Presbyterian Border Ministry

Mission in Partnership

For over 25 years, Presbyterian Border Ministry has been reaching out with the gospel. Six local Presbyterian ministry sites from Texas to California work with more than 40 churches and other worship sites sharing Jesus Christ with over 2,000 people/families each week. At most of these sites, a PC(USA) mission worker serves as U.S. coordinator in partnership with a Mexican coordinator.Â Each of the six sites is administered by a local bi-national board of directors comprised of representatives from the corresponding presbyteries on both sides of the border. Should individuals at your church or organization wish to experience mutual mission at the border, an orientation packet for mission delegations is available from the PBM office in San Antonio, Texas.

Evangelism: Worship services, Bible studies, evangelistic campaigns and vacation Bible schools bring the grace and peace of God to thousands of individuals living in desperate conditions. With God’s grace, the six local ministries of PBM will continue to support their local presbyteries in planting Presbyterian churches, providing spiritual and moral support for those seeking to follow Jesus Christ, as well as providing mission opportunities for congregations wishing to reach out.

Mission Education: Presbyterian Border Ministry provides opportunities for U.S. and Mexican Presbyterians to do mission in partnership. Participants on both sides of the border grow in faith as they experience God’s transforming power together. Barriers of language, culture and doctrine are overcome as Presbyterians from both countries recognize their unity in Christ.Â Relationships are forged and strengthened among individuals, congregations and presbyteries, transforming the lives of the host church as well as those of visitors. Over 2,000 individuals, mostly from PC(USA) churches, come to the U.S./Mexico border each year to experience mission in partnership.

Health Ministry: People in marginal neighborhoods lack basic health information and adequate care. Some of the PBM sites have established clinics or health programs focusing on preventative medicine and screenings, pre- and post-natal care, and inoculations.

Training and Economic Self-Help: There are not enough jobs in the manufacturing and assembly plants to absorb the huge population growth at the border. Some PBM sites have concentrated on teaching job skills to help unemployed people find work. Cosmetology, sewing, keyboarding, and English as a Second Language are among the skills taught at some PBM sites. Micro-credit loans are another way of promoting self-sufficiency.

Scholarships: Some PBM sites support the educational goals of children and young adults by providing scholarships. These are typically coordinated through presbyteries or local churches in Mexico, and are intended to help break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness.

About PBM

Mission in Partnership