Diego Coello
With the theme “Entering the Secret Place,” drawn from Matthew 6:6, Gulf States Conference welcomed believers from across Alabama, Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle to Camp Alamisco, August 15-17, 2025, for its annual Prayer Summit.
The weekend retreat created an atmosphere of prayer, intercession, and renewal. “This Prayer Summit reminded us that prayer is not only an act, but a lifestyle of communion with our heavenly Father,” said Mary Nelson, Gulf States prayer ministries coordinator.
Guest speakers included Philip G. Samaan, D.Min., professor emeritus at Southern Adventist University, and Esteban Santana, pastor for Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Church. Their messages focused on the transforming power of prayer. Samaan emphasized Christ’s invitation to seek strength in secret prayer, while Santana encouraged participants to claim God’s promises with boldness and faith.
Following each presentation, attendees joined in small prayer groups scattered across the campground. The circles became sacred spaces of intercession — lifting burdens, sharing testimonies, and inviting the Holy Spirit to move in tangible ways.
A highlight of the weekend was the launch of the Gulf States Conference “Scripture Prayer Book,” a collection of 26 Scripture-based prayers written and submitted by members from across the Conference. “This book is a beautiful testimony of our members’ faith and desire to stay grounded in God’s Word,” said Brian Danese, Gulf States president.
The summit concluded with a Sabbath worship service that blended music, testimonies, and the preached Word, leaving participants with renewed commitment to daily prayer. One young adult reflected, “This weekend has changed how I see prayer. It’s not about saying the right words — it’s about being with God, every day, in the quiet.”
The 2025 Prayer Summit reminded all present that prayer is not confined to a retreat, but remains the continual heartbeat of God’s people, moving them forward in faith.
Gulf States | November 2025
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