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Orange County Mayor Demings, Faith Leaders Unite for 2025 National Day of Prayer Observance

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County celebrated the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, April 25, 2025, with a heartfelt gathering at the Orange County Administration Center Board of County Commissioners Chambers. Though originally scheduled for May 1 at multiple locations, this early observance brought together residents, faith leaders, and community officials to lift their voices in prayer for families, the community, and the nation.

“Sofia Medina-Hickle and Hidekel Griffin, FNN Faith & Family Reporter, welcomed guests to the ceremony.”

This year’s theme, “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled,” inspired by Romans 15:13, emphasized the power of prayer, the promise of hope, and the peace that faith brings. The event began with a Prelude by Youth Orchestra United and a warm Welcome by Sofia Medina-Hickle and Hidekel Griffin, followed by a Presentation of Colors by Orange County Corrections’ Honor Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings issued a proclamation on today’s event, reaffirming the county’s commitment to fostering unity and prayerful reflection. The program continued with a beautiful performance of “Your Love Never Fails” by Andrea Hand.

Key prayer leaders included:

  • Maria Negron, National Day of Prayer Florida State Taskforce

  • Dr. Jeff Williamson, Director of Communications

  • Dr. Maria Vazquez, Superintendent, Orange County Public Schools

  • George McZeal, Jr., 1SG, US Army (Retired), Chaplain, American Legion Doris “Dorie” Miller Memorial Post 331

  • Elizabeth Rahter, Vice President, Week of the Family

  • Demetrius Pressley, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Eatonville

  • Jennifer Evins, President & CEO

The celebration concluded with an uplifting performance of “God Of This City” by the Flowing Worship Flag and Dance Ministry. The atmosphere was filled with moments of reflection, hope, and unity as families and friends joined together in support of one another during challenging times.

The National Day of Prayer, held annually on the first Thursday of May, was established in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The National Day of Prayer Task Force mobilizes unified public prayer for America, fostering repentance, unity, and intercession for the nation’s leaders and families.

This cherished tradition has deep historical roots, from the first call to prayer in 1775 and President Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation to President Reagan’s 1988 amendment, which set the observance permanently in May. Every year, the sitting U.S. president encourages all Americans to participate, a sentiment echoed by governors from all 50 states and U.S. territories.

Orange County’s 2025 celebration demonstrated the enduring power of prayer to bring people together across backgrounds and beliefs, offering hope, peace, and resilience.

What’s Next:

Florida National News (FNN) Faith & Faith will continue coverage of local faith-based events and community gatherings, including the upcoming 2025 Week of the Family events, and other significant Orlando civic observances throughout the year. Stay tuned to FloridaNationalNews.com for complete community event coverage.


Hidekel Griffin
FNN Faith & Family
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Faith & Family

Salvation USA Launches “Rallies to Save America” with Powerful Kickoff at Orlando City Hall

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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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Faith & Family

Faith, Unity, and Renewal Highlight Orange County’s Annual Community Prayer Breakfast

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN)Hidekel Griffin, FNN Faith & Family Reporter – The Orange County Prayer Breakfast gathered faith leaders, elected officials, organizations, and residents for a powerful morning of prayer, reflection, and community connection. The annual event fostered unity across Orange County, emphasizing faith, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Faith and Leadership in Action

Hosted in the heart of Orange County, the Prayer Breakfast inspired attendees to come together in faith and intercession for families, leaders, and the next generation. This year’s theme centered on passing the torch to Gen Z and beyond, calling on young people to rise as voices of hope and change in their communities.

“Moments like this remind us that prayer still transforms hearts and communities. When people of faith come together, hope is restored,” said Joy Dawson of Vision Orlando, the event’s organizer and coordinator.

A Morning of Inspiration and Connection

The gathering featured prayers for wisdom, guidance, and peace across every sector of society—from local government to education, business, and families. Faith-based organizations were celebrated for their vital role in building stronger communities through compassion, service, and unity.

Looking Ahead

The Orange County Prayer Breakfast continues to serve as a reminder that transformation begins when people unite beyond titles, denominations, and backgrounds to seek God’s direction. Community members are encouraged to stay connected and participate in future prayer gatherings through Vision Orlando.

See event photos on Florida National News’ Facebook Parge

For more information, visit: www.visionorlando.org

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Faith & Family

Orlando Community Honors Pastor Alfonso’s Life and Legacy at Centro Internacional de la Familia Church

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Centro Internacional de la Familia Church came together to honor the life of Pastor Alfonso, who bravely fought cancer with faith and courage. The congregation and community members gathered to thank God for the blessing of his life and ministry. Among those in attendance were staff from AdventHealth Hospital, who cared for Pastor Alfonso during his illness. His family extended heartfelt thanks to the hospital team for their compassion and dedication.

Celebrating His Life and Ministry
had the privilege of joining Pastor Alfonso and his family during the church’s 33rd anniversary celebration earlier this year. At that event, Pastor Alfonso shared his joy in seeing former youth he mentored now thriving as active members of the congregation. He often emphasized that the church was “born from the heart of God,” with a mission to connect families with Jesus. Christian leaders from across Orlando also came together during that anniversary, reflecting the pastor’s vision of unity, worship, and community purpose.

A Legacy That Impacted Generations
At Pastor Alfonso’s funeral, held this week, people from all walks of life gathered to bid farewell to a man who impacted generations with his ministry and message of Jesus Christ. His influence reached beyond the pulpit, inspiring countless lives through mentorship, guidance, and faith. Attendees described the service as a remarkable moment of unity and gratitude for his decades of service.

Final Words of Inspiration
One of the most memorable messages shared during the service was: “Let’s go for more—more vision, more hope, and more Christ in our lives.” This phrase captured Pastor Alfonso’s enduring legacy of encouragement and faith-driven purpose. As the community mourns his loss, many continue to uplift his family and congregation in prayer, remembering a leader whose life and mission will be cherished for years to come.

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Hidekel Griffin | Faith & Family Reporter | Faith@FloridaNationalNews.com

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