Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Javier Márquez

Iglesia Menonita del Cordero: Historic Witness in South Texas

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by Javier Márquez

Editor’s Note: Iglesia Menonita del Cordero was approved by Mosaic Conference’s board as a member congregation and will be welcomed at Mosaic’s 2025 Fall Delegate Assembly. 

Iglesia Menonita del Cordero (Mennonite Church of the Lamb) is a faith community with deep roots in Christian witness and service in the city of Brownsville, Texas. It is the oldest Mennonite church in South Texas. 

It was established in 1974 by Brother Conrado Hinojosa, his wife Ester, and their family, who, after experiencing a conversion in Ohio, returned to Brownsville with a desire to share the gospel. With support from Mennonite churches in the northern United States, the young congregation acquired their current property and built their own facilities—marking the beginning of a communal life committed to faith, work, and service. 

Gathered for worship.

From the beginning, the church has been made up of hardworking Hispanic families and has maintained a strong connection with the local community. Most of its members are Texans of Mexican descent. Over the years, the church has actively participated in housing construction and improvement projects, as well as various community support initiatives. 

Currently, Iglesia Menonita del Cordero is composed primarily of second-generation Christians, with some founding members still present as a living testimony of the church’s legacy. Although its identity is Hispanic, the congregation carries out a bilingual ministry, especially directed toward the younger generations, reflecting the cultural and linguistic reality of a city where more than 65% of the population is Hispanic. 

The community gathered after worship on a recent Sunday. Photo by Marta Castillo.

After the pandemic, the church renewed its commitment to worship, teaching, and community service. Its congregational life includes: 

  • Sundays: Sunday School and Worship Service
  • Tuesdays: Online Bible Study
  • Wednesdays: Children’s Ministry, focused on the community and as a continuation of Vacation Bible School
  • Thursdays: Prayer Service
  • Fridays: Youth gathering with their sponsors 

The women of the church are organized into an active group that supports congregational activities and promotes spaces for spiritual formation and service. In addition, the church maintains connections with other faith communities through the Evangelical Ministerial Alliance of Brownsville, strengthening collaboration and Christian witness. 

The congregation offers a summer Vacation Bible School.

The mission of Iglesia Menonita del Cordero is: “To live in such a way that we impact the Brownsville community so that the Lord adds to those who are being saved.” 

Pastor Rigoberto and his wife Sonia were invited to pastor the church when it was seeking new leadership. They are from Puerto Rico and come from the Puerto Rican Mennonite Church. They have served this congregation for approximately 20 years. During this time, they have developed a significant ministry, sharing the principles of peace, justice, community service, and accompaniment of immigrants. 

The pastor’s vision is for the church to clearly reflect the message of peace, justice, and love of Jesus Christ. 

As a congregation, they are inspired by Philippians 2:3–8, seeking to follow Christ’s example of humility and service as the foundation of their unity, testimony, and hope. 

The church previously belonged to the South Central Conference. During a time of change and division within that conference, Iglesia del Cordero decided to apply for affiliation with Mosaic Conference, along with two other churches. Since 2023 or 2024, Mosaic has welcomed them, and Pastor Rigoberto is currently in the process of transferring his ministerial credentials. The church is expected to be officially received as a Mosaic member at the November assembly. 

Pastor Rigoberto Negron and his wife Sonia (center) celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Rigoberto and Sonia have expressed that they feel comfortable, blessed, and supported by Mosaic. They believe it was the best choice for their church at this time and wish to maintain a long-term relationship with the conference. They have also taken seriously their responsibility to participate actively, understanding their connection with Mosaic as a mutually beneficial relationship. 

Javier Márquez

Javier Márquez is Associate for Communication and Community Engagement for Colombia. He is an Anabaptist Colombian pacifist and poet. He is based in Bogota, Colombia.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To contact Javier Márquez, please email jmarquez@mosaicmennonites.org. 

The Resilience and Faith of Hispanic Church Pastors During Hurricane Milton

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By Javier Márquez  

Hurricane Milton’s passage through Florida left a trail of destruction, but it also became a moment of strength and hope for the Hispanic churches of the Mosaic Conference. The pastors of these communities experienced uncertainty, yet their stories reveal unwavering faith and a supportive network that kept them steadfast through the storm.

