UPDATE: MS TORNADO RESPONSE
UPDATE: MS TORNADO RESPONSE
Proclaim the Mystery of Christ
A rapidly growing Hispanic population is transforming the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics now make up 19.5% of the population and accounted for 71% of the nation’s growth in 2022–23. Pew Research projects that by 2050, nearly one in three Americans will be Hispanic. With one-third under the age of 33, they are one of the youngest and most dynamic demographics in the nation. These aren’t just statistics, they are neighbors, friends, and families who need to hear the Gospel.
And in 2026, we will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission. People from around the world, including hundreds of thousands of Hispanics, will come to the U.S. for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. So, confident that God “may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3), we are eager to equip you for mission.
Whether you’re leading a church, planting a new one, or revitalizing an existing congregation, you’ll walk away with encouragement, relationships, practical tools, and theological insight to mobilize your church for mission during the World Cup and beyond. Together, let’s impact lives, grow in Christ, and advance God’s Kingdom!
Date and Location
March 10-11, 2026
Stony Point Presbyterian Church
2330 Buford Rd.
Bon Air, VA 23235
Registration
This is a fully bilingual conference!
Click on this link and follow the prompts.
Registration dates: November 21, 2025, until March 3, 2026
Questions: Contact Hernando Sáenz at 678-488-0643 or hsaenz@pcanet.org
Conference Speakers
Mr. Jim Barr, Director of Ministry Partnerships & Stewardship, Harvest USA, Philadelphia, PA
Jim is Director of Ministry Partnerships and Stewardship with Harvest USA, based in Philadelphia. In that role he raises awareness of Harvest’s many resources, seminars, church-equipping efforts, and discipleship programs. He also encourages ministry engagement with churches, individuals and organizations to expand ministry opportunities. Jim and his wife Beth live in northern Philadelphia where they worship at Christ the King PCA in Conshohocken. Jim received an MA in journalism from Regent University (Virginia Beach, Va.) and his BA in history from Amherst College, (Amherst, Ma.)
Pastor Pablo Chavarría – Pastor of Spanish-Speaking Ministries, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, TX
Pablo Chavarría is the Pastor of Spanish-Speaking Ministries at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he has served alongside his wife, Velia, for the past five years. He leads the development of the Spanish-speaking community and worship services, trains leaders, and creates discipleship environments for families. Pablo also collaborates with the CTC San Antonio Español network in developing gospel-centered ecosystems for urban church planting. He loves investing in people, nurturing their spiritual formation, and witnessing lives transformed by the grace of Jesus.
Mrs. Velia Chavarría, Leader and facilitator of Parakaleo and member, Redeemer Presbyterian, San Antonio, TX
Velia Chavarría is a Certified Public Accountant and Auditor, a leader and facilitator in the Parakaleo Ministry, and passionate about walking alongside church planters’ wives to help them live out the gospel in their lives and ministries. She has served bi-vocationally with City to City, supporting urban church planting movements in Latin America, and is currently based in San Antonio, Texas. Velia came to know Jesus as an adult and now seeks to reflect His love and mercy in everything she does. She is married to Pablo Chavarría and has a daughter, Evelyn Grace. She enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures and friendships, savoring a good cup of coffee, and walking outdoors.
Pastor Alex Díaz, Senior Pastor and Planter of The King’s Well Church, Avondale, AZ
Alejandrino “Alex” Díaz is Senior Pastor and Planter of The King’s Well Church located in the heart of Avondale Arizona, where he serves faithfully, alongside his bride, Maria. He is the proud father of 4 and “papa welo” of 5. Alex is passionate about building a multi cultural and multi generational congregation that will be the epicenter of church planting throughout the West Valley of Phoenix. Alex serves the community believing that ministry is done through a three orthos philosophy, equipping believers through orthodoxy (right thinking) which leads believers to orthopathy (right affections) causing believers to action, orthopraxy (right living). He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute (BS in Biblical Studies), Grimké Seminary (Masters in Theology with a concentration in Urban Ministries), and is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry in leading the Intercultural Church at Covenant Theological Seminary.
