WELCOME TO OUR
PROGRAM LAUNCH PIlGRIMAGE IN
MONTGOMERY
January 16-18, 2025
Dear Pilgrim & Program Participant,
Welcome to an extraordinary journey of faith, reflection and spiritual discernment. As we launch our justice leadership development program and embark on this spiritual pilgrimage to Montgomery, Alabama, we are stepping onto sacred ground—where history and faith converged to change the course of our nation. This trip is more than an exploration of the past; it is a call to deepen our commitment to justice and walk humbly with our God, just as Micah 6:8 calls us to do.
Montgomery stands as a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement - a place where faith leaders and ordinary citizens alike courageously challenged the sin of racial injustice. From the bus boycotts that sparked a movement to the powerful sermons preached at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, the Spirit of God moved mightily through this city, inspiring the pursuit of equality and liberty for all.
As Latino evangelical leaders, we have the unique opportunity to learn from this history and draw strength for our own advocacy for our communities. During this pilgrimage, we will walk the paths of those who stood against oppression, visit places where God's people raised their voices for freedom, and pray together for renewed courage to stand for what is right in our own contexts. Our hope is that this journey will not only inform but transform—igniting a deeper passion to be the hands and feet of Christ in a world that longs for His justice and mercy.
May this experience time draw you closer to the heart of God and equip you to lead with conviction and love.
Thank you, President & Founder
Agustin Quiles
The Significance of Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery, Alabama, is a city steeped in profound historical and spiritual significance. Once known as the "Cradle of the Confederacy," it later emerged as the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement - a powerful testament to a history marked by both oppression and liberation.
The Riverfront and Court Square Slave Market carry profound historical weight as sites of immense suffering during the transatlantic slave trade. The Alabama River was a major conduit for transporting enslaved people, while Court Square served as a hub for their sale—marking Montgomery’s role in the economy of slavery. Today, these locations stand as sober reminders of the resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardship and as enduring symbols of faith and perseverance in the face of injustice.
Decades later, Montgomery transformed into a beacon of hope during the Civil Rights Movement. Rosa Parks' courageous stand against segregation sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by a young Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, just steps from the Alabama State Capitol, became the spiritual and strategic heart of the movement.
Today, Montgomery invites reflection on the dualities of its history—the pain of oppression and the triumph of justice. It stands as a reminder of the power of faith to confront systemic wrongs and bring about transformative change.
Pilgrimage Resources
Get to now the personal stories of our justice leaders in the making
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Lenard Lloyd McCloyne
The Outside Church, Fort Pierce
Leonard, raised in Atlantic City amidst addiction and crime, moved to Florida in the 1990s and became deeply connected to Fort Pierce, a city struggling with poverty and violence. Motivated by his own experiences, he is committed to helping others overcome addiction and transform their lives. Through faith and community action, Leonard is dedicated to addressing the root causes of his community’s challenges, focusing on addiction, gun violence, and the church’s role in bringing hope and change.
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Dianeliz Sanchez
Nueva Vida, Kissimmee
Danieliz, the oldest of four sisters, grew up in a violent neighborhood in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Despite challenges at home, she stayed focused on education and found refuge in theater. Her hunger for the Lord led her to explore different churches, eventually growing closer to God. Now living in Florida with three children, Danieliz has been serving at Nueva Vida Church for over a decade, focusing on married couples, youth, and the homeless. Her passion for addressing the lack of resources in her community reflects her faith and perseverance.
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Rafael Agosto
A Place Called Hope, West Palm Beach
Rafael's life was shaped by early loss and hardship, including the death of his mother and a father frequently in and out of prison. Struggling with addiction from a young age, his life took a transformative turn when his wife’s faith and prayers led him to accept Christ on August 11, 1996, experiencing immediate deliverance. He is deeply passionate about helping those who have been incarcerated reintegrate into society, advocating for second chances and the opportunity to build a better future free from past labels.
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Rosandra Gonzalez
Comunidad De Fe, Tampa
Rosandra, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to the U.S. at 13 and lost her mother at 16, with her older sister stepping in as a mother figure. She came to Christ during this time, despite her family not serving God. Passionate about serving in children’s ministries, Rosandra works with the juvenile court administration and has experience in juvenile diversion. Her work has strengthened her desire to mentor youth, many of whom lack resources and parental support.
Take a look at our Program Launch Pilgrimage of 2024
Your Feedback
Agustin Quiles, CEO
agustin@missiontalk.us
Omar Johnson, Church Relations
omar@missiontalk.us
Lizelle Romero, Finance
lizelle@missiontalk.us
Nicole Gomez, Program Coordinator
nicole@missiontalk.us
Esther Omeben, Administrator
esther@missiontalk.us
Mission Talk Team
