"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) | | Pictured above: Students at Siloam Boarding Home created colorful and engaging Easter drawings to celebrate Easter this past month. | | | | |
LPGM Hosts Successful Annual Board Retreat
LPGM held its annual board retreat and annual meeting April 25-26, 2025, at Christ Church Lutheran in Minneapolis.
LPGM's board sets the goals and budget of the ministry and does much of the behind-the-scenes work, so the retreat provided much-needed time for board members and staff to connect, learn, and plan.
To learn how you might get involved in the ministry of LPGM, whether as an ambassador to your church or local civic group, as a member of a committee, or as a member of the board, contact Dan at dan@lutheranpartners.org or at 612-806-0730.
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Experience a Transformational Trip to Tanzania with LPGM
September 19-29, 2025
Register by June 1, 2025
Cost: $4,275/person (plus airfare)
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Explore Arusha and a game reserve.
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Learn about peace club and efforts to protect girls from harmful cultural practices.
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Connect with LPGM's partners, Eripoto and Mwangaza, and the people they serve.
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Reflect with fellow travelers.
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Share God’s love.
| | Traveler's Fundraiser Gives "Big Boost" to Eripoto Preschool | | | | |
When an LPGM traveler visited Eripoto, a safehouse in Tanzania for Maasai girls escaping forced early marriage and other harmful cultural practices, she was impressed by what she saw and moved by Eripoto’s founder Esuvat Lukumay’s innovative leadership. She has since become an ardent champion of Eripoto’s work.
The traveler visited Eripoto for a second time and learned that Esuvat had started an onsite preschool. While the majority of Eripoto’s safe house residents were away at school, Esuvat turned their living quarters into preschool classrooms. When the girls returned to the safe house during school vacations, the preschools would also have vacation.
As a long-time educator, the traveler knew the importance of early education and was overjoyed to see the preschoolers at Eripoto. She was once again impressed with Esuvat’s resourcefulness.
It was clear to this traveler that Eripoto’s preschool was exactly what the village families needed, but it was also easy to see how a little financial support would improve the learning environment at the school. The traveler decided to start a fundraiser for the preschool, and she reached out to friends and family.
| | Earth Day Inspires Cleanup at Eripoto | |
On Saturday, April 19, Eripoto girls participated in a community cleanup in honor of Earth Day on April 22.
According to Esuvat Lukumay, Eripoto's founder, "The girls did a great job cleaning the safe house environment and surrounding areas, including with our neighbors. It was a joyful and impactful activity—perfect timing as we mark International Earth Day today!"
| |  | Eripoto Makes Great Progress on New Building | |
This past fall, Eripoto was just beginning the construction process of a new building - with additional bedrooms, bathrooms, and an administrative office - next to the original safe house. Now, about six months later, they have made great progress on the first floor, and two rooms are being used.
The next step is to build a proper roof to protect the building from water damage.
| | | Boarding Home Students Leave for Summer Break | | |
Pictured above and below: Elementary school students at Saron Boarding Home in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India say goodbye to friends, reunite with parents, and leave their boarding homes for summer break. Many parents pick up their children on motorbikes and balance their belongings on the back of the bikes.
Boarding home students have finished their state board exams and are currently on summer break. If you choose to write a greeting to your sponsored student now, please know that a response will be delayed until June when the students arrive back in the boarding home and our staff has a chance to deliver your message and get a response for you. Thank you for your patience!
| | Arunkumar Overcomes a Stammer and Financial Hardship | |
According to LPGM-India Sponsor Relations Coordinator (SRC), Praveen, "On the day of the 12th-grade students' departure from the boarding home, two students approached me and expressed a desire to share their feelings in the form of a story. One student even made a request: they would like to have their letter translated so they can read it aloud in English."
The student asking to read his letter aloud in English was named Arunkumar, and his request was especially powerful, because English is his second language, and he has worked hard to overcome a speech impediment.
In his letter, Arunkumar shares the challenges he has overcome, his hopes for the future, and his gratitude to Saron, LPGM, and his sponsors. Here's an excerpt from the letter:
"Beyond academics, I received an invaluable blessing: a significant improvement in my stammering. When I arrived in 7th grade, speaking clearly was a struggle. However, the various programs, prayers, and visits from sponsors encouraged me to communicate regularly with my friends, wardens, teachers, and sponsors. The letters from my sponsor were a constant source of motivation, reminding me that someone believed in my education and that I should make the most of this opportunity."
| | | Haripriya Navigates Family Health Challenges and Finds Hope in Education | |
Haripriya is from the small town of Thiyagadhuruvm. After spending seven years at Melpattambakkam Boarding Home in Cuddalore, she is graduating from secondary school this May.
One of four children in her family, she and her siblings have taken care of their mother (pictured above) for many years, due to her severe liver failure. Their father left when they were young, leaving her mother to shoulder the immense responsibility of raising four children alone. Despite their struggles, Haripriya's spirit shines bright.
Education has been her beacon of hope. In the boarding home, she found a nurturing environment that allowed her to thrive. With every lesson learned, her dreams grew stronger, and she knows that education is her path to transforming her family's destiny.
As Haripriya looks towards higher studies, she carries the love of her mother and siblings in her heart.
She is grateful for the support of the kind sponsors who have made her journey possible.
Now, she is hoping to receive support through LPGM's Extended Study program, in order to continue her education.
Haripriya hopes to rise above her circumstances and uplift her family with the knowledge she gains. Will you give to the Extended Study program to help students like Haripriya pursue their dreams?
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Yuvasri, a 10th grade student at Melpattambakkam Boarding Home, was inspired by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream Speech," so she rewrote it to reflect her reality of being a Dalit girl in Tamil Nadu, India.
Dalit people have sometimes been called "untouchable," because they are considered to be born outside of the Indian castes, historically given unsanitary work, and therefore also thought of as spiritually contaminated. They gave themselves the name "Dalit" in the 1930s in an effort to reclaim this previously derogatory term.
While Dalit people are citizens of India, have rights under the Indian Constitution, and are supported through constitutional provisions and reservation policies, this group continues to face pervasive discrimination when accessing education, housing, employment, and political participation.
Click the image above to listen to Yuvasri's powerful words and her dream of a better future.
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Upcoming Events
Sat., May 3 - LPGM will have a table at the Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly (ELCA) at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (Ramsey, Minn.)
Sunday, May 4 - The Rev. Dan Ruth, LPGM executive director, will speak at United Lutheran Church's Adult Forum (Red Wing, Minn.)
Fri., May 16-Sat., May 17 - LPGM will have a table at the Saint Paul Area Synod Assembly (ELCA)'s Mission Fair at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church (Mahtomedi, Minn.)
Mon., May 26 - Memorial Day - Office closed
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Our Mission: LPGM provides access to quality education for people at the margins – especially women and girls. We work together with global partners to listen, respond and bear witness to local needs and priorities.
Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 41-1818525. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
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