In these many years of working across the border, people have asked us thousands of questions. We have listed some of the most common questions and their answers.

• WHAT WILL WE BE DOING IN MEXICO?

• WHERE WILL WE BE GOING IN MEXICO?

• WHERE WILL WE BE GOING?

• WHAT ABOUT SHORT TERM MISSIONS?

• SHOULD WE BRING GLOVES?

• WOULD YOU DO US A FAVOR AND ...

• CAN WE JOIN YOU SOMETIME?

• CAN WE JOIN YOU IF WE'RE NOT RELIGIOUS?

• DO YOU DO TOURS?

• DO WE BUILD HOUSES?

• IS THIS A PACKAGE PROGRAM?

• DO YOU PROVIDE HOUSING, FOOD AND TRANSPORTATION?

• IS THERE A COST INVOLVED?

• ARE WE INSURED?

• WHAT DAYS OF THE WEEK DO YOU FOLKS GO ACROSS THE BORDER?

• IF WE WANT TO JOIN YOU, HOW DO WE GET ON YOUR CALENDAR?

• DO WE HAVE TO GET SHOTS?

• DO THE INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS YOU TAKE, STAY OVERNIGHT IN MEXICO?

• IS MEXICO DANGEROUS?

• IS DRIVING IN MEXICO DANGEROUS?

• CAN I DRINK THE WATER IN MEXICO?

• WHEN WE DRIVE ACROSS INTO MEXICO, WILL WE HAVE TO HAVE MEXICAN INSURANCE?

• DO YOU HAVE A MAP TO OUR LOCATIONS?

• CAN I GET HEALTH INSURANCE FOR WORKING IN MEXICO?

• DO WE HAVE TO BRING ANY TYPE OF PAPERS OR IDENTIFICATION TO GET BACK INTO THE UNITED STATES?

• DO WE HAVE TO BE A CHURCH GROUP TO GO WITH YOU INTO MEXICO?

• DO I HAVE TO SPEAK SPANISH?

• CAN I WORK FOR/AT SPECTRUM?

• CAN I WORK AT YOUR ORPHANAGE?

• CAN I ADOPT A CHILD FROM YOUR ORPHANAGE?

• CAN I BRING A MEXICAN CHILD HOME WITH ME FOR A VISIT?

• HOW ARE YOU FUNDED?

• CAN WE SUPPORT A NEEDY MEXICAN FAMILY OR CHILD THROUGH SPECTRUM?

• CAN WE GET ON YOUR MAILING LIST?

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING IN MEXICO? We are asked that question often. People want to know what they will be doing while in Mexico. An understandable question but difficult to answer. Why? Everything we read here in the USA or hear on the phone is going through our "American cultural screen" and coming out different from the reality. That's why we strongly recommend that you as a leader come down prior to bringing your group. You join us for a day in Mexico as we serve so that you can see the reality of it and explain it to your group.

Spectrum recommends that all groups joining us travel into Mexico with an attitude of being a guest wanting to learn and willing to serve. Forget the obsession with "doing." Chances are we will be doing something but that's not our goal. Serving Jesus among the poor is our goal.

Here is a sketch of how a work day with us will probably go. Because we are working in a different country things may change so don't fixate on this.

1. We will meet at the Spectrum U.S. location not later than 8am. (Try to be on time. Always compensate for traffic in driving down.) You might be able to help us pack if you are early. We will have a brief talk on culture and what the day will go like.
2. We will leave for Tijuana at 9am. In your own van's you will follow our guide van into Mexico. This will take about 35 minutes.
3. We will regroup at the big Tijuana produce market. We will spend about thirty minutes there where you can wander around and grab a bite to eat. (You will need to go to the bathroom at the market as the next "pit stop" will be about 3pm. The bathroom there will cost you about 20 cents.)
4. We will leave the market for our work site in convoy about 10:30am.
5. When we arrive at our work site we will unload our vans and locate for ministry. We will have our own Mexican nationals helping us. A few will speak English. Remember Mexicans speak Spanish, only Spanish and we are in Mexico. You, our guests that want to serve with us can usually find jobs to do, however we have several hundred Mexican children and people waiting for us and a time schedule to keep as well as a program to accomplish so our Mexican workers are trained to step in and do the job if no Americans volunteer. Our big work day program consists of:
   1. Handing out food to the poor.
   2. Medical services.
   3. Free haircuts.
   4. Games for the children.
   5. Showers for the kids wanting showers.

