For years, Iglesia Luterana La Santa Biblia in Anapra, Ciudad Juárez, has been a place where God’s love is shared through Word and Deed. Families have gathered for worship, children have learned about Jesus, and countless volunteers have served alongside this small congregation. Yet one blessing had long been missing: a pastor called to shepherd its people through Word and Sacrament.
Oscar Saavedra’s journey began years earlier when Rev. Guillermo Leyva encouraged him to leave his career as a lawyer in Mexico City and pursue theological education. Oscar and his family moved to the Dominican Republic, where he studied at Seminario Concordia El Redentor while his wife, Mayra, pursued deaconess training.
After completing his studies in June, Vicar Oscar, Mayra, and their daughter Mia moved to Ciudad Juárez in late July. Their arrival coincided with Vacation Bible School, where more than 200 children, youth, and adults gathered. Congregation members surprised the family with balloons, streamers, cake, and a heartfelt welcome.
Vicar Oscar quickly immersed himself in congregational life, meeting with church leaders, visiting families, and establishing Bible studies centered on Luther’s Small Catechism and the Lutheran faith. Sunday worship replaced Friday evening services, while Friday mornings became an opportunity for further biblical instruction.
One particularly moving experience came when he joined a Servant Event team for the dedication of two newly constructed homes. Witnessing families receive a safe place to live brought him to tears as he shared God’s Word, revealing his compassion for the people he was preparing to serve as their pastor.
Meanwhile, the congregation’s new church building was becoming a cherished gathering place. Earlier this year, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota, and Family of Christ in Minnesota provided financial support for its construction. Eight members of Our Savior traveled to Anapra in March to help raise its walls.
For families in Anapra and the many volunteers and supporters throughout the United States and Canada, La Santa Biblia represents years of shared ministry, friendship, and tangible expressions of Christ’s love.
Now, those newly raised walls witnessed another extraordinary blessing.
On the afternoon of October 18, more than 100 people filled the sanctuary, sitting shoulder to shoulder on pews delivered just two weeks earlier through Orphan Grain Train. Mariachi San Pablo’s joyful music filled the building as congregation members, pastors, family, friends, and ministry partners gathered for the service.
Through his ordination, Oscar Saavedra entered the pastoral office, entrusted with preaching God’s Word and administering the Sacraments. Through his installation, he was formally placed into that office at La Santa Biblia, where he would shepherd the congregation, teach the faith, and provide pastoral care.
What an incredible sight! A church built only months earlier, filled with people rejoicing as God provided a pastor for a congregation that had waited so long.
The celebration continued with food, laughter, conversations, gifts, and cake. The warmth shared among those present reflected the joy of welcoming Rev. Oscar Saavedra and his family into this new chapter of ministry.
For years, God sustained La Santa Biblia through faithful members, visiting missionaries, volunteers, and ministry partners. Now, with Pastor Oscar ordained and installed, the congregation can receive regular pastoral care, biblical instruction, and the Sacraments from its own called pastor. Already, Pastor Oscar and congregation members are reaching beyond the church walls, visiting families, shelters, and nursing homes, sharing the Gospel while responding to the needs of their neighbors.
The church has been built. A pastor has been ordained and installed. And a congregation once waiting for pastoral leadership can now look toward new opportunities to serve Christ and its neighbors.
Through YLM’s Build Up in Love campaign, you can help sustain the pastoral ministry of Rev. Oscar Saavedra at La Santa Biblia, Rev. Guillermo Leyva at Cristo Rey, and Rev. Misael Tovar at Gloria Dei.
With $31,500 still needed before the end of 2026, your generosity can help these pastors continue proclaiming God’s Word, administering the Sacraments, and caring for their congregations. What began with the raising of church walls continues through the ministry taking place within them and throughout the community.
Be part of the next chapter. Support Build Up in Love and help the Gospel continue reaching families in Mexico for generations to come.
