Mission Team Information

 We invite groups to come to Tijuana and other parts of Baja California with the idea of sharing in the life and ministry of one of the 14 Mexican Presbyterian churches and missions there, with the idea of mutuality in mission, coming to serve and give of themselves, but also with the attitude of receiving and learning from their Mexican brothers and sisters.  Most groups do a combination of building-type physical work, program ministry (with children, youth and/or adults) as well as worship, fellowship and sometimes study with the local Mexican congregation. 

It is important to note that the mission experience works both ways.  As U.S. nationals come to Mexico, Pueblos Hermanos likewise facilitates the mission experience in the USA for Mexican Christians.

US Citizens: Passport not yet required, proof of citizenship now required to cross the border by land
Mission Team Schedule for 2008                     Photo Gallery - Mission Teams
VBS Songs (download mp3 & words)

To schedule a mission team experience call or e-mail Rev. Bill Soldwisch
Tel: (619) 429-8851; E-mail: memo@puebloshermanos.org

*****THE MISSION EXPERIENCE IN MEXICO*****

 BASIC ATTITUDE:  The purpose of these mission experiences is to share together in life and ministry with Mexican Christians.  This means helping in some specific way, but relating together, in spite of language and cultural gaps, is just as important as accomplishing the specific help goals such as building or presenting a recreation program.  It also means being open to being helped by and learning from Mexican Christians.

 MISSION:  We align ourselves with God to carry out God's mission in the world.  This is not a church camp, in which activities and resources are focused on enriching the lives of the participants.  This is mission, we are giving; we go to be spent.  It is important that all participants come with this understanding.  (Of course, it is in giving that we truly receive.)

 CROSS‑CULTURAL MISSION:  The operative word for cross‑cultural mission is

FLEXIBILITY!

 WHERE?  Pueblos Hermanos works in Baja California.  Your stay will likely be in Tijuana, Ensenada or Mexicali, depending on the matching of mutual needs, goals, and resources.

 WHO?  Church groups have the first preference.  Couples and individual members of churches sent by their Session or Mission Committee are also welcome.  Your church assumes full responsibility for your participation.

 HOW MANY?  We've found that a group of up to 15 works best for optimum interaction and relationship between the visiting Americans and host church.  If a group is larger than 20, we ask you to divide into two teams, each of which will work with one particular mission congregation.  You will also have to bring at least one functional interpreter for worship, exchanging life stories, etc., as well as VBS activities.  (Being bilingual is not the same skill as interpretation; it's a good starting point.)  Partially fluent translators can handle the more mundane things such as basic logistics, directions, and, "Don't flush the paper down the toilet!"  (It clogs the pipes.)

 HOW MUCH?  You are responsible for all of your own expenses (transportation, insurance, meals, etc.) plus a contribution for the program with which you will be working.  We must depend almost entirely upon the visiting mission groups for materials and other costs associated with these projects.   We suggest a minimum target of $1,300 for a group of 10 to 15.  For some groups this may be impossible; for others, it would be a travesty to bring so little.  We also ask that you bring a "love offering" to the host church where you stay to help defray the utilities and wear and tear on their facilities.  A minimum of $100 for a group of 10 to 15 for 5 days is requested.

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*****THE WORK*****

 US groups can make very real contributions toward the mission priorities of the Mexican Presbyterian Church, which emphasize evangelism, outreach and church development.  Main activities include evangelistic outreach, children's and youth ministries, and construction and maintenance of facilities.  You do not expect to do any of this alone, but to be welcomed as participants in the work that God is doing through your brothers and sisters in Mexico.

 Come and see how God is transforming the Border as one by one individuals and families enter into the Kingdom.  Come and see how God may transform you and in the long run, your world, as you are open to being taught through this experience.

 EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH is a major priority of the Mexican Presbyterian Church in Baja California.  Every attempt is made to involve each visiting mission group in at least one evangelistic activity; some groups devote the majority of their work time to such activities.

