Summer Conference México 2025
Tearing down walls. Building Up Hope.
Inspired by Christ’s call to reconciliation and justice, this conference invites us to identify and tear down the walls that divide our communities—walls of exclusion, prejudice, inequality, violence, and environmental harm. Recognizing that true peace is rooted in justice, we will gather to share experiences, celebrate our spiritualities, and strengthen our collective commitment to a more just world. In the face of fragmentation, we affirm that hope is built through concrete actions, living faith, and community.
"For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” (Ephesians 2:14)
This verse challenges us to be agents of reconciliation, called to transform our realities through active, justice-rooted peace.
Leadership 2025
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Bible study
Ordained pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Mexico. Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Director Emeritus of Spanish programs at Calvin Theological Seminary. His teaching work has extended to various theological institutions in Latin America, the United States and other parts of the world. Member of Bible translation committees and theological advisor to World Vision Mexico. Mexican by birth, married, with 2 married children and 4 grandchildren.
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Liturgy and music
D. in Sacred Liturgy, Theologian, liturgist, writer and teacher of liturgy and pastoral ministry. Presbyter of the Methodist Church of Mexico AR. Participant in the area of liturgical ornament as part of Red Crearte and Bautistas por la Paz (BPFNA). Creator of liturgical content in the Methodist Church of Mexico. Current coordinator of theology at the Universidad Madero and liturgy teacher in various theological seminaries in Mexico. Participant in the liturgy team of 2017 and 2019.
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Liturgy
Victor Noé Ochoa Briones, born in Mexico City on June 19, 1994. From a very early age I had the desire to serve the Lord by the example of my parents, Olivo and Agustina, who faithfully showed the greatest example of life. At the age of 15 I was called by God to the pastoral ministry at the Baptist Seminary of Mexico, who provided all the opportunities to achieve the task. With a degree and Master in Theology, today with 15 years of pastoral ministry I have served in the central district of the Mexico Annual Conference, in the temple of the Creator Iztacalco, in the center of Mexico City. Currently president of Liturgy at the Conferential level, in continuous preparation in the Ecumenical, Interreligious and social field. With the fervent desire to serve the Lord, and walk where God says.
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Music
He has a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from UNAM and a Master's in Theological Studies from Palmer Seminary in Philadelphia. He worked for 8 years in the University Program for the Study of Cultural Diversity and Interculturality at UNAM, and he currently serves as the Leader of the Prevention Project with Population in Mobility at El Pozo de Vida. Throughout his life, he has worked with children in his church and has participated in more than 12 medical and educational brigades in the indigenous community of Los Chorros, Chiapas.
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Children
Melissa is an environmental engineer who lives and works in Boston, Massachusetts. She is dedicated to reducing our global carbon footprint by contributing to and improving appliance efficiency standards and building energy codes. Melissa is bilingual in Spanish and English and has lived in several countries, including Mexico, Nicaragua, and the United States. Melissa, alongside their siblings Michelle and Steve, has been actively involved in leading the children's program at BPFNA's Summer Conferences. Passionate about environmental social justice and community empowerment, Melissa aims to foster a safe space where youth can be self-empowered, to make a positive impact in their communities.
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Youth
She is currently the Pastor of Iglesia Bautista Dios es Amor in Ensenada, Mexico. She holds a Master of Theology from Palmer Seminary and has completed diplomas in Youth Ministry, Art and Trauma, and Spiritual Accompaniment. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Cross-Cultural Missions from the Mexican Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Therapy. With over 15 years of experience leading youth ministry, she has served in diverse pastoral and social contexts. She worked for a year with Tarahumara youth and adolescents in the Sierra of Chihuahua, was the Director of the student ministry Punto de Encuentro for five years, and a member of the pastoral team at Iglesia Bautista Vida Nueva for another five years. She also worked with El Pozo de Vida, supporting young women survivors of human trafficking, and served as youth ministry leader at Iglesia Bautista Shalom for two years. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to pastoral care, theological formation, and holistic justice.
What to Expect During Our 2025 Conference Week
Our Summer Conference “Tearing Down Walls, Building Up Hope” begins on Monday, July 14 in the afternoon with check-in, dinner, and our opening worship.
From Tuesday through Friday, we’ll engage in a full program including Bible studies, workshops, panels, spiritual spaces, testimonies, advocacy activities, music, creativity and time to reconnect and enjoy community. There will also be a dedicated program for children, youth, and a special gathering for young adults.
This will be a unique opportunity to meet people from different countries and contexts, share the table, music, and culture, and learn from peace activists and organizations in Mexico who are working actively for justice, peace, and human rights.
We’ll close on Saturday morning with a final breakfast and a brief sending blessing, celebrating the hope we’ve built and the peace we’ve shared during this special week together.
