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.