Because of the language barrier evangelism activities usually center on inviting people of the community to some kind of event in which the gospel can be proclaimed, and they can participate in that event to some degree.  Movies, concerts, puppet shows and cultural variety shows have been used.  Your group teams up in three's or four's with local church folk and go door‑to‑door with a flyer inviting the community to attend.  US groups have participated by bringing a Spanish language movie, by singing in English and/or in Spanish, by presenting short testimonies, by putting on variety show type activities (e.g. magic, skits, folk dances, etc.), by presenting a bell choir concert, etc.  On occasion the US pastor has given the evangelistic message with translation into Spanish.  We encourage you to use your imagination in assessing the talents of your group and how it could help people to hear the gospel presentation.

A NOTE: door‑to‑door invitations, while outside the experience of most US Presbyterians, is a very positive experience in the Mexican cultural context of personal courtesy to strangers.

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 CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES:  US groups have had very rewarding experiences presenting Vacation Bible School type events, which have also contributed greatly to the outreach and development of new Mexican churches.  Crafts and games require a minimum of verbal communication and presentations can be made with the help of at least one fluent translator.

The US folk go with local church people inviting families to send their children to the event.  Costumed skits with a native Spanish speaker narrating is one effective presentation.  Puppets are great.  A taped Spanish sound track or narrator facilitates the verbal parts of the presentation.  Questions and discussion can be handled by local church personnel and/or with a fluent Spanish speaker from the US group.  Afterwards, the children can be encouraged to don the costumes or handle the puppets so that they themselves can experience acting out the story.  Most US groups have learned a few of  the basic children's songs in Spanish and lead singing also.  Bring musical instruments.

The children really enjoy games with the visiting groups ‑ simple parlor games or outdoor  games.  Be prepared with lots of back‑up games.  Large plastic baseball bats and balls, beach balls, work well for all age groups.  Crafts are very popular.  Plan one or two per day and bring enough materials for 30‑100 depending upon your site.  In some cases it helps to plan a craft for mothers; otherwise, there is a tendency that they will end up doing the craft for their children.  Feel free to pre‑measure or pre‑cut materials so as to save time and confusion, but leave enough for the kids to do so as to be satisfying for them.

The local public schools have split sessions so that there are children at home in the morning and in the afternoon.  Children range in ages from 2 & 3 year‑olds to 11 & 12 years, the highest concentrations tending to be in the 4 to 8 year range.  In some areas this will be one of the first VBS experiences for these children; in others they have been to several already.  Most VBS's are held in poorer, homestead neighborhoods, though some are held in middle class neighborhoods.  Facilities vary from an established church building to a mission's multi‑purpose room to the patio of a church member.

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 COORDINATING WITH MEXICAN CHURCH:  We go to great efforts to facilitate cooperative planning and preparation between the US group and the Mexican church hosting the VBS.  The degree of coordination possible will vary greatly depending upon many circumstances, but we hope to have some agreement at least on the basic themes and activities and the time frame of the VBS.

 SONGS:  We have available:  an audio tape, words and guitar chords for twelve songs used frequently in VBS's in Mexico.

 MATERIALS:  In addition to being flexible, come prepared.  If extra materials or copies are required, they will probably need to be purchased in the States.  Avoid using food products in crafts.  There is a sacredness about food which makes the use of food products in crafts offensive.

EXPERT PEDAGOGICAL ADVICE:  We strongly encourage the US group, especially youth groups, to get advice and counsel from the master teachers and Christian Education experts of your congregation.  These folk can give you a good idea of what will communicate and what will not; plus they are full of creative ideas which will stimulate your thinking and planning.

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 YOUTH MINISTRIES OUTREACH:  This has usually been some kind of a recreation‑fellowship type event followed by a Bible study, a video or other type of concise and interesting presentation of the gospel.  In the homestead neighborhoods most youth are working and so this has to be done in the evenings and on the weekend.

