“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven…” ~Matthew 5:16

The journey began in the early hours of Saturday, with a small team of four setting off from Grand Island, Nebraska. After 1,000 miles and nearly 18 hours of travel, they arrived at Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) in El Paso, Texas, just before midnight. Little did they know the work they were about to do over the next week, would reflect the very essence of Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14).

Sunday morning, the team joined San Pablo Lutheran Church in a memorable worship service, witnessing the confirmation of four adults and joining the congregation in receiving the Lord’s Supper, their sense of community and purpose strengthened. After lunch, the four men paid a visit to the mission-churches in Anapra, Cd. Juarez, seeing the work being done in this growing community, with most of its inhabitants living in poverty. The opportunity to meet a family scheduled to receive one of YLM’s little houses in October gave them a wider understanding of the life-changing work they were about to engage in.

Early Monday morning, the team dove into their first project—repairing Aracely’s roof, which had been plagued with leaks for years. Over two days, they stripped old shingles, installed new plywood, and new shingles, completing the roof by Wednesday afternoon. Aracely, overwhelmed with gratitude, asked why strangers would come from so far away to do this for her. The team shared their work was to reflect God’s love and grace to her and her family.

Their next mission involved preparing the ground for a concrete slab at the mission, which included digging, leveling, and setting up forms. When the concrete truck arrived, the slab was efficiently laid out and the team took the time to go to Horizon and lay out a new concrete sidewalk for Lorena, a member of San Pablo Lutheran Church. For quite some time, Lorena had struggled with crutches over a dirt pathway leading to her house for years, and thanks to these four men, it will be easier for her to navigate the distance between the driveway and front door.

As the week continued, their energy did not wane. They installed 12 new LED light fixtures in San Pablo’s sanctuary, repaired old lighting in the YLM Music Building and Cornucopia Thrift Store, as well as added new lights in the YLM Servant Event Dorm. In the late afternoon of their last day at YLM, they took the time to install door closures for the newly fitted oak doors of the church.

The team’s impact was felt by so many in just a few short days. Reflecting on their work, someone remarked, “These servants showed God’s grace: He gives us more than we can ever imagine. He overwhelms us with grace.” Their tireless efforts reflected the Spirit of the Living God at work through them.

This small but mighty team didn’t just complete tasks—they brought hope, light, and a sense of God’s love to the border community. Their work reminds us of the call to let our light shine before others, that they may see our good works and give glory to God (Matt. 5:16). When you come for your own Servant Event at YLM, you’ll find things a little brighter—both in spirit and in service. Grace abounds!

Reach out to us for more information on Servant Event Mission Trips through YLM! Call (915) 858-2588 or send an email to luz.soto@ylm.org!