Tijuana Cross-Border Ministries
06.18.26 | Volunteer, Welcome the Stranger
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.
Participate & Volunteer
Global Missions: Children's Party in Tijuana | Sat. Aug. 1 | 7:15 AM - 6 PM | Sign Up: Email Sandy Price
Join Global Missions in partnering with a Methodist church in Tijuana for a special celebration with children living in local shelters. Youth are encouraged to participate alongside a parent or guardian as we help lead games and activities for the children. Transportation will be provided by Rev. Joel Hortiales. Valid passport is required for all participants; Spanish language skills are helpful but not required.
Donate Nonperishable Supplies for Migrants | Sundays Aug. 9 & Sept. 6, 13, 20 & 27 on Linder Patio | 10-11 AM
Donations of the following for migrants in Tijuana will be gratefully accepted: Non-perishable food – dried or canned beans, canned meat or fish, rice, small jar of peanut butter, ground coffee, small boxes of oatmeal; Personal items – women’s sanitary products and baby diapers.
Making Missions Meaningful Luncheon | Sun. Sept. 27 | 12-2 PM | Sign Up
Join the Global Missions taskforce in celebrating recent and upcoming work in Tijuana in partnership with Rev. Joel Hortiales. We’ll enjoy a Mexican lunch and hear from Pastor Joel about the meaningful, ongoing work with migrants and shelters in Tijuana, including Centro 32 and Comedore Juan 6:35. Please register in advance!
SUpport Rev. Joel Hortiales
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.