   In most of these areas our guests are welcome to participate and we will have bilingual personnel present. If you want to walk around in our immediate work area to watch and learn you are welcome to do so. However you are not encouraged to walk around the general area! Every one of the seven Barrios in which we work are very dangerous areas!

6. Around 2pm. we will start closing and packing up. You are welcome to help us here too, many hands make light work.
7. About 3pm you will be able to leave for home. Consider a long border wait in going back north into the U.S.

Notice on a work day like this there will be no preaching. There will be only example. We consider these days Matthew 25 days. "In that you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto me." Most of the week Spectrum works in Mexico with Mexicans and in that context we do preaching, teaching and discipleship.

All that you have read here presents a true picture of our typical work day in Mexico but may I remind you again that you are reading this in America through an American cultural screen so what you will actually find as you travel down with us may vary greatly from your present concept.

» TOP OF PAGE «

WHERE WILL WE BE GOING IN MEXICO? Here is another question that is often asked, "Where will we be going?"

I think most of us as first timers are a little uneasy and would really like to know where we will be going and what we will be doing. It's a common question and it sounds like an intelligent question; but as you think it over, it really isn't too smart. What can we say to a first timer but, "come on into the unknown and work with us."

Example: A lady, some weeks ago, was talking with me at our Spectrum property in San Diego. She had never been in Mexico with us. She asked me, "Pastor von, where will we be going today?" I responded rather matter-of-factly, "Tijuana." She thought a minute and then asked, "Where in Tijuana?" I looked at her and said, "Pedrigal." Then she got a puzzled look on her face and asked,"But where is Pedrigal?" Oh boy! Back to square one. Please don't ask us where we are going IF you have never been with us before. Why? How can we give you an answer? That's like me asking you what chicken tastes like if I have never eaten meat or asking you what color red is if I am blind.

If you'd like to view maps to the areas where we work, check out our 'LOCATIONS' section.

» TOP OF PAGE «

WHERE WILL WE BE GOING? Answer: To one of seven ministry areas in or near the Mexican border city of Tijuana.

Sometimes it's a shock for people to find that we go to over half a dozen different locations in Tijuana, on a regular basis. The key word here is different! Surprise! We don't go to just one area. Tijuana is a city of over two million people and a city where there are many needy areas. Thursdays: On Thursdays, we go to three needy barrios. Each barrio will see us one Thursday in three weeks on a regular basis. Saturdays: On Saturdays, we will go every other Saturday into Tijuana to work one site in four. We will do this on a regular basis. The four barrios we work in on Saturdays, are different than the three barrios we work in on Thursdays. Yes, we do serve the people of seven different barrios or neighborhoods on a regular basis. We have a "regular basis" or "cycle" so that the people in Mexico can plan on the day we come. That means we can't just change the schedule and leave them hanging.

Many Americans want to return to the same place where they enjoyed working. Great idea! Good motive, renewing relationships are important. However, it will depend when your group schedules again on our calendar. We can't change our sequence. If your leader really wants to get signed up for the same location, he needs to ask our secretary when the next opening is for that particular location and sign up. Caution! Saturdays are never a sure bet! On Saturdays, there are factors like weather, Mexican holidays and other groups coming to the same site that mean we may have to make a quick switch! Sorry, that's a fact of life in Tijuana. Be flexible and understand if we do have to change to a substitute location.

