September 21st and 22nd in Washington DC over 300 Hispanic leaders gathered to discuss critical matters of the day. Leaders came from eight states to meet at the Museum of the Bible Conference Center. The event theme was “Standing for our Values.” Sponsors included the Family Research Council, Betterman, Philos Project, Alliance Defending Freedom, InPeace, Christian Center for Public Life and the Museum of the Bible. They also launched the first ever National Leadership Program that chose 15 young people to participate in a two-year learning experience that includes a trip to Spain and Israel. The Founder and President of the NHPA is Rev. Carlos Duran.
Carlos Duran is the founder of Hombres de Palabra (Men of their Word), an organization “helping men reach their maximum potential through education, training and initiatives.” He worked for Promise Keepers for over 12 years, reaching and serving the Hispanic community across the country. In 2007, he founded Hombres de Palabra. He was the Washington DC Chapter Director and a board member for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, representing and advocating for over 30,000 Hispanic churches and organizations. He is an Honorary Board member of the Year of the Responsible Fathers Initiative and a board member of the Volunteers for America of the Chesapeake Area. For the last 20 years he has worked with the churches of Washington DC and has served as the Executive Director for the Evangelical Association of Hispanic Ministers. Carlos gave a NAHPA Leadership Award to John Mendez “for being a pioneer for the Hispanic Christian Church of the United States of America.” He also honored Rev. Rafael Guevara, President Iglesias Pentecostales El Shaddai Internacional for being a pioneer in leading pastors to be unified for the Gospel.
Students for Life was one of the many organizations that were present, and they shared about how they are on over 1500 college campuses and how they truly connect with young women and men who are facing an unplanned pregnancy decision. Their organization is very passionate about the choice for life and helping walk alongside women and men by providing friendship, tangible support, connecting to mentors in the community and making sure no college student feels she is alone during this experience. I was very inspired by their passion to speak up and to not shy away from a hard topic that many are afraid to address in our nation. Other speakers included: Ralph Reed, Founder of Faith & Freedom Coalition; Montse Alvarado, Executive Director of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty; Chris Swanson, VP of Hispanic Initiatives for Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; John Mendez, Former Vice President of the National Association of Evangelicals; Eddy Alemán, General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America; Tina Whittington, Vice-President Students for Life; Daniel Garza, President of The Libre Initiative; Tony Perkins, President of Family Research Council; Robert Nicholson, Founder of Philos Project; Galen Carey, VP for Government Relations at the NAE; Nilsa Alvarez, Independent Political Strategist; Chris Bullivant, Social Capitol Campaign; Abby McCloskey, Founder of McCloskey Policy LLC; Anna Fronzaglia, Senior Associate of The Clapham Group.
For more information about getting involved please see National Hispanic Pastors Alliance (nahpa.us).
Tammy (Gallegos) Daughtry, Zondervan Author, Speaker and Founder of Coparenting International www.CoParentingInternational.com
