Staying Faithful in the Battle
In conclusion, I return to the image of David stooping to pick up those five smooth stones by the brook. He didn’t know how the battle would unfold, but he was prepared, faithful, and full of trust in God. That is what I want to impress upon you: stay faithful in your battles.
Whether you are facing a giant right now or will one day soon, stay faithful to the God who called you. Be faithful in the daily habits and the seemingly small fights.
Be faithful in prayer.
Brother James Kilgore said, "Pray with passion. Pray as if you already have what you are praying for."
One must be engaged in passionate, faith-filled prayer, believing God’s promises are already fulfilled. Passionate prayers activate faith and bring spiritual breakthroughs. Remember that prayer is not about earning God’s favor but flows naturally from a secure position in Christ’s completed work.
You approach God confidently because Jesus has already qualified you.
Not every battle in ministry will end in dramatic triumph. There were times I fought and ended up with scars, but I can say God was faithful and taught me invaluable lessons.
Sometimes God will let the giant fall at your feet, but at other times He simply gives strength to endure what the giant brings. In all cases, your role is to trust and obey Him.
I lean on David’s words: “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47).
As the elder minister speaking now: Dear young giant-slayer, the battle is the Lord’s. You are not alone in the fight, and the outcome ultimately rests in His capable hands.
So take heart!
The same God who empowered a teenage shepherd with a sling is with you in your ministry today. The giants you face, no matter how intimidating, can become testimonies of God’s greatness.
Keep growing,
keep your five stones ready, and
lead others with a hopeful vision.
One day, you will look back at the giants that loomed so large and see how small they were compared to your God. And perhaps, like me, you will find yourself mentoring another generation, passing on the lessons you learned from the giants and giant killers in your life.
In whatever battle you find yourself, remember: the giant in front of you is never bigger than the God within you. Trust Him, step forward, and watch those giants fall in His perfect timing. The victory, big or small, belongs to the Lord, and your faithfulness will not be in vain.
Yours for the Kingdom,
Pastor Kinsey
