THE CULTURE

We foster a sense of community through consistent gatherings where we explore what it means to be part of the family of God on mission together. This helps us to learn together what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, both from his word and through our collective experiences.

Building Relationships

  • Jesus left the glory of heaven and came to earth to reveal the Father's love through relationships. He spent time with people, spoke with them, healed them, fed them, and through these actions, brought transformation and change.  

  • Jesus didn’t just interact with the crowds—He invested deeply in His 12 disciples, often stepping away from large gatherings to go deeper with them. In the same way, we believe in consistent presence.  

    We visit the same community centers and orphanages once a month, forming long-term connections with the children. By seeing them regularly, we build trust, and they grow more comfortable with us. Our day visitation trips—typically on the second Saturday of each month—create anticipation for both the children and our volunteers.  

    These trips go beyond just showing up—we take the kids on meaningful excursions like beach outings, movie trips, and water parks to show them how sacred and valuable their lives are. As Acts 2:42 illustrates, the early church gathered daily, eating together with joy, and God added to their number. We seek to model this same spirit of community.  

  • During our trips, from 8:00 AM until we return around 6:30 PM, we are "juntos"—together. We travel in vans, walk, serve, eat, play games, and experience another culture without the distractions of our phones.  

    This shared experience lays the foundation for genuine friendships. Many who have joined us on these simple day trips have formed lifelong bonds, built not on fleeting encounters but on shared service and joy.

  • Back in San Diego, these friendships often continue beyond the trips. Whether it’s gathering for meals, meeting up for casual outings, or simply doing life together, relationships naturally deepen.  

    Over time, you may find yourself joining our church community on Sundays or participating in a midweek group led by Joe Brandi. As we share in prayer, Scripture, and fellowship, we begin to experience what it truly means to be part of God’s family. His Spirit and Word unite us, creating something deeper than just friendship—a spiritual family.  

    Join us in building relationships that reflect the love of Christ.

Transformation

  • The Apostle Paul wrote, "My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you" (Galatians 4:19). True transformation begins when Christ takes shape within us, changing our hearts, desires, and actions.  

    Throughout Scripture, we see how encountering Jesus led to radical change:  

    - Zacchaeus, a tax collector, was moved to give half of his possessions to the poor after meeting Jesus. He declared, “If I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (Luke 19:8).  


    - A sinful woman broke her alabaster jar of perfume at Jesus’ feet, an act of repentance and worship (Luke 7:37-38).  


    - Tax collectors left their professions to follow Jesus, embracing a new way of life (Matthew 9:9, Luke 5:27-28).  


    - Saul, once a persecutor of Christians, became Paul, a servant of the church and a messenger of the Gospel (Acts 9:1-22).  


    - Jesus Himself, upon seeing people suffering, felt deep compassion:  


      - “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).  


      - “When the Lord saw her, His heart went out to her and He said, ‘Don’t cry’” (Luke 7:13).

  • On our day trips, we visit Christian orphanages and Christ-centered children’s centers in impoverished neighborhoods, where faithful volunteers dedicate their lives to serving vulnerable children. These Jesus-following men and women embody His love in action, creating an atmosphere of hope, care, and transformation.  

    Throughout the day, we believe the Holy Spirit will stir your heart—opening your eyes to realities you might never have seen if you had simply stayed in San Diego. As you serve, listen, and connect, God will

  • Through prayer, Scripture, and reflection led by our team, we trust that something inside you will begin to change—if you are open to it. Transformation isn’t just about what we do for others; it’s about what God does in us.  

    Come, serve, and allow yourself to be transformed.

Service

  • "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

    Love is demonstrated through service—laying down your life for others. James challenges us: "If you see your brother in need of daily food and clothing and do nothing about it, where is your faith?" (James 2:15-16).  

    At Amigos 2 Familia, we strive to meet these needs by bringing donated items such as clothing, school supplies, household essentials, and food to children and families in need. Our website hosts ongoing campaigns to support these efforts.  

  • "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them." (1 Corinthians 12:4)  

    Our mission requires more than one type of person to succeed. Each of us has unique gifts from God, and when we come together, we form one body with Christ as the head. Some are called to give, some to serve, some to pray—but all are needed.

  • "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." (James 1:27)  

    There is something transformative about simply visiting. You don’t have to build a school in a day (though those projects are incredible). Instead, you build an experience, creating a day of joy, connection, and love for these children.  

    By serving, you walk in the footsteps of Jesus—the ultimate servant. Shouldn’t we strive to be like Him and see what happens? Studies show that acts of kindness and service increase happiness and fulfillment. In contrast, so much of our culture revolves around individualism. These trips create a crack in our self-focused worldview, allowing God to shift our hearts toward others.

