What joy it is to see the Lutheran Church in Mexico growing, and to be part of the work God is doing through His people!
YLM, with the support of Zion Lutheran Church and San Pablo Lutheran Church, hosted the fall Mexico FORO this October, bringing together 33 pastors, deaconesses, and ministry leaders from the Mexico Lutheran Synod (SLM), the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), and YLM.
Participants traveled from across Mexico, Belize, Panama, Central Texas, St. Louis, Arizona, California, and Minnesota. Over two days, these mission-minded leaders gathered to celebrate the progress of the Lutheran Church in Mexico, review ongoing funded projects, and discuss future ministry needs.
The FORO offered an opportunity to strengthen relationships and continue working and walking together as one Body in Christ. Even the preparations reflected this shared commitment.
Zion Lutheran Church provided its Fellowship Hall, while its LWML group prepared lunch and helped with setup and cleanup. Members of San Pablo Lutheran Church volunteered to prepare breakfast and dinner for the attendees and provided snacks for the participants staying in YLM’s dormitory. Servant Event volunteers from Faith Lutheran Church in Branson, Missouri, helped prepare the lodging, while YLM coordinated all logistics and served as liaison and host to this wonderful event.
One of the greatest joys was hearing about the work accomplished since YLM last hosted the Mexico FORO in 2024. Among the projects discussed were the last three Mexico Youth Gatherings and podcast equipment funded through YLM. These efforts, supported through partnerships with the SLM and LCMS, are helping strengthen congregations, equip church workers, and share the Gospel throughout Mexico.
Before the FORO concluded, Pastor Omar Garza, president of the Mexico Lutheran Synod, and Ernesto Pineda, chairman of YLM’s Board of Directors, signed a new two-year partnership agreement.
The agreement includes YLM’s commitment to support three SLM pastors serving partner congregations in Chihuahua City, Ciudad Juárez, and Anapra. All three were scheduled to be installed during the two days following the FORO. YLM also committed to hosting the fall 2028 Mexico FORO and furthering its continued support of the SLM.
These commitments reflect the joy of working together as Christ’s Church, using the gifts and resources God has entrusted to each of us to strengthen congregations and bring the Gospel to more communities here in the Border region and throughout Mexico.
We praise God for the work He has accomplished through these partnerships and for the opportunities He continues placing before us. What a blessing to witness the Church growing in the communities where YLM serves!
Would you be part of this commitment? Through YLM’s Build Up in Love campaign, we are raising the funds needed to support the pastors serving our partner congregations in Mexico. $31,551 is still needed to fulfill this year’s commitment.
Your gift will help sustain pastoral ministry, allowing these congregations to continue sharing God’s Word, administering the Sacraments, and reaching their communities through acts of mercy.
For the families and individuals they serve, this means more opportunities to hear the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ and experience His love through people who remind them they are known, seen, heard, loved, and cared for.
Give today to Build Up in Love campaign and join YLM in supporting the growth of the Lutheran Church in Mexico. Together, as one Body in Christ, we can continue changing lives every day through simple acts of kindness.
