Mission guide
Mexico Mexicali Mission
The Mexico Mexicali Mission serves in a desert border city shaped by irrigation, farming, and Mexican history.
- Spanish
Mexico Mexicali Mission shirts
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Mexico Mexicali Mission T-Shirt
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Mexico Mexicali Mission Heart Map Shirt
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Mexico Mexicali Mission Flag Map Shirt
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Choose size & color →I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission
2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the language of this mission
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
Spanish is the main language of the mission and the surrounding region.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Main city
- Mexicali (city population 854,186 in 2020)
- Language
- Spanish
- Time zone
- Pacific Time (UTC−8 in winter, UTC−7 in summer)
- Climate
- Hot arid desert climate (BWh)
- Church in Mexico
- 1,534,058 members, 230 stakes, 1,878 congregations, 34 missions
A short history of the area
The valley grew quickly after irrigation made farming possible. Thousands of Chinese laborers helped dig irrigation ditches, and their influence remains visible in the La Chinesca district. Today, Mexicali is known for agriculture, manufacturing, and its cross-border connection with Calexico.
The Church here
- 1877After parts of the Book of Mormon were translated into Spanish, missionaries baptized the first converts in Hermosillo.
- 1879A branch was organized in Mexico City.
- 1880sLatter-day Saints emigrating from the United States established several colonies in northern Mexico.
- 1936–1946Tensions with returning mission leadership led to a painful schism in the Church in Mexico before members were reconciled.
- 1944Temple ordinances were translated into Spanish.
- 1945Mexican Saints traveled to Mesa, Arizona, and became the first members in Church history to receive temple ordinances in a language other than English.
- 1961A stake was organized in Mexico City.
- 1983A temple was dedicated in Mexico City.
Temples nearby
Yuma Arizona Temple
Announced · About 50 miles from Mexicali
Tijuana Mexico Temple
Dedicated December 13, 2015 · About 90 miles from Mexicali
San Diego California Temple
Dedicated April 25, 1993 · About 100 miles from Mexicali
The Book of Mormon here
Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.
Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Before you go
Phrases to learn
- HolaHello
- ¿Cómo está?How are you?
- GraciasThank you
- Por favorPlease
Foods to try
- Tacos (popular at local taco stands)
- Green onions (an important crop in the Mexicali Valley)
- Asparagus (an important agricultural product)
- Wheat (one of the valley’s major crops)
Fun facts
- Mexicali directly borders Calexico, California, and the two cities form a cross-border urban area.
- Mexicali is home to Cerro Prieto, a nearby volcano and geothermal field.
- Mexicali baseball players have appeared in the Little League World Series five times: 1985, 2005, 2007, 2011, and 2015.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.