Faith & Family
Samaritan’s Purse Orlando Luncheon Inspires Support for Global Missions
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Samaritan’s Purse luncheon held on December 2, 2024, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando showcased a morning of faith, inspiration, and dedication to serving those in need globally. The Christian relief organization, spearheaded by Franklin Graham, has devoted over 50 years to helping those affected by war, natural disasters, disease, and poverty.
The luncheon gathered pastors, singers, business professionals, and media representatives, including Florida National News reporter Hidekel Griffin and Tatihana Pozo Puccini from Contexto Media Group. The event’s focus was on encouraging attendees to contribute to Samaritan’s Purse’s mission through volunteering, donating, or selecting a gift from the organization’s Christmas catalog.
Empowering Through Generosity
Franklin Graham, son of the late Billy Graham and president of Samaritan’s Purse, spoke passionately about the organization’s history and purpose, rooted in the biblical parable of “The Good Samaritan.”
“This catalog presents numerous opportunities to partner with Samaritan’s Purse in addressing physical needs in the name of Jesus. Through these efforts, God provides us with chances to share the message of our Savior with those who are suffering,” said Graham.
The catalog offers 35 gift options that allow donors to make a meaningful impact this Christmas, such as feeding the hungry, providing medical care for children with cleft lips, and offering educational support to pregnant and nursing mothers.
50+ Years of Faithful Service
Founded in 1970 by Bob Pierce, Samaritan’s Purse is headquartered in Boone, North Carolina. Under Franklin Graham’s leadership, it has expanded its projects to include:
- Crisis and disaster response
- Health and medical initiatives
- The Children’s Heart Project
- Feeding the hungry and displaced
The organization’s commitment to spreading the love of Jesus Christ has transformed lives across continents, from war-torn regions to areas devastated by natural disasters.
How to Get Involved
Those inspired to contribute can visit the organization’s website, SamaritansPurse.org, to volunteer, donate, or explore the Christmas catalog.
Event Takeaways
- The luncheon reinforced the importance of faith-driven community efforts.
- Attendees were encouraged to support the mission through practical and spiritual means.
- The Christmas catalog provides a tangible way to give during the holiday season.
- Samaritan’s Purse highlighted the impact of its global initiatives.
- Franklin Graham underscored the power of sharing Jesus Christ’s message through acts of service.
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Hidekel Griffin
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews
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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