Rev. José Luis Villaseñor reflects on how times of crisis can become sacred moments of opportunity — moments when God steps in and transforms reality. How do we believe in difficult times?
These days, I’m often asked: “How are you doing? How is your community doing?”
What often plays in the back of my mind when I hear those questions is the song CREERÉ — I Believe.
I believe in the power of unity.
I believe that God is on the side of the oppressed.
I believe in the power of the Resurrected Christ, who has overcome sin and death!
But the truth is: things are tough. And they may get even tougher before they get better — especially for immigrant communities like Fiesta Cristiana.
Fiesta is a Christ-centered Hispanic/Latino mission congregation that centers the lived experiences of disinherited people, while unapologetically and proactively dismantling systemic and structural inequities. Our vision is bold: We see a world that embodies God’s diverse Beloved Community — where all belong, all are welcome, and all are needed.
Even our name, Fiesta, speaks of the holy banquet — the feast of God’s kingdom — where there’s a place for everyone.
Right now, the anxiety is real. Families are deeply concerned about their immigration status, their children’s safety, and their long-term future. Survival has become the default posture. Just recently:
- Many of our parents stopped attending our Circle program out of fear of driving.
- One of our middle schoolers was told by a peer it was time “to go back home” — even though he was born here and has always lived in this country.
- A family canceled their annual beach trip, afraid of how they’d be looked at by locals.
- Several high school students canceled their participation in a summer leadership program to avoid traveling.
“And yet, I believe that times of crisis can become sacred moments of opportunity — moments when God steps in and transforms reality.”
And yet, I believe that times of crisis can become sacred moments of opportunity — moments when God steps in and transforms reality.
That’s what launching Fiesta Family Services has meant for us. This new initiative, launched just this month, walks alongside underserved individuals and families, offering access to essential information, resources, and personalized support. Whether it’s legal aid, parenting classes, referral services, or health advocacy, this is faith in action. It’s how we live out Jesus’ words: “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all else will be added unto you.”
I’ve been saying this again and again: This is the best of times and the worst of times to launch something new — especially something for immigrant communities.
“This is the best of times and the worst of times to launch something new — especially something for immigrant communities.”
Why the worst? Because resources are shrinking. We get more “no’s” than “yeses.” Some of our most faithful organizational partners — people who have supported Fiesta from the beginning — have pulled away. Not because our work has changed, but because the political climate has. These losses hurt — not just financially, but spiritually. We grieve the loss of long-held friendships and shared mission.
And yet: every “no” has made our “yes” to God even louder.
These challenges push us to dig deeper — not just into strategy or sustainability plans, but into faith. Our faith is in the One who multiplies loaves and fishes. In the God who has always stood with those on the margins.
I won’t lie. It’s hard. But I try to stay focused more on the possibilities. If we stay true to our values. If we get in touch with our humanity. If we believe — anything is possible.
And when I begin to feel discouraged, I think of the members of my congregation who are creating something beautiful and full of hope: they’ve begun collecting family recipes for a cookbook of Latin American dishes, to be published this fall. The goal is simple and powerful — to celebrate our heritage and raise funds for the missional work of Fiesta.
At the same time, we’re finalizing the translation of our Racial Healing Circles guide, with plans to launch new healing cohorts this fall. These creative acts of resistance and imagination remind me that we don’t just survive — we build, we dream, we give, we live.
These challenges push us to dig deeper — not just into strategy or sustainability plans, but into faith. Our faith is in the One who multiplies loaves and fishes. In the God who has always stood with those on the margins.
Their faith reminds me of another song I grew up hearing: “Cuando el pobre cree en el pobre, ya podremos gritar: libertad.”
When the poor believe in the poor, then we will be able to shout: freedom.
So let us believe.
CREAMOS.
Even now. Especially now.
Because God believed first — and gave everything for us in Jesus Christ — ¡CREERÉ!
I believe.
And I will keep believing.
Rev. José Luis Villaseñor is the pastor of Fiesta Cristiana, a Hispanic/Latino mission congregation in Apex, NC. Fiesta’s annual Las Posadas tradition is featured in JustFaith Ministries’ upcoming bilingual program, Encuentro de Esperanza: Encountering Hope.
Songs
As People of Hope, We Believe
How does our faith call us to live differently, love more deeply, and help bring healing to our world? How does encountering Christ in one another lead us to become people of hope in difficult times?
Encuentro de Esperanza: Encountering Hope invites your small group to immerse yourselves in the foundational teachings of your Christian faith and discern how it calls you to transform your life and our world. Along the way, the program materials highlight the unique and diverse gifts that Spanish-speaking communities bring to the Church, celebrating a few of the many teachings, traditions, and faith leaders that help all of us to see God a little more clearly.
Join us on Wednesday, August 27 at 2:30pm ET/11:30am PT to learn more about the Encuentro de Esperanza: Encountering Hope program. JustFaith Staff Members will provide a brief experience of the program, an overview of the content, general information, and tips for starting the program in your church, organization, or area. This event will be facilitated in English and offer simultaneous live interpretation in Spanish. Register today!
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