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
Exponential 2026 Draws 5,000 Church Leaders to Orlando, Advancing Global Church Multiplication Movement
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — More than 5,000 church planters, pastors and ministry leaders representing over 100 denominations gathered in Orlando for Exponential 2026, marking a significant moment in the global church multiplication movement, according to Florida National News Faith and Family reporter Hidekel Griffin.
More than 5,000 church planters, pastors and ministry leaders representing over 100 denominations gathered in Orlando for Exponential 2026. Photo by Florida National News Faith and Family reporter Hidekel Griffin
Hosted at First Baptist Orlando, the conference brought together leaders from across the United States and around the world with a shared mission: move beyond traditional ministry models and embrace multiplication as the pathway for future church growth.
Photo by Florida National News Faith and Family reporter Hidekel Griffin
The Call to Multiply
This year’s theme, “Multiplier: It’s In You,” delivered a clear message to leaders — ministry is not only about growing a church, but about reproducing disciples, leaders and new congregations.
Speakers and trainers challenged attendees to shift their focus from simply adding members to multiplying disciples who make disciples and churches that plant new churches. The message encouraged leaders to rethink traditional approaches and develop systems that empower others to lead and reproduce ministry impact.
Photo by Florida National News Faith and Family reporter Hidekel Griffin
Equipping Leaders for the Future
Throughout the conference, participants experienced main sessions featuring internationally recognized speakers, along with practical workshops designed to address real-world ministry challenges.
Leaders also collaborated across denominations, building relationships with networks, organizations and universities committed to expanding Kingdom impact. Organizers emphasized equipping pastors and ministry leaders with tools and strategies that can be implemented immediately in their communities.
Photo by Florida National News Faith and Family reporter Hidekel Griffin
Looking Ahead to 2027
Organizers announced that Exponential will return to Orlando in 2027, alongside additional regional gatherings including its West Coast conference. The expansion aims to provide more opportunities for leaders to be trained, connected and equipped for multiplication.
With attendance continuing to grow each year, leaders are encouraged to plan ahead as registration for future gatherings is expected to fill quickly.
About Exponential
Exponential is a global movement dedicated to accelerating church multiplication. Through conferences, leadership training and strategic partnerships, the organization equips ministry leaders to move from addition to multiplication — helping more people discover and follow Jesus.
For more information, visit the official website of Exponential.
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Hidekel Griffin
Faith and Family Reporter
Florida National News
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.
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