Preparations and Protection

Pastors Secundino Casas and Haroldo Núñez, along with other conference leaders, shared their experiences of preparing for Hurricane Milton. Pastor Casas recounted how, despite having time to prepare, they focused on gathering essential supplies like water, canned food, and gas. They also boarded up windows to protect their homes from strong winds.

“The first thing we did was entrust ourselves to God in prayer, and then we took shelter in a place we considered safe,” he said. This initial act of prayer was a shared response among pastors, who saw faith as an additional layer of protection.

Pastor Núñez added that their preparation included practical measures such as securing windows and doors and having a generator ready for days without electricity. They closely monitored weather reports to stay informed about the storm’s progression and evacuation needs.

“Staying calm was key. We knew what was coming but didn’t let ourselves panic,” Pastor Núñez emphasized.

The Storm: Faith and Resilience Amid the Crisis

As Hurricane Milton hit, the pastors faced uncertainty with trust in God. Despite calls from concerned family and friends, the community remained united in faith.

“We trusted that God would take care of us,” said Pastor Núñez. This calmness was vital during moments of difficulty, especially when communication and electricity were lost.

However, emotions were mixed. While their faith remained steadfast, conflicting feelings arose. Pastor Casas expressed that, on one hand, he fully trusted in God’s protection, yet on the other, he felt some guilt for not leaving Florida before the storm, particularly as he saw fear in his daughters’ eyes.

“Although my faith stayed strong, I felt helpless and guilty seeing the fear in my daughters,” he shared.

Community as a Pillar: Mutual Support During the Storm

The church and local community played a crucial role during and after the storm. Pastor Núñez highlighted the support from church leaders who sent encouraging messages and the active involvement of neighbors in Ellenton.

“The greatest support came from our neighbors. Everyone was helping each other,” he noted.

Despite material damages, including fallen trees, destroyed fences, and damaged roofs, the unity and faith within the community stood out. Pastor Casas described the strength of the faith community:

“Shalom is a very close-knit community, and in situations like this—good or bad—we always come together.”

This unity was evident in the mutual support shared throughout the emergency.

Aftermath: Damage, Challenges, and Hope for Recovery

After the hurricane passed, the damages were significant, but thankfully, there were no fatalities.

“The hurricane struck around 9 p.m., and although the 100 mph winds caused some damage, there were no fatalities,” Pastor Núñez reported. Fallen trees and twisted fences were the most visible damages, but the community quickly began repairs.

Pastor Casas faced flooding on his property and the loss of several trees.

“It was devastating to see the destruction, but at the same time, we knew God had spared our lives,” he expressed with gratitude.

Despite the material losses, the community remained resilient, driven by faith.

An Unyielding Inspiration: Trust in God’s Promises

Throughout the hurricane, both pastors found inspiration and comfort in Scripture. Pastor Núñez recalled Psalm 27:1, which gave them peace and hope:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”

Pastor Casas leaned on the promise of Matthew 28:20, reminding them that God is always with them, even in the most challenging circumstances.

A Testament of Faith, Unity, and Strength

The pastors’ and their communities’ response to Hurricane Milton stands as a testament to faith, unity, and resilience. Despite the damages and fears, their hope in God and mutual support were the pillars that sustained them through the storm.

This experience not only strengthened the local church but also highlighted the power of community during times of crisis.

Congregational Profile – Resplandece Mennonite

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by Javier Márquez

Editor’s note: Resplandece was approved by Mosaic’s board as a member congregation and will be welcomed at Mosaic’s Assembly on November 2, 2024.  

The congregation gathered in the Restored to Restore weekly event.

In the warm city of Barranquilla, Colombia, a spark of spiritual light has ignited a new chapter in the global ecclesial sphere. Resplandece Mennonite, led passionately by Brother Manuel García and his wife Viviana Ávila, has become a beacon of hope and community in an increasingly interconnected yet sometimes distant world. 

Since its inception in November 2023, this hybrid church has broken physical and cultural barriers by offering Sunday services via Zoom. Thanks to this innovative format, Resplandece Mennonite has managed to gather people from diverse corners of the world, from Venezuela and Florida to Pennsylvania and, of course, its home in Barranquilla. Every Sunday, families and friends come together in a virtual space where worship and reflection merge into a deeply connected and enriching experience. 

