Night of Hope: Unidos Somos Más — Minneapolis Recap
Minneapolis witnessed a powerful evening of unity, worship, and encouragement as Latino pastors, leaders, and believers gathered for Night of Hope – Unidos Somos Más (Stronger Together).
The day began with La Mesa de Esperanza, an intimate dinner where 60 pastors and their spouses gathered at Bulvinos Churrasqueria for fellowship, prayer, and encouragement. During this time, mental health professional Daniel Gutiérrez shared reflections on the emotional and spiritual care of pastoral leaders, offering practical encouragement for shepherding congregations during a season of uncertainty for many immigrant families and communities.
The gathering created space for pastors to strengthen relationships and prepare their hearts for the evening’s larger worship event.
Later that evening, the community came together for Night of Hope, where 1,500 people participated between those attending in person and those joining through the livestream. Approximately 350 people filled the sanctuary, while 1,200 participants joined online, extending the reach of the gathering far beyond the church walls and into the city.
Recognizing that many members of the community may not feel safe or able to attend public gatherings due to the current climate surrounding immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, the livestream allowed the message of hope to reach families in their homes. In many ways, the goal was simple: if people cannot come out, we will bring hope into their homes.
The evening featured a powerful time of worship led by Alberto Arriaza and Nanci Méndez, followed by a special ministry time from Daniel Calveti, who encouraged those gathered to remain anchored in faith and unity during challenging times.
Throughout the night, local pastors led moments of prayer for the city, the Church, and community leadership, including Noé Lara, Joel Ramírez, Víctor Martínez, Stephanie Miller, Vicente Perez, Sergio Amezcua, Yonathan Moya, and Nathan Grams.
Participants were also encouraged by a special message from Andrew Palau, who called churches to continue working together for the spiritual well-being of their cities.
The event was graciously hosted by Dios Habla Hoy (DHH) Church, under the leadership of Pastor Sergio Amezcua, whose congregation opened their doors to serve the broader body of Christ in Minneapolis. The evening concluded with a prophetic moment of prayer and blessing over Minnesota, led by Pastor Sergio Amezcua and his family.
Reflecting on the significance of the evening, event coordinator Angel Jordan shared:
“Esta noche vivimos algo histórico: iglesias caminando, adorando y orando juntas por el bien de la ciudad. Cuando la Iglesia se une, la ciudad no solo escucha el evangelio… comienza a experimentarlo. Unidos somos más.” — Angel Jordan
Pastor Amezcua described the night simply but powerfully as:
“Muy edificante.” (Very uplifting.) — Pastor Sergio Amezcua
Beyond the numbers, what made the gathering truly significant was the historic unity among churches and Christian organizations that love the city of Minneapolis. Leaders from local congregations and national networks, including partners connected with Border Perspective, Transform Minnesota, DHH, and several Hispanic Christian leadership networks, came together with a shared conviction that the Church has a unique role in bringing hope, healing, and spiritual direction to communities during difficult seasons.
As Jesus prayed in John 17:21, “that they may all be one… so that the world may believe.” That evening served as a living reminder of this prayer.
Night of Hope was more than an event, it was a declaration that the Church in Minneapolis is committed to walking together in faith, prayer, and hope for the city.
Because when the Church walks united, the city feels it.
Unidos Somos Más — Stronger Together.
