La Escencia Newsletter

A Word from Our President

Dear friends,

Our recent Annual Gathering was a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this work of justice for the broken, marginalized, and forgotten. Across cities, denominations, and backgrounds, leaders came together as one body. We were reminded that our calling is not only to speak about hope, but to embody it.

As we look ahead, I am encouraged by what God is doing through this network. Thank you for being part of this journey. May we continue to walk together, doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.

With hope and gratitude,

Rev. Carlos Malavé
President, Latino Christian National Network

A Prophetic Presence at the U.S. Capitol

During our Annual Gathering, LCNN leaders walked the halls of the U.S. Senate, not simply as participants in a civic process, but as witnesses of the Kingdom of God.

We carried with us the voices of our communities, the stories of immigrant families, and the conviction that the Church must be present wherever decisions are made that impact human dignity.

As one reflection captured, this experience was more than engagement; it was a declaration that the Church is alive, united, and actively working for justice in our nation.

A Sacred Time of Prayer for Immigrant Families

One of the most powerful moments of our gathering was a sacred time of prayer where we lifted up immigrant families across every state in the United States.

We didn’t just pray for families, we prayed as them. We carried their fears, their hopes, their uncertainty, and their faith before God.

In that moment, the room became a living testimony of the body of Christ united in compassion, intercession, and shared burden. It reminded us that our call is not only to advocate, but to stand in spiritual solidarity with those we serve.

La Esencia – Reflection by Daniel Beltrán

In this month’s reflection, Daniel Beltrán offers a powerful meditation on what was experienced during the Annual Gathering.

He reminds us that we are living in a decisive moment marked by division, disinformation, and spiritual crisis. Yet, in the midst of this, LCNN is forming a community of leaders committed to a, strategic and spiritual response—grounded in unity and moral clarity.

Ultimately, the reflection calls us to embody three essential elements:

A broad and unified movement across the body of Christ
A passion rooted in the suffering of our communities
The supernatural power of God is guiding our work

Click below to read the full reflection on our website.

A Living Testimony: The Church Accompanying Pastor Noe Carias

A moving testimony shared during our time together was Pastor Noe Carias's story, whose immigration journey has spanned more than 20 years.

In a moment filled with uncertainty, pastors and leaders across denominations gathered in prayer standing with him and his family as he faced a critical immigration appointment. Though access was denied inside, the Church remained present outside, united in intercession.

After hours of prayer, Pastor Carias emerged with good news: he was not detained.

This moment was more than relief—it was a powerful reminder that the Church’s presence matters.

A Reflection from Stephen Reeves of
Faith Works

Following the gathering, Stephen Reeves of Faith Works offered a reflection on what it means to pursue wisdom for a nation in crisis.

He highlighted the importance of faith leaders stepping into public life with clarity, courage, and compassion, rejecting fear and division while embracing a Gospel-centered call to justice.

His reflection affirmed what was experienced throughout the gathering: that this is a moment requiring not silence, but faithful presence, moral courage, and collective action.

Click below to read the full reflection.

One Body. One Mission.

What we experienced during these days cannot be reduced to a conference; it was a movement.

A movement marked by unity.
A movement grounded in prayer.
A movement committed to justice.

A Church that Accompanies the Migrant

LCNN, in partnership with AETH, Sojourners, and Fuller Centro Latino, invites you to join an upcoming webinar, “A Church that Accompanies the Migrant.”

This powerful panel will feature pastors from across the country who are actively leading their churches to respond strategically and faithfully to the challenges facing their communities. Together, they will share practical insights, pastoral experiences, and hope-filled approaches to accompanying immigrant families in times of uncertainty.

Monday, April 27, 2026
3:00 PM (ET)
Virtual (Zoom)

Join us as we learn how the Church can stand in solidarity, lead with compassion, and embody the Gospel in action.