Faith & Family
COICOM Houston USA Empowers Latino Christian Communicators with AI, Leadership, and Media Training
HOUSTON, TX. (FNN) — Florida National News Faith & Family reporter Hidekel Griffin was on location as one of the largest gatherings of Latino Christian communicators, pastors, and faith leaders in the U.S. unfolded in Houston. From June 23-25, the Ibero-American Confederation of Christian Communicators, Pastors, Leaders, and Mass Media (COICOM-USA) hosted a pivotal congress at Living Hope Church, bringing together participants from across the U.S. and Latin America.
The three-day conference, Coicom Houston USA, focused on training, equipping, and mobilizing church members and Christian communicators to use modern tools and technology to advance their ministry and media influence both locally and globally.
NATIONWIDE FAITH LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION GATHERING
COICOM Houston USA marked one of the most influential congress events for the Latino faith community in the United States this year. Ministries, media organizations, and Christian communicators gathered for a unique blend of worship, leadership talks, technical workshops, and networking opportunities.
Arnold Enns, President of COICOM International, opened the congress by urging attendees to embrace technology and media innovations to better fulfill the Great Commission. He emphasized the need for the Church to reach every generation through effective, modern communication platforms. The event included FEXPOCOM, an exhibition hall where ministries showcased their work and resources.
Inspirational speakers like David Garcia, Rene Gonzales, and Basilio Patiño shared testimonies and messages of faith, perseverance, and truth, setting the tone for a weekend centered on empowerment and spiritual renewal.
AI, MEDIA, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TAKE CENTER STAGE
A major focus at COICOM Houston was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and new media strategies within ministry and Christian communication. Sessions like “Artificial Intelligence and the Metaverse: Challenges and Opportunities for the Church” featured thought leaders Vladimir Lugo, Pablo Muñiz, and José Alejandro Sánchez, discussing both the opportunities and ethical dilemmas posed by rapidly evolving technology.
Workshops on topics such as “Content Creation and the Use of AI,” “Creative Church Strategies for New Generations,” and “The 3 Marks of a High-Impact Church” provided pastors, communicators, and media professionals with practical tools to expand their reach.
Specialized courses on AI applications in ministry, digital churches, and multiplatform content production equipped attendees with hands-on strategies for modern evangelism and leadership. Highlights included a songwriting masterclass by Juan Salinas and influential talks from tech-savvy speakers like Steve Cordon and Ray Rodriguez.
SPIRITUAL, FAMILY, AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
In addition to technology and communication, the congress emphasized personal growth, leadership accountability, and family balance within ministry. Leaders like Roberto and Waleska Orellana addressed how to sustain a healthy family dynamic while leading a church, while speakers like Yolanda Alcozer educated attendees on navigating immigration systems and religious visas.
COICOM Talks and panel forums tackled difficult, timely issues like politics, faith, transparency, and financial stewardship. Prominent sessions explored subjects ranging from “The Inconvenient Truths of Politics” to “Becoming a Speaker+ of Influence” and “The Future of Faith-Based Media in a Digital World.”
Closing plenary sessions led by figures like Alberto Mottesi, Ervin De León, and Alex Mejía inspired leaders to persevere, serve with integrity, and leave a lasting, holy legacy in their communities.
ABOUT COICOM AND UPCOMING EVENTS
COICOM is a non-profit faith-based organization founded in 1992, dedicated to uniting and training Christian communicators throughout Latin America and the United States. Headquartered in Asunción, Paraguay, with teams in Bolivia and Miami, Florida, COICOM has organized congresses and leadership gatherings in different countries for over 30 years.
Under the leadership of Arnold Enns, COICOM continues to champion technology, mass media, and faith integration to expand the reach of the Gospel.
The next COICOM conference is scheduled for September 8-10, 2025, in Honduras. The gathering promises to draw Christian communicators, media leaders, pastors, and faith influencers from across the Americas.
For more details, visit https://congreso.coicom.com.
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Hidekel Griffin contributed to this report. She can be reached at News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Faith & Family
Child Evangelism Fellowship Unites Four Central Florida Counties at First Vision Dinner Celebrating 88 Years of Ministry
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — FNN Faith and Family Reporter Hidekel Griffin was on location as Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) hosted its first annual Share Vision Dinner, celebrating 88 years of ministry and uniting leaders from four Central Florida counties—Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake.
The event marked the first time the entire CEF Central Florida chapter gathered under one roof, commemorating God’s faithfulness and outlining future plans to expand ministry efforts to children and families throughout the region.
