Laughter and happy voices filled the space at Iglesia Luterana La Santa Biblia on January 9 as families gathered for their annual Joy Distribution. More than 100 children arrived with bright smiles, eager to spend time together and celebrate a season often marked by simple hopes and deep faith. For many, this day carried the joy of receiving a gift and sharing a warm meal with friends and neighbors.
The ladies of the congregation worked side by side early in the day, preparing tamales and champurrado, a traditional drink enjoyed during Christmas celebrations. In many parts of Mexico, especially in areas facing poverty, families celebrate Día de los Magos, or Epiphany, as the day children receive gifts. Limited resources often make Christmas Day quiet and modest, which makes gatherings like this one even more meaningful.
Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care’s annual Joy Distribution made this celebration possible. Donations received through early December allowed toys to be purchased and thoughtfully divided among four mission churches partnering with YLM. With help from Rosy Lira, YLM’s Mexico Deaconess, more than 400 toys crossed the border and reached children in Anapra, Ciudad Juárez, and Chihuahua. Each toy carried a message of care, love, and remembrance.
At La Santa Biblia, children lined up with excitement, laughter spilling out as gifts were handed out. Some hugged their toys tightly. Others compared treasures with friends, voices rising in joyful chatter. The smiles told stories of delight and gratitude, moments parents and volunteers will remember long after the day ended.
La Santa Biblia has served the Anapra community for more than fifteen years, walking alongside families with support from YLM. Through food distributions, school backpacks, scholarships, Servant Event teams, Vacation Bible School, Women’s Bible Studies, and health clinics, the church continues sharing Christ’s love in practical ways. Joy Distribution remains a highlight each year, creating space for celebration and hope.
Events like this reflect how generosity moves across borders and into hearts. A donated toy becomes a reason to smile. A shared meal becomes a moment of laughter. A gathering becomes a reminder children are seen and valued.
You are invited to support YLM by giving toward the Joy Distribution ministry. Your generosity helps bring smiles, laughter, and joy to children and families across the border, sharing the love of Christ in simple and lasting ways.
What a joy it is for YLM to partner with churches on both sides of the border to make events like these happen. The partnerships built throughout the years YLM has served in El Paso and Cd. Juarez has changed many lives, and we praise God for these opportunities to bring His love to people in need, both in Word and Deed.
