Our Story

Miguel and Gladys met on the streets of Phoenix, where addiction, homelessness, violence, and instability shaped much of their early lives. For years they experienced the devastating realities of drug and alcohol addiction, living without hope or direction. Yet God pursued them through the love of a local church community, where they encountered not only the message of Jesus but a family who walked with them toward healing and restoration.

Over the years, Miguel and Gladys have built a beautiful family, raising five biological children while also opening their home to five adopted children. Their lives have become a testimony that the gospel doesn’t simply rescue individuals—it creates new families and restores generations.

As they continued to grow in Christ, God began stirring a pastoral calling in their hearts. They joined the staff at Alhambra Beloved Community, where they have faithfully served, discipled others, developed as leaders, and pastored people in one of Phoenix’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. Through years of ministry, they have demonstrated a deep love for the poor, the forgotten, and those living on the margins.

In 2024, they launched Starts With The Heart, a nonprofit organization committed to restoring dignity, inspiring hope, and providing practical support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, addiction, poverty, and crisis. Their ministry reflects the same grace that first transformed their own lives.

Now, God is calling Miguel and Gladys to plant a new Beloved Community in Garfield—a neighborhood that is deeply personal to them. Garfield is near where Miguel was raised, where much of his story began, and where he and Gladys still carry deep relationships and a profound love for the community.

Their vision is not simply to start another church. It is to establish a gospel-centered family that will proclaim the hope of Christ, make disciples, care for neighbors, and become a lasting presence of restoration in one of Phoenix’s historic neighborhoods.