For the first time in over a decade, Peace Lutheran Church of Grand Island, Nebraska returned to serve alongside Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM). What began as a renewed connection two years ago became a joyful step forward this spring, as a team of eight arrived ready to serve, reconnect, and witness God at work in the Borderland.
Early Monday morning, the group crossed into Kilometer 30 and were welcomed by Teresa, her daughter Luna, and her granddaughter Rebecca. The setting told a story before any words were spoken. Teresa and her husband Jesús had built a one-room shelter with a dirt floor, plywood walls, and heavy plastic stretched across the roof, held down by tires. A single post stood in the center to support the structure. A mattress rested on pallets where the family slept together, along with their pets, through cool desert nights.
Yet even in that space, God’s provision had already been at work.
As Teresa shared her story, she pointed not only to hardship, but to grace. Just a year ago, she and Jesús had stable jobs, multiple homes, and security. Then layoffs came. Health challenges followed. When Teresa was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed. One by one, possessions were sold to cover treatment. What remained was uncertainty and a quiet return to trust.
God met them there. A small plot of land became available in Kilometer 30. Neighbors stepped in with food and support. A nearby church reached out. What could have been isolation became community.
Then, in November, a visit from YLM staff opened another door. When Teresa learned a home would be built in March, her response was simple and full of faith: God remains faithful, even when we forget. That promise stood in front of her now, framed in blue siding with pink trim—colors chosen by her grandchildren.
The team worked with purpose and unity, completing the home by Thursday. Each day carried both effort and connection, as conversations were shared, meals enjoyed, and trust deepened.
Midweek brought another gift. Teresa’s daughter Azul arrived with her newborn, Ariel Aseret. She came eager to see the home where her baby would grow. Team members took turns holding Ariel, who rested peacefully through the sounds of construction and laughter. During the housewarming celebration, Luna, who has autism and loves to draw, received a sketchbook and colored pencils. Her quiet awe said more than words could, a small but meaningful moment of care.
Aaron Resendiz, part of YLM’s Mariachi San Pablo and a pre-seminary student, joined the team to lead the dedication. Through Scripture and prayer, he pointed the family back to what they already knew—God’s faithfulness does not fade.
