Karla, Interim Executive Director, welcomed all who attended the Mexico FORO

The recent Mexico FORO, hosted by Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM), was held the first week of October, bringing together a group of pastors and lay leaders from diverse regions, including Cd. Juarez, Tamaulipas, New Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic, South Texas, Colorado, and local churches. Over the two-day event, these dedicated church workers gathered with a shared mission: to discuss the continued growth of the Lutheran church in Mexico, celebrate current initiatives, and address the funding necessary to support new and ongoing projects.

The FORO proved to be an exciting and productive opportunity for leaders to exchange insights and strategize on ways to strengthen the Lutheran presence in Mexico.

Rev. James Maxwell, president of the Rocky Mountain District, shared his joy at witnessing the work being done to help grow the Lutheran church in Mexico

With representatives from across Mexico and Latin America, the meeting spotlighted the growth of ministry work in the region, specifically in Mexico. Various pastors and organizations took turns presenting the impactful work currently being carried out in communities throughout Mexico. Each presentation provided glimpses into the life-changing ministry initiatives, which bring both spiritual and practical support to local communities, often in some of the most underserved areas.

One of the most significant outcomes of the FORO was a newly formalized agreement between the Mexico Lutheran Synod and YLM, who represents the Cd. Juarez and Chihuahua mission-churches. This partnership marks a commitment to the growth of mission churches in Cd. Juarez.

Rev. Isaac Garcia (Mexico Lutheran Synod President) and Ernesto Pineda (YLM Board Chairman) signed the agreement to work together to build a stronger network of Lutheran support together

This new agreement will help bring greater resources and strategic support to Lutheran congregations and missions in the area, such as continued education for ordained pastors, support and availability of seminary education for men and women interested in the deacon/deaconess studies, and the future calling of ordained pastors to the Cd. Juarez/Chihuahua missions.

The partnership between the Mexico Lutheran Synod and YLM holds the potential to enhance its partnering mission-churches commitment to their communities, as well as build an even stronger network of Lutheran support across the border and all of Mexico, solidifying a collaborative approach to ministry work. This collaboration is expected to uplift communities by focusing on both the spiritual and physical needs of the people, offering resources, guidance, and tangible aid.

As the FORO concluded, the spirit of unity and shared purpose among attendees was palpable. Leaders left the gathering energized and committed to the continued growth and support of Lutheran churches in Mexico. This year’s FORO will be remembered not only for its inspirational presentations and strategic discussions but for the monumental partnership promising a brighter future for Lutheran ministry in Cd. Juarez and beyond.