“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1

Dear Friends—

In 2017, I helped launch Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico® to advance pro-life, pro-family, and pro-religious freedom values in the Land of Enchantment. Fast forward just three years, and by the grace of God, this ministry we built together is growing and thriving.

In any healthy organization, change is inevitable, and moving forward, the Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico team will be changing.

After much prayer and consultation with close family and friends, I have accepted a new position with the New Mexico Senate Minority Office. Given my affinity for this ministry and passion for our work, this was an extremely difficult decision to make. However, I am proud to be leaving this organization in good shape and in good hands, which gives me great hope and positive expectations for the future of Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico.

While a search commences for my local replacement, our Policy Manager, Stephanie Curry, will be leading Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico’s policy work as the legislature returns to session. Stephanie is a licensed attorney and works out of the national Family Policy Alliance office in Colorado Springs. Since our inception, she has provided us with vital legal and legislative analysis, and also previously served as our registered lobbyist. Stephanie is one of the most brilliant individuals I have ever worked with, and I know she will serve our state extremely well.

During this transition, the national Family Policy Alliance team, led by its new CEO, Craig DeRoche, will continue to provide back-office and strategic support services for New Mexico. This will ensure that our financial records are properly maintained, that our donations are processed accordingly, and that our New Mexico leaders and allied organizations have access to policy support and mobilization tools.

It has been my honor to serve as your Executive Director and I would humbly ask you to continue to support Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico with your finances and through your prayers.

On behalf of my family, I thank you again for this amazing opportunity. May we never waiver in our effort to turn the Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico vision into reality, for a state where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.

God bless you,

Vince Torres

 

In the coming weeks, Family Policy Alliance will communicate details regarding the search for the next leader in New Mexico. In the meantime, interested candidates may send their resumes to careers@familypolicyalliance.com.

Dear Friends—

I need your help.

As I previously shared, one of the encouraging stories this year has been the faithful generosity of local ministry partners like you.

Though COVID impacted our giving in the Spring, I am pleased to report that we are now back on track to hit our fundraising target for the fiscal year ending September 30. Entering the month of July, we had $35,000 left to raise, and thanks to your generosity, we have already raised $30,000!

Will you help us raise the remaining $5,000 today?

If you have not yet given this year, or if you have and would like to further help us reach this modest goal, I invite you to do so by becoming a monthly Ministry Partner or by making a one-time gift of $100, $250, or $500.

Please give today and help us restore a culture of faith, family, and freedom in the Land of Enchantment!

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Vince Torres
President & Executive Director

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” -John 1:14

Dear Friends:

On behalf of my family and Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

May the timeless message of our Savior’s birth fill your heart and home with joy now and in the coming new year.

Thank you for our continued prayers and support!

The Torres Family

Vince, Tiffany, Brooklyn, and Gavin

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” -Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)

Dear Friends:

Over the past two weeks, I have spoken with several pastors and people of faith about the dramatically shifting political climate in our state. There is certainly no question that New Mexico is changing. The question is, is it changing for the better? And my guess is that most of you would agree that it is not.

Following recent attacks on our organization by the far-left, I had several Democrats reach out to me and express frustration with the direction of their party and our state. Some cited the abandoning of traditional and cultural values, including the centrality of the family. Others mentioned a lack of tolerance in the party for those who do not toe the line of the far-left. And many spoke of the troubling influence of radical progressive politics, largely perpetuated by Democratic leaders who are trying to turn New Mexico into the next California.

This begs the question—Is 2019 the year we become New Mexifornia?

To be frank, I believe the outcome of the November election will determine the answer to that question. And the outcome of the November election will be based on whether or not people of faith like us get out of the pews and to the polls.

New Mexico is at a crossroads, and make no mistake, our core issues of life, family, and religious freedom hang in the balance.

Will New Mexico go the route of California—a state that consistently opposes the sanctity of human life; a state that constantly enacts laws to erode the family; and a state that is unrelenting in its attack against people of faith?

Or will we choose another path?

 Friends—this November, I hope you will join us in pursuing another path and direction for our state…

To this end, Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico is committed to working hard and ensuring that Christians have a voice in politics and policy. However, in order for us to continue our work, we need your financial support and, thankfully, one of our ministry partners has stepped up in a big way to make your year-end donation go twice as far.

