Migrants in Need of Jesus
The migrants at the border seeking to cross into the perceived “promised land” of the US is a hot topic. It’s one of the issues that divides people. My purpose in this post isn’t to address the political issues pertaining to the border. Rather to focus on the opportunities that the crisis at the US/Mexico is providing.
I enjoy connecting with other ministries and exploring ways to partner with them. Even if we don’t end up working together we can at least encourage one another. Recently I learned about a church that was providing food and shelter for more than 1,000 migrant refugees. It peaked my interest, because I know some people from California that are going down to minister and to provide aid.
Jesus’s Ambassadors Making a Difference
I was amazed to meet the pastor and see the ministry of Embajadores de Jesus (Jesus’s Ambassadors) in Tijuana. Pastor Gustavo told me that the church has been ministering to migrants for 11 years. There are a number of churches, and humanitarian groups that help to feed, house of clothe the refugees. The people are coming mainly from Haiti and Central America.
Anna’s Story
I talked to some them and asked them about their story. Anna told me that she came from Honduras with her two sons. She tried to cross the border into the USA with her boys. They allowed her 15 year old son to cross, but they turned her and her younger son back. She’s been in Tijuana for at least 9 months hoping that she can join her son, who now lives with a Anna’s brother in North Carolina.
I asked her why she decided to leave her country and make the dangerous trek to the USA. Anna said that she came for the dream of a better life. She had to pay the “coyote” $9,000 USD to bring her and her family to Tijuana. In my brief encounter with Anna I would say that she is a very pleasant young lady. She seemed to be at peace having found a good place where she and her son are cared for.
I think her story is quite common. Unfortunately, those that bring them to the border take advantage of the people that are fleeing bad situations. They charge a high price, and they promise that it will be easy. Yet when they arrive at the US/Mexico border there is another harsh reality that awaits them.
There are many similar sad stories of the people that make it to Embajadores de Jesus in Tijuana.
Many are Finding Christ!
The light of Christ shines most brightly in the darkness. Thousands of refugees are finding Christ as they journey north. The church holds services and Bible Studies that the migrants must attend if they wish to stay. A new friend told me that they found some of the refugees praying and worshipping the Lord in the middle of the night. They’ve created a culture where the people love God and our hungry for a deeper relationship with Him.
God is at work. That’s what I find exciting.
The enemy of our soul always seeks to kill, steal and destroy, but God has a way of turning that around. He has a way of making what the evil one intended to harm us and making it be something good and helpful.
A Dream for Something Greater
Pastor Gustavo told me about his dream to build a small city center to minister to all the people. This center will include a hospital, school, stores, vocational training and the church will be at the center.
Since I’m just getting to know this ministry I don’t know what the Lord has in store, but I’m encouraged by what they are doing, and how Jesus is using them. The gospel is being proclaimed in the midst of darkness. Jesus is being lifted on high. The gospel and mercy are coming together.
It reminds me of Jesus word’s in Luke 4:18. Where Jesus quotes Isaiah’s prophecy from Isaiah 61.
““The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,”
Luke 4:18 NIV (Emphasis mine)
Join Dawn and me in praying for Pastor Gustavo and his team as they minister to the migrant refugees. Pray for wisdom as I explore the opportunities.
Extend Your Hands to Help
Dawn and I appreciate you and the pivotal role you play through your prayers and financial gifts. You are helping extend the loving arms of the Father to bring the living water, the spring of eternal life to the Border, the Baja and Beyond!
We’d like to ask you to extend your hands to help those in need.
Your gift will help us to accomplish the God given vision to impact, Tijuana, Colima, Mexicali, Oaxaca, and Beyond to the Big Island for generations to come. Our familia on the Big Island is still dealing with staggering needs. Sadly, the crisis is ongoing and it has only gotten worse as time has gone on. We are thankful that we can be an instrument to bless others, and we’d love for you to join us in this effort.
In His Grip, Dave
Beyond Borders 
Pastor Gustavo’s dream sounds like something that’s much needed and would open many opportunities to share God’s love. I don’t know if God wants you to be involved there, but I pray He makes His will known plainly and either way, blesses the ministry greatly. This situation causes me to be conflicted because while I understand people wanting to come here and what they’re trying to leave, it doesn’t seem we can take everyone who wants to come.
janet
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Thank you for your prayers. It’s a complicated issue and we know that the US isn’t the answer to everyone’s problems. On the positive side many our coming to know Jesus so wherever they end up we pray they become a light and a witness. I also love Pastor Gustavo’s dream and many people who were hoping to make it to the US aren’t able to cross, so there is a huge need for opportunities, human services and ministries in Tijuana.
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