Supporting indigenous women missionaries An alternative paradigm for mission in the barrios of Tijuana

Abstract

An alternative paradigm of mission that involves providing support to indigenous missionaries in situ, this case study exemplifies this method in action among the poorest of the poor in Obrero Segundo, a barrio in Tijuana, Mexico. The methodology includes supporting women with educational and/or living expense stipends in order to empower grassroots Christian ministry. Such support of indigenous women missionaries stands in sharp contrast to the two most prevalent mission paradigms in Tijuana, one of which is the “rich” US mission team who oversees long- and short-term missionary projects, and the other is the “successful” Mexican American who returns to Tijuana on weekends to run his church plant. But while there are real benefits in mission based on these paradigms, another paradigm is needed, one that addresses the specific needs and capabilities of the women already doing mission in their own neighborhoods and amongst their own people groups.