From now through the end of the year, your financial gifts will be DOUBLED, thanks to a $25,000 matching grant provided by a local New Mexico family. So, if you support our efforts and believe in our vision, please CLICK HERE and make a donation today!

Thank you!

Vince Torres
President and Executive Director

Dear Friends:

As you know, we are currently in the process of vetting candidates ahead of the upcoming November election. Last week, several of those candidates returned their candidate surveys to us and over the next few days, we will be reviewing those surveys, conducting follow-up interviews, and continuing our background research. Once that process is complete, we will release our official endorsement list, and as an email subscriber, you will be the first to receive that information.

In the meantime, I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to some important members of our team. As you know, we are blessed to serve alongside our national umbrella organization, Family Policy Alliance®, and one of our Shared Values is “Steward Leadership”—the process by which we intentionally serve one another by anticipating needs, leveraging resources, and working together toward our shared vision.

One way we exercise “Steward Leadership” is through staff support provided to us by the Family Policy Alliance team, headquartered in Colorado Springs. What does this mean? It means that although I am currently a one-man operation locally, I have full access to a talented team of men and women who provide HR, legal, communications, policy, mobilization, and other critical services to support our local efforts.

Meet Autumn

Autumn is our Vice President of Strategy and is charged with implementing and overseeing strategy for comprehensive communications, policy, mobilization, and elections efforts to advance our vision. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a juris doctorate from Regent University School of Law.

 Meet Stephanie

Stephanie is our Public Policy Manager. She provides legal analysis and legislative strategy, and also serves as our registered lobbyist in New Mexico. Stephanie is a licensed attorney and received her juris doctorate from CUNY School of Law.

 Meet John

John is our Mobilization Manager and oversees mobilization efforts in the legislative and election arenas. He also identifies and recruits candidates for the Statesmen Academy and provides resources and networking for Statesmen Academy alumni. John received his bachelor’s degree in History from San Diego Christian College.

Autumn, Stephanie, and John are just three members of our incredibly gifted team and in the coming months, I will introduce you to others.

At the same time, we do have plans to grow our team locally by hiring two additional people in the future. In order for that to happen, we need ministry partners like you to support us financially, and one of the best ways you can do that is by setting up a recurring monthly donation today. Together, let’s make a difference!

Thank you in advance for your support and please continue to keep us in your prayers.

God bless you,

Vince Torres
President and Executive Director

“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

 –Matthew 25:37-40 (ESV)

Dear Friends:

Have you heard the great news? Convoy of Hope (COH) is coming to Albuquerque and Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico is honored to be involved!

Next month, we will partner with dozens of area pastors, churches, and community organizations, and over one thousand volunteers to serve hundreds of families living in desperate need. This is how it works…

On Saturday, June 23, we will gather at the Albuquerque Convention Center to give away more than $1 million in free goods and services. Guests who attend the event will be given lunch, groceries, health screenings, job services, family portraits, haircuts, activities for children, and much more—at no cost to them!

A typical COH community event like this typically draws more than 7,500 guests. We are praying that God will bring 10,000 people through our doors. Why? Because it is our prayer that this united act of compassion, led by the church, would be the beginning of a long-lasting movement that transforms lives, inspires compassion and service, and brings people and organizations together like never before.

As a member of the COH Steering Committee, I have had the privilege of meeting with pastors and local leaders over the past several months, and while there is a lot of enthusiasm and support for the event, we are still in need of volunteers and church partners. So, if you are in the greater Albuquerque area, I am going to ask you to consider doing two things.

At Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico, our vision is a state where families thrive and, as such, we are so excited to be part of this effort to bless and serve New Mexico families.  Will you join us?

In His service and for His glory,

Vince Torres
President and Executive Director

Dear Friends:

 Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of speaking at churches, community meetings, and many other events; and one of the most common sentiments expressed by the people I meet with is frustration – frustration with the direction of our state and its leaders. As a result, many of those people are quite surprised when I speak so optimistically about some of our political leaders and the future of New Mexico.

Make no mistake about it – politicians are a major part of the problem for New Mexico and our nation. However, I am proud to say that in our State Capitol, we have a strong contingent of faithful and godly leaders who give me great hope for a brighter future in the Land of Enchantment. One of those leaders is State Representative David Gallegos.

