Faith & Family
Orlando Community Honors Pastor Alfonso’s Life and Legacy at Centro Internacional de la Familia Church
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
Hidekel Griffin | Faith & Family Reporter | Faith@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.
____________________________________________________________________________
FNN Faith & Family Reporter Hidekel Griffin | Faith@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida4 days agoState Rep. Berny Jacques Files Bill Targeting Illegal Immigration and Employer Penalties
Central Florida News4 days agoThreatLocker Expands Orlando Magic Partnership With Garage Naming Near Kia Center
Florida4 days agoBracy Davis, Rosenwald File Bill to Fix My Safe Florida Home Program Application Barriers
Sports4 days agoJaguars Clinch Third AFC South Championship After Dominant Win Over Titans
Sports4 days agoTodd Bowles Announces Major Coaching Staff Changes for Buccaneers
