These Questions Remain | A Reflection
What sets apart the peacemaking work of Border Perspective?
At Border Perspective, we get to offer another way forward in the immigration conversation — to view people who are arriving at our southern border through God’s eyes and to look to scripture to see and understand how human migration is an avenue, past and present, through which God has and is reconciling His creation to Himself.
As of 2023, there are an estimated 117.3 million people who have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Nations around the world are challenged to make immigration policy decisions, decisions that are no doubt challenging to make, and decisions that are crucial as the number of those displaced worldwide continues to increase annually.
Is the role of the church the same as the role of the government, or is it distinct?
FOR US AS THE CHURCH, THESE QUESTIONS REMAIN:
Will we ask God how He is moving in and through global migration, and come alongside Him when He shows us?
Will we as the Church, set apart from the world by God, boldly rise to be people of truth, love, welcome, and hospitality; placing faithfulness to God above political affiliations?
Unpacking these themes and questions with the groups we host truly characterizes so much of the work we do — through education, service, meeting & interacting with the individuals and families arriving at the southern border, and working alongside the agencies that serve them.
READ THIS REFLECTION FROM LOLA VELAZQUEZ | SERVICE LEARNING TRIP PARTICIPANT
Our team went on a trip to Texas for service learning. We learned about the border between South Texas and Mexico, and about the people from many different countries who are seeking asylum in the United States to be here as citizens. This trip was extremely eye opening and it has impacted me in such a way that I've never been impacted in before.
We heard many tragic stories of how these immigrants came here. These stories are so impactful and heartbreaking to hear, and there are millions of other people out there with their own stories to tell. I got to connect with the children of these families who are new to the US, and I asked a 10 year old boy that I befriended during rounds of Uno if he had any friends here. He said no, that he doesn't know anybody here, but his best friend left the day before. He doesn't know if he'll ever see him again.
It was a huge reminder to be grateful for the little things and not take anything for granted. We were taught through devotionals every morning to love the foreigner, to welcome them with open arms. Matthew 25:35 says “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Something that stood out to me was that only 26% of christians cite the bible to back up their beliefs on immigrant issues.
I think this trip meant a lot to me because half of my family has these stories to tell, from Mexico. I came to Texas knowing some of the things people go through to get here, but my Papa has had much time to heal. These people's experiences are fresh and new, which was all the more heartbreaking and made me realize the depth of the problem with the border. I left this trip with a new perspective on the border and a tighter relationship with my church.
— Lola Velazquez | City Church
CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PEACEMAKING WORK & AVENUES TO GET INVOLVED
Attend the 2026 Border Summit in McAllen, TX, on October 9 & 10. Engage with keynote speakers, panel discussions, and meaningful conversations exploring the Church’s role in immigration, faithful witness, and peacemaking in a divided nation.
Discover how storytelling and film, exemplified by filmmaker Ross Boothe’s work, can foster empathy, challenge division, and reveal our shared human dignity, especially through authentic immigrant stories.
Night of Hope – Unidos Somos Más brought many together for worship, prayer, and unity, bringing hope to immigrant families and churches across Minneapolis.
Night of Hope in Minneapolis unites Hispanic pastors and church leaders for worship, prayer, and unity. March 6 | Free event | Livestream available.
Our Executive Director, Yonathan Moya, made this statement at a press conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 22 with the Faithful Witness Coalition, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, World Relief, CCDA, UNDIVIDED, and local partners.
As the year comes to a close, I’m reminded that immigration is not only a policy issue, but a discipleship issue. Your generosity is helping form leaders shaped by Scripture, relationships, and proximity and we’re nearing the finish line together.
Join Rev. Dr. Robert Chao Romero and host Yonathan Moya as they explore the church's role in embodying peace and justice in uncertain times. Discover insights from "The Brown Church" on living out the gospel and supporting marginalized communities.
Immigration is no longer just a border issue, it’s a shared reality shaping communities across the nation. At Border Perspective, we believe the Church is called to respond with faith, compassion, and reconciliation. Discover how you can cross borders of fear and division to embody Christ’s love in your community.
In this episode of Peacemakers, host Yonathan Moya welcomes Kristel Acevedo, Spiritual Formation Director at Transformation Church. Kristel shares her journey from growing up in a diverse Miami community to embracing her faith and calling in ministry. Together, they explore the themes of identity, spiritual formation, and the transformative power of community. Tune in to discover how Kristel's experiences have shaped her understanding of faith and her mission to help others find God in the wilderness.
Border Perspective, through TenX10’s Faith and Service Project Grant, launched its first fully funded Service Learning experience for youth from the Rio Grande Valley. Over six days, students from five churches served local partners, explored faith, justice, and peacemaking, and discovered what it means to live out the gospel in their own communities.