  • Prayer is at the heart of everything we do. One of our board members leads a dedicated prayer team, interceding for the children we visit. At the end of each trip, we gather the children in a circle and pray over them. These prayers might never have been spoken had we not shown up.  

    By going, serving, and praying, we make space for God to work—both in the lives of those we meet and in our own hearts.  

    Join us. Serve with us. Pray with us. Let’s see what happens when we give our lives to love.

Glorifying God Through
Relationship and Service

  • Our organization exists for God and His glory. At His very essence, God is relationship—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three in one, eternally loving and communicating with one another. From the beginning, God created humanity for relationship with Him and to glorify Him by reflecting His nature—though we are not God, we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27).  

    When we love one another, form friendships, become family, visit and serve the poor—especially orphaned children—God smiles, and He is glorified.

  • Jesus teaches us the sacredness of serving others:  
    "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)  

    When we offer even a single cup of water to someone in need, we are serving Jesus Himself (Matthew 10:42). Likewise, when we help the poor, we remain in constant prayer, and God delights in the prayers of His children:  
    *"The prayer of the upright pleases Him."* (Proverbs 15:8)  

    As He answers our prayers and provides for those in need, we proclaim His praises:  
    "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)  

    God inhabits the praises of His people, dwelling among us as we glorify Him:  

    "Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." (Psalm 22:3)

  • Another powerful way we bring glory to God is through our unity on service trips. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, so that the world would believe in Him:  
    "That they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me." (John 17:23)  

    On our trips, we always welcome those who do not attend church or openly follow Jesus. Jesus Himself spent time with those outside of religious circles—eating with tax collectors, speaking with sinners, and offering love and truth to all (Mark 2:15-17, Luke 19:10).  

  • At Amigos 2 Familia, everything we do is about making God known and glorifying Him. As we serve together, build relationships, and extend love to those in need, we participate in His mission. And as we do, the world changes—both around us and within us.

    Join us in glorifying God through love, service, and unity.

PROBLEMS ADDRESSED

We foster a sense of community through consistent gatherings where we explore what it means to be part of the family of God on mission together. This helps us to learn together what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, both from his word and through our collective experiences.

Narcissism

Modern society has seen a rise in narcissistic traits, characterized by excessive self-focus and a lack of empathy. Social psychologists report a steady increase in narcissism measures among college students from one decade to the next.

Solution:
By engaging individuals in selfless service to others, especially the underprivileged, Amigos 2 Familia encourages participants to shift their focus from themselves to the needs of others, fostering empathy and reducing narcissistic tendencies.

Source: Psychology Today

Loneliness and
Social Isolation

Loneliness is a growing concern, with studies indicating that individuals with high national narcissism are more likely to feel lonely over time, and those experiencing loneliness tend to develop stronger national narcissistic tendencies.

Solution:
Participating in group service trips provides individuals with a sense of community and belonging. Working together towards a common goal fosters meaningful connections and combats feelings of isolation.

Source: Psychology Today

Lack of Purpose

Many individuals seek a sense of purpose beyond their personal and professional lives.

Solution:
Volunteering offers participants the opportunity to contribute to a cause greater than themselves, providing a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Cultural Barriers and Prejudices

Limited exposure to different cultures can lead to misunderstandings and prejudices.

Solution:
Cross-cultural volunteering facilitates intercultural learning and fosters empathy, as participants learn about and experience different cultural beliefs..

Source: GVI USA

Safety Concerns About Mexico

Negative perceptions about safety in Mexico deter potential volunteers, resulting in fewer children receiving assistance.

Solution:
Amigos 2 Familia organizes structured, safe, and supervised trips, alleviating fears and encouraging more individuals to participate in serving these communities.

Transparency in Charitable Contributions

Donors often desire assurance that their contributions are used effectively.

Solution:
By involving participants directly in service activities, they can witness firsthand the impact of their efforts and contributions, ensuring transparency and building trust.

Digital Detox

Constant connectivity can lead to burnout and decreased mental well-being.

Solution:
These day trips encourage participants to unplug from digital devices, promoting mindfulness and engagement with the present moment.

Monotonous daily routines can stifle personal growth and limit perspectives

Solution:
Stepping out of one's regular schedule to serve others provides fresh experiences, broadens horizons, and stimulates personal development.

Breaking Routine

Support for Local Volunteer Groups

Local organizations in Mexico often lack sufficient volunteer support to meet community needs.

Solution:
By collaborating with these groups, Amigos 2 Familia bolsters their efforts, providing much-needed assistance and fostering international camaraderie.

Matthew 28:18-20

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”