At Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM), ministry is often described through three simple words: Mercy, Music, and Missions. These are not separate efforts, but three expressions of the same Gospel at work. Mercy meets needs with compassion. Missions invite people into service and relational ministry. Music carries the message of Christ in ways words alone sometimes cannot. When these three come together, doors open for connection, encouragement, and shared faith –and recently, one of those doors opened in a new and exciting way.
For the past three years, YLM has participated in Best Practices in Ministry (BPM) as exhibitors and session leaders, building relationships with church workers from across North America and sharing how God is working throughout the Borderland. This year marked an important milestone as Mariachi San Pablo participated for the first time.
Hosted by Christ Church Lutheran in Phoenix, Arizona, BPM is a fifteen-year gathering created to encourage, equip, and connect church workers and lay leaders. More than 3,000 attendees from the United States, Canada, and Mexico came together for worship, learning, and fellowship –a visible reminder the Church serves as one body in Christ across many communities.
Throughout the three-day event, participants explored ministries dedicated to sharing God’s love through Word and Deed. YLM’s presence helped introduce many attendees to the ways Mercy, Music, and Missions come together along the border, creating opportunities for both physical care and spiritual growth.
During Friday’s lunch hour, Mariachi San Pablo filled the outdoor gathering space as conference participants stepped between sessions with mariachi music. Conversations paused, smiles appeared, and familiar hymns played through mariachi instruments drew people closer. Phones captured videos, voices joined in singing, and joyful energy replaced the usual conference rush.
Sunday brought another meaningful opportunity as Mariachi San Pablo joined all three worship services at Christ Church Lutheran, including the Spanish-language service held in the chapel. Congregation members expressed deep appreciation for music that felt both celebratory and personal, proclaiming the Gospel through melodies reminding many of home and family.
The experience proved encouraging for the musicians as well. As instruments were packed and the group began the journey back to El Paso, excitement carried into the road trip home. Van pulled over, a guitar reappeared, lyrics were reviewed on phones and iPads, and rehearsal continued along the highway as Spanish-speaking members practiced English pronunciation for upcoming songs. Laughter blended with harmonies, reflecting anticipation for the ministry opportunities ahead.
Mariachi San Pablo continues rehearsing weekly, preparing for a growing calendar of visits and performances in the months ahead. Their participation in BPM revealed how music opens doors for relationships, conversations, and Gospel proclamation in unexpected places.
More than a conference appearance, this moment highlighted how Mercy, Music, and Missions work together. Music creates connection. Missions build relationships. Mercy reveals Christ’s love in action. Together, these ministries continue extending YLM’s reach beyond the Borderland, sharing hope, encouragement, and the Gospel wherever God leads next.
