Not everyone can serve as missionaries overseas, but we all have the joyful privilege to go and share the Good News to the people in our own city, state, country or continent.  For four Servant Event teams, this year was their first time working through YLM to bring God’s love to those needing to experience the kindness and compassion that comes with the Good News.

Zion Lutheran Church from Maryland Heights, MO led VBS in Anapra and built a home for a single mother of two

Zion Lutheran Church from Maryland Heights, Missouri spent a week in Anapra, Mexico, building a home for a single mother with two children, as well as leading VBS at Iglesia Luterana San Lucas for over 70 kids.  Their mission team leader was Isabelle Hefele, a long time servant event participant who has serve at YLM since she was nine years old.  “I’m my best self when I’m serving,” Isabelle shared during a phone interview, “Through YLM, I’ve learned to have an open heart…and open hands, so I can serve others.”

After joining Zion Lutheran Church last year, she approached their pastor about putting together a mission team, knowing without a doubt she would be bringing them to serve through YLM.

St. John Lutheran Church from Covina, California decided to keep their mission work stateside this year.  Their mission team leader, Pastor Patrick Curly, was once a vicar under the mentorship of Rev. Dr. Karl Heimer at San Pablo Lutheran Church from 1987-1988, and recalled the servant event groups who came down from Minnesota back in the 1980s.

St. John Lutheran Church from Covina, California helped built a ramp and make repairs to a Horizon City hope for a mother of five

“We’ve done mission trips to other places, but this year, I reached out to YLM.  I remember, as a vicar, how dedicated Pastor Heimer was to serving those in need.  It’s exciting to see how much the mission has grown and expanded.  We’re already discussing the possibility of returning next year.” He and his team spent seven days in Horizon City, building a ramp and doing necessary repairs to keep a young mother, her five children, and their grandmother safe in their home.

Ascension Lutheran Church from El Paso, TX painted the hallway to the YLM Dormitory

Ascension Lutheran Church from El Paso, TX set out to do their first mission trip ever, deciding to work through YLM to simplify the learning process of missionary work.  The first El Paso church to do a mission trip through YLM, they were the smallest of the 2019 Mission Teams with five participants total.  During their four-day stay, they worked hard at the YLM campus –distributing over 260 food baskets on Saturday morning, donating and assembling 217 backpacks with school supplies, and painting the YLM Dormitory to create a brighter and cheerful atmosphere for future Servant Event teams.

“I’ve had the opportunity to be a translator for other mission teams working through YLM,” Luz Soto, Director of Youth Ministry at Ascension Lutheran, shared about their experience, “This time around, the joy that comes from being a missionary, in whatever capacity, was fully experienced by myself, my two church youth and the parents who joined us.”

Hillside Christian Church from Vancouver, Canada led VBS at Anapra

Hillside Christian Church from Vancouver, Canada brought a team of eight to lead a Vacation Bible School at Iglesia Luterana San Lucas, where over 60 kids learned how God is good all the time.  Their leader, Michaela Beck, has been part of past Servant Events at YLM and was excited to bring members from her church where she’s currently doing her Director of Christian Education Internship.

“I came with Mayer Lutheran High School last year,” Michaela shared during the drive across the border, “It was such an amazing experience, I worked on putting together our own Mission Team and coming down to Mexico to share God’s love with the children in Anapra.”  The team brought God’s Word to live through skits, interactive games and crafts, and the satisfying joy of snacks and music.

YLM is truly grateful to all Servant Event teams who leave their homes to share the Good News with the ones in need of it most.  We always ensure to be available to help plan your mission trip through YLM, so give us a call and become a YLM Missionary!