From the Ground Up:
A Movement Rooted in Hope

From North Florida to South Florida, new and experienced pastors from all walks of life are coming together—across denominations, cultures, and cities—with one shared question:

How can the Church address the root causes of our communities' biggest problems? 

Pastors came together with open hearts and bold vision. They participated in reflective sessions, which offered a meaningful reminder that faith and worship are not separate from daily life—they shape how we show up with compassion and integrity in the world around us. As church leaders engage in community walks and conversations, they listen and learned from people who inhabit their communities, to address the root causes of problems. 

There’s a sense that God is moving. That the Church is rising. And that Latino Christians are stepping forward with Gospel-rooted courage to lead with mercy and justice, speak with clarity, and act with conviction.

Organizing Across Florida:
A United Church Movement for Community Transformation is Here

May was a month of tremendous impact, our team led city gatherings with pastors across Florida, building momentum for a statewide movement of Latino churches committed to bringing hope and seeking sustainable change for their communities.
More gatherings coming up in June.

At each gathering, pastors and leaders came together to engage in community exegesis and spiritual discernment, addressing the root causes of community problems.

We’re witnessing a grassroots movement of a faithful remnant of God’s people for change.

Last month’s Remnant reflections are written by Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier and Dr.Wilmer Estrada-Carrasquillo

Dr. Conde-Frazier reminds us that “the fire of the altar must kindle action in the streets.” Drawing from the witness of the prophets, she explores how worship, justice, and public witness are inseparable—and how the Church must live out resurrection by entering into the brokenness of our world.

Read Dr. Conde-Frazier’s full reflection

Dr. Wilmer Estrada-Carrasquillo reminds us that the Church is called to be a river of justice—bringing healing and life wherever it flows.

“Wherever the river flows, everything will live.” — Ezekiel 47:9

Read Dr. Wilmer Estrada-Carrasquillo’s full reflection

Bearing Witness to Life over Death 

In May, Florida carried out two more executions. On May 1, we stood outside the prison grounds as the state executed Jeffrey Hutchinson, a Gulf War veteran suffering from untreated trauma and brain injury. Just two weeks later, on May 15, we returned again for the execution of Glen Rogers, who suffered years of physical and sexual abuse as a young child and was met with punishment instead of healing.

Latino Evangelical pastors and leaders stood in prayer—raising our voices not in vengeance, but in hope. Each vigil was a sacred act of solidarity. We continue to believe that mercy—not death—reveals the heart of God, and that every life holds the possibility of redemption.

Did You Know?

May was Affordable Housing Month. 🏡

According to the Florida Housing Coalition – Home Matters Report (2022), Florida is facing one of the most severe affordable housing crises in the nation. Nearly 1 in 3 renters in Florida spend more than half of their income on housing. For many families, this means choosing between rent, food, medicine, or transportation.

Link to 2022 Report

Looking Ahead: What’s Coming in June

• City Gatherings: We will continue to gather throughout June, engaging pastors and leaders to discuss their vision for community transformation.  If you are interested in joining, please contact us at info@missiontalk.us

• New Remnant Reflection: Stay tuned for a powerful theological reflection from Pastor Nino Gonzolaz on immigration and the moral call to welcome.

• Father’s Day: This month, we honor all fathers and hold in prayer fathers impacted by incarceration, deportation, and community violence.
  

What You Can Do

Pray: For the families of the executed and of those on death row, for the families who have lost loved ones to violence, for the leaders of our criminal justice system, and for the strength of the church.

Act: Post a quote from The Remnant on your social media. Tag Mission Talk and help spread the message of faith-rooted justice.

Reflect: Read this month’s Remnant and ask: What is the fire of your altar calling you to do?

Save the Date
The Remnant Conference | Sept. 11–13

This September, in Miami, FL, we will be gathering at the annual Mission Talk Conference: The Remnant, where church and community meet and where pastors and leaders are trained to expand their vision for justice and community transformation.

Join us, along with congregations and faith leaders, as we build the movement for love, justice, and mercy.

Final Word

“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” — Amos 5:24