Discover how Border Perspective goes beyond the border crisis narrative through year-round service learning at the U.S. and Mexico border. Learn how long-term partnerships address poverty, food insecurity, healthcare gaps, and youth leadership in the Rio Grande Valley, inviting the national church to join in lasting transformation.
In June, Border Perspective partnered with three local churches in the Rio Grande Valley to host a Vacation Bible School for immigrant children. Using a five-day curriculum linking Bible stories to themes of migration and identity, kids learned about trusting God through the lives of Abraham, Elijah, Esther, Moses, and Jesus. The program helped children see how God is present in their own journeys and affirmed their identity in Christ amid life’s challenges.
Explore the challenges faced by asylum seekers through the personal journey of Munatsi Monyandi, Executive Director of DASH Network. Discover insights into the asylum process, community support, and the power of radical hospitality. Learn how compassion and practical assistance can transform lives and inspire change.
In 2018, her journey with displaced people began at a refugee camp in Ethiopia, eventually leading her to the U.S.-Mexico border. Along the way, she has wrestled deeply with questions of justice, faith, and identity. She believes true discipleship is not about easy answers but about being transformed through following Jesus, even when it’s uncomfortable. In a world of competing loyalties, the question remains: who will we serve?
This month, 96 participants joined us at the border for Service Learning Trips — encountering stories of hope, transformation, and God's presence in unexpected places. From quiet moments in empty shelters to community-led legal clinics, each experience reminded us that God is moving, and we’re invited to join Him.
Border Perspective receives Faith & Service Project Grant to empower youth through faith-based service-learning trips. In partnership with TENx10, we’re making faith matter by providing scholarships for 20 young people to serve and grow in their faith this summer.
A group of twelve pastors and denominational leaders joined us at the U.S.-Mexico border to witness the complexities of immigration firsthand. Through scripture, conversations with Border Patrol, humanitarian leaders, and local pastors, they gained deeper insight into the realities faced by immigrants and those serving them. This journey challenged them to root their perspectives in biblical justice and to respond with compassion, humility, and truth. Read on for a day-by-day reflection of their transformative experience.
A Midwest couple’s journey to the border opened their eyes—not just to the struggles of immigrants but to the call to love their neighbors at home. Through simple acts of kindness at a local school, they became ambassadors of dignity, building trust and reflecting God’s heart. Their story reminds us that transformation begins with a “yes” to God’s call. As we step into 2025, how might He be calling you to respond?
In this episode of Peacemakers, we sit down with Megan and Roland Gonzalez, directors of Border Missions in Hidalgo, Texas. Megan’s great-grandparents founded Border Missions in 1956 to share the gospel and meet the physical needs of those on the Texas-Mexico border. Megan and Roland share stories of their family’s inspiring legacy, the evolution of the mission, and how partnerships continue to fuel their ministry work today.
Explore the complexities of life in the borderlands through the lens of Yonathan Moya, leader of Border Perspective. This blog sheds light on the experiences of those living along the US-Mexico border, highlighting the work of local organizations, pastors, and community members who serve immigrants and refugees. Discover a multidimensional perspective that transcends political boundaries and witness how God is at work in this often-misunderstood region. Come and see what God is doing at the border.
César Garduño is mobilizing Latin-American students to reach the unreached with the Gospel. As Missions Coordinator at Río Grande Bible College, his background in International Relations, Biblical Studies, and Migration shapes his passion for God’s global mission. Balancing ministry with life as a husband and father, César shares how faith and purpose drive the Latin-American church to rise as a missionary force.
The 2024 Border Summit united believers at the U.S.-Mexico border to explore the Church's role in global migration. From October 17-20, attendees heard from leaders like Yonathan Moya and Matthew Soerens on immigration, multicultural ministry, and peacemaking. With service opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley, the Summit inspired a compassionate, faith-driven response to global displacement.
A service-learning reflection from Lola Vasquez recent trip to the U.S. and Mexico border.
Border Perspective equips people of faith to be peacemakers at the U.S. and Mexico border through service trips and leadership programs. Young leaders like Jeff are gaining ministry experience, deepening their faith, and transforming communities.
Hospitality is about creating spaces where people feel seen and valued. It’s not just about coffee; it’s about creating a community of belonging. – Kitti Murray
On a recent trip with Border Perspective, we connected with pastors, visited migrant shelters, and learned from churches helping immigrant communities. These trips show how churches at the U.S. and Mexico border demonstrate Jesus’ love by focusing on ministry instead of politics. Come see what God is doing at the border.
What does the Bible say about welcoming the stranger? Listen to testimonies of students who experienced loving their immigrant neighbor on a service-learning trip to the U.S. and Mexico border.
This conversation emphasizes how the Church, through a gospel-centered approach, is called to bridge differences among divides.
Attend the 2024 Border Summit in McAllen, TX, from October 17-20. Learn about the Church’s role in migration through keynotes, panel discussions, and service-learning breakouts.