The two mission-churches of Chihuahua, Iglesias Luterana Gloria Dei and San Esteban, have been partnering with Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) in mission and ministry since the 1990s. Four hours from the Mexico/Texas border, these two churches continue to bring God’s love in Word and deed through its various ministries.

While Gloria Dei is located near the city of Chihuahua, San Esteban is situated in a little rural town called San Lorenzo. It surrounding communities are mostly indigenous groups, among them Tarahumaras and Raramurís. With help from other individuals, food and clothing has been sent to Siquechique, where YLM helped built a church, Nueva Esperanza, which included a dormitory, housing children that came from rural communities to the school in Siquechique.

Pastor Misael Tovar, along with his wife Ericka and a deacon student, Alonso Holguin, work together to share the Gospel along with providing human care to people in desperate need, both within these two congregations and their communities. In the last twelve months, people have received much needed food, blankets, jackets, school supplies, hygiene kits, and Christmas gifts.

Every three to four months, Pastor Tovar and his wife make the long car ride to El Paso, where they partner with San Pablo Lutheran Church to bring the Gospel through “La Gran Comisión”, a television evangelism program aired through the Live! Christian Broadcasting Network. While here, Pastor Tovar loads up a small, borrowed car with what’s needed at the time, whether it is food, backpacks, blankets, or hygiene items.

Most of his time is spent at Gloria Dei, as he lives and works in Chihuahua. Once a month, they make the trip into San Lorenzo, holding a Sunday worship service in San Esteban followed by a Sunday lesson for children. Ericka has led several women’s health workshops, which have served to bring in new people into the church. Alonso spends a little more time in this area, helping distribute the resources Pastor Tovar brings with him from his trips to El Paso.

“It’s helpful to have Alonso be part of this ministry,” Pastor Tovar shared on his last visit to YLM, “My car is not equipped for the unpaved mountain roads that lead to San Lorenzo, so there are times when we cannot go because of car trouble. Thanks to his willingness to serve God and others, we are still able to ensure the people of this small congregation receive what we have for them.”

These two mission-churches continue to serve their communities; however, they need encouragement and support as needs increase. YLM supports and encourages the continued ministry at the Chihuahua missions under Pastor Tovar’s guidance, helping with gasoline expenses, which can be up to $300 a month. We continue to pray and seek for God’s provision in what is needed for Pastor Tovar to continue his service to these churches.

If you would like more information on how you can help support the Chihuahua Missions, you can call (915) 858-2588 and ask for Karla Gonzalez, Interim Executive Director. You can also donate towards the purchase of a 4-Wheel Vehicle for Pastor Tovar or towards the support of the Chihuahua Missions.