Brother Manuel García, a psychologist by profession and pastor, has dedicated his life to supporting communities through faith and knowledge. His work in Hispanic ministries, specifically with the “Therapists of the Faith Community” course, has been a vital resource for many. Alongside Viviana, his wife, who also brings her talent and leadership, the García family is committed to making faith and spiritual support accessible to all, regardless of geographical or personal barriers. 

Pastors Manuel García y Viviana Ávila and their family.

In Resplandece Mennonite’s worship services, the involvement of the entire García family is a distinctive feature. Their children, gifted in singing and prayer, not only enrich the services but also exemplify the unity and familial love that is at the heart of the church. 

The impact of this virtual community extends beyond borders. A member from Miami, who works every Sunday, finds in these services a way to stay connected with his faith, while a Venezuelan family, facing the repression of the Maduro regime, can participate in worship and receive support in a safe and supportive environment. 

Isaiah 60:1, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you,” reflects the spirit of Resplandece Mennonite. The church seeks to illuminate the path of its members and serve as a refuge of restoration and hope. 

On Fridays, the church organizes the “Restored to Restore Seminar,” an online evangelical event that reinforces its mission to build and strengthen the faith community. Additionally, as part of Mosaic Conference, Resplandece Mennonite has the support and collaboration of faithful leaders who believe in its mission and vision. 

Resplandece Mennonite Church is a living testament that faith can flourish and expand in any circumstance, bringing light and hope to every corner of the world. In times of distance and challenges, this digital community reminds us that true spiritual connection transcends physical limits, illuminating the path with the love and glory of the Lord. 

Read more about Resplandece Mennonite.  

Javier Márquez

Javier Márquez is Writer & Communication Coordinator for Mosaico Colombia. He is an Anabaptist Colombian pacifist and poet.

Anabaptist Community of Medellín becomes Mosaic Partner in Ministry

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by Javier Márquez

The full version of this article, in Spanish, first appeared in MenoTicias.

Bringing the Good News of peace and nonviolence to the community of Medellín. Photo courtesy of Carlos Sánchez.

Last month, members of the Mosaic staff met online with leaders of Comunidad Anabautista de Medellín (Anabaptist Community of Medellín). During this meeting, the Community’s status as a Partner in Ministry with Mosaic was made official. A support team was appointed for the partnership, with a duration of two years.  

Who is the Anabaptist Community of Medellín? 

Carlos Sánchez and Nidia Montoya began planting this beautiful project approximately three years ago in Medellín, Colombia. They drafted no specified strategy, but their ministry was not without method. 

Accompanying Indigenous communities in Puerto Nariño, in service to the Church. Photo courtesy of Carlos Sánchez.

By visiting families house-to-house, accompanying elderly persons and their loved ones in their final days, supporting young people (Montoya is a psychologist by profession), and offering bread, hot chocolate, and biblical reflection to their visits, a small community emerged. Soon, they began to gather virtually and in-person, with the simple purpose of taking care of each other. 

Comunidad Anabautista de Medellín was not a strategic project. Its current form has blossomed out of an organic mission based on service and Sánchez and Montoya’s determination to continue to visit these people. 

Another face of the community is a prophetic voice of peace in Colombia. Sánchez (who is a theologian and Master in Peace Studies) and Montoya have participated on behalf of the Mennonite Church in reconciliation processes between actors in the violence which has occurred in the country.  

This pastoral couple practices what they preach and remembers that the ecclesial work of Comunidad Anabautista de Medellín takes place both in the houses where they break bread and share the word, and in society, always remembering the call for Christ’s peace, non-violence, and reconciliation. 

Delegates from Mosaic Conference will go to Medellín to get to know the church better through an in-person visit in mid-April. 

This is the first time that Mosaic has shaken hands in this way with a Colombian community. 

“It is significant to be part of Mosaic. We expand dreams, paths, prayers, love, and above all, we support each other. We take the Kingdom to other places,” says Pastor Sánchez. 

