In the mid-1980's, representatives from Mission to North America (MNA) and Mission to the World (MTW), the two missions agencies of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), began talking about the strategic need to reach the people living on the border between the United States and Mexico.  After discussions that spanned a few years, a joint agreement between MNA and MTW was signed in 1990 that created Border Evangelism and Mercy Ministries, or BEAMM. This ministry was unique because MNA typically encourages church planting within the United States and Canada, and MTW promotes church planting outside of those two countries. BEAMM is the only team in the world where MTW and MNA work jointly, utilizing missionaries from both agencies, since part of the border region falls within the United States and part is in Mexico.

While BEAMM's mandate was to establish reformed and covenantal churches on both sides of the border, it was also recognized that BEAMM needed to care for the "whole man" who was created in God's image and had dignity and worth. This led BEAMM to begin working with needy schools in Mexican border communities and with local churches. BEAMM has been involved in building schools, helping communities in health and development, and teaching churches to be concerned for spiritual transformation, as well as starting ten churches on both sides of the border. Teams from PCA churches have been involved with VBS, English Camps, construction, and community outreach.

Following is a brief history of the BEAMM ministry on the border.  It is also a work in progress!  As various testimonials and pertinent facts are gathered, they will be added to this page.