Years of preparation, study, and service culminated in a joyful celebration at Iglesia Luterana La Santa Biblia in Anapra, Ciudad Juárez.
On October 18, 2026, as the congregation celebrated the ordination and installation of Pastor Oscar Saavedra, three women, Mayra, Michelle, and Yesika, were also consecrated as deaconesses. For these women, the occasion marked a milestone in their calling to serve Christ and His Church, and for the congregation, a new chapter of ministry.
For Michelle and Yesika, the journey began in 2019, as Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) and the Mexico Lutheran Synod (SLM) worked toward reconciliation and renewed partnership. The Synod offered free deaconess instruction to interested women from YLM’s partner congregations in Ciudad Juárez. Three accepted, traveling to Tijuana that fall for their first in-person course.
When the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted their studies in 2020, they continued online under professors from Seminario Concordia del Redentor in the Dominican Republic. For the next several years, these women balanced family, work, education, and congregational responsibilities while completing their theological training.
Among them was Michelle, one of YLM’s Stay in School Scholarship recipients. Growing up in the Lutheran Church nurtured her love for serving others and her desire to use her gifts for the benefit of the Church. While pursuing a university degree in Customs Administration and International Commerce, she also dedicated herself to her deaconess studies, preparing to serve both through her profession and within her congregation.
Michelle and her mother, Yesika, completed their theological studies in 2024, but their service had never been limited to the classroom. Both continued assisting YLM’s partner congregations through committees, children’s ministry, special events, and visiting Servant Event teams. For the past three years, Michelle has also helped coordinate YLM’s Stay in School Scholarship ministry, collecting applications and distributing monthly funds to students.
Joining them was Mayra, wife of Pastor Oscar Saavedra, who completed her deaconess training in person at the Dominican Republic seminary while her husband pursued his pastoral education.
Their consecration brought together years of preparation, prayer, and service. What a blessing to witness these women step forward, publicly declaring their desire to serve God and His people!
At the heart of their calling is a simple yet powerful declaration from the Deaconess oath: “What is my want? I want to serve.” These words beautifully reflect the dedication of Mayra, Michelle, and Yesika, whose years of preparation and faithful service have been guided by a desire to share Christ’s love with others. Their consecration is not the end of their journey, but the beginning of new opportunities to joyfully serve God and His people.
And there is much work awaiting them.
Situated on a hill in Anapra, the small building of Iglesia Luterana La Santa Biblia is becoming a light within its community. Yet its ministry extends far beyond the church walls.
Pastor Oscar, the three deaconesses, and dedicated church members are visiting nursing homes, shelters, and families in need, bringing food, clothing, blankets, and medical equipment. Most importantly, they bring the Word of God, reminding those they serve of Christ’s love and care for them. La Santa Biblia is reaching beyond its small plot of land to share the Gospel through Word and Deed.
The weekend of October 17 and 18 marked a significant moment for the Lutheran Church in Mexico. Three congregations were received into the SLM, three pastors were installed in Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juárez, and three women were consecrated as deaconesses.
Six church workers formally recognized for ministry in one weekend!
What a testimony to the work God continues accomplishing through years of prayer, theological education, and cooperation among His people. We rejoice for these servants and the opportunities ahead as their congregations continue sharing the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Through YLM’s Build Up in Love campaign, you can help sustain the pastoral ministry of Pastor Oscar Saavedra at La Santa Biblia, Pastor Guillermo Leyva at Cristo Rey, and Pastor Misael Tovar at Gloria Dei. Your generosity supports these pastors as they preach God’s Word, administer the Sacraments, and lead their congregations in ministry and outreach.
We still need to raise $31,550 before the end of 2026 to meet our campaign goal.
Would you prayerfully consider making a gift to Build Up in Love? Your partnership will help strengthen these congregations as they bring the Gospel and Christ’s mercy to families throughout their communities.
Together, we can build up the Church in love, one congregation, one family, and one life at a time.
