Faith & Family
Orange County Mayor Demings, Faith Leaders Unite for 2025 National Day of Prayer Observance
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
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
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – As the Easter weekend arrives, all of us at Florida National News and the FNN Faith & Family Show extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones.
Florida National News Wishes Floridians a Joyful and Restorative Easter Weekend
Whether you are gathered around the dinner table with family, attending church services, enjoying the springtime outdoors, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, we hope this weekend brings you a renewed sense of peace, purpose, and connection.
Faith & Family: Florida National News Celebrates Easter with Warm Wishes and Gratitude
Easter is a time of hope and transformation—a reminder of new beginnings and the power of faith, love, and community. It’s also a time to reflect on what truly matters: compassion, togetherness, and giving thanks for life’s blessings.
We are deeply grateful to be part of your lives and to serve the people of Florida each day. Your continued support allows us to uplift, inform, and inspire communities across the state.
From our family to yours—Happy Easter, Florida!
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FNN Faith & Family
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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