As the Representative for District 61 (Lea County) since 2012, David has been a consistent and dependable voice for faith and biblical values in Santa Fe. In addition to founding and chairing the New Mexico Legislative Prayer Caucus, he has sponsored several bills to protect families, life, and religious freedom in our state. Most recently, during the 2018 Legislative Session, David was a key ally and co-sponsor of three important pro-life bills, including parental notification for minors seeking abortions and a late-term abortion ban.

David’s impact in New Mexico goes well beyond his official position as a state legislator. In addition to serving on the Eunice School Board for the past 18 years, he has also served as a member of his local housing authority, chamber of commerce, and economic development committee. David is active in his local church and previously spent 10 years on the Eunice Assembly of God Board of Deacons.

Last year, we were blessed to have David attend our Family Policy Foundation Statesmen Academy, a summer conference for on-the-rise Christian legislators and aspiring policymakers. During the conference, David was able to train with colleagues from across the nation and hear from experienced officials and lawmakers, including former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn. As always, David represented his district and our state extremely well.

At Family Policy Alliance, our vision is a New Mexico where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. And while we have a long way to go to see this vision become a reality, leaders like David give me cause for great optimism. In my role, I am consistently assailed with reasons to be discouraged. At times, the challenges facing our state appear as an unconquerable Goliath.

And that’s when it’s great to have a David.

In closing, I ask you to please pray for David this week – that God would bless his efforts; that his influence would grow; and that his family would thrive and be blessed.

Please stay tuned for more stories like this in the coming months as we spotlight other leaders faithfully fighting for New Mexico families. In the meantime, thank you for your continued prayers and support. We could not do any of this without you!

For His Glory Alone,

Vince Torres
President and Executive Director

 

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” –Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV)

Dear Friends:

This Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of a California law that compels pro-life pregnancy centers to speak against their own mission by promoting abortion.

There are approximately 200 pro-life pregnancy centers in California that provide free resources to women, men, and families facing unplanned pregnancies – resources like ultrasounds, clothing, parenting classes, and much more. They also provide referrals for other available services including housing, career development, counseling, and adoption.

However, one referral you will not find at these pregnancy centers is a referral for an abortion. Sadly, in 2015, California Governor Jerry Brown signed the so-called “Reproductive FACT Act” to target pro-life pregnancy centers and require them to advertise for the abortion industry. Specifically, the law requires these centers to post a disclosure, advising women on how they can obtain a state-sponsored abortion.

This week, I contacted the Executive Director of Care Net Pregnancy Center of Santa Fe, Roberta Cheek, and requested her thoughts on the California law and its potential impact on life-affirming organizations.

“At its core, this is a First Amendment, freedom of speech issue,” Roberta stated. “As a pro-life, option pregnancy center, our mission is to promote a culture of life by providing women and families with support, resources, and accurate information on abortion risks so they can make an informed decision regarding their pregnancy. Forcing pregnancy centers like ours to refer women to abortion providers would contradict the very reason for our existence.”

Imagine the American Lung Association being forced to advertise cigarettes. That would be outrageous!

Friends – this law is not only just as outrageous, but it is an affront to our First Amendment. Bottom line – the government does not have the power to compel anyone to speak a message they disagree with. That is why Family Policy Alliance joined the effort, led by California Family Council, to produce and present a powerful legal brief to the U.S. Supreme Court ahead of this important case. In short, the filed amicus brief affirms support for the constitutional right of pro-life organizations not to be compelled to engage in speech that violates their conscience, religious beliefs, and mission statements.

The reality is this – if our pro-life pregnancy centers lose this case, we will all lose, because if government can compel their speech, then our individual Freedom of Speech is also at risk!

Something to think about: In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court stated, “[t]he government may not…compel the endorsement of ideas that it approves.”

Something to pray for: Please pray that the U.S. Supreme Court maintains that precedent and that a majority of the Justices ultimately rule against this egregious California law.

Standing for Religious Freedom,

Vince Torres
President and Executive Director

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” –Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Dear Friends:

This past weekend, I had the privilege of speaking on a discussion panel at the 2018 Students for Life Leadership Workshop. The event was held at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and was well attended by students, pro-life activists, and leaders from local pro-life organizations. Joining me on the panel was Elisa Martinez, Executive Director of New Mexico Alliance for Life, and, together, we answered several questions about pro-life legislation and the political climate in our state.

During our discussion, one particular question stood out to me, and it went like this:

“Some think presenting pro-life bills is a waste of time and that saving lives will not happen at the legislature. What do you say to that?”

