General FAQ

They live approximately 15 minutes North of Rosarito. The organization “Ser la Luz” is based out of the small town in San Bernardino Mountains called Running Springs, CA. 

The number of children living at the home can fluctuate between 30 and 35.  This is an average size of a “casa hogar”. (Foster Home/Orphanage) However, when the new property is finished, they will be able to take care of more children. 

We’d love to have you visit whether just for the day or longer.  Please contact Ser la Luz @ 1-909-746-8021 or email us at serlaluz.ministries@gmail.com to make arrangements.  See “Visit” us page for more information.

Although they receive no financial support from the Mexican government, they do work closely with its child protective agencies, (DIF).  Some children come from this protective service.  Others are dropped off by family because they simply can no longer care for them.  There are very few “true orphans” at the home yet many of our kids have been abandoned or come from abusive homes. All have lost someone or something of significance (parent(s), siblings, or their innocence due to past abuse). If the children are here due to financial hardship, we encourage their parents to come visit their children as often as they can. Occasionally the kids are able to return to their families if it has been determined that they are able to care for them.

A percentage of the children are enrolled in a private Christian school while others are attending local public schools.

All the support comes in the form of donations—mostly from the U.S. Some support comes from churches, but the majority of donations comes from generous individuals who have a love for the children of Baja California.

Donations may be submitted through this website (preferred method) or sent to our U.S. mailing address:

Ser la Luz (del Mundo)
P.O. Box 1577
Running Springs, CA 92382

We are a U.S. registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization and are able to accept tax-deductible charity donations. Such donations can be money (contributions, sponsorships, etc) or goods such as food, clothes & construction supplies.  For donations made through this website receipts are automatically generated.  Receipts will be mailed for donations mailed to us. 

 Sponsorship FAQ

Absolutely! If you already know a specific child from a previous visit, just let us know and we will connect you with him or her. Sponsorship prayer cards are mailed out to each sponsor.  We can also pick a child out for you just let us know if you prefer a boy or girl, about what age, or no preference at all.

We encourage sponsors to maintain a relationship with their child.  One such way is by writing letters.  Letters written in English will be read to the boy or girl through one of the staff interpreters.  For the safety of the children all letters will be read first by a staff member. 

Yes, small gifts are appreciated especially for the child’s birthday.  Please no big items, like bikes as this causes a lot of jealousy and hurt amongst the other children.  Also, please no play weapons of any kind. If you’re uncertain about an item, please contact us.  

Yes, you can! Just contact us so we can arrange a day & time.  See visit us for further information.  If you already have contact with the home, you can contact a staff member directly.  

At Ser la Luz we want each person to give as they feel led from the Lord to do so.  For some, that is sponsoring a child monthly.  Others sponsor meals or give to construction projects.  Still others give a one-time amount.  The way you help is completely up to the individual!

Visitors FAQ

We have crossed the border many times without any incident.  Another ministry we know of has hosted thousands of people over the years without any issue.  We have brought entire families with us, that have small children & even babies. While we cannot guarantee anyone’s safety, we feel safe enough to continue to invite families and hope many will come visit. 

If you do not have Sentri the average wait time is 90 minutes.  Good resources to real time waiting times can be found here, or download the app “CBP Border Wait Times”.

Yes.  However, Mexico has tightened their customs coming into the country & vehicle inspections are a regular occurrence especially if you are coming across in a van or pickup (vehicles that can hold a lot of cargo) . We recommend smaller amounts of supplies spread out amongst your personal belongs.  Or, shop directly in Mexico for the supplies.  This also helps the economy.  There is Costco, WalMart, and other familiar stores right inside the border.

Most American insurance carriers do not offer auto coverage in Mexico. We recommend using Baja Bound to purchase insurance for your trip. Ser la Luz will get $5 from Baja Bound for every policy bought through the link below. Policies, from a one-day trip to a six-month, stay can be purchased online.

No. Prices are listed in pesos, but you can pay with dollars in just about any store or restaurant in Tijuana.