Country Overview
Mexico is a country where affluence, extreme poverty, natural beauty and urban congestion all exist.  Because Mexico is a major oil producer and exporter, a small percentage of the country is wealthy. However, most Mexicans live in poverty with neglected rural areas and shanty towns surrounding most cities.

Quick Facts
Area · 756,061 sq miles
Population · 101,000,000
Religion ·90% Roman Catholic, 7% other forms of Christianity, 3% other
Language · Spanish
Life expectancy · 72 years (men), 77 years (women)

Our Partners
Foundation for His Ministry
Foundation for His Ministry shares and demonstrates God's love by meeting basic spiritual, physical and educational needs of children in Mexico. They have 3 orphanages throughout Mexico in the Baja, Morelia and Oaxaca. Global Partnerships focuses on the mission house in Oaxaca. Oaxaca is populated by a people from over 155 ethnic groups. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico filled with history, culture, and diversity. 

At the mission house there are currently 45 children housed in a dormitory style building that is cared for by a staff of six. Over the past few years the ministry has expanded to include regular conferences and training seminars for pastors and Christian leaders throughout the state of Oaxaca. They are still working on expanding the ministry center to include a school, conference facilities, medical clinic and the ability to house up to 90 children. Visit

Fuentes Libres
Fuentes Libres (Free Flowing Fountains) is a Covenant community development ministry in the southern state of Oaxaca.  The development bank awards microloans to women who want to start small businesses.  The loans usually range from $120-$150, and are repaid in 4 months.  At that time the women are then eligible to take out a larger loan.  Not only are 99% of the loans repaid, but this sustainable ministry ends up touching the lives of families and communities, as women are empowered to use their gifts and talents.

Trip Description
Teams fly into the city of Oaxaca and drive an hour to the FFHM’s location in Tlacolula. The students will learn about Oaxacan culture and history, as well as see various Christian ministries in the area.  At FFHM students spend time visiting with the children at the mission home and helping out with construction projects.  This trip is about supporting our partners from “behind the scenes”, so we will spend the majority of our time doing construction, gardening, cleaning, painting, and babysitting.  There are also trips to a prison and a local church in a small village in the mountains.

If you are interested in learning about Mexican culture and history, meeting people that work alongside indigenous people groups, serving others through construction and behind-the-scenes activities, and if you have an interest in Spanish, community development, or ministry then we encourage you to consider this trip.  This is a great first-time Global Partnership trip.

Team Preparation
All Mexico GP team members must commit to attending the GP trip all day retreat on January 17, 2009, as well as all preparation meetings, usually one hour a week for 6-8 weeks prior to the trip.  During these meetings you will develop as a team, learn about Mexican culture and language, and study social justice issues facing the country.  You will also dedicate time to fundraising both individually and as a team.  All team members must pay for their entire trip by February 27, 2009.

All students are welcome to apply for this trip, but because of the limited number of spots preference will be given to those who speak or are learning Spanish and to students who have experience with construction.

In order to be a part of the Mexico GP team you will need a passport that expires no less than six months after your intended visit.  Those who already have a viable passport, or have applied for a passport at the time of interview will be given preference over those who have not taken action to apply for a passport.  Also, the price of the passport, vaccinations, and other personal expenses are not covered in the cost of the trip.

Important Dates
September 14^th – Global Partnership Expo 9:30PM
November 10^th – Spring and Summer GP trip applications due
November 9^th-17^th – GP Interviews
November 19^th – Spring and Summer GP teams announced
November 16^th-22^nd – GP auction online
December 2^nd - Fundraising Meeting 6:00PM
January 17^th – Mandatory all-day GP team retreat
February 27^th – All donations/payments due
March 1^st – Commissioning of Spring GP Teams at collegelife
March 7^th-14^th – GP trip to Oaxaca