Home: A Place Where Dreams Come True

Like many single mom's in Mexico, Luna can be described as being a "mama luchona," a "mom that puts up a fight." With little support from other family members, she has raised her two daughters alone, and has struggled finding adequate housing for the three of them. Regardless, she has faithfully fought through trials and tribulations.

Luna is also raising her daughters to fight for their family. Victoria and America, 10 and 12, have lived in many different places, had many different neighbors, and they have seen their mom work many hours to support their family. They have also seen their mother put herself through nursing school while doing all of the above

Victoria and America excitedly talked about their dreams of studying and becoming a nurse and a veterinarian. As we painted their brand new window frames, they told us the hopes they had for their homework space in their new home. They were able to imagine their dreams coming true because they were seeing the space in which they would work towards them.

The gift of their new home unlocked new hopes and even bigger dreams for this family. The team of doctors, nurses and medical professionals that helped to build this home further blessed the family by encouraging Luna in her career as she finishes nursing school. Through the gift of a home, as Luna dedicates her life to caring for others, her family knows that they too are cared for.

What a joy it is to come alongside hard-working families and bless them with the stability that a home can provide. Thanks for being with us, investing with us, serving alongside us, and bringing hope to Luna and so many others.

A Mother's Dream Fulfilled

Working two jobs to make ends meet, Angelica does everything she can to provide and make a better life for her 2-year-old son, Maximiliano. She shared,  “he is my reason for fighting each day, my inspiration, my strength, and my entire life.” After getting a divorce, she and Max moved in with her mother in a small 7-foot by 6-foot room. With only room for a single bed and their clothes, there was no space for Maximiliano, a little boy full of life and energy, to run and play.

“I would love and I deeply desire to be able to have a home for myself and my son. I have been dreaming for years for the day, God willing when we live in one together.”

That dream finally came to fruition earlier this year, when Angelica and Maximiliano received their very own Home of Hope! Maximiliano ran excitedly around the worksite while Angelica worked hard to contribute to her house coming together.

Now Angelica’s dream is fulfilled. They have a space to be together as a family and Maximiliano has a room of his own to run and play in!

Our Response to the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis

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Since the beginning of the war, upwards of 20,000 Ukrainians have traveled through Tijuana with the hopes of gaining asylum in the USA. Some of our YWAM San Diego/ Baja staff have been partnering with other organizations locally to serve those that are passing through. We've been working to organize supplies and donations, creating a space for the kids to play and feel a sense of normalcy as well as helping out the main organizers however is needed. It is amazing to see the body of Christ come together in unity to help those in need.

As they wait for their paperwork to go through, the refugees have been housed in a sports park right near the US- Mexico border here in Tijuana. The sports park is the same park that our Hope Zone ministry began out of 12 years ago!! This past Sunday, to celebrate Orthodox Easter, a group of our staff went to put on a children’s program for the kids, sharing the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus through Easter eggs and games, as well as doing an Easter egg hunt in the park.

Many of the eggs were “hidden” on a playground set that we were able to donate and install 3 years ago through the help of sponsors. Our prayer is that God is restoring hope in the lives of these Ukrainians, through acts of kindness and service, even though they may not be here long. The refugee camp is set to close on May 5th, but in the meantime we are thankful for the opportunity to be a light and share love and hope with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters as they go through such a difficult time. There is a hope beyond the difficulties of the world and His name is Jesus. We celebrate the hope that Jesus died to give us.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope” 1 Peter 1:3