Pastor Luis García, Pastor, Iglesia Presbiteriana Corpus Christi, Waukesha, WI
Luis García studied at Seminario Teológico Presbiteriano San Pablo (Yucatán, Mexico). For several years, he served as a professor there in the areas of Bible and theology. He is also the author of the book Post Tenebras, Lux: Recobrando la Doctrina Reformada, a regular contributor at Coalición por el Evangelio (TCG) and the pastor of Iglesia Presbiteriana Corpus Christi (PCA) in Wisconsin, where he lives with his wife Anahí and their children Mateo and Zoé.
Pastor Emilio Hood, Youth Pastor, Christ Central Church Durham, NC
Emilio Hood is the youth pastor at Christ Central Church in Durham, North Carolina where he has served for almost 4 years. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Hope, for 16 years and they have 4 amazing kids: Isabel, Grace, Caleb, and Samuel. Emilio has been in student ministry for 20 years and is passionate about seeing students come to life through Gospel transformation & equipping students to be leaders not only tomorrow, but today. Emilio is also passionate about fútbol and is a coach at one of the local high schools in Durham where he is able to invest in the community through the beautiful game.
Pastor Arnold Lavaire, Senior pastor Iglesia Hispana Presbiteriana, Midlothian, VA
Arnold A. Lavaire is a bi-vocational Pastor, who serves at Iglesia Hispana Presbiteriana, a church plant of the James River Presbytery in Virginia. He earned his Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana. Pastor Lavaire’s ministry focus for the past three years has been concentrated on Hispanic outreach. He is married to Jessie, and they have three children: Anthony, Jeremy, and Eli.
Pastor Víctor Martínez, Associate Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian, San Antonio, TX
Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Víctor Martínez comes from a rich Presbyterian heritage—his grandfather, Alvaro Morales-Zambrana, was among the island’s first Indigenous Presbyterian pastors.
Sensing God’s call while studying at Mississippi State University, Víctor later trained for ministry in Fort Worth, TX, where he met his wife and ministry partner, Jeannie. Together, they served as missionaries with the Southern Baptist Convention, planting and pastoring churches in Dallas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Puerto Rico. He went on to teach as Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at the Baptist University of the Américas before transferring his credentials to the PCA.
Today, Víctor serves as Associate Pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, where he equips emerging leaders through theological formation, cultural awareness, and relational mentoring. Known for his warmth and humor, he loves time en familia y confianza—sharing cafecito, good conversation, and reflecting Christ’s love while inspiring others to do the same.
Pastor Frank Matthews, Hispanic Ministry Developer, Richmond, VA
Frank Matthews is currently serving as Hispanic Ministry Developer, James River Presbytery, VA. He has been in this position for the past 8 years. He has previously served on staff as an associate pastor and worked on church planting teams in Florida and Peru. He has a heart to equip leaders and pastors for the ministry of the gospel through mentoring, coaching and facilitating seminary classes with emerging leadership. Frank is married to Suzanne, and they have 5 children – Joshua, Micah, Aaron, Elise, and Tiara.
Ms. Katelyn Newsome, Executive Director, Chattanooga Sports Ministries
Katelyn Newsome serves as the Director of Operations for the Chattanooga FC Foundation, where she has worked since 2014. She helps lead the Foundation’s program, Chattanooga Sports Ministries (CSM), which uses soccer to build community and foster growth for youth in Chattanooga’s underserved neighborhoods. Katelyn is passionate about coaching girls in her community and believes deeply in the power of movement and play to connect people, develop character, and nurture holistic growth.
Pastor Gama Pozos, Missionary with Mission to the World (MTW) Northern Mexico Team
Gama Pozos began his first term as a Mission to the World (MTW) missionary in June 2025, building on a ministry journey that started in 2007. Ordained in the PCA, Gama has pastored churches in Mexico and the U.S., planted a church on the U.S./Mexico border, and led revitalization efforts with strategic vision and pastoral care.