 TEACHING ENGLISH:  The number of adults and youth who seriously study spoken English is indicative of the opportunities for job placement and advancement in local factories,  offices, hotels and restaurants.  You are a wonderful resource for giving them exposure to native speakers in a non‑pressured situation.  Daily 1‑2 hour English classes can be arranged.  Another possibility is a two to three week "English Camp" which two or three different mission teams teach under the direction of an expert who plans and coordinate the event.

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 CONSTRUCTION:  There are church multi‑purpose buildings, sanctuaries, manses, etc. under construction or needing maintenance.  In the past mission groups have provided wonderful help in constructing needed buildings for the ministry.  Stay in touch as you plan your trip re the most probable work for you during the chosen days you are here.  Of course, specific work is matched to skills (or lack thereof) that a group offers as well as resources available for materials.  Again a reminder: the operative word for cross‑cultural mission is FLEXIBILITY, due to the culture, the nature of the work and the structure of the project.

 MATERIALS  are usually purchased in Mexico from funds that the visiting mission group provides.  NAFTA has several years to go before the final implementing tariff‑free importation of building materials.

 Every attempt is made to have a balance of physical work experience as well as programmatic or outreach activities.

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BEYOND THE PROTESTANT WORK ETHIC

 The purpose of these mission experiences is to share together in life and ministry with Mexican Christians.  The work done and buildings constructed are only a part of the experience.

 FELLOWSHIP:  Pueblos Hermanos (as well as your Mexican hosts) consider the relational aspect of your visit a very important one.  To come with the intention to serve or to help is worthy and biblical.  However, we are also called to manifest the Body of Christ.  In a region grown cynical from long‑standing political, economic and social differences, how much more powerful is our witness when we present a visible unity to the world ‑‑ that powerful USA can and does enjoy being with and doing things together with Mexico!

You will be working side by side with Mexican Presbyterians.  Almost everybody has a job or is going to school, but local church members will be with you after hours, on Saturdays and Sundays.  A fellowship night is also planned.  The church puts on a meal or pot‑luck and there will be structured small‑group activity (games, getting‑to‑know‑you‑ice‑breakers) plus time for just relating.

 WORSHIP:  We hope you will plan on spending a Sunday here, or at least a Wednesday evening for a midweek service.  The worship experience is a very different one.  It will be translated into English, and your participation during thanksgiving‑praise time and prayer concerns will be encouraged and translated into Spanish.  Cross‑cultural worship can be very meaningful.

Prepare your people for spending more time than in the US‑‑most Mexican Presbyterian churches have an hour of Sunday School (complete with opening and closing assemblies as we once had in the US) and then a 11/2 to 2 hour worship service.  It's O.K. to get up discreetly during the service to get a drink of water or something.  If you have a pastor with you, he or she might be invited to preach on short notice.

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 BRING YOUR BIBLE.  The Mexican church does considerable responsive reading from their Bibles, so if your whole group could bring the same English version of the Bible, your participation in this could be facilitated.  Also, prepare a song or two (any language) to sing during the prayer and praise time.  You might also ask one or two in your group to prepare to share a short testimony (what the Lord is doing in his or her life, family or church, or how they came to know and live in the reality of God's grace).  But don't let this cause problems.  Let the Holy Spirit lead you.

 DRESS FOR WORSHIP:  Bring something nice for worship.  Worship in the established churches and new church developments in middle class areas is nice casual (not jeans, not shorts).  In the homesteading neighborhood missions dress is casual.(not shorts)  Avoid tight fitting or revealing clothes.

 WHILE IN A CHURCH SANCTUARY:   In Mexico the sanctuary is held in almost sacred reverence.  No eating, radio music, running, playing or loud talking please.

 STUDY:  Before you come please prepare your group with background on history, socio‑economics, culture of Mexico.  Assign folks to watch news on Mexico and share during your meetings.  An extensive study packet is available from the Presbyterian Border Ministries coordinator’s office in San Antonio (319 Camden, San Antonio, TX 78215; Tel: 210-930-9230).

