Debbie Yocky sharing the blessing of working alongside YLM’s Adelante Ministries to share the Gospel Mariachi Style

Last fall, Adelante Ministries, part of Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM), received news their grant request to further develop the music program’s outreach through education, resource and leadership development was granted.

On February 2, Debbie Yocky, president of the Rocky Mountain District’s LWML, traveled to El Paso to present the generous amount to Adelante Ministries at a special service hosted by Zion Lutheran Church.  With the help of several of Zion’s LWML ladies, the grant was drafted and submitted; a mutually blessed partnership will provide faith outreach opportunities for Zion Lutheran through music education and resource development, which will be a helpful resource to other churches seeking to do Hispanic outreach through music ministry.

Debbie Yocky (left) with Karla Gonzalez and Miguel Muñoz, staff members at YLM

“This year will be quite eventful,” Miguel Muñoz, assistant director for Adelante Ministries and Mariachi San Pablo, shared after the check was presented to the YLM staff, “We’re going to start renovating to create music classrooms, storage space for instruments and equipment and supplies, a functioning recording studio, possibly even a piano lab.”

A wonderful potluck celebration was held afterwards.  Mariachi San Pablo accompanied Zion Lutheran in their worship, closing the beautiful service with a victorious “Resucito!” (He Rose!)  At the potluck, they continued to play popular mariachi songs while people filled up plates and shared conversation.

“This generous grant is such a blessing,” Rev. Stephen Heimer, pastor at Zion Lutheran, shared with his congregation before introducing the YLM Staff and Debbie Yocky, “We will be able further develop, grow, and expand outreach and evangelism through this partnership between us and YLM.”

With Mariachi San Pablo composing and presenting music shaped to the Word of God, many hearts have been reached and opened through the power of the Holy Spirit.