Operation Mercy Ministries

03/18/2026

Operation Mercy Ministries Inc. (OMMI) is honored to announce the election of Natalie McQuilkin as Board Secretary.

Ms. McQuilkin is an alumna of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. She currently serves as a Senior Legal Writer at Eagan Immigration PLLC, where she focuses her work on humanitarian immigration matters, including petitions under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), T-Visas for victims of human trafficking, and U-Visas for victims of qualifying crimes. Through her work, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations and ensuring access to justice for those navigating complex immigration processes.

A proud native of Lenoir City and graduate of Lenoir City High School, Ms. McQuilkin brings both professional distinction and a deep-rooted connection to the East Tennessee community. Her dedication to service and passion for humanitarian work closely align with OMMI’s mission to support and uplift underserved individuals and families.

We are confident that Ms. McQuilkin’s experience, integrity, and commitment will be a valuable asset to the organization. Please join us in warmly welcoming her to Operation Mercy Ministries Inc.

02/24/2026

Official Announcement

Operation Mercy Ministries Inc. (OMMI) is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Catholic Charities of Knoxville – Office of Immigrant Services and Trinity Bryant Law for our upcoming Emergency Family Plan Workshop.

This workshop focuses on helping families create an Emergency Family Plan to remain prepared in the event of deportation or detention. Our goal is to provide practical tools, guidance, and resources so families can protect their children, organize important documents, and plan responsibly during uncertain times.

In collaboration with Catholic Charities- Office of Inmigrantes Services and Trinity Bryant Law, we have rescheduled the event to March 21, 2026. This adjustment will allow additional time to ensure that more individuals and families in our community are informed and able to attend.

Together, we remain committed to working collaboratively to serve, educate, and strengthen our immigrant communities. We look forward to standing united in this effort to provide vital resources and support to those who need it most.

Anuncio Oficial

Operation Mercy Ministries Inc. (OMMI) se complace en anunciar que hemos establecido una alianza con Caridades Católicas de Knoxville – Oficina de Servicios para Inmigrantes y Trinity Bryant Law para nuestro próximo Taller de Plan Familiar de Emergencia.

Este taller se enfoca en ayudar a las familias a crear un Plan Familiar de Emergencia para estar preparadas en caso de detención o deportación. Nuestro objetivo es brindar herramientas prácticas, orientación y recursos que permitan a las familias proteger a sus hijos, organizar documentos importantes y planificar de manera responsable durante tiempos de incertidumbre.

En colaboración con Caridades Católicas de Knoxville – Oficina de Servicios para Inmigrantes y Trinity Bryant Law, hemos reprogramado el evento para el 21 de marzo de 2026. Este ajuste nos permitirá contar con más tiempo para informar a un mayor número de personas y familias de nuestra comunidad y facilitar su asistencia.

Juntos, reafirmamos nuestro compromiso de trabajar de manera colaborativa para servir, educar y fortalecer a nuestras comunidades inmigrantes. Esperamos mantenernos unidos en este esfuerzo para brindar recursos y apoyo vital a quienes más lo necesitan.

02/18/2026

And we continue to move forward!

LENOIR CITY, Tenn. — Manuel immigrated to the United States, more specifically to East Tennessee, when he was 18 years old. Aged out of the American school system, Lenoir City

02/16/2026

‼️🚧 Community Alert 🚧‼️

ICE operations will take place in Loudon County in the coming weeks. Please stay aware of your surroundings and avoid interaction for your safety. Know your rights and stay safe.

If you are stopped by ICE:
• Stay calm and do not run.
• You have the right to remain silent — do not answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status.
• Do not sign anything without speaking to a lawyer.
• Do not give consent for searches of your home, vehicle, or belongings unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
• You may ask: “Am I being detained, or am I free to go?”
• If detained, ask to speak to a lawyer immediately.

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‼️🚧 Alerta Comunitaria: 🚧‼️
ICE realizará operaciones en el Condado de Loudon en las próximas semanas. Por favor manténgase atento(a) a su entorno y evite cualquier interacción por su seguridad. Conozca sus derechos y manténgase seguro(a).

Si ICE lo/la detiene:
• Mantenga la calma y no corra.
• Tiene el derecho a guardar silencio — no responda preguntas sobre su lugar de nacimiento o su estatus migratorio.
• No firme nada sin antes hablar con un abogado.
• No dé su consentimiento para que registren su casa, vehículo o pertenencias, a menos que posean una orden firmada por un juez.
• Puede preguntar: “¿Estoy detenido(a) o soy libre de irme?”
• Si lo/la detienen, solicite hablar con un abogado de inmediato.