 When you arrive, Pueblos Hermanos will have an orientation for you concerning the theology and particulars of Border ministry and the Mexican Presbyterian Church.  Expect cross‑cultural debriefing time every couple of days with PH staff.  It will include sharing of experiences and insights in the light of cultural‑historical‑political perspectives and theological reflection guided by Scripture.

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*****NUTS & BOLTS DETAILS*****

 TRANSPORTATION:  Some groups drive in vans, cars or church buses.  Some take Amtrak or fly to San Diego, then rent vans for their use locally.  Many companies will rent cars or vans for use in Baja California, even selling you the Mexican insurance needed.  We can supply you with a list of van rental companies and approximate costs.  It is a 20‑minute drive from downtown San Diego to the Tijuana border.  A Pueblos Hermanos staff person will meet you at a pre‑arranged place and escort you across the border.  Ensenada is 11/2 hours from Tijuana; Mexicali is 21/2 hours away.

 REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO MEXICO:  Technically, one should have a valid passport with which to purchase a Mexican visitor’s permit (anyone staying more than 72 hours). However no mission teams that we know of have ever done this.  The northern border of Mexico is a “free zone” encouraging tourism and hundreds of mission teams simply enter and stay a fews days or a week each year.

RETURNING TO THE U.S. As of January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older  must have proof of US citizenship (birth certificate - the official certified one issued by the county or state, or naturalization papers) plus a government issued picture ID. Passports cover both proof of citizenship and ID.  If you don't have a passport or birth certificate you could be sent into secondary inspection area to be questioned before being permitted to re-enter the U.S. and could be held up for a considerable amount of time.   (Children ages 18 and under will only need to present a birth certificate, though we recommend they bring student picture ID's if they have them. ,

Persons who are not US citizens must bring proper documents, in order to re‑enter the United States: resident aliens, their resident alien card ("green card), non resident aliens, their passport and U.S. visa. 

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MEDICAL EMERGENCIES:  There are fine doctors in Mexico as well as in San Diego.  Decisions of medical care will be in the hands of the visiting team's leadership with the advice and support of Pueblos Hermanos staff.  The general rule is to take patients across the border to a US doctor or emergency room, unless, of course, the additional time to do so would be life threatening, in which case they would get immediate emergency care in Mexico and then be transported to the US.  For minor ailments your group leader may consult a Mexican doctor, and then let patient decide whether or not to see a doctor in the States.

 Groups should bring a First Aid kit for minor cuts and scratches, etc.  Bring plenty of Band‑Aids ‑ someone always needs a Band‑Aid, ‑ plus headache, cold, fever, and insect bite medications.

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 LODGING:  Plan to sleep on the floor at a church in Mexico.  Be sure to bring an air mattress.  In Tijuana, Mexicali & Ensenada there are showers and indoor plumbing, but you may have to use outhouses at the mission work site.  Be prepared for grooming under minimal conditions.  Water can be scarce; privacy also.  Some groups have stayed at motor hotels in Tijuana or Mexicali;  prices have ranged from $25 to 35 for a double in clean, simple accommodations; $80-100 with swimming pool and some kind of room service.

 MEALS:  You may do your own cooking.  Groups in 1990 told us it costs from $6.50 to $8.00 per day per person for food.  [We’ll try to get an update on this.] The churches where you stay have kitchens with stove and refrigerator.  Most have adequate pots and pans.  Plan simple and quick meals.  Groceries can be purchased in San Diego; however, if you are open to a new experience, bring State‑side ingredients for the first day or so and buy the rest locally.  This involves a visit to the local supermarket.  You may also plan on taking a meal in a local restaurant or taco stand.  Local super market food is fine; however, vegetables that will be eaten fresh should be soaked in an iodine-type solution for 20 minutes – one of the church women will be glad to show you how. 

