San Pablo Lutheran Church has been a part of the Ysleta community in El Paso since the 1980s.  When it first began its ministry in an area known for poverty and gang violence, one of the first areas of mercy it opened up was a food pantry.

People are given healthy produce, milk and other extras along with their food staples

Thirty-seven years later, the small mission church is still dedicated to helping provide food to its surrounding community, its members coming together throughout the week to assemble over 300 food baskets every week, and distributing just as many on Saturday mornings.

Member of San Pablo helping situate food into baskets, carts or bags

“It’s not about preaching or giving a sermon,” the pastor at San Pablo Lutheran Church explained in clear detail, “It’s about connecting members of our community to the love of God through each other.”

For San Pablo Lutheran Church, the last three Saturdays has given them an opportunity to connect with others in a way where kindness will make a huge impact. They’ve shown kindness, compassion and love to their neighbors through a new process of distributing food basics along with extras, such as milk, produce, bread and poultry. Coming together as a church, they continue to improve the way they serve their community.

“We’re all connected because we’re all children of God,” Miguel Muñoz, member of San Pablo Lutheran Church, shared how its’ members have opened their hearts to love on those who experience need, hurt and pain through hunger and poverty, “At some point or another, we’re all going to need help.  So we do what we’ve been called to do –we love our neighbor and offer them help with joyful hearts and willing hands.”

“The food baskets have been a part of San Pablo Lutheran Church’s ministry for decades,” Pastor Heimer shared in regards to the origins of this ministry, “And we are blessed to continue being an active part of it.”

It is with gratitude Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care continues to help facilitate these acts of kindness as God continues to bless His children through opportunities to serve others and share His love through simple acts of kindness.

If your church, organization, or group is interested in learning more about the opportunity to do community outreach through the Emergency Food Program, please reach out to us at (915) 858-2588 or send us an e-mail at service@ylm.org