Tijuana Cross-Border Ministries

Cross-border ministries are not abstract political work, but deeply human ministries rooted in accompaniment, dignity, hospitality, and hope. Refugees, asylum seekers, and deportees arriving in Tijuana often face uncertainty, trauma, and isolation. Ministries such as Centro 32, Comedor Juan 6:35, Methodist outreach programs, and local church partnerships provide practical assistance while also affirming the sacred worth of every person.

Rev. Joel Hortiales is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, serving through the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry as director of Hispanic/Latino Ministry and Border Concerns in the California-Pacific Annual Conference. The conference encompasses southern California, Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan. He was commissioned in June 2018.

Joel works closely with the conference executive director of connectional ministries in the coordination of Hispanic/Latino ministries, including border ministries in the San Diego and Imperial County areas. 

Learn more on how you can support Rev. Joel's cross-border work by visiting the UMC Global Ministries website.