MEALS PREPARED BY MEXICAN HOST CHURCH: If you want the cultural experience of eating Mexican food prepared by the women of the Mexican church, there is the possibility of making these arrangements.  These women have had courses in nutrition and safe cooking procedures.  If you are interested in this, let us know.   Cost for average sized groups in 2005-7 was $5.00 per person per meal.  We may have to charge smaller groups slightly more per person. You choose what meals you want to prepare and what meals you want them to prepare.  Some groups have all their meals prepared by the church women, others only their dinners, or only breakfast and dinner.

FOOD AND WATER:  Purified water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth, can be purchased locally (supermarkets and water purification plants).  Avoid drinking tap water.  Avoid putting tap water in your mouth.

Avoid food purchased from street vendors.  Pueblos Hermanos or local church leaders will advise groups on safe restaurants and taco stands.

Fellowship Meals: Pueblos Hermanos plans a time of fellowship (dinner and structured activity) among your group and the local church.  We ask you either to contribute the normal cost of one meal for your group towards this event (in which case the local church will also make its contribution and prepare the meal) or participate in the bi‑cultural pot‑luck.

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 CULTURAL/THEOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY:  All Mexican Protestants consider smoking, drinking alcohol, card playing, dancing and rock 'n' roll music to be at best "worldly" and thus, undesirable use of time, or just plain sinful.  What you do around their church facilities is a reflection on who they are and how they are viewed by the community.  Out of respect for your hosts' beliefs, if for no other reason, please, no alcohol, no smoking, no card playing, no dancing, and no rock music on or around the church premises or work sites.  And no open displays of romantic affection.

RE CHRISTIAN ROCK:  If your group wishes to share with your Mexican hosts a Christian rock song, singing it for them, with the lyrics or theme explained in Spanish beforehand, that could be ok.  But playing Christian rock music on a tape recorder would be offensive or scandalous to many because the lyrics are not understandable.

 DRUGS:  Your people need to hear the clear message that only a total idiot would think of handling illegal drugs in Mexico.  Laws are much stricter, the legal system quite different and jails a nightmare.  The driver of a vehicle entering the US is considered legally responsible for the contents of said vehicle.  We advise leaders to know who your group members are.  Send problem kids to camp, not on a mission trip.

DRESS:  In order not to offend, arouse unusual interest or advance misconceptions about North Americans formed by TV and movies, please avoid revealing clothes.  Men and boys should not go about topless (except at the beach) even when your shirt is drenched in sweat.  Women are advised to leave short shorts and scoop necklines at home.  Pants are O.K. in church, but not skin‑tight, please.  Shorts are O.K. for most VBS activities, but not short shorts.  Slacks or longish skirts/dresses are needed for doing door‑to‑door invitations.  Note "Dress for Worship" on Page 5. 

 CLIMATE:  Tijuana shares San Diego's temperate climate: heat waves in the low 90's even with high humidity are possible, but the norm is in the low 80's in the summer, lows in the 50's & mid 40's in the winter.  Ensenada is a sea port and usually cooler and more humid.  Mexicali is below sea level, high 90's is the norm through summer; winter lows can get down to the high 30's.  The whole region is semi‑arid: 9‑10 inches annual rainfall, usually between November and April.

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*****MISSION IN THE U.S.A.*****

 WHAT?   Pueblos Hermanos seeks mission experiences in the USA for the Presbyterians of Baja California.  Your church can provide one for a weekend, a few days, or longer.

 HOW?  Invite us to bring a group from Mexico to work with your church in some activity.  So far, we have sent mission teams to churches in California, Arizona, and Washington.  If you are a church in Southern California and are planning a work day, invite us to bring a small group to help out.  We can start the day with a devotional, share our sack lunches, work together, and end with a short prayer‑and‑praise time.  It could be spiritually rewarding for all.  If you are farther away, consider receiving a small deputation team.

