Pictured Above: A ninth grader at Melpattampakkam Boarding Home in Tamil Nadu, India, helps paint a new mural while her art teacher, Fatima Mary, provides guidance. She is one of 15 students assisting with the project. This is one of many projects underway at the boarding homes this summer. | |
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LPGM Mourns Tragedy in Kallakurichi, India
Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry grieves with families whose loved ones were injured or killed on June 19th and 20th by an illicit liquor containing methanol in Kallakurichi, India.
This incident has taken the lives of 54 people, with more still hospitalized from its effects. We are reminded that people who are already at the margins often suffer the greatest effects of the world's brokenness and sin.
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LPGM Hosts 2023 Year in Review
On June 26, 2024, LPGM's entire US-based staff hosted a Facebook Live event.
The team shared updates on what our tenacious and resilient partners in India, Tanzania, Guatemala, and the Central African Republic (CAR) were up to last year, as they worked tirelessly to provide education to people - especially women and girls - at the margins.
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Naomi Staruch Retires from Managing Director Role | |
June 27 was a bittersweet day for LPGM, as it marked Naomi Staruch's final day as managing director. She is embarking on her next journey: retirement.
On June 13, LPGM staff, supporters, and friends gathered to surprise Naomi with a retirement luncheon. At the luncheon, Naomi shared a memory from the very beginning of LPGM.
"When I first went to India in 1996, I brought some checks and I said, 'we're going to sponsor these kids,' but we didn't hardly have any money in the bank. We stepped out in faith, and we said we're going to do this..."
After 30+ years of service to LPGM, Naomi Staruch is an undeniable pillar of LPGM. Naomi's faith, optimism, and gifts have touched the lives of countless people both locally and around the world.
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Vishwa Varia Begins Role as Finance & Office Administrator | |
Introducing our new Finance & Office Administrator, Vishwa Varia. Originally from Gujarat, India, Vishwa is a charismatic and adventurous individual who has recently relocated to Minnesota after getting married.
Holding a bachelor's degree in accounting, she comes from an accounting background and manages financial aspects at LPGM. She's excited to explore new opportunities in the Twin Cities. With a strong foundation in working with non-profits, she has witnessed firsthand the positive impact they have on communities.
When she's not working, you can find her and her partner hiking and exploring the beautiful state parks of Minnesota. She's thrilled to be a part of this community, and she looks forward to making new connections!
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Wish List Gifts in Action at Saron Boarding Home | |
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All children deserve to experience the magic and joy of a special treat, regardless of their financial circumstances! LPGM began a Wish List fund so that boarding home students in India can enjoy extra treats, excursions, supplies, and celebrations that are not covered by sponsorship dollars. These wishes come directly from the students.
While the fund emphasizes gifts around Christmastime, we invite you to contribute to the fund year-round. Your gifts will enhance the daily lives of the students as evidenced by these sweet photos from Saron Boarding Home of the boys enjoying the sports equipment purchased by the Wish List funds. Thank you for investing in their joy.
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Mwangaza Education for Partnership's latest Peace Summit took place on July 13 at Manyara Secondary School. A total of 1,200 students from three schools (Manyara, Ole Sokoine and Irikisongo) joined the fun.
The goal of these semi-annual summits is to unite students who have been learning about nonviolent communication and conflict resolution, and to provide them with a platform to share their knowledge with peers. Students were encouraged to confidently express themselves through dance, poetry, fashion shows, traditional dances like the Arusha dance, and comedy skits. The Mwangaza team also honored students who had actively participated in Peace Clubs.
Peace Clubs are weekly meetings where students learn about nonviolent communication. LPGM's funding to Mwangaza supports the Peace Club programs at Manyara, Ole Sokoine and Irikisongo. Your gifts help make this crucial work possible!
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Spring Refresh Initiative Update | |
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We are blown away by your enthusiastic response to this special opportunity, and we are thrilled to announce that we reached (and exceeded) our goal!
As of June 21, you've given $40,062 toward the "Spring Refresh" initiative. You are making a direct and tangible impact on the lives of boarding home students in India. Thanks to your support, the boarding homes are making solid progress on urgent facility projects.
We will be sharing progress updates, so please continue our website and social media for more information.
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Highlights from Guatemala Trip | |
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Authentic global relationships are at the core of our mission, so an important part of our work is transformational travel. Travelers visit our partner sites and become deeply immersed in the cultural context.
In fact, 8 travelers traveled to visit our partner, Community Cloud Forest Conservation, in Guatemala from June 15-25.
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Upcoming Travel Opportunities
Tentative Dates:
- India - February 3-18, 2025
- Guatemala - June 7-17, 2025
- Tanzania - September 2025
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"I have a folder with every letter and photo I have received from my LPGM daughters since 2000. I hope that all the girls I have sponsored through the years are happy, healthy, and that their dreams and wishes come true. I know I will always remember all of them as a dear and great blessing in my life and it was a great privilege to be a part of their lives. I will continue to sponsor girls in India through LPGM as I can clearly see what a positive impact it has on their lives!"
-Sandra Hoverson, LPGM Sponsor since 2000
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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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