Right on the border of El Paso, TX and Cd. Juarez, MX, where their communities intertwine, Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) has stood as a beacon of hope and compassion for over forty years. Rooted in the Gospel and driven by the call to love and serve others, YLM has found unwavering support from partnerships with individuals and churches alike, nurturing a network of love, which spans miles and cultures.

Among these cherished partnerships, Family of Christ Lutheran Church of Ham Lake, MN, has been a source of encouragement in their desire to collaborate and share purpose with YLM. Their generosity recently made a profound impact on YLM, as they sponsored three of our staff members to attend the 2024 Best Practices in Ministry Conference in Phoenix, AZ.

The journey began with an invitation extended last year, as Family of Christ renewed their commitment to supporting the missional work of YLM. Part of their commitment involved covering the costs of airfare, housing, and transportation, as well as providing an invaluable opportunity to exhibit YLM’s work at the conference, which was attended by over 2,500 church workers and lay-leaders impassioned by the Gospel mission of Matthew 28:19-20.

At the conference, YLM led a session on “Missions: A Part of Family Ministry,” drawing over twenty eager participants, many of whom were inspired to incorporate mission trips for families into their ministries. Concurrently, Family of Christ held a session on partnering for mission, graciously inviting our team to share their experiences and endeavors with those who attended.

However, beyond the professional exchange of ideas and practices, the true blessing emerged in the form of genuine connections and friendships, which blossomed between our staff and the Family of Christ ministry team. Amidst shared conversations and heartfelt exchanges, bonds transcending geographical boundaries were forged.

Karla Gonzalez, YLM’s Interim Executive Director, encapsulated the sentiment perfectly upon their return, expressing how deeply impactful it was to personally connect with Family of Christ. “To share our stories, to learn from one another, it was a source of immense encouragement and edification,” she shared with the rest of the YLM team.

The partnership between YLM and Family of Christ, as well as other church-partners, exemplifies the transformative power of unity in mission and ministry. Through shared experiences and mutual support, we continue to labor in love as one body in Christ, spreading the message of God’s grace and compassion, one community at a time.