I think wherever you go with us in Tijuana will be a good experience.

» TOP OF PAGE «

WHAT ABOUT SHORT TERM MISSIONS? This subject is dealt with in the 'SHORT TERM MISSION GROUPS' section.

» TOP OF PAGE «

SHOULD WE BRING GLOVES? Answer: If you plan to do construction work or digging then cotton work gloves might be a smart thing to wear, HOWEVER under no circumstances wear latex surgical gloves when working with us. Cultural common sense would indicate that this would be a signal of offense to the community. If you are doing medical work where there might be a danger of blood or other body fluids being transmitted to you, yes then wear latex gloves, otherwise no latex or surgical gloves worn by any Spectrum groups while working in Mexico.

» TOP OF PAGE «

WOULD YOU DO US A FAVOR AND ... Understandably, we are reluctant to take on additional responsibilities outside our ministry. Because we work in Mexico, people write and call asking us to do them a favor. We love to do favors, but we simply don't have the time and gas to extend beyond our ministry obligations.

» TOP OF PAGE «

CAN WE JOIN YOU SOMETIME? The answer, a qualified "yes." The answer depends on how many of you there are and when you want to come. An individual or two can join us at any time, however be sure to contact us prior to coming. If you have a group you must first get scheduled on our calendar. (see our "'GETTING ON OUR CALENDAR' section.")

» TOP OF PAGE «

CAN WE JOIN YOU IF WE'RE NOT RELIGIOUS? Religious or not we would be glad to have you join us as we work with the poor across the border. Indeed we are an evangelical group of Christians but our agenda on these big workdays is simply to show the love of Christ to the poor, especially the kids. We don't push our faith on anyone; today is a day that they will see it not hear it. Today we won't preach. We don't feel comfortable with the "rice Christianity" approach. That is requiring the people to listen to us preach before they get our food. Today we simply plan to bring a little happiness their way. If you are comfortable with that you are welcome to join us.

Be aware that as we work with children and the many who are conservative Christian Nationals we would appreciate no smoking and no drinking and that al of our women dress conservatively.

NOTE: Further observations on this frequently asked question can be found in our 'A CHRISTIAN? WHAT'S THAT?' section.

» TOP OF PAGE «

DO YOU DO TOURS? No.

» TOP OF PAGE «

DO WE BUILD HOUSES? Even though our priority is not building houses; for many years we have built many houses for families that had a real need. Every family has a story and we check it out to be sure there is an honest need.

In most cases American groups have financed and built these little starter houses. These very basic houses are simply a starter house for them to build on.

The cost of the basic house at this time (11/'08) runs about $1,500.00. The small house is 14' by 16' and has a cement foundation, ($300.00) one door and a window. Rolled roofing. Often we leave the house ready for plastering.

We arrange it so that the house can be built by a small team in one day.

Of course we would expect a deposit before we promised the family their house.

If your group is interested in a house building project for a needy family in Tijuana, contact Beth, our office secretary, for details. (1-619-276-1385)

» TOP OF PAGE «

IS THIS A PACKAGE PROGRAM? By package, if you mean food, housing, transportation, insurance, project, supplies and training at a given per head cost, No, we don't provide a Mexican Ministry package. We act more as guides into ministry. Youth leaders who work with us must be of a creative and adventuresome nature. We work together with the leader to provide a profitable missions experience for his group. We encourage any interested leader to meet us and go across the border with us before committing to work with us. Remember, you can't lead your group where you have never been.

If you want to check out a great variety of Short Term Mission packages, check out SHORTTERMMISSIONS.com.

» TOP OF PAGE «

DO YOU PROVIDE HOUSING, FOOD AND TRANSPORTATION? Individuals must provide their own housing, food and transportation. Groups must be prepared to provide their own transportation. We act more as guides into ministry. (See our 'HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS' section)

» TOP OF PAGE «

IS THERE A COST INVOLVED? For those individuals or groups joining us on one of our regular work days, there is no cost, however gifts to help us provide food and supplies for the day would be gratefully accepted. On special occasions, where we assist groups in creating and doing their own ministry project, we expect the group members to fund their own projects.

