Every year, soon after Trinity Lutheran Church of Lincoln, NE arrives at Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM), the unloading of their pull-along trailer becomes a process of growing excitement as Vacation Bible School materials are sorted and set aside in accordance with the day-to-day plans. Darlene Mundt, a long-time YLM Servant Event missionary and member of Trinity-Lincoln spends the whole year seeking out deals, sales, and donations to be able to provide children in Cd. Juarez with backpacks, school supplies, bath towels, hygiene kits, t-shirts, along with fun activities meant to impart a beautiful Gospel truth.

While the rest of the Trinity-Lincoln team used their handy skills and eagerness to learn, contributing to the construction of a house, Darlene focused on something equally important –sharing Jesus’ love with the children of the Anapra community, where they served.

Darlene enjoyed the opportunity to encourage artistic imagination with river rocks and paint, to inspire the sharing of the Gospel by having the teenagers read the Bible story for the day. The laughter and playfulness of the children gladdened her heart each day, and her dedicated time spent preparing, not just lessons but meals, was greatly appreciated by the children, teens, and parents.

For Darlene, there’s more to a mission trip than accomplishing a goal at the end of the week –it is a culmination of a year’s planning to love and care for God’s little children, as well as the beginning of preparing for the next year.

For Darlene and the Trinity-Lincoln team, these mission trips are a commitment of their love for God and others. Returning year after year, even so far as scheduling dates for their next trip before being done, is about more than building houses –its about building hope and bringing God’s love to hurting people. While each home they built has provided security and stability to families, each moment spent with the community they serve strengthens faith, both theirs and those who receive God’s love through them.

The impact of their work is seen in the families who receive shelter, and in the children who carry God’s love with them long after the team has gone. The dedication of Darlene and the Trinity team is a reminder that serving God’s children isn’t just about what we do –it’s about how we love God and others, with open hands and open hearts.