 PHYSICAL WORK:  If you have several outstanding jobs like painting, rug‑shampooing, yard‑work, building a fence, pouring concrete, etc., Pueblos Hermanos could bring a group to stay over several days.  Your folks could drop by and work with us whenever they have an hour or two and/or come to our daily morning devotionals.  We could participate in your weekday or week‑night activities like Bible studies, children's clubs, etc.

 OUTREACH:  If you have an outreach program in your own city which requires hands and feet activity such as construction, a Habitat for Humanity house, food banks, clean‑up, door‑to‑door flyers, music, or Spanish language ability, consider inviting us to help.  Think of the witness to your community to have Presbyterians from your city and from Mexico working together to serve the needs of the larger community!

 OUTREACH TO HISPANICS IN YOUR COMMUNITY:  If your church is considering ministry with Spanish speaking people in your community or has such a ministry, why not invite a team of Mexican Presbyterians to help you.  A couple of experienced pastors from Mexico could be a useful resource in planning or evaluating such a ministry.

 HOUSING: The best results both for the host church and for the guests have been when families house one or two or three of the visiting group.  This involves providing breakfast, perhaps one or two dinners.  Lack of knowledge of Spanish or English has not been a barrier.  Bonding takes place when hearts and minds are open!

 WHY?  Why bother having a bunch of people to arrange for and worry about when you and your church can easily afford to hire the work done or do it yourselves?  In fact, that's how you've always done it.  "Being neighborly" does not only mean visiting them, it also means having them visit us.  It doesn't only mean helping the neighbor, it also means allowing the neighbor to help us.  Jesus calls us to "love thy neighbor" and we USA Presbyterians have learned so well to give, to serve, to support with our gifts and offerings and our programs.  That is good.  However, having "them" do something for us may serve to remind us that it's O.K. to receive.  That, in fact, God has many things to give us but which we are not open to receive because we have forgotten how to recognize our own neediness.  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom," says Jesus.

 THE BODY OF CHRIST:  God also calls us to be Christ's Body.  All who belong to Christ are members of that Body.  Pueblos Hermanos offers you and the Mexican Presbyterians a wonderful opportunity to come together and feel what it's like to be that Body!  Does it hurt?  Does it excite?  Does it challenge?  Is it something to celebrate?  Will it please God?  Will the world out there take notice and believe there is a God?

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*****A FINAL WORD*****

When we relate, we are changed.  The more we get to know our neighbors and deal with our differences, the more trust grows.  Eventually, we cease to think in terms of "them" and "us".  Christ can unite us as we claim His power to enable us to transcend cultural, historical and linguistic barriers.  To be together and act together is a glimpse of God's reign on earth and a foretaste of heaven.

 Interested?  Let's keep in touch.

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Group Check List

 BEFORE YOU COME

            Cofirm with Pueblos Hermanos dates, number and type of people coming, costs and contributions.

            Obtain Mission Team Preparation Packet and video from San Antonio (Telephone: 210‑930-9230; Fax 210‑820‑0917)   and view with your group.

            Make transportation arrangements, including rentals and Mexican insurance.

            If you plan to lead Bible school, studies, etc., make arrangements with Pueblos   Hermanos for coordinating topics, crafts, lessons, etc. with local Mexican   church;  send prepared class lessons in advance for PH comments and approval.

            About a month before the mission trip, earlier if we can arrange it, Pueblos Hermanos facilitates a phone conversation with your mission team leaders and the pastor of the mission with which you will be working, to confirm planned activties and to begin the relationship.

PERSONAL CHECK LIST

             Good work shoes (lace‑up tennis shoes or boots)

            Work gloves and other tools as determined

            Comfortable, but modest work clothes

            Appropriate clothing for church services (dress or skirt for ladies, long pants for   gents; avoid sleeveless)

            Sun screen, hat, sunglasses

            Personal toiletry items, including toilet paper.