A Unified Mission Across Central Florida
The Share Vision Dinner highlighted CEF’s long-standing mission: “Every Child, Every School, Every Day for Christ.” Executive Director Brenda Whitwam emphasized the importance of collaboration among churches, volunteers, and community partners as ministry efforts continue to grow.
“Together, we’re building bridges between counties, churches, and communities. We’re united under one purpose—to reach the children of Central Florida with the love of Jesus,” Whitwam said.
CEF programs—including Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, and Christian Youth in Action® (CYIA™)—continue to equip volunteers, churches, and young leaders to share the Gospel in schools and neighborhoods throughout the state.
Leadership and Vision from Keynote Speaker Chuck Madden
State Director Charles “Chuck” Madden delivered the keynote message, drawing from more than 20 years of ministry experience as a youth pastor, children’s pastor, and associate pastor. Madden currently oversees 15 chapters, more than 30 staff members, 80 board leaders, and more than 2,000 trained volunteers across Florida.
Under his leadership, CEF Florida has expanded outreach into public schools, launched new chapters, and strengthened adult and youth training programs through the Children’s Ministry Institute.
The dinner drew pastors, educators, and community leaders whose participation underscored increasing regional collaboration and a shared commitment to reaching the next generation.
A Global Ministry with Local Impact
CEF remains the world’s largest missionary organization dedicated to children. In 2024 alone, more than 22.9 million children made decisions for Christ through its worldwide outreach.
The inaugural Share Vision Dinner served as a rallying point for churches and ministry partners to expand Good News Clubs, support new outreach initiatives, and raise up young leaders to carry the Gospel into every school and community across Central Florida.
About Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)
Founded in 1937, Child Evangelism Fellowship is a global, Bible-centered ministry reaching millions of children annually through Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, and Christian Youth in Action® (CYIA™). Operating in more than 200 countries, CEF partners with churches and volunteers to bring the message of Jesus to every child, everywhere.
For more information, visit www.CEFofCentralFL.com.
Faith & Family
Salvation USA Launches “Rallies to Save America” with Powerful Kickoff at Orlando City Hall
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN FAITH & FAMILY) – By Hidekel Griffin, FNN Faith & Family Reporter – A powerful call for unity and revival echoed through downtown Orlando as Salvation USA officially launched its “Rallies to Save America” campaign at Orlando City Hall. The inaugural event drew hundreds of attendees—including pastors, civic leaders, and residents—who gathered for a night of worship, prayer, and a shared declaration that “This nation belongs to Jesus.”
A Historic Gathering of Faith and Purpose
The rally marked the beginning of a nationwide movement dedicated to reigniting America’s faith and inspiring communities through public expressions of unity, revival, and hope. Worship teams led the crowd in passionate praise as attendees lifted prayers for restoration across the nation.
“The worship was powerful, the unity was strong, and when I preached the Gospel, many came forward for salvation and rededication,” said Evangelist Chris Mikkelson, founder of Salvation USA. “We are declaring across this nation that Jesus saves, and Orlando was just the beginning. Our goal is to see revival ignite in every city, one heart at a time. America needs hope, and that hope is found in Jesus Christ.”
FNN Faith & Family Reporter Hidekel Griffin
Faith Leaders Declare Revival for America
Local ministry and civic leaders joined the stage to pray for healing and transformation in communities. Alex Clattenburg, former pastor of Church in the Son, described the rally as a defining spiritual moment. “This was more than a gathering—it was a prophetic declaration,” he said. “We are believing for revival to sweep across America, beginning right here in Orlando.”
Throughout the evening, attendees filled the downtown plaza with songs of worship, creating what many described as “a spark for revival.” Dozens of people came forward to receive Christ or recommit their lives, demonstrating the impact of the movement’s message.
Photo: FNN Faith & Family Reportter Hidekel Griffin
A Vision for National Revival
Following the success of the Orlando launch, Salvation USA announced plans to bring “Rallies to Save America” to major cities nationwide. Each event will combine worship, preaching, prayer, and community outreach designed to empower local churches and inspire hope in public spaces.
Salvation USA’s mission is rooted in a clear vision: to see hearts transformed, cities revived, and the nation united under God.
FNN Faith & Family Reporter Hidekel Griffin and Florida State Representative Rachel Saunders Plakon
About Salvation USA
Salvation USA is a national evangelistic ministry dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through large-scale rallies, citywide outreach, and interdenominational partnerships. Founded by Evangelist Chris Mikkelson, the ministry’s mission is to unite believers, restore communities, and call the nation back to God through prayer, worship, and the message of salvation.
– See event photos at Florida National News Facebook Page
For more information about upcoming rallies or to get involved, visit www.salvationusa.com.
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FNN Faith & Family Reporter Hidekel Griffin | Faith@FloridaNationalNews.com
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