I feel better equipped because of Radius Serve, to share the Gospel… and to either Go or Send for the sake of Christ. —Radius Serve Intern
Radius Serve (3–6 day) Trip
Radius Serve partners with local Tijuana churches to care for the poor through home building and other aid. The heart of Radius Serve is to prepare Christians for obedience to the Great Commission.
While on a Radius Serve trip you can expect to:
- Study the Great Commission with trusted teachers
- Build new homes for families in need
- Serve the Tijuana community with aid projects
- Labor and learn alongside your local church family
We are dedicated to readying local churches for mission work—for going themselves as missionaries or sending missionaries prayerfully and financially. To do this, Radius Serve educates church groups about God's heart for the lost, the obedience we're called to, and how to strengthen our relationship with the Lord.
Through home building, you will engage in cross-cultural ministry to the poor, and in morning meetings you'll sit under teaching that challenges you to consider your life and how the Lord may use you in reaching the nations.
Your group will stay on-site at the Radius Serve dorm in Tijuana. The dorms have indoor plumbing, electricity, and running water. You'll have the opportunity to shower at a local bath house that offers complete privacy.
Radius Serve group trips are ideal for any church group looking to serve the Tijuana community and to better understand the Great Commission.
The cost of a Radius Serve trip varies based on the length of your stay, size of the group, and activities completed. Hit the "Budget Estimator" button below to estimate costs.
For quick snapshot, a group of 10 people, a 3–4 day trip typically ranges from $750–$900 per person, while a 5–7 day trip generally costs $1,000–$1,250 per person (excluding your travel to San Diego).
The cost includes:
- Van rental from San Diego to Tijuana
- Food and lodging while in Tijuana
- Building materials for construction projects
- Supplies for ministry activities
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding cost.
On build days you'll wake up at 6:30 a.m. to spend personal time in the word. Then we'll come together to hear from teachers who will challenge your group to pursue a relationship with the Lord and obey the commands He has set before us.
Afterward, build groups will be paired with a Radius Serve intern and head out to the build-site with the national family. Groups will build and paint the house and return to the dorm no later than 5pm.
On non-build days, groups have the option of going to a small settlement outside a nearby dump and providing a meal and/or serving at an orphanage.
Plan Your Radius Serve Trip Today
FAQs
What's the first step?
Get the registration started soon since we fill up quickly. Once the dates are set for your trip, we will send you an invoice for the dorm fee/deposit (due within 30 days of booking) as well as the information necessary to adequately prepare your group for the trip.
Who can particiapte?
The ministry focus is on high school and college students, however, adults are welcome!
One leader/sponsor for every 8 students (1:6 for those younger than 18) is required. Group size will be limited by available space (we can accommodate up to 100 at a time).
When can we come?
We take Saturday or weekend groups year-round except for spring break and summer vacation, during those times we only take week-long groups. We take week-long groups any time during the year, but you must get on the calendar early for those high-demand spring breaks, Thanksgiving breaks, and summer vacation times since they fill up fast.
Is it safe?
Please read the safety letter written below by Radius Serve's Director, Spencer Hoyt. Radius Serve's communication about safety is due, in part, to the concerns of trip participants and parents rather than any directly negative experiences during an Radius Serve trip.
"Since 2010, I have served, brought groups, and volunteered with Radius Serve. I also currently live, work, and raise my family in Tijuana. The question I am asked most often, once I share this with others, is, “Is it safe?”
One of my usual responses is that in every city and in every country, there are places and times of day (and night) that should be avoided. Living and working in Tijuana, I know these places and times and therefore lead my family and the service groups we host to avoid them. Because of this, I have peace both in raising my young children here and in welcoming groups to serve alongside us.
Tijuana is a vibrant, welcoming city that millions of people visit safely every year. Like any major urban area, being aware of your surroundings and following common-sense precautions goes a long way. Beyond that, we have instituted policies that exceed those basic precautions to ensure our groups and staff can serve faithfully and without fear.
I also recognize that even when we do everything right, unexpected things can still happen. We serve a sovereign God, and we trust Him daily with our lives—whether at home or wherever He calls us to go. That being said, I cannot promise that Tijuana is completely safe or that nothing difficult will ever occur on your trip, any more than I can promise absolute safety in something as routine as backing out of your own driveway.
What I can say is that I have complete confidence in inviting and welcoming others to serve alongside us here. Based on firsthand experience, wisdom, and care, I truly believe this is a place where people can come and serve with confidence and peace."
Where will we sleep?
Your group will stay on-site at the Radius Serve dorm in the Mariano Matamoros section of Tijuana. The dorms have indoor plumbing, electricity, and running water. You’ll have the opportunity to shower at a local bath house that offers complete privacy.
What will we eat?
Each group is in charge of purchasing their own breakfast foods: we ask that you keep it simple (cereal, juice, muffins, fruit, yogurt, etc.). You will have access to a fridge, freezer, microwave, toaster, and coffeepot.
Lunch will be provided by the families for whom you build.
In the evenings, you will have a chance to eat at a variety of local taco stands or restaurants. Two nights a week, we offer groups the opportunity to take part in a meal at the dorms that is prepared and served by nationals.
Radius Serve provides drinking water
for all.
Questions?
We would love to chat with you about any Radius Serve questions. Contact us with any questions or comments.