» TOP OF PAGE «

ARE WE INSURED? No. It's up to individuals and group to acquire their own insurance.

» TOP OF PAGE «

WHAT DAYS OF THE WEEK DO YOU FOLKS GO ACROSS THE BORDER? We go across the border continually, however our U.S. workday programs are each Thursday and two Saturdays a month. If you choose to go with us, please plan to spend the entire day. NOTE: Spectrum does not operate it's regular schedule in September.

» TOP OF PAGE «

IF WE WANT TO JOIN YOU, HOW DO WE GET ON YOUR CALENDAR? Please see our 'GETTING ON OUR CALENDAR' section.

» TOP OF PAGE «

DO WE HAVE TO GET SHOTS? Shots are not required, but having your hepatitis shots and an up to date tetanus shot are always a good idea in a third world situation.

» TOP OF PAGE «

DO THE INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS YOU TAKE, STAY OVERNIGHT IN MEXICO? At this time, Spectrum does have a dormitory available in Mexico for Spectrum groups. (See our 'HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS' section)

» TOP OF PAGE «

IS MEXICO DANGEROUS? In any country, even the United States, there is danger. There is risk involved any time one crosses an international border into another country, Baja California, however, is the most tourist friendly of any state in Mexico. In the incredibly poor areas in which we work, there is always a degree of danger present. God has been good to us. In more than twenty years that we have served in Mexico, we have had no negative incidents.

» TOP OF PAGE «

IS DRIVING IN MEXICO DANGEROUS? Mexicans are good drivers. They drive defensively. They drive aggressively. They drive macho! Their driving laws are similar to ours. Drive cautiously and defensively, and you should have no problem.

» TOP OF PAGE «

CAN I DRINK THE WATER IN MEXICO? You can, but we would strongly suggest you don't! (Watch the ice, too!)

» TOP OF PAGE «

WHEN WE DRIVE ACROSS INTO MEXICO, WILL WE HAVE TO HAVE MEXICAN INSURANCE? We insist that all vehicles traveling with us into Mexico, carry maximum Mexican liability and medical insurance for anyone driving in Mexico. Buy it for the day. It's available and relatively inexpensive. To get this insurance, be sure you have your vehicle registration papers available.

Baja-Mex Insurance Services, Inc.
2335 Roll Drive #3
Otay Mesa, Ca 92173
Web site: www.baja-mex.com

Office at Shell Gas Station by McDonalds at Otay Border Crossing
(619) 661-5420
(619) 428-2533 Fax

Gateway International Mexico
(800) 423-2646 (619) 422-2671

RENTAL VANS

Rental of vans are also available from San Diego. These are things to consider while arranging for a rental van: Driver age limitations, Insurance for Mexico, Deposits necessary, Credit card requirements, Airport pickup and return services, Agency office hours and distance from airport. We recommend that you request a printout of all costs and pay in advance or a time of picking up the vehicle is possible to avoid any add-on charges. When deciding on space in the vehicles, it is a good idea to plan on allowing a seat for a Puente de Amistad staff person so they can assist with directions to ministry sites.

Drew Ford Rental
(619) 668-7733

Fuller Ford Rental
(619) 656-7544

Southwest Rental
(619) 298-7544

Enterprise Rentals
(800) 736-8222 for reservations
(619) 294-3313 for airport.

California Baja Rental
Web site: www.cabaja.com
(619) 426-3433

» TOP OF PAGE «

DO YOU HAVE A MAP TO OUR LOCATIONS? Yes, we have this handy 'LOCATIONS' section, where you can use to find our office here in San Diego, our dormitory, and places we work in and around Tijuana.

