The Florida Conference is now the home of the United States branch of Share Jesus International, and several members of the conference are serving on the board of the newly incorporated Celebrate Jesus Inc., according to Alan Poole, the new organization’s executive director.

After the success of the Share Jesus Mission in the Jacksonville District last July, interest in the mission program among Florida Conference United Methodists has grown "exponentially," Poole said.

To help meet the demand for Share Jesus Missions throughout the conference, Share Jesus International has given its blessing to the establishment of Celebrate Jesus, a non-profit organization that will coordinate the evangelical missions in Florida, Poole says.

"Our aim is to take missions as far afield in Florida as possible and eventually throughout the entire U.S.," Poole said.

Although Celebrate Jesus is part of Share Jesus International, Poole said having a local organization would allow greater freedom in decision making and attracting people locally as the work expands.

Celebrate Jesus is planning missions in the DeLand District June 10-17 and the St. Petersburg District June 24-July 1.

The Florida Conference has given its approval to the new organization, and the Revs. Joe MacLaren, Teri Hill and Roger Swanson are serving as board members.