Borderless works with local churches in cross-cultural mission, reaching African refugees and immigrants who are building new lives in our communities. Escaping war, political or religious persecution, moving for economic reasons or as international workers and students, many come from countries and people groups where there is no viable gospel witness. Crossing borders, leaving all that is known behind, they come in search of a better life. We work to welcome these travelers, build relationships with them, and in doing so introduce them to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Loving our neighbor

We embrace the biblical principle of “welcoming the sojourner”, offering practical help and services like English classes and assistance through the many challenges faced by foreigners in transition.

Making Disciples

We learn culture and language, and participate in the community life of those we hope to reach, seeking genuine relationships where sharing Christ is a natural expression of our friendship.

Partnering with Churches

We bring our knowledge of Africa and our missional expertise, offering coaching, resources, and inspiration to local churches as we come beside them to reach the immigrants and refugees in their midst.

Today, millions of Africans live outside of Africa: in North America, Europe, and around the globe. There are pockets of Sudanese in Nebraska, Moroccans in the Netherlands, and Senegalese in Spain. Reaching out to these populations, and others like them, is called diaspora ministry.

Our teams serve in strategic communities around the globe where significant populations of ethnic Africans have settled. We seek partnerships with local churches to build relationships and share the hope of Christ with people groups we might not otherwise have the opportunity to work among.

Stories and Articles

10 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBOR

It’s easy to be so deeply invested in daily life that one forgets to notice the people around them who may be hungry for connection, an invitation, a hello. Life is often hurried, and it’s natural to sometimes miss these moments.

Here are a few simple ways to foster connection and make things just a little easier to connect with an immigrant neighbor.

A Part of the Answer

“I will never forget the article I read about a teenage girl who had to bury her mother and two sisters in the desert sand.”

John, one of our unit leaders, reflects on the need for ministry among immigrants and refugees and the ways that ministry has begun throughout Europe.

outreach Snapshot | DC

In Washington DC, tourists spend their days soaking in history while lawmakers on Capitol Hill make decisions that will affect history. The city is alive with people from near places and far places, cameras poised to capture iconic landmarks.

But not every person from a far place has come as a tourist. In the greater DC area, nearly 20% of the population were born outside of the US.

Outreach Snapshot | Spain

Africa and Europe nearly touch. If a person stands at the Strait of Gibraltar in Morocco, they can see Spain, a mere 14 kilometers away. Europe holds the promise of a better life for many Africans, and they work hard to get there.

Some take refuge in a southern Spanish city at a refuge resettlement center that helps them settle into a new life while also giving them the opportunity to discover the Ultimate Refuge.

you can too

“ESL is a ministry that so many people can do because a lot of it is about relationship. A good portion of ESL ministry is about having conversations with people.” It’s about speaking, listening, and understanding.

It comes down to this: being reliable and being in someone’s life is more important than whether you taught them all the right words.

House of Joy

Nestled beside the road in a city in Virginia lies a sweet little two story that tells of days gone by through its hardwood floors and white-paneled walls. “Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I’m drinking my coffee and I thank God for this house,” Vera said.

Vera loves to hold events at this house shared with her roommate, welcoming in immigrant and refugee ladies. She desires to see them find healing, both spiritually and emotionally.

WHAT LOVE IS THIS?

I was very curious about this book. I would hold the light of my phone up to the book and read.

When I got to the part about Jesus when he was on the cross, I started to cry. Me alone, I started to cry. I felt this feeling that was hard to describe because I was young. “Who would do this for me?” I wondered.

Partners in the Race

A church in the UK reaches out to immigrants and refugees on their doorstep.

The community outreach week enabled the church to think: “We can do this.” As Christians, we can go out, build friendships and relationships, and as a result, share our faith with people. We don’t need to be ‘trained missionaries’ who have been to Bible College. We can do this as a church.

Outreach Snapshot | Brazil

If you happened upon this little town not knowing where you were, your senses would say Africa. Young Africans walk and bus around. The buildings are made of colorful concrete. Bananas grow plentiful on trees. Street food is sold in the city square. Motorcycles and cars co-exist on the roads.

But you’re not in Africa!

Our ministry activities vary by location, but some of the common ways we work:

For immigrants and refugees:

  • Welcoming and visiting new arrivals
  • English or other language classes
  • Help with documents, appointments
  • Help with homework
  • Driving instruction
  • Home setup and repairs
  • Serving through food banks
  • and more

For Churches:

  • Coaching and workshops on diaspora ministry strategy, African and Arab culture, and Islam 
  • Leading discovery teams 
  • Supporting church outreach 
  • Mobilizing and helping with new initiatives