At just thirteen years old, Eric Thompson wasn’t thrilled when his mom informed him about their church’s mission trip to Mexico in 2009. He didn’t want to be part of it, however, after that first mission trip through Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM), his life was impacted in ways he never imagined.

Now, at twenty-seven, Eric eagerly anticipates joining his parents and other members of Peace Lutheran Church of New Berlin, WI on their annual Mexico mission trip. Over the past fourteen years, he’s gained construction and leadership skills from building homes for families in need, as well as experiencing profound faith-growth in the work done through YLM.

This year, their team was the largest yet, with Eric being the youngest among eleven adults. Despite some being new to YLM, including an eighty-year-old participant named Bill, who joined last minute, everyone dove into the work on Monday morning with enthusiasm.

With guidance from YLM’s Servant Event Director, the team swiftly got to work, framing walls, painting siding a vibrant purple, and getting a feel of working together to achieve a common goal. Marilyn Thompson, who has been leading the Peace Lutheran team for years, invited her sister Louise to join from Indiana, providing them with a chance to reconnect.

In the afternoons, Marilyn joined a Vacation Bible School (VBS) organized and led by a team member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Lincoln, NE, who were also building a house through YLM the same week. Darlene, who’s led VBS for her mission team, works year-round to collect donations towards this VBS, and with Marilyn’s help this year, they shared the story of Creation, the birth of Jesus, and the salvation found on the cross to over 60 kids of all ages through crafts, storytelling, and games. Pastor Jose Hernandez joined them on the fourth day, and along with his guitar, added music and joy to what were already wonderful moments experienced by all involved.

As the week ended, majority of the team members unanimously expressed their desire to return, their hearts full of joy due to their experience in loving and serving God and others through YLM. For Eric and his fellow missionaries, this mission trip wasn’t just about building a house –it was about building connections, finding purpose in God’s call to mission work (Matthew 25:31-40; Matthew 28:19-20), and experiencing first-hand the transformative power of love in action.

We still have availability this year, so if you are interested on doing a mission trip through YLM’s Servant Event ministry, give us a call at (915) 858-2588 or send an email for information to luz.soto@ylm.org.