Isaac's talk will center on immigrant justice activism as Christians put hope into action, bearing witness to the work of solidarity among people with and without US citizenship. Isaac’s biblical, theological, and political reflections will prod our imagination as we consider a holistic vision for life in solidarity with migrants.

Isaac Villegas is an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church USA who is involved in the work of community organizing and activism for immigrant justice. He is the author of Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice. He is also a contributing editor for The Christian Century. He has served as president of the NC Council of Churches and on the denominational board of the Mennonite Church USA. He grew up in the borderlands of the U.S. southwest as a child of Latin American immigrants. He currently lives in Durham, North Carolina.

Don and Celine Woznica, former Maryknoll lay missioners, helped launch a volunteer Migrant Ministry after assisting migrants near Chicago’s Oak Park border. Celine opened a vacant rectory for showers and, with other volunteers, secured tents, food, clothing, and other essentials.

The ministry now has 500+ volunteers—mostly seniors—and broad interfaith support from Christian, Jewish, Unitarian, Muslim, Baha’i, and non‑religious community members. It has served more than 15,000 migrants with food, shelter, clothing, language help, and legal support.

The Woznicas, who served in Nicaragua and Mexico from 1981–1992, continue to play leadership roles deeply committed to immigrant and refugee communities.