“…give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,
will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” ~Luke 6:38, ESV

Faith Lutheran Church of Branson, MO worked hard to complete a little two-room house, which would be a blessing for 51-year-old Sofia and her 17-year-old son, Angel de Jesus. Sofia and Angel live in a little house they built themselves with plywood, two-by fours, and metal tin for parts of the roof. Without insulation, though, the house is cold, which is especially difficult for Sofia, who has health issues that are negatively impacted by cold weather.

This team of ten spent the second week of October making it possible for Sofia and Angel to have a warm place to live. This was the team’s fifth build in Anapra, and their 6^th mission trip with Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM). The leaders of the team, Dave and Paige Rohlf, have been serving at YLM in various ways for 16 years, and for them, it was a natural step to encourage their church family to do the same.

“I’ve personally seen how those who come to bless others end up receiving more blessings in return,” Paige shared with the team towards the end of their week’s work.

Every morning, upon arriving at the work site, the team gathered to pray, Sofia joining them though she did not understand English. The day would end with prayer, but also with the added blessing of Angel arriving from school and helping them with the end of day tasks and clean-up.

“I was impressed by the young man,” Pastor Joel shared after the first time meeting the seventeen-year-old boy, “Soon as he arrived from school, he introduced himself then got everyone cups and soda before helping us pick up tools and materials.”

The house was successfully completed by the time the house-blessing took place on Friday. Housewarming gifts –quilt, small heaters, bath towels, a wooden cross –were presented to Sofia and Angel by members of the team, but the one gift that had Sofia crying with joy was a large print leather bound Spanish Bible presented to her by Pastor Joel.

Sofia prepared a delicious meal for the team, in celebration of the dedication of her new home. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, rice, and a pasta salad were enjoyed by everyone present, to include members of La Santa Biblia, where Sofia has been attending since February of this year.

“They have been a great support and encouragement for both of us. I am truly blessed, and I praise God for all He gives me, and for what He doesn’t give me.”

The surprise the team received at the end of their last day were handmade rose bouquets done by Sofia for each one of them. The three roses in the bouquet were in the colors of Mexico’s flag, a memento for these big-hearted servants of their mission trip, where their blessings were returned two-fold.

Reach out to us for more information on scheduling your mission trip with YLM in 2024!
Send an email to service@ylm.org or call us at (915) 858-2588.