Missions Trips FAQ

  • WHERE WILL MY GROUP SLEEP?
    Usually the boys will sleep in the boys’ dormitory area and the girls in the girls’ dormitory area. Whether it is in a sitting room, a spare bedroom, or in the chapel, you can be assured it will be safe and private.
  • WHAT WILL WE DO FOR WORK PROJECTS ONCE WE GET THERE?
    This depends on two things: your budget and the skills of your group. There is a list of projects that is updated regularly, so we have many options to suit your budget and your skills, whatever they may be. One of the things you need to remember is to remain flexible. Once you are at the home, other projects may come up that you might feel inclined to be a part of.
    In addition to all of the projects going at our two children’s homes, there are a variety of other projects that you may wish to be a part of at various work sites in and around Tijuana. These include:

    • Women with Purpose: A shelter for women and their children who have been victims of domestic violence and other abuse, this home has ongoing needs in construction, repairs, and outreach projects.
    • The City Dump: An ongoing outreach to the community of people living in “La Colonia,” a community living on the landfill covering the old city dump, this ministry often includes food, clothing, and toy distribution.
    • Bethesda Centro para Enfermos: A hospice home for terminally ill patients with no family and nowhere to go, this ministry opportunity includes both spiritual outreach as well as meeting the physical needs of the patients.

    • We also help other ministries and children’s homes throughout our city with various special projects.

  • IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO TIJUANA RIGHT NOW?
    Many people have been asking us about the violence currently going on in the city of Tijuana.  While we cannot deny the violence that is taking place, we can say that things have calmed down considerably, but even during the worst times, we were completely protected from it.  You could even use the word “isolated.”  Whether working at one of our homes or travelling the roads between our two campuses, we have never felt unsafe, nor have we had any reason to.  This is also true for the Americans who have worked for/with us.
    The violence our city our city experienced last year was nothing more than a turf war between two warring factions of a major drug cartel (Arellano-Felix, which had recently divided into two groups), and the accompanying retalliation by and against city police officers.  Most of the violence was localized in other parts of the city, far from either of our children’s homes. Currently, the incidents of violence have been greatly reduced, and we can still say that none of it has targeted Americans.
    As an organization, we feel that during your visit with us you will be safe. As long as you avoid areas where the drug cartels are located, travel by day (not late at night), and be smart about your outings and actions, you should be fine.  If we felt you would be in any danger, we would not invite you to our home.  And remember, if God has called you to come and work with us, surely His protection will go with you as well.
    We hope this information will help you in making an informed decision about coming to visit us, and we invite you to contact us if you have any more questions.
  • IS THE MISSION SAFE?
    Yes. In all the years we have housed groups we have not had an incident. Although not related to safety, one common concern is getting too much sun and not enough water. We always suggest that our group leaders make sure their teams take in lots of water, especially those not used to the heat.
  • CAN WE DRINK THE WATER AT THE MISSION?
    At the children’s home we use a combination of water purification systems and bottled water for personal consumption. So, YES you can drink the water… just don’t drink the tap water or the water in the shower. And of course, you are welcome to bring your own drinking water if you desire.
  • HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO ON ONE OF THESE TRIPS?
    Very little! You will need to pay your own transportation costs to get here and the costs of your lodging and food once you get here. For a detailed list of costs, contact Sara Gomez, our Mission Trip Coordinator.