For countless families, traditions form the heartbeat of holidays like Thanksgiving. For the community at Our Father Lutheran Church (OFLC) in Centennial, CO, this sentiment rings especially true. For 29 years, their Alternative Thanksgiving mission trip through Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) has exemplified the spirit of gratitude, compassion, and service.

In recent years, the mission has blossomed. With a growing team, OFLC reached out to YLM for new ways to make a difference. Last year, they addressed landscaping and campus needs; this year, their efforts focused on creating office spaces for San Pablo Lutheran Church in El Paso, TX—a meaningful addition to the church’s next chapter.

The journey began on the eve of Thanksgiving, with the mission team diving into preparations. Families and individuals organized food supplies and outlined tasks for the holiday meal. Small groups formed—some dedicated to cooking, others tackling San Pablo’s construction project, along with other projects to improve the YLM campus.

Over the next three days, the kitchen came alive with teamwork and generosity. Volunteers prepared mashed potatoes, gravy, charro beans, corn, salsa, and cakes, alongside reheated turkey—all donated by OFLC members. Even those who couldn’t make the trip contributed, ensuring the mission’s success. Meanwhile, children and teens filled candy bags with Halloween treats donated by OFLC kids, so abundant this year, extras were set aside for Christmas celebrations taking place at the mission-churches in a few weeks.

Thanksgiving Day was nothing short of heartwarming. Following a service at San Pablo, Mariachi San Pablo continued to fill the air with music, setting the stage for a joyful Thanksgiving lunch. More than 75 attendees enjoyed a delicious meal and fellowship, leaving with full hearts and to-go boxes for later.

The following day, the team served another feast at Iglesia Luterana San Lucas, where Pastor Javier Lozano led a short service before the festivities. Plates of food and candy bags brought smiles to everyone, including members from La Santa Biblia, who joined their sister-church for this memorable meal. Once again, to-go boxes were filled, totaling 400 meals served.

Saturday’s efforts took the team across the border into Ciudad Juárez, where they met with Rosy Lira, a dedicated deaconess, to transfer 100 meals for Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey from YLM’s vans to her vehicle. At KM 30, nearly 200 people gathered at Comedor Emmanuel for a meal and camaraderie. By the day’s end, another 400 meals were shared, along with hope and kindness.

While part of the team served in Mexico, others stayed in El Paso to finish constructing the church offices, patch exterior walls, and clean up the campus. By Saturday evening, the transformation was complete—both in the church building and in the hearts of those who participated.
For returning families, this tradition has become an irreplaceable part of their Thanksgiving. First-time participants described the experience as deeply bonding, with many vowing to return. The mission’s impact echoes beyond borders, fostering joy and connection year after year—a testament to the enduring power of faith and love.