            Camera, film

            Bible, notebook, journal, pen or pencil

            Sleeping bag, air mattress, sheets, pillows, (or bed roll)

            Towel, washcloth, soap

            Bug repellent

            Water bottle with lid or canteen

            Spending money

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RESOURCES

Movies For Viewing, Discussion And Reflection:

Selena.  The family and life of Mexican‑American singer from Texas who was killed in 1996.

El Norte (1983).  A brother and sister escape political repression in Guatemala and make their way to California.  Rated R (violence, language).  Great for youth and adults.

My Family (1995).  Saga about a Mexican‑American family in Los Angeles.  Rated R. (Language, nudity).  Good for youth and adults.

Romero (1989).  Story of Oscar Romero, archbishop of El Salvador assassinated in 1980.  Rated PG‑13.  Great for youth and adults; applicable to Mexican politics.

The Burning Season (1994).  The true story of Chico Mendez, president of the rubber tappers union in Brazil, assassinated in 1988.  Good for adults and youth.

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Books & Written Resources:  Mexico, Mexicans And Mission

Elmer, Duane. Cross‑Cultural Conflict; Inter‑Varsity Press, 1993.  Good for team leaders.  It deals with Mission and Cultural issues.

Eaton, Chris and Hurst, Kim.  Vacations with a Purpose; David C. Cook Publishing, 1993.  Good for organizing a mission team experience.

Having an Excellent Adventure; Friendship Press, 1992.  Good resource for mission teams.  Available from PCUSA by contacting Nancy Miller @ 502‑569‑5259.

T.R. Fehrenbach.  Fire and Blood:  A History of Mexico; Macmillian, 1973.

Karl Schmitt.  Mexico and the United States 1821‑1973; John Wiley, 1974.

Robert Hones Shafer.  A History of Latin America; D.C. Health, 1978.

Paul Horgan.  Great River:  The Rio Grande in North American History; Minerva Press, 1954.

Roger Hanson.  The Politics of Mexican Development; John Hopkins University Press, 1971.

David J. Weber, et al.  Foreigners in Their Native Land: Historical Roots of the Mexican Americans; University of New Mexico Press, 1973.

Alan Riding.  Distant Neighbors; Alfred A. Knoph, publisher, New York, 1985.

Mission Team Preparation & Study Packet

Presbyterian Border Ministries              Telephone: (210) 299-5011
319 Camden                                        Email: borderministry@swbell.net
San Antonio, TX 78215

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VAN RENTAL INFORMATION FOR TIJUANA
(Pueblos Hermanos Presbyterian Border Ministry)
Updated October, 2005 and Feb, 2008

Costs vary.
Mexican Insurance available at agency; $25 to $40 per day.

Budget Rental no longer allows large or minivans to enter Mexico, only sedans. (unless your institution has a fleet agreement with them.) 

COURTESY AUTO RENTAL www.CourtesyAuto.com
(10 miles from airport, but they will bring van to airport)
375 Broadway, Chula Vista
(619) 426-3433,
      12 & 15 passenger vans, minivans, autos ($110/day for large vans in Feb, 2008;  7 & 8 passenger vans 80/day + 30/day Mexican insurance; 150/day free miles)

 FULLER FORD  www.ThinkFullerFord.com
(15 miles from airport & they will not deliver vans to airport)
560 Auto Park Dr, Chula Vista (off of I-805)
(619) 656-3370
      12 & 15 passenger vans, minivans, autos ($110/day, Oct 2005 plus $25/day Mexican ins.)
      7-8 passenger minivans: 65/day + 25/day Mexican insurance.   150/day free miles

 ENTERPRISE AUTO RENTALS www.Enterprise.com
(close to airport, free shuttle)
2740 Lytton St., San Diego
(800) 736-8227; (619) 225-8881
(do not allow 12 & 15 passenger vans to go to Mexico; they do allow their 7-passenger minivans into Mexico, $65/day plus $37/day Mexican ins. Oct, 2005)