Currently part of the MTW Northern Mexico team (Centro Para Plantación de Iglesias / CPI), Gama leads church planting and revitalization along the border, while preaching, teaching, and mentoring pastors.
His ministry demonstrates a passion for gospel-centered leadership, cross-cultural engagement, and relational discipleship. Through strategy, teaching, mentoring, and daily life, he models Christ-centered service, nurturing leaders and communities for the glory of God.
Pastor Hernando Sáenz, Director, MNA Hispanic Ministries, Atlanta, GA
Hernando Sáenz was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and immigrated with his family to Miami, Florida in 1979. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he married Debbie in 1990. Feeling called to ministry, Hernando attended LAMP Theological Seminary and planted Iglesia Príncipe de Paz in Florida and Grace International Church in Georgia. In 2011, he joined Mission to North America (PCA) as Director of Hispanic Ministries.
Deeply aware that Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the U.S., Hernando is very grateful to serve the Lord and the PCA in this vital mission field. He is committed to equipping the PCA for fruitful gospel ministry among Hispanics by strengthening local churches and leaders, cultivating partnerships, and catalyzing church planting.
Mr. Jorge Vallejo, Founder & CEO, Upper90
Jorge Vallejo is originally from the beautiful city of Bogotá, Colombia. His journey in soccer began early—at just 16 years old, he launched a professional career that would span seven years and take him around the world. After playing three years in the Colombian Professional League, Jorge moved to the United States to attend Bryan College (Tennessee) on an athletic scholarship. Following his collegiate career, he continued playing professionally in both the USL (United Soccer League) and MISL (Major Indoor Soccer League), winning a National Championship in 2007 with the Philadelphia KIXX before retiring in 2011.
During his time in Philadelphia, Jorge served as the FCA Director for Inner-City, mentoring at-risk youth, athletes, and coaches through the platform of sports. He earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University and is currently completing his Master of Divinity at Metro Atlanta Seminary.
Jorge and his wife Brittany live in Buford, Georgia, with their four children—Nehemiah, Georgia Joy, Moriah Grace, and Isaiah Victor – and together they are committed to living out their mission of faith, family, and purpose.
Pastor David Vilches, Assistant Pastor, All Saints Presbyterian, Austin, TX
David Vilches serves as Assistant Pastor and Director of Missions & Unidos at All Saints Presbyterian in Austin, TX. He leads Unidos, engaging the Hispanic community through worship, service, and intentional gospel-centered ministry.
David also mentors young adults as co-leader of the Sage and Cedar Parish Young Professionals group, fostering community, discipleship, and leadership development. His pastoral heart is evident in mentoring relationships, personal guidance, and day-to-day discipleship, reflecting Christ’s love in all aspects of ministry.
Committed to a holistic approach—spiritual, relational, and communal—David equips leaders and communities to experience and extend the transforming power of the gospel.
Plenary Sessions
Confidence in Christ: Our Sufficiency and Strength in the Work of Ministry
Pastor Alex Díaz – 2 Cor. 3: 1-6
In this plenary session, we will explore the corazón (heart) of gospel ministry, where true confianza isn’t in skill, funding, or charisma, but in the Sufficiency of Christ who empowers us by His Spirit. Whether you’re planting, revitalizing, or shepherding, this session reminds weary leaders that our competency is empowered, not achieved, and that true endurance flows from humble dependency on Christ alone. Come ready to be refreshed, renewed, and reminded that todo lo que hacemos, it’s by His grace, para Su gloria.
Leading with Confianza: The Way of Christ
Pastor Victor Martínez
Hebrews 2:8b–18 shows us a contrast between the way of Christ and the way of our culture. The world leads by climbing up; Christ led by coming down through the cross, by becoming our Savior and faithful High Priest. This plenary is designed to remind us that our calling is to preach the Gospel and live a ministry of presence that develops leaders with confianza, by walking with others in their pain and pointing them to the restoring priesthood of Christ.
