The Border Fellowship Project
Cross-Border Travel as a Practice of Community, Compassion, and Faith
Bring your students or faith community to Comunidad de Luz—a retreat center and shelter serving migrant women and children in Tijuana, founded by the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego in partnership with Via International.
Through The Border Fellowship Experience, your group can participate in a day trip, 4-day journey, or week-long immersion. Each experience includes hands-on service, cross-cultural connection, and guided reflection—designed to deepen understanding and inspire faithful action. Every visit directly supports vital, community-led programs at the border.
Via International offers fully integrated mission service trips in Tijuana at Comunidad de Luz for church groups, organizations, and educational institutions looking to give back. Trips include a custom community-based itinerary with visits to special projects in the Colonias of Tijuana, delicious meals, comfortable lodging, and access to experts in migration and sustainable development.
My journey to visit Comunidad de Luz was such a blessing in so many ways! I stayed in an orphanage with youth from several other youth groups from Mexico, and together, we formed connections I’ll never forget, both with each other and the kids who lived in the orphanage. We shared meals, laughed over card games, and explored the city. Together, we worked to paint and prepare a space to become a beautiful, welcoming shelter for migrant women and children. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to connect with others, practice my Spanish, and do important work. I hope to return to Tijuana someday to continue these journeys!
-Maggie, Holy Cross
Is your church or organization looking
for a mission service trip?
We are looking for youth groups, churches, campus ministries, high schools and universities who are interested in organizing a volunteer service learning immersion in Tijuana or Mexicali in partnership with Comunidad de Luz.
Via International will create a custom itinerary for your group of 8 or more!
A Cross Border Collaboration
Comunidad de Luz is a new shelter for migrant women and children in Tijuana, Mexico. This 'Community of Light' is a collaborative effort of Via International, San Diego Episcopal Diocese, the Anglican Diocese of Western Mexico, and Vida Joven. Comunidad de Luz offers a safe haven for up to 100 women and children, including critical support services like childcare, job training, and psychological counseling. This groundbreaking effort aids those struggling to create a new life after migrating to the border.
Throughout our trip, I was amazed at how everyone, of all ages, made accommodations for each other. Through this mutuality, we overcame linguistic, cultural, and even worship style differences to find common ground. Once there, sweet and lasting relationships were formed. It was a beautiful experience to witness and participate in!
- Reverend Nina Bacas, St. Bartholomew’s
This Tijuana trip has been one of the most memorable and impactful trips that I have participated in. I met so many new and interesting people at Comunidad de Luz, despite not speaking spanish very well. We could still communicate and work together. I am grateful fro the experience and look forward to going back soon!
- Andrew, St. Dunstan's