At the end of March, hearts were full and hands were ready as Trinity Lutheran Church of Crown Point, Indiana, sent their very first Servant Event team to Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) in El Paso, Texas. Though this was their debut mission trip, Trinity’s team was warmly welcomed and joyfully partnered with a seasoned crew from St. Paul Lutheran in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. After weeks of planning over phone calls and emails, the two teams finally met face to face on a Saturday evening—strangers at first, but quickly united by a common purpose: to serve God’s children and share the love of Jesus.

Trinity came prepared and excited to give generously. Their congregation rallied together to create 27 family bath kits, fill hygiene bags with basic first aid supplies, and even donate two fully stocked First Aid kits for YLM’s Servant Event vehicles. Every item, packed with care and prayer, was a tangible expression of Christ’s love to those who need it most.

Throughout the week, the six-member team from Trinity worked shoulder to shoulder with St. Paul, helping repair a roof and build much-needed closet space for a family of four living on the outskirts of El Paso. They also rolled up their sleeves on YLM’s campus, putting in hard work to fix and improve several buildings. But beyond the hammering and painting, it was the relationships and shared laughter making the work feel more like a blessing than a burden.

Midweek brought a particularly special joy: a visit to Iglesia Luterana La Santa Biblia in Mexico. There, they were welcomed by eager children, kind mothers, doting grandmothers, and a few smiling fathers. The church’s deaconesses had lovingly prepared the space, and as Trinity entered, they stepped right into a moment prepared by God.

Joyce, the team’s coordinator, shared the story of Good Friday leading into Easter Sunday, with the help of a translator and some creative props. Pastor Hal strummed his guitar, leading everyone in familiar Spanish praise songs that lifted hearts and voices alike. Children created cross necklaces and colored with bright crayons as the story of Jesus came alive before their eyes.

Outside, the joy continued with soccer balls, jump ropes, and games filled with giggles and delight. A game of “Duck, Duck, Goose” brought everyone together—language barriers vanished as joy did the talking. Little girls jumped rope in long, giggling lines while 17-year-old Beckett shared a game of catch with tiny three-year-old Angel, having fun together.

Before leaving, the Trinity team gave out the lovingly assembled bath kits—each one a gift from the women of their LWML group.

These kits weren’t just practical items—they were blessings wrapped in warmth, each tied with an encouraging note and a prayer. They ended the week by helping with Saturday’s food distribution before they had to leave for the airport, smiles of joy infecting those who are served through this crucial ministry.

As the week came to a close, it was clear God had woven something beautiful through the hands and hearts of these teams. Bonds were formed, love was poured out, and the joy of serving in Christ’s name overflowed. Trinity returned home deeply impacted, already looking ahead with excitement to next year’s opportunity to serve again.

Because when God’s love is shared—it multiplies. And oh, what joy that brings!

What to experience the joy of a YLM Servant Event Mission Trip? Call (915) 858-2588 to speak to Luz Soto or send her an email at luz.soto@ylm.org for more information!