ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN FAITH & FAMILY) – By Hidekel Griffin, Faith & Family Reporter – A sacred atmosphere of reverence, love, and gratitude filled the sanctuary as family, friends, and ministry partners gathered to celebrate Jeri Hill’s 50 years of unwavering service to Jesus Christ. The afternoon stood as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness and a vibrant tribute to a woman whose life has influenced nations through prayer, compassion, and obedience to God’s call.

A Life Poured Out in Service

For five decades, Jeri Hill has faithfully followed the Lord through every season — from missionary fields and revival altars to hospital rooms and quiet moments of prayer. As the devoted wife and ministry partner of the late evangelist Steve Hill, whose fiery preaching helped ignite the historic Pensacola/Brownsville Revival, Jeri’s life has been marked by humility, perseverance, and an enduring passion for souls.

Friends describe her as “a woman of both fire and tenderness” — one who carries the presence of God wherever she goes. Through her ministry, Together in the Harvest, she has mentored believers, interceded for nations, and continued the legacy of revival that began decades ago.

A Joyful Celebration of Faithfulness

Guests filled the sanctuary, hearts united in anticipation of honoring a servant of God who has touched countless lives. When Jeri arrived alongside her daughter Shelby Espier, the crowd rose in thunderous applause. Overcome with emotion, she embraced loved ones and ministry partners who had traveled from across the nation to celebrate her journey.

Moments of Honor and Remembrance

The program opened with Daniel Kolenda, who shared heartfelt words honoring Jeri’s steadfast devotion and her example as a spiritual mother to many. He highlighted her courage to continue ministering, praying, and serving even after Steve Hill’s passing.

Kolenda then introduced a moving video montage chronicling Jeri’s 50 years of ministry — from early evangelism with her husband to global revival meetings and ongoing discipleship work through Together in the Harvest. The images and testimonies painted a portrait of a life surrendered fully to God’s will.

Her daughter Kelsey Morris shared emotional reflections, expressing gratitude for her mother’s spiritual leadership and faithfulness, reminding everyone that “the seeds planted through Jeri’s obedience continue to bear fruit across continents.”

Words of Honor and Love

Several longtime friends and ministry partners took the stage to share how Jeri’s obedience and compassion impacted their lives. Among the speakers were Marcia Pate, Rachel Morris, Brian Eskelinen, Shelby Espier, Kelsey Morris, and Jared Horton, each offering touching personal tributes.

Jared Horton later led a special love offering in Jeri’s honor and introduced a video featuring greetings and messages from ministry friends around the world — all echoing appreciation for her example of endurance, grace, and steadfast love for Jesus.

A Heart Overflowing with Gratitude

To close the ceremony, Eric and Angela Johnson led a powerful prayer of blessing, surrounding Jeri with words of encouragement and prophetic affirmation. The sanctuary overflowed with laughter, tears, and thanksgiving — a beautiful reflection of a life poured out for God.

When Jeri Hill stepped forward to speak, the room fell silent. With humility and emotion, she gave all glory to God, thanking Him for sustaining her through every challenge and triumph. “Every miracle, every moment, every soul saved belongs to Jesus,” she said. “He has been faithful through it all.”

Her message carried a powerful reminder: her mission is far from over — God still has much to do through her surrendered heart.

A Powerful Impact

For fifty years, Jeri Hill has lived out the words of Scripture: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Through Together in the Harvest Ministries, she continues to inspire prayer movements, equip believers, and preach the uncompromising message of the cross.

The 50-year celebration was more than an anniversary — it was a divine moment of remembrance, a declaration that faithfulness still matters, and a living altar of gratitude for all God has done through the life of Jeri Hill, a true vessel of revival and grace.

Hallelujah!

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OCALA, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, now officially a candidate for Florida Governor, continued his early statewide outreach with a keynote appearance at the Achievement Week Banquet at the College of Central Florida on November 15. Demings attended as a special guest alongside his wife, former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings.

The event, hosted by the Friendship and Faith Foundation, Inc. and the Psi Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., centered on the theme “Honoring Our Legacy, Empowering Our Future.” Ocala was one of several stops following Demings’ recent kickoff event in Orlando as he works to introduce his platform to voters across the state.

Demings Ramps Up Statewide Voter Outreach

Following his launch, Demings and Val Demings have begun traveling across Florida to connect with local voters, community leaders, clergy, and elected officials. Ocala represented a strategic stop as the campaign aims to build momentum in Central and North Florida—regions essential for any Democratic path to victory.

File – U.S. Representative Val Demings (D-10, Florida) spoke during Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’s COVID-19 press conference at Orange County Emergency Operations Center, providing an update about the House passing the Family First Coronavirus Act Saturday, March 14, 2020. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

Fundraising Will Be Critical for Competitive Primary Run

Demings enters the race facing an expensive and competitive Democratic primary in August. His campaign will require substantial financial backing to match better-funded opponents and reach voters statewide.

He benefits from the political star power of Val Demings, who brings statewide and national recognition after her high-profile 2022 U.S. Senate campaign, during which she raised approximately $80 million. Her network is expected to be a major asset as fundraising efforts intensify.

Two of the most notable Democratic candidates in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race are former U.S. Congressman David Jolly and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings

Crowded Gubernatorial Field Presents Challenges

Demings will face Democrat David Jolly (see above photo) and other emerging candidates in the primary. Jolly, a former Republican who became a Democrat, has slowly built early support and fundraising momentum with endorsements from several Democratic leaders prior to Demings’ entry.

Three of the most notable Republic candidates in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race are US Congressman Byron Donalds, Lt. Governor Jay Collins and Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner.

On the Republican side, candidates such as Byron Donalds (endorsed by US President Doanld Trump) are leading in fundraising efforts, bolstered by the GOP’s advantage of 1.4 million more registered voters than Democrats statewide—an obstacle any Democratic nominee must overcome.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Environmental advocates, community leaders, and concerned Floridians are preparing to rally at the Florida State Capitol on Monday, November 17, urging Governor Ron DeSantis to stop the state’s proposed black bear hunt, the first in nearly a decade.

The demonstration, organized by Sierra Club Florida, seeks to protect Florida’s recovering black bear population and raise public awareness about the ecological importance of these native animals. Supporters say the hunt could reverse years of conservation progress and threaten an already vulnerable species.

To encourage participation from across the state, Sierra Club Florida is providing three free round-trip charter buses from key regions, giving residents a chance to unite their voices in defense of Florida’s wildlife.

The “Rally to Stop the Florida Black Bear Hunt” will feature remarks from environmental advocates and coalition leaders, including:

• Susannah Randolph, Sierra Club Florida

• Katrina Shadix, Bear Warriors United

• Adam Sugalski, Bear Defenders

• James Scott, Speak Up for Wildlife

• Bobbie Lee Davenport, Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida (ECO SWF)

• Patti Whitehead, Responsible Growth Management Coalition

WHEN: Monday, November 17 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
WHERE: Florida State Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399

Organizers are calling on Floridians to join the rally, stand in solidarity, and urge state leadership to prioritize science-based wildlife management and the protection of Florida’s black bears for future generations.