Rafiq J. Nabali
Rafiq J. Nabali
Rafiq J. Nabali
Months of planning, prayer, and coordinated member involvement preceded a community- focused evangelistic series at West Palm Beach First Church, resulting in 75 baptisms. Led by Ron C. Smith, D.Min., Ph.D., president of the Southern Union Conference, “A System for Survival in the 21st Century” was presented as a community initiative, November 22-29, 2025. Church leaders reported that the surrounding community responded warmly to the invitation.
On opening night, the church was filled. Pathfinders, Master Guides, and drum corps helped launch the series with energy and enthusiasm. The music department presented a concert, and the evening concluded with an appeal and baptisms following the opening message.
The series marked the culmination of months of preparation involving the entire church family. Shane Vidal, pastor of West Palm Beach First Church, attributed the outcomes to God’s blessing on several intentional components.
A regional prayer conference held at the church in September helped build momentum. Participants filled out prayer lists and committed to praying for seven nonmembers to attend the meetings through an initiative called “Seven for Heaven.” Members embraced the challenge, and church leaders said many of those individuals responded to the invitations.
A weekly Bible school began several weeks before the meetings, and extended to West Palm Beach Junior Academy, where Vidal taught each Tuesday. During the evangelistic series, a graduation ceremony was held each evening for participants who had completed their lessons. Throughout the meetings, youth, elders, church leaders, and every department were actively involved.
Ten Bible workers were enlisted to assist with the series, most of whom began their work two weeks prior. During the meetings, Smith and Vidal met with the workers each morning for instruction and encouragement. The Bible workers labored daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Each evening also included a seminar on health or finance, offering practical value for attendees. Drawing on years of pastoral evangelistic experience, Smith presented messages focused on biblical clarity and calls to decision.
On Thanksgiving Day, attendees were encouraged to spend time with their families before returning for the evening meeting. Baptisms took place on opening night and again on Thanksgiving evening. Church leaders reported a total of 75 baptisms resulting from the series.
Church members described the experience as a time of unity, community engagement, and spiritual renewal, expressing gratitude for the Holy Spirit’s work throughout the week.
Florida | March 2026
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