"But Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.'” Matthew 19:14 | | Pictured above: Girls at Siloam Boarding Home in India pray for the victims and survivors of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church that took place in Minneapolis on August 27. | |
Mass Shooting Rocks Minneapolis Community
On the morning of August 27, 2025, a mass shooting took place at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis, Minn., as students and staff of the private K-8 Catholic school were attending their opening mass.
The perpetrator killed two children, ages 8 and 10, and injured 21 others, including one child who remains in critical condition.
While none of LPGM's US staff or our families were present, we know children
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and families who were. Four of our five staff live within two miles of the church.
Thank you for your grace, prayers, and advocacy during this difficult time.
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Prayers from India
"After I told the girls about the tragic incident in Minneapolis, they were deeply moved. They gathered quietly and offered a silent prayer for the victims, survivors, and for your safety. It’s a simple but sincere gesture of love and support from across the miles... their prayers come from a place of genuine care. We’re holding you close in our hearts during this difficult time."
-Keerthiga M.,
Sponsor Relations Coordinator (SRC), LPGM-India
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"Please know that you are not walking through this alone. Your wider LPGM family is standing with you, lifting you up in concern, compassion, and solidarity. Even as we grieve the suffering, confusion, and grief surrounding your community, we hold on to hope for healing. We trust that the love and resilience within Annunciation Catholic School—and the strength of your faith—will guide you and your children through this difficult season."
-Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Peter Paul Thomas,
Bishop, Arcot Lutheran Church - India
| | | 6 Reasons to Make Your Will | |
While August, National Make-A-Will Month, has come to a close, it's always a good time to reflect on how creating a will is not just a legal task, but a profound act of love, responsibility, and legacy.
Read 6 reasons to make your will.
To request your free, no-obligation brochure, inform us that LPGM is already in your will, or ask a question, contact:
Bethany Krepela
LPGM Development Director
bethany@lutheranpartners.org
612-806-0733
| | September's Back-to-School Initiative | |
For millions of girls around the world, going back to school isn't just a seasonal ritual—it’s a long-awaited opportunity.
According to a 2025 report, 122 million girls remain out of school globally. Our partners - with your support - are working to change this.
Throughout the month of September, we are raising funds for our back-to-school initiative. We will share stories of three young women who have stayed in school, thanks to friends like you.
Watch for your invitation in the mail, coming soon!
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Students Celebrate Independence Day | | | |
Pictured above: Boys from the Kalrayan Hills smile big with their trophy following their sports meet victory. | Kalrayan Hills Students Win Interboarding Sports Meet Trophy | |
An Interboarding Home Sports Meet was held at Saron Boarding Home on August 23, bringing students from the four ALC boarding homes together for a day of friendly competition, athletic games, fellowship, and fun.
To participate in this event, students in the Kalrayan Hills woke up around 3:00 a.m. and departed campus at 5:00 a.m. Boarding home staff booked a special bus to take 75 students, representing both the boys' and girls' boarding homes, to the event. For breakfast, students ate lemon rice with a boiled egg to prepare for the competition.
Their dedication paid off, and the Kalrayan Hills students won the "overall championship" trophy at the sports meet.
Victor Prince, the Sponsor Relations Coordinator (SRC) in the Kalrayan Hills, shares, "Our students had an incredible day... they made new friends with students from other boarding homes. The special fellowship lunch was a highlight for all of our students."
"After the celebrations, we ordered dinner for our students from a nearby hostel, which we ate on the Saron campus. They ate parottas and chappathis before departing for Kalrayan Hills around 8:30 PM. On the return trip, all the students celebrated their victory by dancing on the bus with laser lights and music."
Victor continues, "On behalf of the Kalrayan Hills staff and students, I'd like to thank the Boarding Home Governing Council and LPGM for their great effort in coordinating the event and fostering a joyful fellowship for the children."
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Pictured above: The Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Peter Paul Thomas poses with students and staff at Saron Boarding Home during the rededication of the recently renovated 8th grade dormitory. | LPGM to Host ALC Representatives in September | |
Three representatives from our partner, the Arcot Lutheran Church in India, plan to visit the United States later this month. They are:
- The Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Peter Paul Thomas, Bishop
- Rev. D. Thangadurai, ALC treasurer and former manager of the Kalrayan Hills boarding homes
- Rev. Theophilus Vinodkumar, bishop's chaplain and former pastor at Siloam congregation
Travel logistics are in the works. Watch for social media announcements and a special email announcing opportunities to meet them.
