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She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26 NRSVue
| | Pictured above: Peace Club members attend a Mwangaza Peace Summit at Lowasa Secondary School at the end of February. | | LPGM Office Open Houses Rescheduled | | |
Questions? Contact us at 612-823-5058 or office@lutheranpartners.org.
Watch a video of us settling into our new space...
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Minneapolis was hit with a huge snowstorm in mid-March, and we had to cancel our open houses for everyone's safety.
Spring is here, and we've set two new dates for our open houses.
You are invited to join us for treats and a tour on one of two rescheduled dates:
Sunday, May 17, 2026 -
9:30 a.m. - noon
Monday, May 18, 2026 -
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Twin Cities, Minneapolis campus
4100 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
RSVPs appreciated but not required.
| | Unique Ways to Support LPGM | | | | |
Download & Share this Resource with your Community
Share a variety of ways to engage with and support our ministry, in ways both large and small.
Each commitment makes ripples of impact around the world, and we would be honored to partner with you.
| Help us Update our Great Nonprofits Seal this Year | Being awarded seals boosts trust in our ministry, and the Great Nonprofits "top-rated nonprofit" is a coveted seal. To earn this seal, we must receive 10 five-star reviews each year. We last received this recognition in 2023 and receiving it in 2026 would help us reach new audiences. If LPGM has impacted you, please consider leaving a short review. | | Pictured above: 12th grade students in the Kalrayan Hills pray before taking their final exams. | |
Summer Vacation is Approaching!
The academic year is coming to an end in India, and boarding home students are starting to leave for summer vacation.
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March 24 - 12th grade students finish their academic year
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First week of April - 10th grade students leave for summer vacation
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April 16 - Elementary students leave for summer vacation
You are still welcome to write to your student during this time. Letters received during summer vacation are held and shared with students when they return for the next academic year.
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English+ Updates: "Going into the World" Program Continues
English+ began as a library program in 2007 and later grew into a spoken English program for a variety of ALC village schools in remote areas across Tamil Nadu.
Recently, the program has prioritized the four boarding homes where LPGM supporters sponsor students, while instructors also support a few village schools nearby. This shift allows instructors to make a deeper impact, while cutting down on travel time and expenses.
The English+ instructors lead English Clubs at each boarding home. One of the students' favorite parts of English Club is the “Going into the World” program. In this program, students go on field trips where they learn and practice new English terms in a real-world setting.
| | Melpattambakkam students recently visited the District Central Library in Cuddalore. As they explored its three floors, library staff explained the types of books available, library rules, and how to sign the entry register. They also guided the students on how to borrow books and how to become a library member. In the section for the visually impaired, students were introduced to Braille. For their next field trip, they are planning to go on a nature walk in the future. | | |
In January, Saron students visited a train station in Tiruvannamalai. They learned many new words such as canteen, compartment, station master, and ticket counter.
Students also explored the Knowledge Center, an academic resource hub in Tiruvannamalai. It contains a wide range of books that support students preparing for competitive and government examinations.
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Recently, Siloam students went to the post office in Tirukoilur. The postmaster welcomed them and talked services available for children at the post office, like how to withdraw or send money through the post office.
They learned new English terms like registered mail, express delivery, postal code, dispatch, courier, telegram, and post box.
| | Eripoto - Building updates | | |
In the fall of 2024, with the help of LPGM friends, Eripoto began constructing a new building next door to its original safe house. This will create more housing and amenities for girls with nowhere safe to go, allowing them to stay in school and work toward brighter futures.
After some weather delays and skilled labor gaps, they finished the first floor in October 2025. Now the construction project is in its final stage.
While the rainy season arrived early this year, and slowed progress on the second and third floors, several rooms are almost finished. The finish line is in sight.
Esuvat Lucumay, Eripoto's founder, is feeling optimistic. She shares, "These ongoing improvements have greatly enhanced the living and learning environment, as Eripoto continues working toward a fully safe, nurturing, and functional space for all beneficiaries."
She continues, "Your commitment has touched the lives of girls and women who had lost hope. I cannot fully express how meaningful your partnership is to our mission and to me personally."
