At the end of day one, all four walls with siding and rafters were up and secured in place

Family of Christ Lutheran Church from Ham Lake, MN, sent their second Servant Event team to build a house for Hector and Rosa, members of Iglesia Luterana La Santa Biblia in Anapra, a partnering mission-church of Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLMHC).

Day two had all the wiring, tin roof, insulation, and even sheetrock completed

Due to a severe disability, Hector is unable to work, but while his wife works all week long at one of the factories in Juarez, he looks after the house and takes care of their granddaughter, taking her to school and picking her up every day.

“It’s quite a reversal of roles,” Hector shared on the first day as he stood by the side while half of the team worked to frame the walls, the other half painting the siding, “But we make it work because we’re partners.”

Windows and door, along with exterior and interior trim, light fixtures and several other things were completed on day three

Hector shared the landlord of the little room he and his wife currently live in passed away, and he’s certain her sons would soon be asking them to vacate the space. For them, the blessing of this little house on an equally small piece of land for which Rosa is paying, is coming at just the right time.

This is the third house Family of Christ has built in 2023, but they didn’t stop there. This March team came prepared to do a two-day Vacation Bible School at La Santa Biblia. On their first morning, a Wednesday, the members of the team who headed over to La Santa Biblia, were able to witness the miracle of 5 new brothers and sisters entering the family of Christ through baptism.

A two-day VBS had over fifty kids (along with parents and grandparents) learn about the love God give us through His Son Jesus

Their plans for crafts and games became a celebration of sorts for everyone involved. It was a joyful day, with beautiful weather, as the team shared the love of Jesus to the kids and their parents, and even grandparents. On their second day of VBS, over fifty kids were there, enjoying the different games set up by the team, the parachutes, the crafts, and all the extra hugs and cuddles that were given out.

Carla, the lead for the team and a YLMHC Servant Event participant since the 1980s, shared, “Many of the members of the team were here for the first time. It was a wonderful experience to get to see Anapra, the mission, the work, everything through their eyes.”

Hector and Rosa were blessed with their little orange house, which was completed in four days by the team

By the fourth day, the Family of Christ team completed the house for Hector and Rosa, including a cute little front door stoop and a few housewarming gifts. The house blessing ceremony was led by the Pastor Javier Lozano and the deaconesses who work with the Anapra churches, and it all became a beautiful expression of God’s love for His children.

“Hector blessed us immensely,” one of the members shared the evening of their second day, “His daughter, who works late night shifts, took the time to make us a delicious meal, and when Hector found out a member of the team had a birthday that day, he stopped by the S-Mart and bought a cake to celebrate.”

As many have discovered in serving through YLMHC, there are many beautiful gifts received when serving others, and this team of many first-time missionaries, experienced this blessing during their week of building a little house and a lot of new friendships.

Reach out and find out how you and your church can serve through Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care’s Servant Event ministry! Call us at (915) 858-2588 or send an email to luz.soto@ylm.org