Hales Corners Lutheran Church of Hales Corners, Wisconsin, returned to Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care this spring for their fourth year of Servant Event ministry. This first of two scheduled teams included eight adults, with two new participants stepping into the experience for the first time. Their energy was clear from the moment they arrived on Saturday at noon, ready to serve and ready to learn.
Their work took place in Kilometer 30, a community where families live with limited resources and very little infrastructure. Electricity is unreliable. Water and sewage systems do not exist. Many homes are built from pallets, plywood, tarps, and sheet metal held down by tires. In the middle of these challenges, the team stepped into a mission with a clear purpose: build a house for Carlos, an elderly man preparing to move closer to his adult children and grandchildren after a recent stroke.
On Monday morning, the team headed out to the jobsite and were joined by a few local residents who had received homes through YLM Servant Event teams during the past year. Their presence added something special to the week. It is a simple but meaningful practice of paying it forward, and it reflects the growing sense of community in Kilometer 30.
The team worked with steady commitment through the week and completed Carlos’ house on Thursday morning. Carlos and his family gathered with the team for a dedication service filled with worship music in Spanish and English. The Gospel was preached to remind everyone present of the grace behind this gift and the love that moves God’s people to serve. It was a moment of gratitude, joy, and hope for Carlos and his family.
With the project complete, the team spent Friday exploring nearby Old Mesilla, enjoying time together after a full week of work. They returned to serve once more on Saturday, helping with YLM’s Food Pantry Drive Thru and assisting with housekeeping in the dorm to prepare it for the next incoming group.
Hales Corners Lutheran Church continues to be a strong partner in ministry, and their dedication to the people of Kilometer 30 is a blessing to all involved. Their second Servant Event team is already scheduled to return in November, ready to continue building relationships and sharing Christ’s love through service.
If you are interested in learning more about Servant Events or scheduling a team, contact YLM’s Servant Event Logistics Facilitator at (915) 858-2588 or by email at luz.soto@ylm.org.
