In a time of heightened political tensions and divisive rhetoric surrounding immigration, a diverse group of pilgrims from Hastings, Nebraska, embarked on a transformative journey to the U.S.-Mexico border. Their mission? To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Frontera de Cristo, a Presbyterian border ministry, and to foster connection, understanding, and solidarity through the universal language of music.

Uniting Across Divides: A Pilgrimage of Faith and Harmony

Crossing Borders, Forging Connections

The journey began with a diverse group of 20 individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 80, who set out from Hastings, Nebraska, to the border towns of Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta, Sonora. This Music and Mission Team, comprised of members from First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, students from Hastings College, and local musicians, embarked on a mission to humanize the border through shared musical experiences and deeper insights into the lives and struggles of those living on both sides of the divide.As the group crossed the border, many for the first time, they were warmly welcomed by the Iglesia Presbiteriana Lirio de los Valles in Agua Prieta. The weekend was filled with coffee and conversation, where the team learned about Frontera de Cristo's ministries of compassion, education, and the impact of drug culture on border communities. This immersive experience allowed the pilgrims to gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by those living on the border.

The Power of Music Across Borders

One of the highlights of the trip was the bi-national concert held in the central plaza of Agua Prieta. The choir from Hastings joined forces with a classical guitarist and pianist from Chiapas, the Agua Prieta Philharmonic Orchestra, and a children's choir from Agua Prieta, creating a powerful display of unity and shared humanity. The evening culminated in a bilingual rendition of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," with lyrics that spoke of "Sisters, brothers, care for each other, care for the world and keep it free; come together, sing together, as a peaceful family."This musical collaboration transcended borders, serving as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art to bridge divides and foster connection. The shared experience of music allowed the pilgrims to connect with their Mexican counterparts on a deeper level, forging bonds that went beyond political rhetoric and cultural differences.

Worship and Reflection at the Border Wall

The group's journey took a poignant turn as they gathered in front of the towering border wall for a bilingual worship service. In the shadow of this physical barrier, the choirs of First Presbyterian Church of Hastings and Iglesia Presbiteriana Lirio de los Valles raised their voices together, singing hymns of peace and reconciliation. As part of the service, the pilgrims contributed to a mural of hope on the wall, leaving their thumbprints as a symbol of their prayer for a future where walls of division are replaced by bridges of understanding.This powerful moment of worship and reflection served as a reminder that, as Christians, the group was called to be people of hospitality and welcome. The experience deepened their understanding of what it means to welcome the stranger in a time of heightened fear and division, challenging them to embody Christ's call to love their neighbors, regardless of which side of the wall they stood on.

Encountering Frontera de Cristo's Ministry

At the heart of the pilgrimage was the incredible work of Frontera de Cristo, a ministry that has spent the past 40 years building relationships and understanding across the U.S.-Mexico border. Through partnerships with various organizations, Frontera de Cristo provides shelter, education, emotional support, medical care, and sustainable economic opportunities, such as the Café Justo coffee cooperative, which supports local coffee farmers in Mexico.The group had the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of these cross-border initiatives, which offer a tangible example of how partnerships can promote justice and dignity. For the members of First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, the experience of seeing where the Café Justo coffee they sell in their own church is roasted and packaged was a powerful connection to the ministry's work.

A Call to Compassion

The pilgrimage to the border served as a vivid reminder that, as Christians, the group was called to be people of hospitality and welcome. In a time when borders are often seen as symbols of division and fear, the experience allowed them to witness the power of music, faith, and community to break down barriers and foster understanding.By the end of the trip, the pilgrims had not only deepened their understanding of the border's complexities but also strengthened their resolve to embody Christ's call to love their neighbors, regardless of which side of the wall they stood on. As debates about immigration continue, the group hopes their experience will remind others of the humanity at the heart of these issues, and that borders are not just lines of separation, but places of encounter where we are called to see the image of God in one another and extend our hands in friendship, compassion, and hope.In the words of Frontera de Cristo's mission, "We seek to build bridges rather than walls." The Music and Mission Team's journey was a small but faithful step in that direction, and they left the border not only as witnesses to God's love but also as ambassadors of hope and peace.