Welcome
To General Bishop Rodmon, Presiding Bishop Ford, Elder Wilson, distinguished guests, it gives me great pleasure to bring you greetings on behalf of the Leon County Board of County Commissioners.

On the occasion of this pre-opening of the United American Free Will Baptist Church, Incorporated West Florida Annual Conference, I would like to welcome those here tonight who have traveled from our surrounding areas, as well as local members of the conference who have come out to fellowship and become one in prayer and decision.

Like you, I consider what I do to be very much faith-based.

The decisions my fellow board members make impact over 200,000 people, and we cannot in truth make good decisions without God’s guidance. As an elected official I am constantly in prayer. I am reminded of a scripture I refer to especially during election season, and I’d like to share it with you as you begin your conference:

It comes from Mark 11th Chapter, 24th verse: Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

I wish you Godspeed in the discussions and debates

that this conference will generate, and a strong spirit of cooperation in the decisions that the Lord will lay upon you. Thank You.