Written by Christopher Kim (12th grade)
Since July of 2026, our youth group from San Diego Yedam Church (Korean UMC of San Diego) has participated in the Cross-Cultural Leadership Program (CCLP), where we set out to understand the realities and obstacles refugees face at our southern border. As we researched deeper into the topic, our study became an entire mission—completely changing the way we interact with migrant issues. Before crossing into Tijuana, we learned about the policies shaping immigration. Led by San Diego State University professor Wilton S. Choi, we were guided through the laws, history, and real-life issues families face. We were given a framework; we began to understand the gravity of this issue.
So, we decided to witness the disparity with our own eyes on Labor Day (9/7/26). It was a truly eye-opening experience. On one side of the border, we had comfort and safety. Meanwhile, just a few miles away, the other side suffers through uncertainty and poor living conditions. While statistics and research could allow us to feel the magnitude of the issue, seeing it unfold firsthand made us understand that this was a true humanitarian crisis.
Some of our most meaningful moments came when we visited Centro 32, a non-profit social services agency in Tijuana. We played with the children, and we got to see how positive they were despite what they had already been through. We shared meals with the refugees, listening to their stories and providing them company.
Our hearts were especially moved by the children of these migrants, who have been put into an environment they did not choose. In response, we committed to supporting them by providing dental care, something that is so important and yet still often overlooked.
We originally came to serve, but in reality, we left realizing how much we had received ourselves. We are extremely grateful for Rev. Joel Hortiales and Susan Harriss for their support and guidance—it couldn’t have been done without them. We also want to give our deep appreciation to our youth pastor, Janice Lee, for leading us with such thoughtful care.
As we walked back across the border, everybody began to realize that this was not a one-time mission. Our work, spanning from research projects to actually going across the border, has inspired us to connect with these refugees long-term. We vow to keep working toward social holiness as people of God. Through God’s grace, we have been invited to love our neighbors, and now, we are answering it.