The question stood out, in part, because I have heard this sentiment expressed many times over the years, and my initial thought has always been, “I’m sure glad you don’t feel that way about other issues!” It is no secret that New Mexico trails the rest of the nation in many critical areas, including education, economic growth, and child well-being, to name a few. However, the fact that we are lagging behind in those areas has never kept us from trying to improve and make progress, so why would we give up on life?

Like the areas referenced above, New Mexico is also far behind other states when it comes to enacting reasonable legislation to protect life. This past week alone, state legislatures across the country passed several pro-life bills, including:

These are just a few examples of what is becoming a national trend, and it’s time for New Mexico to catch up! At Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico, we believe that saving lives will happen at the legislature and it is up to us – you and I – to make it happen! The abortion industry’s lobby in New Mexico is strong and well-financed by out-of-touch, out-of-state interests. To counter their efforts, we need a strong, well-funded, local movement of pro-life New Mexicans who will not give up until we achieve our vision – a New Mexico where life is cherished!

Something to think about: Last week, Planned Parenthood announced their plan to spend $20 million this year to defeat pro-life candidates for Governor and the U.S. Senate. With those resources at their disposal, we must continue to ask why they continue to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies every year.

Something to pray for: Please pray for our pro-life candidates this election cycle. In addition to electing a new Governor this November, all 70 seats in the State House of Representatives will be on the ballot, along with our federal races for U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator. In the coming months, we will keep you informed on where some of the key candidates stand on the issue of life. If we want change, we must elect change!

Something to do: If you do not know the names of your State Representative and/or State Senator, please click here to find out! As we begin to share information regarding the upcoming election, it is important to know who your elected officials are, and if they are representing your values.

As always, thank you for your prayers and support. We could not do this without you!

Blessings,

Vince Torres
President and Executive Director

 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” –John 5:14-16 (ESV)

Dear Friends:

I was updating my Facebook profile recently and came to a question asking about my “political views.” Without much thought, I immediately typed in the word “conservative” and moved on. Later that day, however, I began thinking about how public perception of the “conservative” designation has changed over the years. It is quite amazing that a word once associated with religious affiliation and faith-based conviction is now tied to perceptions of hypocrisy, self-righteousness, hate, and bigotry.

In the wake of President Trump’s victory in 2016, it was not uncommon to see the words “conservative evangelical” in media headlines across our nation. And for many years, I would have boldly and unashamedly accepted that designation as an accurate descriptor of my beliefs. However, as I mentioned, things have drastically changed, which has prompted me to be weary of any label that distracts from or mischaracterizes the mission of the Christian Church.

Let me begin by saying that much like the word “evangelical,” I believe the word “conservative” has become a misnomer, and not merely because of its association with hate and bigotry, which the vast majority of all conservatives absolutely loathe. I believe the semantics alone are reason for concern, particularly when it comes to our mission as Christians. In his book, The Church at the End of the 20th Century, the great Dr. Francis Schaeffer wrote, “One of the greatest injustices we do to our young people is to ask them to be conservative. Christianity today is not conservative, but revolutionary.”

Friends – we are living in a day and age where Christianity is anything but conservative. In reality, it is both radical and revolutionary, which is consistent with the actions and experiences of the early church and Jesus’ own earthy ministry. Sure, there was a time in our nation when Christians conservatism was slightly more popular, but I think we can all agree that time has passed. As Dr. Schaeffer further expounds, “To be conservative today is to miss the whole point, for conservatism means standing in the flow of the status quo, and the status quo no longer belongs to us.”

I do not quote Senator Bernie Sanders often, but the truth is, “We need a revolution!” However, unlike Senator Sanders, I am not just talking about the need for political reform – I’m talking about the need for spiritual revival. As the Church, our calling was never to be a “Moral Majority” – but, rather, to be a faithful and missional minority. This is not to say that we should abandon our moral, biblical values. We must, however, recognize the fact that they are no longer in line with mainstream American culture, which means that if we want to preserve any remnant of God-honoring values in our culture, we must engage! In Dr. Schaefer’s words, we need to be revolutionaries!

Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico exists to revolutionize our state for God’s glory and our good, and with your continued prayers and support, I believe we can live to witness dramatic change in the “Land of Enchantment.” Until such time, thank you for joining us on our mission to make our vision a reality – a New Mexico where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished!

Blessings,

Vince Torres
President and Executive Director