Brothers and Sisters in Christ

On behalf of Frontera de Cristo I wish you joyous Christ-mas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. In these challenging times for Frontera de Cristo we recognize through prayer that our work on the border fills a critical space that would leave a void if we ceased it. As the bi-national board of Frontera de Cristo stated this past September: "Frontera de Cristo sees the Hand of God working in the ministry on the Sonoran Desert borderlands, and as a board we feel the call to continue working together in this important ministry."

The past few months we at Frontera de Cristo have been working to create a vision for our future. Frontera's board members, interns, and other staff, as well as the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (INPM), Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA), Presbytery de Cristo, and Presbytery de Chihuahua have been in prayer and working together in the Spirit of Christ to see our future.

Our bi-national board met November 18 and prayerfully considered how our ministry will go into the future. The split between INPM and PCUSA has been our most pressing challenge in the life of Frontera de Cristo. While the wall that has been erected between both national church bodies cannot be mounted at the present time, Frontera de Cristo, as an independent 501(c)3 can act as a bridge between our two church bodies. Frontera de Cristo as an independent body will continue ministry on the borderlands of Sonora and Arizona. In Agua Prieta our brothers and sisters are using the Mexican equivalent of 501(c)3 status to partner with Frontera to continue our work:

• Reaching the unchurched, allowing them to understand and love God's gifts to each of us.

• Ministering to families in need.

• Health ministry.

• Education, via sharing Frontera de Cristo's mission via groups and intern service.

• Addressing the root cause of migration: poverty.

• Advocating against violence in any form it takes.

Frontera de Cristo lives! We make a joyous noise unto the Lord. Through God's grace and with His guidance we will continue our ministry on the borderlands. You, as our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, please join and celebrate with us; we have a bright future and we are celebrating.

Peace to all,

Jeni O'Callaghan

Frontera de Cristo, board president