We bring the Gospel to those in need while facilitating the church, and individuals, with opportunities to serve God and others by providing food, clothing, hygiene items, shelter, and emergency assistance, all while nurturing present and future leadership within God’s kingdom.
How We Started!
Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) is a faith-based 501(c)3 non-profit and a Recognized Service Organization of the LCMS that provides relief and human care services while planting and nurturing missions along the US/Mexico border in the El Paso/Juárez region. Serving thousands of people each year, YLM began its work in 1982 and was formally incorporated in 2005, continuing to share Christ’s love through both aid and ministry.
What started with simple acts of mercy—food and clothing assistance—quickly expanded into ministries providing blankets, toys, medical supplies, and more through strong partnerships. Home Bible studies in Cd. Juárez, Mexico grew into Lutheran churches, and by the 1990s, the Servant Event ministry was launched, inviting short-term missionaries to share Christ’s love while supporting Mexico mission churches.
In the 2000s, YLM expanded into education, offering backpacks, school supplies, and “Stay in School Scholarships” to nurture future church and community leaders. In 2001, Mariachi San Pablo and the music ministry, Adelante Ministries, were established, using music as a powerful way to share the Gospel while equipping musicians and leaders to inspire their communities.
What We Do and Why We Do It!
At YLM, everything begins with sharing the Gospel. Nearly 50 Saturdays a year, we distribute food boxes to over 150 families through our partnership with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, while more than $5 million in in-kind donations—clothing, medical supplies, and other essentials—are shared through our mission churches in El Paso and Cd. Juárez. Made possible by faithful donors, local congregations, and Orphan Grain Train, these acts of mercy open hearts to hear and experience Christ’s love.
Our mission also creates opportunities to serve, and be transformed, through our Servant Event Ministry. Nearly thirty weeks each year are dedicated to Servant Event teams who build safe homes, lead Christian Education activities for children, youth, and adults, organize Health and Eyeglass Clinics in partnership with MOST Ministries, and walk alongside our mission churches in sharing hope in Christ’s love.
Through our “Stay in School Scholarships”, students in Mexico are paired with sponsors who provide annual support to encourage and nurture their education, which YLM believes will break cycles of poverty, crime, and violence. YLM especially focuses on raising up future church workers in partnership with the Mexico Lutheran Synod.
Through Adelante Ministries, we use music as a powerful tool for outreach, offering music classes for all ages and preparing members of Mariachi San Pablo to share the Gospel mariachi-style at churches, conferences, and events—proclaiming God’s love in a way that resonates in every heart.
Matthew 25:40
2024 At A Glance
Faithfully serving across El Paso and Mexico
Volunteers are the heartbeat of this mission. We need more helping hands—join us!
House-builds, home repairs, Vacation Bible School, Sports Camps, Women’s Ministry, Health Clinics
Planting the seed for future church workers
Taking food and hope to communities without access
