Walls were framed and siding nailed in before they were raised and bolted down on first day

Since 2001, members of Trinity Lutheran Church of Lincoln, NE have been coming down to Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care to serve across the border, building homes for families in need as well as leading a Vacation Bible School with the partnering mission-church of where they are serving.

This year, the small mission-church of San Pedro y San Pablo located in Kilometer 30, had the opportunity to open their doors and hearts to this seasoned team. Alma, along with her husband Favian, and their four children, were delighted to have their petition for a house, which will help the family of six have more space, answered this year.

Close to 100 children received hygiene kits, blankets, toys, bath towels, and backpacks after their VBS activities

Early mornings had the team picking up materials from Santisima Trinidad then making their way to Kilometer 30, where Alma and her husband would greet the team before he had to head off to work. Her two older sons, Jonathan and Alex, joined the team, learning new skills along with helping build what would become their parents and sisters’ rooms. They would be able to have their own rooms in the small house, which also includes a small kitchen, a bathroom, and the

Alex, son of Alma and Fabian, spent the week helping the team and learning new skills

Throughout the years of building these 12’ by 14’ two-room houses, the team has learned from past experiences, improving their techniques and approach to the challenges of building in Mexico. From deciding to place the ceiling sheetrock and drop down the insulation instead of holding it up to staple it in place, to cutting the studs and plates just a bit shorter to make sure the dividing wall fits just right, they were able to finish tasks much sooner than expected.

The team gathered around the family after dedicating their house to pray over all six of them

This gave them the opportunity to be able to take the time to teach different skills to the teenage boys of their family. Alex learned how to secure the metal tin roof, how to install a light fixture, and how to use various construction tools.

Alma, Favian, and their girls helped paint the outside walls, the emerald color with white trim chosen by the youngest girl bright against the desert surroundings.

In the afternoons, one of the team’s members headed over to the little house-church where the small congregation of San Pedro y San Pablo meets for their services and Bible studies, shepherded by Pastor Jose Hernandez.

Alma and Favian, along with their children, served a delicious meal to the team on the last day as a way of sharing their gratitude with them

“I prepare year-round for this VBS,” Darlene, a woman of 74 years and great energy, shared at the beginning of the week, “I buy little toys for prizes, collect towels, quilts, hygiene kits, and get donations from people at our church to provide meals. It’s something we have done for many years, and I truly enjoy each child I meet.”

Early in the morning on the day of their departure, the team’s leader made sure to schedule their next mission team for 2024, all of them already eager to return once again to the place where they get to serve God and serve people, experiencing God’s blessings in return in the form of care, gratitude, love, and hospitality.

Give us a call at (915) 858-2588 or send an email to luz.soto@ylm.org to request more information on how you can bring down a team of missionaries to serve through YLMHC’s Servant Event ministry!