Biblical Hospitality
Pastor David Vilches
Reflections on the Church as God’s hospitable household in an inhospitable cultural milieu. In this plenary we will explore the hospitality of Jesus, seeing how he shapes and empowers our hospitality. We will also briefly consider some principles and practices of hospitality that might inform our ministries.
Designing Missional Projects
Pastor Hernando Sáenz
This plenary pulls together all the key lessons, insights, and principles from the conference, paired with examples of outreach, to inspire you to turn your ideas into practical, gospel-centered outreach that can transform your community.
Following the session, you’ll have the opportunity to submit a plan for a local World Cup outreach event. Twenty $500 grants will be awarded by the Hispanic Ministries Directional Team to help bring these kingdom-minded initiatives to life. Don’t miss this chance to move from vision to action and see everything you’ve learned come alive in your neighborhood for Christ!
Workshops
Identifying, mentoring, and training future pastors and leaders
Pastor Frank Matthews
Drawing from years of experience in leadership and ministry development among emerging Hispanic leaders and church ministries, Frank will share key lessons he has learned along the way. This workshop will offer practical strategies for identifying future leaders, providing effective mentorship, and forming gospel-centered servants equipped to lead with vision, courage, and meaningful impact in their churches and communities.
Gospel Centered Student Ministry: Meeting The Next Generation Where They Are Physically, Emotionally & Spiritually
Pastor Emilio Hood
The next generation is hungry for the gospel…they just need you (and your church) to show up! This workshop will provide ideas and practices meant to inspire middle and high schoolers in gospel-centered ministry. We will talk about how to build authentic relationships, foster spiritual growth, and equip the next generation to live out their faith boldly in their schools, homes, and neighborhoods.
*Zooming Out: Seeing Our Story Within God’s Story
Mrs. Velia Chavarría
In this workshop, women will learn how to “zoom out” and view your struggles, challenges, emotions, and hopes through the lens of the gospel, recognizing God’s presence and grace in every part of your story and strengthen your resilience in facing the demands of your ministry.
*(This workshop is only for Spanish speaking women).
Whole Life Coaching – Investing in your community through the game of soccer
Ms. Katelyn Newsome
Discover how soccer can become a powerful platform for connection, care, and transformation. This workshop explores how the Chattanooga FC Foundation uses the game to cultivate belonging, growth, and hope in underserved communities. Participants will walk away with practical strategies to engage youth and adults, and to create spaces where faith and sport intersect for lasting impact.
From the Field to the Church: Leveraging the World’s Sport and the World Cup for Gospel Impact and Church Planting
Mr. Jorge Vallejo
This workshop equips ministry leaders to use the universal language of soccer as a bridge for gospel engagement and community transformation. Through theological reflection and practical strategy, participants will explore how to mobilize the Church during global sporting moments—like the World Cup—to serve their cities, reach the lost, and plant healthy, multiplying churches. Topics include evangelism through sport, discipleship pathways, leadership development, and cross-cultural outreach. Participants will leave with a contextual action plan to impact their local community and the nations through the world’s game.
Sharing Christ with Roman Catholic family, friends, and neighbors
Pastor Luis Garcia
Did you know that 43% of Hispanic adults in the United States identify as Roman Catholic (Pew Research)? Many of them are our family members, friends, and neighbors. This reality isn’t just a statistic: it’s an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ! In this workshop, we will explore, from a Reformed perspective, some theological topics that will help us converse and evangelize with respect and biblical fidelity to our Catholic family members and friends.
Coffee, Dinner, Gospel: Cultivating Long-Term Relationships
Pastor Gama Pozos
If we are followers of Jesus Christ, we know the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20.
It is possible that we know these verses by heart! Yet, many of us might struggle or have
struggled to tell friends, acquaintances, coworkers or neighbors about Jesus without closing doors or being obnoxious. In this workshop we will have a conversation about how the Coffee, Dinner, Gospel approach could help us to cultivate meaningful relationships where the gospel of grace is explained and lived out.
