Impact Stories: Florida

This month, we’re honored to highlight Dr. Bob Sluka, who serves with A Rocha, a global family of Christian conservation organizations working together to live out God’s calling to care for creation and equip others to do the same.

While A Rocha’s work spans the globe, Bob’s particular calling focuses on the 71% of our planet covered by ocean and the communities that live alongside it. Based in Titusville, Florida, Bob works locally and globally to integrate faith, science, and stewardship of God’s creation—especially in marine environments that many of us rarely see.

One recent moment captures the heart of Bob’s ministry. Hoping to see manatees, Bob and three young scientists—Sydney, Abi, and Lydia—traveled together to a natural spring in Florida where these gentle marine mammals seek refuge during the winter months.

Sydney was part of A Rocha USA’s internship program, which intentionally combines scientific training with Christian discipleship for recent graduates. Abi first connected with Bob years earlier while she was still in high school in the UK, after discovering his work online. Now a university student, she spent three months based out of Bob and Cindy’s home, gaining hands-on experience in marine conservation rooted in faith. Lydia, a marine biologist and former environmental advisor with the Church of England, joined after several conversations about vocation, calling, and caring for creation.

During the 1.5-hour drive, conversations flowed—about faith, manatee conservation, career paths, and how these young women might live out their callings in marine science. And yes, they were rewarded with a joyful swim alongside several manatees.

Bob reflects that working with young scientists over the years has been one of the greatest privileges of his calling—walking with them as they discover how faith and science can work hand in hand.

As A Rocha looks to the future, Bob invites prayer for two key initiatives:

In this season, Bob shares deep gratitude for the beauty of God’s creation. While it’s easy to focus on what is broken, he’s continually reminded of how much is still good and beautiful. “It is a privilege,” he says, “to see parts of the world that most people do not—the hidden things of God in the ocean.”

Many at Ward experienced this firsthand during our first Ward Family Florida Impact Trip. Twenty-four participants—from multiple generations—quickly became family as they learned alongside Bob and Cindy, who generously welcomed the group into their home.

Together, the team participated in a global science experiment, cleaned beaches, searched for nurdles (tiny plastic pellets), worshiped the Creator, and encountered incredible wildlife—from dolphins and manatees to rare birds and glowing box jellyfish on a sunset kayak trip.

It was a powerful reminder that caring for creation is both worship and witness—and an invitation we hope many more will join in the future.