» TOP OF PAGE «

CAN I GET HEALTH INSURANCE FOR WORKING IN MEXICO? Yes, health insurance is available for those traveling to a foreign country. Check out the following.

Adams Associate International
PO Box 5345
Columbia, SC 29250-5845
E-mail: aai@aaintl.com
(803) 758-1400

Global Travel Insurance
Web site: www.globaltravelinsurance.com

STM Services International
PO Box 781033
San Antonio, TX 78278-1033
Web site: www.stmservices.com
(800) 422-4350
(210) 493-8590
(210) 493-1987 FAX

Go Mission Trip
Web site: www.gomissiontrip.com
E-mail: toby@gomissiontrip.com
(309) 296-0600 (Voice & FAX)

Insurance Services of America
PO Box 1617
Chandler, AZ 85244
Web site: www.missionaryhealth.net
E-mail: health@missionaryhealth.net
(800) 647-4589
(480) 821-9052
(480) 821-9292 FAX

World Outreach Christian Ministries
1607 Skyview Dr.
Branson, MO 65616
Web site: www.internationalhealthins.com
E-mail: info@internationalhealthins.com
(800) 641-4614

» TOP OF PAGE «

DO WE HAVE TO BRING ANY TYPE OF PAPERS OR IDENTIFICATION TO GET BACK INTO THE UNITED STATES? AT THIS TIME; If you are a U.S. citizen, born in the United States and look Caucasian you won't have any hassle. If you are of another ethnic background or look Hispanic, it would be advisable to have some proof that you are a U.S. citizen. (A drivers license isn't proof of citizenship) NOTE: If you are not a citizen and you want to return to the U.S, be sure you have a passport or other proper immigration papers with you and available. We recommend to everyone joining us to have some form of picture identification.

ATTENTION! As of January 31, 2008, the U.S. Border Patrol officers will be enforcing new procedures. Under these new procedures, the following documents will be required to enter back into the United States.

U.S. citizens over 19 will need ONE of the following:

• Current Passport
• Trusted traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• Government issued photo I.D. (i.e. driver license) AND birth/naturalization certificate

U.S. citizens 18 AND UNDER will ONLY need to provide proof of citizenship such as a BIRTH CERTIFICATE.

Additional information can be found at the CALIFORNIA BORDER PATROL WEBSITE.

» TOP OF PAGE «

DO WE HAVE TO BE A CHURCH GROUP TO GO WITH YOU INTO MEXICO? No, It's not necessary to be a church group. We take a variety of groups, individuals and ages across with us.

» TOP OF PAGE «

DO I HAVE TO SPEAK SPANISH? It would help but it isn't necessary. Remember, the Mexican people with which we work do not speak English; they speak Spanish.

» TOP OF PAGE «

CAN I WORK FOR/AT SPECTRUM? For more information, please see our 'HOW YOU CAN HELP?' section.

» TOP OF PAGE «

CAN I WORK AT YOUR ORPHANAGE? For more information, please read THIS ARTICLE.

» TOP OF PAGE «

CAN I ADOPT A CHILD FROM YOUR ORPHANAGE? Let's be clear on this, Spectrum has no orphanages but we do work with several. We receive a lot of inquires as to the availability of Mexican children to adopt. As in our country, there are many children who need adopting but the government makes it difficult and expensive to do so. Most people want to adopt a baby. Most of the orphanages in Mexico don't have babies, they have children a little older. Most of the children in these orphanages are not true orphans but disadvantaged kids from broken homes. If you want to adopt a Mexican child you must be prepared to come down in person, locate the child and do the work of adoption. We at Spectrum as well as the orphanage directors are overworked as it is so we can't do the paperwork and running around it would take to do the job. Remember, there would be expenses involved. Adopting children runs into big money. How much? ... We wouldn't say because there are too many variables. It's a shame that governments don't do more to encourage adoption.