Read more about the building process
See current progress on the 2nd and 3rd floors
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Generosity Matters:
A Monthly Reflection on Faithful Giving
| | In this new monthly feature, LPGM Development Director Bethany Krepela reflects on topics related to generosity, giving smartly, and stewardship. Have a question for Bethany to answer in a future post? Contact her at 612-806-0733 or bethany@lutheranpartners.org. | | Multiplying the Gifts God has Given | | |
In Matthew 26, Jesus tells the parable of a rich man who gives his workers different amounts of gold. The first two each double their gold, while the third hides it in a hole in the ground.
Likewise, there are many ways we can multiply the gifts God has given us. One way is through Thrivent.
A heartfelt thanks to all Thrivent clients who have used Thrivent’s generosity programs to support students through LPGM. In 2025, friends like you directed over $6,000 to LPGM through Choice Dollars®!
If you're a Thrivent member, you may have 2025 Choice Dollars® available to direct. March 31 is the deadline for last year’s dollars.
Not a Thrivent client? No worries! There are many ways to multiply your gifts...
Read the whole article
| | | Two young women finding refuge at Eripoto's stay house share how their lives have changed since arriving there. Their names have been changed, and their photos have been redacted, to protect their identities. | | |
“I always dreamed of continuing my education, but that dream was almost taken from me when I was forced into early marriage. I felt alone, unsupported, and unsure of what my future would look like.
There was a time when I believed my life had already been decided for me.
Slowly, I began to regain confidence. I returned to school. I worked hard. I completed Form Four.
Today, I am studying accounting.
What once felt impossible is now my reality. I have hope again. I believe in my future.”
-Grace, Eripoto Participant
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“Before, my life was filled with fear. I was forced into early marriage and FGM against my will, and my dream of becoming a health professional felt out of reach. I felt powerless and uncertain about tomorrow.
Being given a safe place and the chance to continue my education changed everything. I completed Form Four, and today I am studying clinical medicine.
I now wake up with purpose. I am preparing for a career where I can help others.
What once felt like the end of my story became the beginning.”
-Mary, Eripoto Participant
| | Upcoming Travel Opportunities | | |
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Multi-congregation Youth Trip to Guatemala - July 11-21, 2026
Learn about environmental issues, explore how you can be an agent of change, and meet teens from other congregations who share your values.
$1,600/person + airfare.
Registration deadline is April 10, 2026.
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Travel to Tanzania
September 10-20, 2026
(Early Bird Pricing Extended until 4/8!)
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Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tanzania. You’ll explore Arusha, spend time with LPGM's partners and the people they serve, visit a Maasai village, and tour game reserves to see animals.
$4,275 $4,150/person + airfare
Early bird special until April 8, 2026
Registration deadline: June 10, 2026
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A group of 11 travelers traveled across the world to visit our partners in Tamil Nadu, India. They were in India from February 10-24.
Click the video to see highlights from their transformational trip filled with connection, joy, cultural exchange, and God's love.
| | Pictured above: India program manager Elangovan Mu See (left) and executive director the Rev. Dan Ruth (right) in India in Feb. 2026. | | |
LPGM Team Shares what they would Like to be known for in their community
Every month, LPGM U.S. and India staff meet over Zoom to check in about Project Education India, LPGM's student sponsorship program at the Arcot Lutheran Church boarding homes in Tamil Nadu.
To kick off each meeting, LPGM U.S. and India staff members answer a question that helps them connect with the work and each other.
During our February team meeting, the question was, “What would you like to be known for in your community - apart from your job?”
Read our team's answers
| | Pictured above: Boys in the Kalrayan Hills enjoy their annual ice cream treats to celebrate the end of the school year. The annual tradition is possible because of your generous gifts to the Wish List. | | | |
Sharing is Caring!
Share this newsletter with a friend and help spread the word about LPGM.
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Upcoming Events
April 18 - Board of Directors Retreat, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn.
April 19 - The Rev. Dan Ruth at Oak Knoll Lutheran Church, Hopkins, Minn.
April 24 - Bethany Krepela at St. Luke's Church Fish Fry Fundraiser, Garfield, Minn.
April 26 - Laura Feile at Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka, Minn.
May 1-2 - Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly (ELCA), Lord of Life Lutheran, Ramsey, Minn.
May 17-18 - Rescheduled Open Houses
June 5-7 - Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly (ELCA), Holiday Inn, Fargo, N.D.
June 13-23 - Intergenerational Trip to Guatemala
July 16-19 - WELCA Triennial Event, Des Moines, Iowa
July 11-21 - Youth Trip to Guatemala
September 10-20 - Trip to Tanzania
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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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