Ministering to the Refugees of the Sexual Revolution
Mr. Jim Barr
The fallout of the Sexual Revolution is visible all around us. The dissolution of families. Gender confusion. Social isolation and loneliness. What God created as “good” is now so twisted and corrupted that families no longer function as God intended. The “refugees” of the sexual revolution are our neighbors, coworkers, classmates — and are sitting beside us in church. This workshop will explore compassionate ways to walk alongside family and friends who are struggling with sexual confusion and brokenness. It will introduce resources to help explore God’s design for sex, sexuality and gender. How to help those who have been affected by it, and how to equip the next generation to restore faithfulness to biblical sexuality and point them to the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Empowering ministry leaders through financial literacy
Geneva Benefits
Pastors and ministry leaders pour out their lives for others—yet financial challenges can make it difficult to sustain long-term ministry. In this workshop, we’ll share practical tools and personalized guidance to help you steward your resources wisely, reduce financial stress, and stay focused on your calling.
Schedule
*100% Bilingual (English/ Spanish)
Morning
9:30 AM – Registration
10:30–11:45 AM – Opening Worship Service
“Appointed Times, Eternal Purposes,” Acts 17:26–27
Pastor Pablo Chavarría
Lunch: 12:00–1:00 PM
Afternoon
1:15–2:15 PM – Bienvenida & Introductions
Pastor Hernando Sáenz
2:30–3:30 PM – Plenary
Confidence in Christ: Our Sufficiency and Strength in the Work of Ministry
Pastor Alex Díaz
4:00–5:00 PM – Workshops: Equipped to Lead
5:30–6:30 PM – Plenary
Leading with Confianza: The Way of Christ
Pastor Victor Martínez
Evening
Dinner: 7:00–8:30 PM
Morning
Breakfast: 8:00–8:30 AM
8:30–9:15 AM – Morning Service
“Gospel Ministry Through Vicissitudes”, Philippians 1:12–14
Pastor Arnold Lavaire
9:30–10:30 AM – Plenary
Biblical Hospitality
Pastor David Vilches
11:00–12:00 PM – Workshops: Equipped for Mission
Lunch: 12:00–1:00 PM
Afternoon
1:30–2:30 PM – Workshops: Equipped for the Long Run
3:00–4:15 PM – Plenary
Designing Missional Projects
Pastor Hernando Saenz
4:15–4:30 PM – Closing & Doxology
Cost
Includes two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast, all workshop materials, and a Spanish copy of Instrumentos en las manos del Redentor by Paul Tripp. Lodging and transportation are not included.
Early bird registration: $65 (11/21/25 – 1/31/26).
Includes two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast, all workshop materials, and a Spanish copy of Instrumentos en las manos del Redentor by Paul Tripp. Lodging and transportation are not included.
Early bird registration: $100 (11/21/25 – 1/31/26).
Includes two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast, all workshop materials, and a Spanish copy of Instrumentos en las manos del Redentor by Paul Tripp. Lodging and transportation are not included.
Early bird registration: $35 (11/21/25 – 1/31/26).
Scholarships
Don’t let financial constraints prevent you from attending! Through the generosity of our sponsors, we have a limited number of scholarships available for the cost of the registration. Contact Hernando Sáenz at hsaenz@pcanet.org to apply.
Supporting Organizations
A huge thank you to our supporting organizations. Their generous contributions make all the difference! Learn more about their ministry by clicking on the links.
Auxilio partners https://auxilio.partners/
Covenant Theological Seminary https://www.covenantseminary.edu/
Ezra Worship Initiative https://www.ezraworship.com/
Geneva Benefits https://genevabenefits.org/
Harvest USA https://harvestusa.org/
LAMP Theological Seminary https://lampseminary.org/
P&R Publishing https://www.prpbooks.com/
Serge https://serge.org/
*Local Hotels
*Make your reservation directly with the hotel