“Being part of Mosaic Conference is a great joy. It makes me feel part of a great community where the encounter between diverse believers reinforces faith and walking in the footsteps of Jesus… A great commitment!” shares Montoya. 

As the author, I must also comment on the great joy this partnership inspires in me. The Conference will be blessed with the Comunidad Anabautista de Medellín, and Comunidad with the Conference. Their mutual identification with Anabaptist theology and their parallel efforts to bring a message of peace and reconciliation in their respective realities are the highlights of this new partnership.

Building life projects with girls and boys, with the teachings of Jesus. Photo courtesy of Carlos Sánchez.

Javier Márquez

Javier Márquez is an Anabaptist Colombian pacifist and poet and a writer for the MCUSA publication MenoTicias.

The New Law Against Immigrants in Florida Affects the Church

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by Javier Márquez 

Editor’s note: Mosaic congregations in Florida requested that we share the impact of FL SB 1718 on their churches. Javier Márquez, Mosaic’s Spanish-language correspondent, wrote this article to share their experiences and perspectives on this legislation.    

There is a new, controversial law that takes effect in Florida on July 1, 2023. This new law, SB 1718, increases measures of isolation and persecution of undocumented migrants in Florida. The law will force businesses with more than 25 employees to verify the immigration status of their workers. In addition, the law will prohibit the free mobilization and circulation of undocumented people by prohibiting the use of driving licenses that are not issued by the state of Florida, a measure that is also directly against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in article 13: “Everyone has the right to move freely and to choose their residence in the territory of a State.”  

These are dark moments for the church in Florida. It is not difficult for us to remember, as Christians, so many stories that have nourished our faith: when Christians were persecuted, when being a Christian was a crime and they took you to the Roman Colosseum to be killed by lions, when the disciples had to flee because the empire had captured and sentenced their Master to death.  

The new law is designed at similar levels of injustice. These are dark moments, and that is why we need a church of light that is useful to society with real actions.  The Mosaic congregations in Florida invite you to pray with them and for them.  

Understanding FL 1718

by Eileen Kinch

Florida’s recent legislation, known as FL 1718, goes into effect on July 1, 2023. This legislation requires employers to check on the immigration status of potential employees.  

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 made it illegal for employers to knowingly hire undocumented workers. Some employers simply chose not to ask for documentation. FL 1718 now stiffly fines employers in Florida for not checking a federal database to determine potential employees’ immigration status. Employers can be fined $1,000 per day for not using the database in a certain time period. 

FL 1718 also requires hospitals to ask about patients’ immigration status. According to the legislation, patients may choose not to answer the question on the form. Patients will not be denied healthcare however they respond. Hospitals send the statistics to the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration, which then estimates the amount of money spent on undocumented workers. 

Florida’s new legislation also invalidates certain types of driver’s licenses issued to undocumented workers from 19 other states.  

A summary of FL 1718 can be found here. For more information on understanding the bill, see American Immigration Lawyers Association. 

Some updates from Mosaic congregations in Florida:

  • “Here in Tampa (FL), there is also a lot of fear in our faith community.  Our faith community is 95% immigrants; half have gone to other states,” shared Pastor Secundino Casas, Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Shalom (Shalom Evangelical Mennonite Church). “So, we try to respond to those who remain. We have invited an immigration lawyer to our church, to have guidance and first-hand information.” 
  • Pastor Marcos Acosta, pastor of Homestead (FL) Mennonite Church near Miami said, “I was meeting with local organizations and other pastors, and there is a lot of fear in general and bad information circulating on social networks. Last Saturday we organized a protest here in Homestead. We are trying to show support and provide information and be attentive to see how the law is applied. I also heard that here in Homestead, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been more active these last few weeks and that adds to the general fear that exists because of the law.”  
  • “Here at the Iglesia Menonita Encuentro de Renovación (Encounter for Renewal Mennonite Church) in Miami (FL), some brothers and sisters are planning to leave the state of Florida,” reported Pastor Andres Mendoza. “Let us ask God together to help them make good decisions and give them peace. One of these families has young daughters, and they are very afraid of being separated from their loved ones. Let us pray together to our God, so that he gives a way out of this situation. Thank you again for your support and your prayers. Peace of God.”  

Javier Márquez