Campus Lutheran Church of Columbia, MO first caught a glimpse of the Kingdom work unfolding through Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) at the LCMS Youth Gathering in New Orleans last year. For some, it was a new experience. For others, it was a return. Several adults remembered serving with YLM during their college years, and that memory sparked something fresh. Soon after returning home, the congregation stepped forward with purpose; recruiting, fundraising, and preparing to serve together.
This spring, a team of fifteen arrived, bringing a vibrant mix of families, college students, and young adults. From parents and children serving side by side to lifelong friendships being formed, the group reflected the beauty of the Body of Christ. Different gifts, different stories, one shared purpose -to show the love of Christ in word and action.
Through connections with the Agua Dulce Community Center, two families opened their homes and their stories.
Lorenza and Ruben had been doing their best to make ends meet. With Ruben nearing retirement and working for minimum wage, and both facing ongoing health challenges, their needs had grown beyond what they could manage. Their request was simple; new windows and flooring for their small mobile home.
Metcy, a single mother raising her eleven-year-old son Joel, carried a different weight. After her husband’s deportation, she became the sole provider for her family. She worked full time while doing all she could to care for her son. Their home needed repair, including a broken window in Joel’s room and a wall affected by mold. With limited resources and no extra help, she reached out in faith.
The team stepped in without hesitation. Dividing into two groups, they tackled both homes at the same time. As the work unfolded, so did a deeper sense of care. What began as assigned projects grew into something more. Floors were reinforced, damaged materials replaced, and spaces restored with attention and dignity.
On Thursday, the team continued serving around the YLM campus, finishing final details. That evening, they headed to Sparks Community Center to lead a one-day Vacation Bible School centered on Holy Week. Even with school schedules limiting attendance, the joy was evident. Time spent with each child mattered. Conversations, laughter, and shared moments pointed back to Christ.
Throughout the week, God’s presence was clear -not only in the work completed, but in the relationships formed and the willingness to serve wherever needed. It was a reminder that His blessings are often found in places we might overlook.
If your congregation is ready to experience this kind of Kingdom work, we invite you to take the next step. Call (915) 858-2588 or email luz.soto@ylm.org to learn how your group can serve through a YLM Servant Event.
