“Meet the Moment”: A Pastoral Call

This month, Mission Talk’s President Agustin Quiles crafted a powerful reflection titled, “Meet the Moment,” offering context on what the recent government shutdown revealed about the pressures facing our communities. Although the shutdown has ended, recent budget decisions signal continued storms ahead for many of our families, including future limits on health-care support and the possibility of reduced SNAP benefits as states shoulder more of the cost.

Agustin’s message reminds us that the Church is where families turn for comfort, peace, and support. As congregations continue to carry these burdens, Mission Talk remains committed to equipping churches to stand for healing, dignity, and community transformation.

Death Penalty Presentation: Stories That Break Open the Heart

This month, we held a sobering and powerful gathering around the death penalty, beginning with a grounding in faith - why the Church must care, and why compassion matters.

Two testimonies opened a window into the human toll of the death penalty:

SueZann Bosler

In 1986, SueZann survived a brutal attack that took the life of her father, Rev. Billy Bosler. Honoring her father’s wish that no one be executed on his behalf, she spent years fighting for the life of the man who killed him. SueZann’s journey reminds us that justice need not mean death. Forgiveness opened a path toward healing, and the jury affirmed that by choosing life rather than execution.

Herman Lindsey — A Death Row Exoneree

Herman was wrongfully convicted and spent years on Florida’s death row for a crime he did not commit. His exoneration - one of 30 in Florida, the highest number in the country - shows how fallible our human-run system is and how irreversible its mistakes can be. Today, he speaks so others do not endure the nightmare he lived.

Together, these stories remind us that taking a life cannot heal the wounds of loss; it deepens trauma.

Legislative Meeting: When the Church Steps Up

One of our church leaders in the Leadership Development for Community Transformation program participated in a legislative delegation meeting - a local forum where several state legislators gather to hear community concerns. At the West Palm Beach–area meeting, Rev. Juan Carlos was the only Latino voice in the room as he spoke up on behalf of our community. Pastor Juan shared:

“When it was my turn to speak, I represented my church and the Latino community. I addressed affordable housing, immigration, and other critical issues, and I was the only person who spoke on these issues.”

His presence offered a clear witness to our call to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Hope for a New Generation

Mission Talk was invited to present at the Assemblies of God Florida Multicultural District Youth Convention, where youth and young adults from across the state gathered in worship.

In our presentation, we shared our vision for the For God So Loved the Immigrant prayer campaign happening on December 13th in cities in Florida. We reminded them that advocating for immigrants is part of our calling as followers of Jesus Christ. We believe God is stirring the hearts of young people to be the answer for this time.

For God So Loved the Immigrant: North Carolina Responds

Mission Talk traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina last weekend to stand with pastors responding to the fear and disruption caused by recent ICE raids in East Charlotte. Congregations across the region are feeling the impact: families staying home from services, Bible classes going empty, and food pantries shutting down because people are afraid to be seen in public. Pastors shared the growing burden they now carry as they deliver groceries, provide emergency support, and care for families shaken by these events.

At the same time, a second gathering of the Southern Latin District of the Assemblies of God brought together nearly 100 pastors from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama . Rev. Dr. Saturnino “Nino” Gonzales, together with Mission Talk, joined that meeting to support pastors who are also seeking clarity, courage, and a faithful response in this moment.

In this month’s Remnant, Reverand Abner Meléndez offers a powerful theological reflection on the spiritual and moral implications of state and national budgets. Drawing from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s moral framework and the teachings of Jesus, he invites us to see budgets not only as economic tools but as moral documents that reveal who and what we value.

“Budgets are spiritual mirrors. They show, line by line, who we believe is worthy of care.”

Read the full reflection and consider: What does our federal budget show about who we are and what we believe?

Read The Remnant →

For God So Loved the Immigrant – Statewide Prayer Rally

On Saturday, December 13, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, churches in cities across Florida will gather for a simultaneous, statewide prayer event: For God So Loved the Immigrant. Together, we’ll lift our voices, share our stories, and unite in our faith for immigrant families.

We welcome pastors, church members, young adults, youth, community leaders, and anyone who believes prayer and action can make a difference to join us. 

Prayer Gathering Locations: 

• Miami 

• Hollywood 

• West Palm Beach 

• Fort Myers

• Orlando/Kissimmee 

• Tampa 

• Gainesville

• Volusia 

Join in a city near you.

What You Can Do

Pray: Pray for families who were impacted by the government shutdown, especially those who depend on food assistance, housing support, or healthcare access. Lift up parents struggling to feed their children, seniors facing uncertainty, and churches stepping in to fill the gap

Reflect: Read The Remnant and reflect: “How does our federal budget reflect or contradict our values as people of faith?” 

Action Steps: Register for one of the statewide prayer gatherings, “For God so Loved the Immigrant” by visiting: www.missiontalk.us/prayer