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| | Eripoto Requests Your Prayers | |
Neelai:
You may remember a story about Nasinka, a pregnant Maasai girl under our partner Eripoto's care. She gave birth to a baby named Neelai. Neelai initially underwent surgery for her cleft lip, and recently underwent a complex surgery for her cleft palate. Neelai ended up in the ICU, and while she has left the ICU, she is still recovering in the hospital. Your prayers for her continued recovery are appreciated.
Nganashe:
While crossing the road after her hospital volunteer shift, 19-year-old Eripoto resident Nganashe was hit by a car. Thankfully, she didn’t suffer any serious injuries, and her X-ray results revealed no broken bones.
Esuvat, Eripoto's founder, shares, "Nganashe is recovering, though very slowly." She is currently taking medication to manage her pain. Your prayers to ease her suffering are requested.
Laurent:
Esuvat's brother Laurent, who works as Eripoto's program coordinator, was also in an accident this past month. Esuvat reports that he is doing better, but she would appreciate prayers for him.
Thank you for praying for Neelai, Nganashe, and Laurent.
| | | | Spotlight on Cobán, Guatemala | |
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Community Cloud Forest Conservation (CCFC) - our Guatemala partner - is located in Cobán, a city in the central highlands of Guatemala and the capital of the Alta Verapaz region.
The main ethnic group in Cobán is the Q'eqchi' Mayan, and the Q'eqchi' language is widely spoken. In fact, the name "Cobán" comes from Q'eqchi' and means "between clouds."
This region is known for its coffee and African palm oil production, as well as for its rare "monja blanca" (white nun) orchid - which peppers local mountains.
Visitors can explore caves, waterfalls, and forests. If they're lucky, they'll even spot the beautiful Quetzal bird.
Trivia question: Immigrants from what European country started growing coffee in Cobán in the late 1800s?
(Scroll to the bottom of the email to check your answer)
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When Vishnu was a young boy, his mother Vasanthi became ill and passed away. His aunt stepped in as his caretaker and enrolled him at the ALC Elementary School in Suvisheshapuram.
The years passed, and he completed his elementary education. His aunt, seeing his potential, worked tirelessly to find him better opportunities. Her efforts paid off when Vishnu secured a place at the Saron Boarding Home in 6th grade. His LPGM sponsor ensured that his needs were met, and the "Hand to Hand" project at his local church covered his monthly school fees. This bridge of hope carried him to 10th grade. Vishnu excelled in his studies, earning good scores on his 10th grade board exams.
Then, tragedy struck again. His father Ayyanar passed away. Vishnu was devastated, hopeless, and ready to give up. His aunt stepped in and gently urged him to continue his studies to honor the sacrifices that had been made for him.
He finished his 11th grade in a cloud of grief and went home for the holidays. During these quiet days of school vacation, he reflected on the depth of his aunt's struggles. He saw the tired lines on her face and the way she worried about every single rupee. He decided to find work to earn money for his school fees. After working through the entire vacation, he earned ₹15,000, or $170.
He returned to Saron Boarding Home, not as a boy who had lost everything, but as a young man who had found inner strength. He proudly paid his own school fees and is now preparing for his 12th grade board exams.
Vishnu knows that his life is not defined by tragedy, but by his own resilience and the unbreakable spirit of the aunt who raised him.
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| | Guatemala webinar recording is now available! | |
Are you interested in learning more about traveling to Guatemala with LPGM?
Watch this 40-minute webinar to learn more about LPGM's history, our Guatemala partner, and what to expect on an intergenerational trip to Guatemala.
| | | | Pictured above: Matthew 5:3 calls to passers-by in Chennai, India. | | |
What We Can Learn from Christians in India
By L. DeAne Lagerquist, emerita professor of religion and past chair of LPGM's board
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Christian Indians’ continued experiences of various degrees of social, economic, and political oppression inform their understanding of the gospel and stimulate their activities, inside and beyond their churches. Theologian Sathianathan Clarke identifies the source of both in the “life and teachings of Jesus,” which is “the embodiment of life in all its related fullness.”
Read DeAne's full article
| | Pictured above: On August 20, Bethany Krepela, LPGM Development Director, visits with Kristi Shepherd, Director of Congregational Engagement at Normandale Lutheran Church, at Community Fest. The event celebrated the church's 75th anniversary with live music, food, and outdoor activities. Located in Edina, Minn., Normandale is a long-time partner of LPGM. | | | |
Sharing is Caring!
Share this newsletter with a friend and help spread the word about LPGM.M.
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Upcoming Events
Thurs., September 18 - LPGM Board of Directors Meeting in Edina, Minn.
September - dates TBD - Visit from ALC Representatives
| | | Trivia Question Answer: Germany | | |
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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