The day before Easter, Mark Giardinelli arrived at Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) with a heart ready to serve. From the moment he stepped through the doors, his energy and dedication were palpable. Mark first learned about YLM two years ago at a Best Practices in Ministry Conference in Phoenix, AZ. After a conversation with YLM representatives, he left with a firm goal—to one day join in their work on the border.

That dream began to take shape last year, when Mark traveled to join the Servant Event team from Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre, South Dakota. He got hands-on experience building a home for a family in Anapra, a neighborhood in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, where housing insecurity is a serious challenge for many families. He also shared his faith by distributing Spanish children’s Bibles donated by his congregation. The experience not only deepened his desire to return, but also gave him a clearer understanding of the spiritual and material needs along the border.

After that trip, Mark reached out to YLM to ask about an internship in 2025. But he didn’t stop there; he also expressed interest in becoming a YLM Ambassador, sharing their mission with churches and organizations in his community. His own church, Messiah Lutheran in Boerne, Texas, supported his efforts. They invited him to speak and took a special offering to support YLM’s “Windows to Mission” campaign, meant to bring in funds to replace windows of the YLM Servant Event Dormitory.

During his internship, Mark partnered with YLM’s Volunteer Recruiter, Alexandra Maynez, to help design a volunteer recruitment and retention strategy. His experience with non-profit and faith-based groups helped shape thoughtful approaches to involving others in ministry, prayer, and support. He helped streamline volunteer onboarding materials, developed outreach templates for future servant teams, and offered feedback on how to best equip new volunteers.

Mark also made the most of opportunities to connect with YLM’s partner congregations. On Día del Niño (Day of the Children), he visited Iglesia Luterana La Santa Biblia, joining in the celebration and speaking to the congregation about prayer and missions in Asia. He shared Spanish guides on the 5x5x5 prayer method—a practice he also brought to San Pablo Lutheran Church the following Sunday.

Beyond his responsibilities, Mark actively participated in daily staff devotions, weekend activities such as the YLM Food Pantry Drive-Thru, and assisted in preparations for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.

To conclude his time with YLM, Mark joined the staff at the Southern Region Spring Pastors’ Conference in Las Cruces, NM. There, he assisted with YLM’s informational booth and participated in sessions alongside pastors, lay leaders, and ministry partners from across the region. It was a fitting close to his season of service—continuing to share the mission, invite others into partnership, and inspire ongoing support for ministry along the border.

Mark’s time at YLM strengthened more than programs—it strengthened faith. His love for Jesus and people left a lasting impression on those around him. Whether building relationships or lifting others in prayer, his presence was a reminder of the power of service done in Christ’s name.

Thank you, Mark, for your faithful service and for encouraging others to answer the call to serve. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”