DOXA: Churches Partnering in Mission

​Founded in 1991 to facilitate short-term mission trips to Tijuana, DOXA is the fruit of a long-term partnership between several Seattle Presbytery churches. DOXA provides logistical support for teams, while giving them space to do their own travel prep, cooking, and organize their work and free time as they see fit. Eric Stelter, President of DOXA’s board, explains their impact in Tijuana, “We've been there now for 20 years and, with no strategic plans and all-volunteer everything, have put up around 1,600 homes housing some 7,000 people—a city built and financed almost entirely by high school students in Presbyterian church youth programs.”

But the impact doesn’t end with houses alone. Eric described the growing sense of need for the families and orphans they served. “Many of the poor families we built for could not afford to have their kids in public school, so we worked with our friends and the schools to develop a program to put kids in school.” They developed a holistic approach that includes finances, books, nutrition, health care, and eventually an after-school program. Other ministries include an annual men’s trip redefining brother by intentionally bringing together men from a wide range of racial and socio-economic backgrounds.

9/14: DOXA Benefit Celebration!​

Now, DOXA is looking to the future. Eric explains, “We are capping off several years of transformation—growing up from fly-by-night into a professional and sustainable organization. And, as we are able, we will be expanding our work and our offerings in types of trips and opportunities—expanding the blessings that we have seen flowing across the border in both directions as we respond to God's heart for our neighbors.” 

Visit www.doxaserves.org for more information, or read the full interview with Eric here.