Who should go on this trip?

At Firm Family Church we encourage all ages and stages to participate and we have tried to design this to be doable for children as young as five and we usually have grandparents come every year as well. 

Is it safe?

Nothing is 100% safe, however, the organization that hosts us (Youth With A Mission) has been taking groups to this part of Mexico for more than 30 years and has a great track record of getting everyone home safely. The Mexican community we interact with is warm and welcoming and loves it when we visit. This is a rural agricultural part of Mexico that is not known for violence and everywhere we go is in a large group. Purified drinking water is provided. Medical clinics and hospitals are nearby in the unlikely event of an accident. 

What is the sleeping situation?

The base where we stay is setup similar to a summer camp in the US. We sleep on mattresses in bunkhouses, with approximately 8 beds per room - but we rarely ever fill a room. FFC prioritizes keeping young families together in their own bunkhouse. There is typically a bunkhouse set aside for teen boys and another for teen girls, but this is optional and families are welcome to keep their teens with them. Individuals and older couples will be split into men's and women's rooms. 

We bring our own bedding and pillows (usually sleeping bags) with us. The rooms are unheated, but they have lights and outlets to charge a phone. 

What will we eat? What if I have an allergy or am gluten or dairy-free?

The meals are very similar to what you might eat at home. Meals like spaghetti or enchiladas for dinner and pancakes or scrambled eggs for breakfast. Lunch will be packed sandwiches, chips, and cookies. The kitchen does everything they can to accommodate food limitations and can provide alternatives with advanced notice. Please let Pastor Tony know about any dietary needs when you sign up. 

I have never held a hammer before, should I sit this one out?

There is no expectation that anyone has to show up with any building skills. Every member of the house build team will find ways to be useful if he comes with a teachable attitude. The older guys start nails and the younger guys finish hammering them in. Walls are painted on the ground so even the shortest person can help. There are impromptu soccer games with neighborhood kids. There will be at least one person with experience on each build site who can help guide you in how to help. If you can sweep a floor, help find a tape measure, you are a valuable member of the team!

We can't afford this right now, what can we do?

I encourage you to write fundraising letters to your network of family and friends. Fundraising is a great way for others who cannot go themselves to share in the good work that you are doing. You will be amazed at how many people, inside and outside of the church, would like to donate towards your family doing this. At the end of the trip you can send them a heartfelt thank you letter or email with photos showing what they contributed towards. This is a positive experience for everyone involved.  If after attempting to fundraise you still have a shortfall, please talk to Pastor Tony. The FFC Elders do not want money to be the reason that someone is unable to participate. 

Is there an alternative to housebuilding I can do instead? 

As an alternative to building a house, you have the option this year of working at Foundation For His Ministry (FFHM), which is located in the same town. This is a foster care ministry where children from difficult situations live with families on site, attend a school, and have all their needs met. Volunteering here mean helping do chores that free up the full-time missionaries to do ministry. It could be cleaning or cooking or a building project or hosting a game night so the foster parents have a night off. There are also several outreach ministries in the area where you might be able to help. There is something for everyone here. See the video below for a taste of what FFHM is like:

Baja Housebuilding Trip

Who: Anyone! Register Here

What: A short-term missions opportunity to build houses, work at an orphanage, or a women's shelter in Mexico.

When: January 4th-10th, 2026

Cost: $850 for ages 11 and older, $500 for ages 10 and younger (includes airfare). 

Contact: Tony Stover at tony@firmfamilychurch.org with any questions or if interested!

To make a tax deductible donation towards the cost of the trip: click here

To see videos of what we will be doing down in Mexico: click here

Other Resources

1) Mexico Information Packet

2) Packing List

3) Mexico Visa Instructions

4) Authorization and Minor Consent Forms

5) Fundraising guidance

6) House plans