02/11/2026

Statement of Appreciation

On behalf of Operation Mercy Ministries Inc., we extend our heartfelt thanks to the business owners of Knoxville and Loudon County for your unwavering support. Your generosity and commitment help us continue our mission of serving our Latino community with compassion and hope.

Because of your contributions, we are able to provide vital resources, programs, and services that uplift families and individuals in need. Your partnership is a testament to the strength and unity of our community, and we are truly grateful for your trust and dedication.

Thank you for standing with us and making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

— Operation Mercy Ministries Inc.

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Declaración de Agradecimiento

De parte de Operation Mercy Ministries Inc., expresamos nuestro más profundo agradecimiento a los propietarios de negocios de Knoxville y el Condado de Loudon por su valioso apoyo. Su compromiso y generosidad nos permiten continuar cumpliendo nuestra misión de servir a la comunidad latina con compasión y excelencia.

Gracias a su respaldo, podemos ofrecer recursos, programas y servicios esenciales que fortalecen y transforman la vida de familias e individuos en situación de necesidad. Su colaboración refleja la fortaleza y la unidad de nuestra comunidad, y nos sentimos honrados de contar con su confianza y dedicación.

Agradecemos sinceramente su alianza y su contribución al impacto positivo que juntos logramos en la vida de quienes servimos.

— Operation Mercy Ministries Inc.

02/09/2026

Junta Directiva de OMMI – Comité Ejecutivo

Operation Mercy Ministries Inc. (OMMI) está dirigida por un Comité Ejecutivo cuyo liderazgo, experiencia profesional y compromiso con el servicio brindan dirección estratégica y supervisión a la organización.

Nos complace presentar formalmente a los miembros del Comité Ejecutivo de OMMI:

Presidente – Alfonso Marquez Jr.
Alfonso Marquez Jr. ha estado involucrado con Operation Mercy Ministries Inc. desde su fundación. Sirve a la comunidad del condado de Knox como Técnico en Emergencias Médicas Avanzado (Advanced EMT) con AMR y es miembro activo de Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Es graduado de Bethel University.

Vicepresidente – Miguel Gonzalez
Miguel Gonzalez ha servido con OMMI desde el año 2009. Es propietario de Gonzalez Garage Auto Repair en Lenoir City y sirve como Pastor Asociado en Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Es graduado del Programa de Estudios Alternativos del Memphis Theological Seminary (PAS) y es ministro ordenado.

Tesorero – Jesus Gonzalez
Jesus Gonzalez ha formado parte de OMMI desde 2015. Es propietario de Integrity Alliance Group Inc. y miembro activo de Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Proporciona supervisión financiera y mayordomía en apoyo a la misión de la organización.

Oficial – Rev. Ed Umbach
El Rev. Ed Umbach ha apoyado a OMMI y a Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church desde 2007. Ha servido a la comunidad del condado de Loudon durante muchos años y actualmente es Pastor de First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir City.

Oficial – Taylor Sparkman
Taylor Sparkman ha apoyado a Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church desde 2007. Es Ejecutiva de Cuentas en HubSpot, miembro activo de Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church y graduada de la University of Tennessee.

Director Ejecutivo – Alfonso O. Marquez Sr.
Alfonso O. Marquez Sr. es el Fundador de Operation Mercy Ministries Inc. y ha servido a la comunidad del condado de Loudon por más de 26 años, con un enfoque especial en la comunidad latina e hispana. Sirve como Pastor de Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Es graduado del Programa de Estudios Alternativos del Memphis Theological Seminary (PAS) y ministro ordenado.

¡Bienvenidos a OMMI!
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OMMI Board of Directors – Executive Committee

Operation Mercy Ministries Inc. (OMMI) is governed by an Executive Committee whose leadership, professional expertise, and commitment to service provide strategic direction and oversight for the organization.

We are pleased to formally introduce the members of OMMI’s Executive Committee:

Chairman – Alfonso Oscar Marquez Jr.
Alfonso Oscar Marquez Jr. has been involved with Operation Mercy Ministries Inc. since its founding. He serves the Knox County community as an Advanced EMT with AMR and is an active member of Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is a graduate of Bethel University.

Vice Chairman – Miguel Gonzalez
Miguel Gonzalez has served with OMMI since 2009. He is the owner of Gonzalez Garage Auto Repair in Lenoir City and serves as Associate Pastor at Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is a graduate of the Program of Alternative Studies of Memphis Theological Seminary (PAS) and an ordained minister.

