This month we want to tell you more about the music outreach, classes and resources program of Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLMHC), El Paso, Texas, recipients of an $98,400 grant from Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) in the 2019–2021 biennium.

Music reaches the heart and touches the soul of all and is a vital part of our praise and worship as Lutherans. There is an ongoing need to train musicians for service in the church and community. Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care impacts the lives of 400–500 students with educational programs, classroom space and equipment, and has a longstanding history of excellence in outreach and music education on the border. For the past seventeen years YLMHC’s “Adelante” music ministry has proven successful in reaching out to the unchurched by witnessing to the mercy and grace of Christ. They offer music classes and leadership training to youth and adults while also providing service to the church and community. Through involvement in this music program, many students have come to faith in Christ.

YLMHC It is uniquely situated for this ministry but requires improved facilities and additional equipment to expand and enhance this important work. This grant will enable YLMHC to better equip their classroom and rehearsal spaces so they can serve and teach a larger range of students. It will also allow them to adapt existing space for music instruction, purchase recording equipment, create video tutorials for online instruction, fund a music intern position and purchase musical instruments for students unable to afford their own.

Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) is the official women’s auxiliary of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Since 1942, the LWML has focused on affirming each woman’s relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and by supporting global missions. For more information on each month’s mission focus, visit LWML.org. Saint John’s Mission Guild (LWML) meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM in Room 301. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend.