The continued support of ministry partners has allowed for Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) to spread the news of God’s kingdom work taking place in El Paso, Texas, Cd. Juarez, Mexico and into the sierras of Chihuahua. For the last three years, Family of Christ Lutheran Church of Ham Lake, MN has been sponsoring YLM staff to attend Best Practices in Ministry (BPM), a church-worker conference held yearly at Christ Church Lutheran in Phoenix, AZ.

This year, two of YLM’s staff members joined the Family of Christ team in Phoenix, becoming part of a group of nineteen, all invested in mission and ministry. For the YLM staff members, it opened up deep conversations, encouragement and inspiration offered in the continuation of God’s kingdom work through YLM.

Over 50 Recognized Service Organizations (RSO) of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, along with the Concordia Universities, set up their display tables out in the basketball courts, sharing eight-foot tables with one another, as canopies and umbrellas to block the sun are put in place, along with banners, brochures, flyers, and treats for people to take.

YLM had a prime spot, the location offering great visibility and allowing for meaningful conversations about their ministries. Many attendees showed particular interest in the Servant Events Ministry, eager to learn how they could get involved. Several committed to bringing a short-term mission team later this year or next year.

One participant, Clint from Idaho, shared he had been hearing about YLM from a mutual friend who has participated in several YLM Servant Event Mission Trips through her church. Clint’s excitement in learning he could bring his wife and all his children, ages 8 to 13, was evident as he asked question after question.

Several visitors stopped by to ask for more details, excited about the possibility of joining future mission trips and service projects. Some had heard about YLM’s impactful work and wanted to find ways to support, whether through hands-on involvement or donations. Others were new to the organization and were inspired by its commitment to serving communities in need, taking information with them to share with their church.
The enthusiasm at the event was contagious, with people from different backgrounds coming together to discuss faith, ministry, service, and outreach. YLM’s presence at BPM continues to strengthen connections and open doors for new partnerships.

This free conference began over ten years ago, for the sole purpose of encouraging those who do ministry, always making sure to remind all who attend “You Are Not Alone” in the work called to do by God and for God. Looking ahead, YLM is eager to build on these interactions, welcoming new volunteers and supporters who share their passion for sharing the Gospel and growing the Church.