Thirty-one members of Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Ham Lake, Minnesota, arrived in El Paso the last Saturday of January, ready to serve during the first week of February. Their goal was simple yet meaningful: build two homes in KM30 and share the love of Christ across the border. This multi-generational team, ranging in age from 8 to 86, included several first-time participants and many who returned with joy, already knowing the impact a week like this can have.
Among the first timers was 81-year-old Marty Jones, who traveled with her daughter and son-in-law, granddaughter, and three of her great-granddaughters. For years she had listened to stories from her family about mission trips through Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM). Though she felt unsure about crossing the border, this year she decided it was time for her to join them. By the end of the first day, every member of the team called her “Grandma Marty”, blessing her with more people to love.
She worked where she could, encouraged others, and became a steady presence of warmth and faith for the entire group. Each evening, as the team gathered for devotions and shared highs and lows from the day, Marty reflected on her joy and amazement at what God was doing through willing hands and open hearts, unable to keep herself from crying with emotion.
Eight-year-old Delana also experienced her first mission trip. She jumped right in, helping paint walls, carrying supplies, and playing with children in the neighborhood. She even helped build a small playhouse for Mia, the young daughter of one of the families receiving a home. Delana’s parents and siblings each served on multiple mission trips, and this week marked the beginning of her own journey. Watching her work and laugh alongside her family and new friends revealed how mission service shapes hearts across generations.
Throughout the week, children and youth balanced hard work with joyful play. Soccer games broke out between hammering and measuring. Uno cards shuffled on makeshift tables. Hair braiding, shared meals, and simple conversations bridged language and cultural differences. Each day began with prayer and devotion. Each evening ended with Bible study, grounding their service in Christ’s call to love and serve.
Two homes now stand in KM30, but more than walls were built. Relationships formed. Faith deepened. Confidence grew in young hearts. Courage strengthened in older ones. The Gospel was shared through presence, kindness, and action.
If you have ever wondered how God might use your gifts in mission work, now is the time to explore the opportunity. To learn more about serving in the Borderland alongside YLM, call (915) 858-2588 or email luz.soto@ylm.org. There is a place for you here.
