Mission Talk Partners with the Florida Multicultural District of the Assemblies of God

Mission Talk is honored to partner with the Florida Multicultural District of the Assemblies of God to equip pastors and churches in leading transformative community change.

During their recent presbytery meeting, we shared our process for exegeting communities—a practical framework that helps pastors and lay leaders discern the root causes of local challenges. By understanding what’s truly shaping the life of their neighborhoods, churches are better positioned to lead sustainable, Spirit-led transformation that brings hope and renewal to their communities.

Pastor Omar Johnson Receives the Live Free USA Peacemakers Award

We are proud to celebrate Pastor Omar Johnson, Mission Talk’s Director of Church Relations, who was recently honored with the Peacemakers Award at the Live Free USA national gathering in San Francisco, California.

This national recognition celebrates faith leaders who embody the true work of peace—those who pray with conviction, preach with courage, and organize with compassion to build a world where all can flourish. Pastor Omar’s steadfast commitment to justice, mercy, and community transformation stands as a living testimony to the Gospel in action

Resources: How to prepare for ICE intervention in churches:

Here we share a series of videos and resources in Spanish from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) on sensitive locations and what faith communities can do if ICE or immigration control agents show up at their place of worship.

These materials were developed in the context of the injunction filed by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, CBF, and others, which protects—among others—CBF churches as sensitive locations. Although the injunction applies specifically to the plaintiffs in that case, the principles and best practices shared here can benefit any faith community that wants to be informed and prepared. 

The website includes:

• Short videos and a discussion guide for church leaders

• Sample policies and tools for contingency planning

• Frequently asked questions and reference materials about the injunction and its implications

You can explore all of these resources here. Please feel free to use and share these materials within your networks.

Celebrating at the Lilly Endowment Thriving Congregations Gathering

Mission Talk was honored to take part in the 2025 Lilly Endowment Thriving Congregations Annual Gathering—a meaningful space of fellowship, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Joined by leaders from across the nation, we were deeply encouraged to witness how God is moving through churches that are courageously embodying justice, mercy, and compassion in their communities. We return renewed in spirit and inspired by the creativity, conviction, and faithfulness of our peers who continue to build thriving congregations across the country.

Public Policy Updates

In October, Mission Talk continued advancing faith-based engagement in public policy, helping pastors, church leaders, and communities lift their voices on issues that impact daily life. From local legislative meetings in Florida to national advocacy around food security, our commitment remains clear: to equip the Church to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly in the public square.

Florida

On October 29, members of the Mission Talk team, along with pastors and church leaders participating in the Justice Leadership Development for Community Transformation (LDCT) program, attended the Florida State Legislative Delegation meeting in Volusia County.

The meeting gave residents an opportunity to share local priorities and concerns directly with their elected representatives.

• Food Insecurity: One food distribution organization raised concerns about growing shortages, as SNAP benefits are scheduled to decrease beginning November 1, affecting more than 3 million Floridians.

• Prison Conditions: Participants also brought attention to inmate welfare, noting that the local prison operates without central air conditioning in most of its facilities.

For LDCT Practicum participants, this experience served as a powerful, firsthand lesson in how public testimony and civic engagement shape the policies that impact families and communities across Florida.

National Work

This month, Mission Talk issued a letter to pastors and church leaders addressing the escalating effects of the federal government shutdown and will be organizing a sign-on letter to send to the federal and state government.

With SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funds running out and no federal action to extend them, more than 42 million Americans are at risk of losing access to basic food assistance.

In this critical moment, we are calling on faith leaders to respond with compassion, coordination, and prayerful presence—standing alongside families most affected and embodying the Gospel’s call to justice, mercy, and love.

The Remnant: Where Is Your Voice?

Last month’s Remnant comes from Rev. Ramón Nina, who teaches us that the work of the gospel is “actively transforming our present and securing our future.” 

Read the full reflection here

Sign up here to receive the article straight to your inbox.

Did You Know?

According to a study conducted by Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as of 2023, an estimated 10.5 million undocumented immigrants live in the U.S., and nearly 60% of them identify as Christian.

When policies target immigrants, they are not targeting strangers—they are targeting our church members, our neighbors, our friends, and our families.

What You Can Do

Pray: For those on death row as Florida carries out record numbers of executions, for immigrant families navigating fear, and for the church to remain faithful in its public witness.

Reflect: Read The Remnant here and ask: Where is my voice needed right now?

Action Steps:

• Pray for families impacted by food insecurity and for the well-being of incarcerated individuals living in inadequate conditions.

• Engage with local representatives by attending legislative or city council meetings to voice community needs.

• Partner with local food distribution ministries to help families experiencing hunger.

• Educate your congregations about how state and federal policies affect daily life and how people of faith can advocate for justice.

• Collaborate with Mission Talk and other justice-focused ministries to advance holistic, faith-driven solutions in your community.