» TOP OF PAGE «

CAN I BRING A MEXICAN CHILD HOME WITH ME FOR A VISIT? Not under our organization.

HOW ARE YOU FUNDED? We, like most faith missions, trust God to provide for the funds we need. Most of our funding comes from individuals and churches that have actually joined us in ministering across the border and are convinced that we are a creditable agency using our funds in a responsible way to reach the poor and needy of Tijuana. Individual donors form the majority of our financial base. Churches come in second and there are a handful of organizations that contribute funds to us from time to time. It is our practice not to extend ourselves beyond our available funds. For more information regarding our finances please contact our San Diego office.

» TOP OF PAGE «

CAN WE SUPPORT A NEEDY MEXICAN FAMILY OR CHILD THROUGH SPECTRUM? A qualified no on this one.

We have people ask us if they can support a poor family, or a needy child or a kid that needs money for schooling.

A noble question that always comes from someone or some family that cares and really wants to have a more personal involvement in the lives of the needy.

What I'm about to say in principle applies to supporting "orphans" too. Taking one child from among many and supporting him or her because you feel personally attached to the child.

Consider the following: In working more than thirty five years in this culture of poverty we are aware of some of the cultural problems stemming from being a go-between and taking care of one particular person or family on a regular bases.

Having us use your money to help a needy person or family: Not wise, here's why. Take the following as an example. We had a person recently give us a couple of hundred dollars to be given to a poor and old lady. Indeed a needy lady. It took us quite some time to figure how to do this. If we gave her all the money at one time she would have it stolen or borrowed by her relatives in less than a week. If we gave it to her month by month in smaller amounts, then when we had to stop, we would be seen as culprits as she would become dependant on her regular gift. Why did we stop paying her she would ask. To say the giver doesn't give anymore or that the money had run out won't satisfy her. She would be used to receiving the money from us. Also, when we as an organization give her money the others ask if they can also have some money. This adds up to more problems for us. In the old lady's case we have decided that different people will be the distributors of the money each month, that way it won't be Spectrum ... BUT that makes more extra work and accounting for us. It's similar when we are asked to give special things to one special orphan or a cute but poor child on a regular bases, it makes the others kids jealous (the kids often beat up the child who receives the gifts) and it becomes a no win situation. This seems hard for people who aren't aware of the realities to really understand. It's very hard for us as an organization or as individuals to be a go-between in our two very different cultures.

Giving things to a special needy family is O.K. IF the person or family giving the help does the actual giving. In most cases this is understood by the neighbors, however if we as an organization give to a family on a regular bases it ultimately becomes a “commitment” and often an “issue” with the people no matter how we explain it. This is a shame, but in the rough and greedy culture in which we work this is actually what happens. If there is a poor family and the neighborhood recognizes this then we can give to the family but not on a regular bases.

Carrying out a request to give support to a designated person or poor family usually ends up involving correspondence and reports. This would involve us and at this point we haven't the manpower to dedicate to this.

I hope this letter will help you understand the ramifications to a simple and sincere question from one who really wants to help yet isn't aware of the cultural ramifications.

Here is what we do. When we see a needy family or hear of one we check out the situation and find out as much of the truth as we can. We find answers to many key questions. Are they really needy? Is there a drunk father in the mix or a drunk mother? Are there drugs involved? What is their income? Is another American group supporting them? Do they have relatives that can help out? What is their history in the community? If we conclude that they are in legitimate need we figure out the best way to get the needed items, food, medicine, blankets, clothing, whatever, to the person or children targeted. Then we delegate the job to honest workers. And, of course, we follow up!

Thanks so much for your quire. We hope you understand.

» TOP OF PAGE «

CAN WE GET ON YOUR MAILING LIST? Yes, we would be happy to send you our mailings. (We do not sell our mailing list to anyone) We mail our general news letter out about five times a year. To those who contribute we send a recept, and a monthly letter with an interesting updated report on a particular ministry.