Karen (left) and Gloria (right) are so happy to be getting their casitas (little houses)

For the last seven years or so, Our Savior Lutheran Church from Minot, North Dakota has been making the trip to Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) in El Paso, Texas to build homes across the border, mostly in Anapra.  They always dedicate themselves to providing two houses to two families in need.  When asked what brings them back to YLM, the answers varied but they carried the same message throughout: this is their way to share the love of God with people in need of it.

Juan and Jesús bonded over music without speaking the same language

It was quite a sight to watch this team split into two, and build the 12 feet by 24 feet two-room houses, across the street from each other, without any hesitation or doubt.  What makes the Our Savior team so efficient is many of the adults have a wealth of construction, building, and carpentry skills.  It shouldn’t have been surprising when both houses were up and roofs in place by the end of their first day, but not only was it a surprise, but an amazing display of God’s provision for the ones in need of Him.

Thanks to their efficient and dedicate work, they not only completed two little houses, but helped replace the roof paper ripped off by the strong winds from one of the little houses built early this year.  They also had time to patch up the roof of the YLM Dormitory, build friendships, play with the kids, and explore Anapra and El Paso.

Matt lets Jesus know they’ve fixed the roof of their little red house

“I am definitely coming back,” Tammy shared after a couple of days of hard work, fun times with the kids, and adventures, “This was an amazing experience and I loved everything about it –the people, the work, the places, and experiencing God’s love through it all.”

Tammy was one of four participants who joined the Our Savior team for the first time this year.  Majority of them have been here for two to four years, and the veteran of the group has been coming to build homes through YLM every year they’ve had a team.

Richard and Yessika (La Santa Biblia) work together to ensure the windows are level

For several of them, this trip is a highlight of their year, and the friendships they build with families, neighborhood kids (and dogs), and the church servants are not left behind or forgotten.

“If I send you letters for Jesus, will you get them to him,” Jade and Juan, both the youngest members of the team, asked on their last night, sad to be leaving behind Jesus Hernandez, a sweet boy who helped them build these houses just like he helped the last group build the house he lives in with his mother and five siblings.

Waylon takes time to play with the little ones

“I’ve been greatly blessed,” Waylon shared on the first day as boards were measured and cut, walls being framed, the sound of the saws drawing children and adults alike to the building sites, “I have a beautiful wife, great children, my own business, but I felt like there was more I could do with my life.  This right here –giving to people in need, helping children gain confidence by teaching them what I know…this is the something more I was looking for.”

“It’s a blessing to come down here to serve,” Joyce, the team’s coordinator, shared on the last day, “And more often than not, we’re blessed in return, so yes, we’re definitely coming back next year, so put us on the calendar.”

Thank you to all our brothers and sisters in Christ from Our Savior Lutheran Church in Minot, ND
–you continue to be a blessing to so many.  We’ll see you next year!