Home

About PBM

• Mission In Partnership
• History & Organization
• Ministry Sites

Short-term
Mission Trips

• Trip Planning
• Resources
• Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Border Security

How To Get Involved

Message Board

News

• Newsletters

Gift Market

• Gift Market
• How It Works
• Hosting A Market
• Market Materials

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel to the border?

Do we need shots or a passport?

How much does it cost?
Where will we stay?
How do I get there?
What if I can't speak Spanish?
How large can a group be?

Is it safe to travel to the border?

The recent violence in Mexico has, understandably, caused concern for many of our PC(USA) churches considering mission in Mexico. In the face of such serious matters it is important to maintain a perspective that is true to our faith and the circumstances around us. For 25 years Presbyterian Border Ministry, a joint ministry of the National Presbyterian Church of México (INPM) and the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) has experienced that doing mission with our brothers and sisters of the INPM is a safe endeavor. With well over 2,000 mission delegations having participated within the PC(USA)-INPM partnership, including over 100 in 2008 alone, no serious incidents of violence have been experienced. There are concrete reasons for this.

Partnership in México we benefit from the hospitality of the local church which greatly values our safety. Our mission workers and families, with a combined experience of over 100 years, live and work in Mexico. They know the reality of the circumstances and practice safety and prudence with visiting short-term mission delegations. It is also important to know that the violence is not random. Victims are most often directly involved with the narcotics trade, and mission groups are not the target. Together in Christian partnership we are stronger.

In Ephesians 4:15-16 we read “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” In partnership we are better able to continue on, even prosper in God´s mission, in difficult times. Presbyterian Border Ministry encourages, with confidence, Presbyterian churches to continue the work with our partners in Mexico. With them, we continue to provide light and hope across our borders in a time when it is most needed.

Do we need shots or a passport?
No shots are currently required although current tetanus inoculation is suggested.

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government implemented new passport requirements.  The rules require U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport or passport card.

• U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
  
  Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.

(Source: Department of State website)

Non-US citizens must check with US Immigration for required documentation.

Youth under the age of 18 need notarized permission from their parents to be traveling in Mexico. Driver of the vehicle used by the team must either be the owner or have written permission to be taking the car into Mexico. In addition, there is now a $19.00 per person visa charge for those traveling into Mexico beyond the 25km border check point only if you are staying more than 7 days. All participants must still obtain a visa but there is no cost.

How much does it cost?
The funds required for a mission team visit can vary from site to site. Please consult individual sites for exact costs. Costs depend on the type of activities in which your group is involved. There are local administrative costs, funds necessary for construction materials, and a donation to the on-going ministries at the site you visit. Purchase of materials must be arranged ahead of time with your project site. Average cost/fee per person of a mission trip is between $50 (study teams) and $150 (construction teams). Trip deposits are required.

Where will we stay?
Most teams stay in Mexico. Teams pay for their own room and board. Please consult with the project staff for more information. Sites have space and/or arrangements with local churches and families to house teams. A local hotel is also an option on some sites.

How do I get there?
Teams generally provide their own transportation, not only to and from the project, but also to and from the work site. (Some projects may be able to help with local transportation—please contact individual sites for more information).

What if I can’t speak Spanish?
Each site provides personnel to help with translation.

How large can a group be?
Teams usually learn and interact more if they are limited to 10-15 persons. However with advanced planning, some sites can handle larger teams.