BARGAIN RENTAL www.BargainAutoRentals.com
3960 Rosecrans, San Diego (2.5 miles from airport; $9 flat rate with certain cab company)
(619) 299-0023  
7-passenger Ford club wagons $49/day, plus $25/day Mexican ins. 150/day free mi (Oct 2005)

Thrifty Auto Rental. www.Thrifty.com
1120 W Laurel St, San Diego 92101 (near Airport)
(877) 283-0898, Local (619) 515-0978
7 passenger minivans $44/day + $25/day Mexican insurance, unlimited mileage Oct 2005
    (Reservation system has not always been reliable for weekend pick-ups 5 & 7 years ago)

SAN DIEGO CAR RENTAL  http://www.sundiegocarrental.com
(866) 704-8267 toll free or (858) 271-8533
Rent 12-15 passenger vans for $99-169 daily according to their website
Office: 6904 Miramar Rd. #108   San Diego, CA 92121 ( Behind "DENNY'S RESTAURANT") This is considerably north of the airport; they might have airport pickup plans.

ASAP Rent a Van
Toll Free 1-888-844-ASAP (2727)    Rent vans for Mexico
8865 Balboa Avenue #G San Diego, CA 92123   Will deliver 7 days a week. No data on price.

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Pueblos Hermanos Guidelines & Rules for Mission Teams
in Baja California with the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico

While in Baja California living and working with a congregation of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico, you are representing not only your own home church, but also the Mexican Presbyterian Church.  Please be sensitive and cooperative to the testimony that the Mexican church wishes to give to the community around it.

As with Protestant Christians throughout Latin America, for Mexican Christians, to be a Christian means that one doesn't drink, smoke, (do drugs), go to dances,  or play cards.  Rock and roll music is also considered too "worldly" for church people.  Please conform to these expectations while collaborating with the Mexican church.

No smoking, drinking, drugs, etc. (only a total fool would do drugs in Mexico, given the conditions of jails and the very different justice system)

Do not play cards in the church facilities or in any connection with church activities. (Even though many pastors and leaders realize intellectually that cards can be an innocuous, family past time, emotionally it is very shocking to see cards in the church, because of its meaning in Mexican Protestant culture.) 

In the Mexican church (as in most North American churches) the sanctuary is a holy, special place, treated with special respect - they don’t eat or drink in it, or play games, or “goof off”.  Please remember to do likewise, even if the sanctuary is your living room or bedroom for the week. Please do not go up onto the sanctuary platform.

Do not play rock and roll music, even Christian rock because the lyrics are not readily understandable to Mexicans (let alone many North Americans).

Dress: the general rule is don't show too much skin.  For men this means always wear a shirt.  For women this means no sleeveless blouses, tank tops, or short shorts.  Longish shorts are OK for the Vacation Bible School and work times.

When going out into the community (door to door, for example), women should wear pants or a reasonably long (according to a conservative) dress/skirt.

General comportment (behavior).  When hanging around in front of the church or around the neighborhood be aware that people are judging/assessing the host church as well as your group by your behavior.  Please avoid rowdiness, slouching/sitting in ways that would reveal skin not normally seen, etc.

No PDA, please (Public displays of affection).  Non-married couples holding hands, embracing, kissing is very offensive to Mexican Christians and counters their testimony to the community.

Conserve water: there is a shortage in Tijuana, there are a lot of you sharing facilities now;  short showers (less than five minutes), and try to shower no more than once a day.

Water from the tap does not go in the mouth. Everyone in Tijuana drinks purified drinking water, available at a large number of stores & plants. Brush teeth with purified drinking water. (If you forget and brush teeth with tap water, don’t worry: you’re not going to die, or even get sick.  It’s not poison - you have to take in a fair amount to do harm.  It’s just a good idea not to put it in your mouth.)

Sorry about all the DO NOTS.  They take care of themselves if one follows the main YES DO: take the initiative to make friends with people, to be sensitive to their sensibilities, to try to understand them, to make new friends.  Do seek God's guidance adjusting to this different situation.  Do rejoice in the Lord always.

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