Treasurer – Jesus Gonzalez
Jesus Gonzalez has been part of OMMI since 2015. He is the owner of Integrity Alliance Group Inc. and an active member of Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He provides financial oversight and stewardship in support of the organization’s mission.

Officer – Rev. Ed Umbach
Rev. Ed Umbach has supported OMMI and Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church since 2007. He has served the Loudon County community for many years and currently serves as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir City.

Officer – Taylor Sparkman
Taylor Sparkman has supported Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church since 2007. She is an Account Executive with HubSpot, an active member of Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee.

Executive Director – Alfonso O. Marquez Sr.
Alfonso O. Marquez Sr. is the Founder of Operation Mercy Ministries Inc. and has served the Loudon County community for more than 26 years, with a particular focus on the Latino and Hispanic community. He serves as Pastor of Mercy Cumberland Presbyterian Church and is a graduate of the Program of Alternative Studies of Memphis Theological Seminary (PAS) and an ordained minister.

Welcome to OMMI!

02/02/2026

For nearly two decades, Operation Mercy Ministries Inc. (OMMI) has been committed to serving Loudon County with compassion, integrity, and purpose. Since 2007, our mission has been rooted in meeting real needs while uplifting the dignity of those we serve, with a strong focus on the immigrant community.

Through our ESL Program and ABE (Adult Basic Education) Program, we have empowered immigrants and their families to build confidence, improve communication, and gain the skills needed to thrive in daily life and the workforce. Our GED Program has supported students in reaching educational milestones, opening doors to new opportunities and brighter futures.

OMMI has partnered with Second Harvest and FPCLC to ensure families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals, meeting immediate needs while strengthening long-term stability. Our work with Habitat for Humanity has helped immigrant families move into safe, stable housing, creating homes that foster dignity and community.

Beyond education and housing, OMMI has also stood alongside the immigrant community in advocacy, protesting for immigrant rights and raising awareness of justice and equity issues that impact our neighbors. In times of crisis, we have answered the call through Hurricane Katrina disaster aid, bringing relief to those most in need.

This work has always been about more than programs. It is about service, justice, and love in action.

And we are not done yet.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to another 20 years of empowering our communities with hope and justice, guided by faith and a deep belief in the value of every neighbor.

“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:31

- OMMI

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Durante mas de dos décadas, Operation Mercy Ministries Inc. (OMMI) se ha comprometido a servir al condado de Loudon con compasión, integridad y propósito. Desde 2007, nuestra misión ha estado arraigada en atender necesidades reales mientras elevamos la dignidad de quienes servimos, con un fuerte enfoque en la comunidad inmigrante.

A través de nuestro Programa de ESL (Inglés como Segundo Idioma) y el Programa de ABE (Educación Básica para Adultos), hemos empoderado a inmigrantes y a sus familias para desarrollar confianza, mejorar la comunicación y adquirir las habilidades necesarias para prosperar en la vida diaria y en la fuerza laboral. Nuestro Programa de GED ha apoyado a los estudiantes a alcanzar metas educativas, abriendo puertas a nuevas oportunidades y futuros más prometedores.

OMMI se ha asociado con Second Harvest para garantizar que las familias que enfrentan inseguridad alimentaria tengan acceso a comidas nutritivas, atendiendo necesidades inmediatas mientras se fortalece la estabilidad a largo plazo. Nuestro trabajo con Habitat for Humanity ha ayudado a familias inmigrantes a mudarse a viviendas seguras y estables, creando hogares que fomentan la dignidad y la comunidad.

Más allá de la educación y la vivienda, OMMI también ha acompañado a la comunidad inmigrante en la defensa de sus derechos, participando en protestas por los derechos de los inmigrantes y creando conciencia sobre los temas de justicia y equidad que impactan a nuestros vecinos. En tiempos de crisis, hemos respondido al llamado a través de la ayuda en desastres del Huracán Katrina, llevando alivio a quienes más lo necesitaban.

Este trabajo siempre ha sido más que programas. Se trata de servicio, justicia y amor en acción.

Y aún no hemos terminado.

Al mirar hacia el futuro, seguimos comprometidos con otros 20 años de empoderar a nuestras comunidades con esperanza y justicia, guiados por la fe y por una profunda convicción en el valor de cada prójimo.

“El segundo es este: ‘Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo’. No hay otro mandamiento mayor que estos.”
Marcos 12:31

— OMMI