Faith & Family
State Rep. Byrd Proposes Bill to Allow Concealed Guns on Religious Grounds
Published
5 years agoon
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Cord Byrd (R-11) introduced a new bill to the Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee of the Florida House of Representatives that would allow individuals with a concealed firearm permit to carry a gun while on the premises of a religious institution, whether a mosque, synagogue, or church, if the institution allowed it.
“Over the last decade, we have seen attacks on houses of worship and people of faith. In 2015 we saw the attack on a church in South Carolina. In 2017 we saw an attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas; in 2018 a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and in 2019 an attack on a mosque in New Zealand,” said the chairman of the subcommittee, Representative Byrd when he presented the bill.
After the attack on Sutherland Springs, the state of Texas passed a bill allowing concealed weapons in church. “This bill follows in Texas’ steps to carry concealed weapons in a religious institution unless that institution prohibits it.”
The bill would amend the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Parkland School act that allows only public schools to hire armed security officers to include private and parochial schools as well.
Trish Nealey, of the League of Women Voters, intervened in the hearing to voice her opposition to the bill.
“Carrying guns in house of worships ad schools is not appropriate, and make no mistake, we believe that when or if this bill passes, it will have set precedent to allow guns in schools,” she said. “As a country, we have done a very poor job in keeping guns out of the hands of crazy people, because crazy people often times look just like you and me. Do we really want children and people in church wondering whether the person sitting next to them has a gun?”
Nealey added that the debate reminded her of the Cold War era when the United States and the Soviet Union competed in nuclear weapon stocks.
“They had nuclear weapons, well we need to have more. I believe that smart people can craft smart solutions without starting a new arms race. Single entry and exit points and trained security guards are a far better answer,” she added.
Officer Luis Valdez, of Gun Owners of America, argued that this bill would ensure the peace of Floridians going to a place of worship.
“[The State Constitution] argues that Floridians have the right to practice their religious beliefs in peace. Part of that peace is having the right to defend themselves. Restricting the right to defend ourselves restricts that religious belief. Current law lists any religious institution that has a school or leases property to a school can forbid Floridians to carry a gun.”
“As tragically proven by the shootings at the Pittsburgh synagogues and the Sutherland Springs church, criminals will attack good people in houses of worship. Concealed carry prevents criminals from hurting good people. As a 15-year veteran law enforcement officer, I know that when seconds count, officers are minutes away…Do the right things and repeal the gun-free zones,” he said.
Dawn Stuart of the Florida Parents and Teachers Association also opposed “any legislation that allows anyone, and I mean anyone, other than a sworn trade certified law enforcement officer to be armed at school property…I can tell you from personal experience, you would not want me to carry a concealed weapon in those meetings.”
Maryann Hammer of the Unified Sportsmen of Florida and the National Rifle Association, said that “the state has no more right to strip away the property right of religious institutions of child care that it has for you and me to prohibit gun ownership while we babysit our grandchildren or homeschool our home children. This bill is about restoring the private property rights of religious institutions and the same rights of people going shopping or into a business or onto any other property.”
The bill received 14 favorable votes and four against during the session.
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Juan Carlo Rodriguez is a politics and entertainment reporter for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com
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Faith & Family
Child Evangelism Fellowship Unites Four Central Florida Counties at First Vision Dinner Celebrating 88 Years of Ministry
Published
2 months agoon
December 6, 2025ORLANDO, 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
Jeri Hill Honored For 50 Years Of Ministry A Legacy Of Faith Prayer And Revival
Published
3 months agoon
November 17, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN FAITH & FAMILY) – By Hidekel Griffin, Faith & Family Reporter – A sacred atmosphere of reverence, love, and gratitude filled the sanctuary as family, friends, and ministry partners gathered to celebrate Jeri Hill’s 50 years of unwavering service to Jesus Christ. The afternoon stood as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness and a vibrant tribute to a woman whose life has influenced nations through prayer, compassion, and obedience to God’s call.
A Life Poured Out in Service
For five decades, Jeri Hill has faithfully followed the Lord through every season — from missionary fields and revival altars to hospital rooms and quiet moments of prayer. As the devoted wife and ministry partner of the late evangelist Steve Hill, whose fiery preaching helped ignite the historic Pensacola/Brownsville Revival, Jeri’s life has been marked by humility, perseverance, and an enduring passion for souls.
Friends describe her as “a woman of both fire and tenderness” — one who carries the presence of God wherever she goes. Through her ministry, Together in the Harvest, she has mentored believers, interceded for nations, and continued the legacy of revival that began decades ago.
A Joyful Celebration of Faithfulness
Guests filled the sanctuary, hearts united in anticipation of honoring a servant of God who has touched countless lives. When Jeri arrived alongside her daughter Shelby Espier, the crowd rose in thunderous applause. Overcome with emotion, she embraced loved ones and ministry partners who had traveled from across the nation to celebrate her journey.
Moments of Honor and Remembrance
The program opened with Daniel Kolenda, who shared heartfelt words honoring Jeri’s steadfast devotion and her example as a spiritual mother to many. He highlighted her courage to continue ministering, praying, and serving even after Steve Hill’s passing.
Kolenda then introduced a moving video montage chronicling Jeri’s 50 years of ministry — from early evangelism with her husband to global revival meetings and ongoing discipleship work through Together in the Harvest. The images and testimonies painted a portrait of a life surrendered fully to God’s will.
Her daughter Kelsey Morris shared emotional reflections, expressing gratitude for her mother’s spiritual leadership and faithfulness, reminding everyone that “the seeds planted through Jeri’s obedience continue to bear fruit across continents.”
Words of Honor and Love
Several longtime friends and ministry partners took the stage to share how Jeri’s obedience and compassion impacted their lives. Among the speakers were Marcia Pate, Rachel Morris, Brian Eskelinen, Shelby Espier, Kelsey Morris, and Jared Horton, each offering touching personal tributes.
Jared Horton later led a special love offering in Jeri’s honor and introduced a video featuring greetings and messages from ministry friends around the world — all echoing appreciation for her example of endurance, grace, and steadfast love for Jesus.
A Heart Overflowing with Gratitude
To close the ceremony, Eric and Angela Johnson led a powerful prayer of blessing, surrounding Jeri with words of encouragement and prophetic affirmation. The sanctuary overflowed with laughter, tears, and thanksgiving — a beautiful reflection of a life poured out for God.
When Jeri Hill stepped forward to speak, the room fell silent. With humility and emotion, she gave all glory to God, thanking Him for sustaining her through every challenge and triumph. “Every miracle, every moment, every soul saved belongs to Jesus,” she said. “He has been faithful through it all.”
Her message carried a powerful reminder: her mission is far from over — God still has much to do through her surrendered heart.
A Powerful Impact
For fifty years, Jeri Hill has lived out the words of Scripture: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Through Together in the Harvest Ministries, she continues to inspire prayer movements, equip believers, and preach the uncompromising message of the cross.
The 50-year celebration was more than an anniversary — it was a divine moment of remembrance, a declaration that faithfulness still matters, and a living altar of gratitude for all God has done through the life of Jeri Hill, a true vessel of revival and grace.
Hallelujah!
See Event Photos Florida National News Facebook Page
Faith & Family
Salvation USA Launches “Rallies to Save America” with Powerful Kickoff at Orlando City Hall
Published
4 months agoon
October 27, 2025ORLANDO, 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.”
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.
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.
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