"For we are God’s coworkers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building." 1 Corinthians 3:9 | | Pictured above: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Thomas and Rev. Theophilus, Arcot Lutheran Church leaders, smile with LPGM executive director Dan Ruth and LPGM board member, traveler, and sponsor Pastor Sara Spohr at Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church on September 24. She painted these barn quilt squares for the ALC guests in honor of their visit. | | LPGM Hosts ALC Bishop and Representatives | |
LPGM envisions a world where relationships transform boundaries, so building authentic and lasting relationships with our partners is a top priority. From Sept. 20-25, three leaders from the Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC) - Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Thomas, Rev. Theophilus Vinodkumar, and Rev. D. Thangadurai - visited us in Minnesota.
The ALC and LPGM have worked together to bring education and hope to students at the margins in South India for almost 30 years.
This whirlwind visit was filled with rich conversation, shared meals, and mutual learning. Our guests visited local congregations, notable Twin Cities landmarks, and nearby educational institutions. They also had the opportunity to visit with LPGM co-founders Gordon (pictured above) and Betty Olson in Northfield, as well as with numerous other friends of LPGM.
Read more about this visit
| | Fundraising Update: September's Back-to-School Campaign | | During September's Back-to-School campaign, 40 donors gave $17,278.44 to help girls go to school - and stay in school - this year! On behalf of girls like Ishwarya (pictured above with her sisters), Nganashe, and Elizabeth, we express our sincere gratitude for your support. Because when she learns, everyone benefits. | | |
But here’s the reality:
- While the Back-to-School Campaign is over, needs remain.
- In fact, students need shelter, food, clothing and caregivers each month.
- As we near the end of 2025, your gifts of love are especially needed!
- Visit lpgm.org to make a difference today.
| |
Students Celebrate LPGM's 30th Anniversary | |
Boarding home students in the Kalrayan Hills of India celebrated LPGM's 30th anniversary with cake and merriment. Elangovan Mu See, LPGM-India program manager, gave a speech emphasizing the importance of education. Elangovan has been with LPGM since 2006. Here's an excerpt from his remarks:
"It’s remarkable to reflect on how two parents, in the face of personal tragedy - the loss of their son - chose not vengeance, but compassion. They transformed grief into a movement of helping hands, reaching out to those who are educationally, socially, and economically marginalized. This is indeed the power and purpose of education.
A well-educated individual is not defined solely by academic achievement, but by their capacity for love, understanding, and adaptability-qualities that foster harmony within families, communities, and society as a whole...
Let us strive to be educated not just in knowledge, but in humanity. That is what makes us truly rich."
| | | |
Eripoto Hosts Inaugural Fundraising and Awareness Event | |
On September 14, Eripoto for Girls and Women, one of LPGM's valued Tanzanian partners, hosted their first-ever fundraising and awareness event, with the theme "Empowering Lives, Building Hope."
They aimed to introduce Eripoto’s work to the wider community and invite them to join them in the fight against gender-based violence. They also hoped to raise funds to launch the "Bakery of Hope," a vocational baking program for safe house girls.
The event attracted a diverse and impressive crowd, with local politicians, police allies, corporate executives, faith leaders, the NMB Bank, neighbors, friends, and families in attendance
Their event planning committee covered all event costs and also raised about $13,500 in cash on the day, with an additional $9,600 pledged.
Esuvat Lucumay, Eripoto's founder, shares, "The event was filled with joy, impact, and powerful moments of hope. I am truly humbled by the love and support we received.... Your presence reminded the girls we serve that they are seen, valued, and never alone."
| | | | Ishwarya's Passion for Art Thrives at Siloam | |
Ishwarya's parents work hard as fruit vendors, but providing for Ishwarya and her three siblings can be a challenge.
However, as a sponsored student living and learning in an ALC boarding home in Southern India, Ishwarya doesn't have to worry about her next meal or how she'll get to school.
Her needs are consistently accounted for, so she can focus on her education, friends, hobbies, and passions. One of these passions is art. Ishwarya loves to draw, and the boarding homes provide a safe environment to nurture this gift.
| | Thejasri Greets Her Sponsor for the First Time | |
Thejasri, affectionately known as "Theju," is a 6th grade student living and studying at Melpattambakkam Boarding Home in Southern India.
She joined the boarding home this academic year, and she now has an LPGM sponsor, LPGM's communications coordinator, Shannon.
Theju recently shared this sweet video message with Shannon, thus beginning their long-distance relationship. Shannon then wrote a letter to Theju through LPGM's online portal and sent her a birthday greeting. She is eagerly awaiting a reply.
| |
LPGM Travelers Return from Successful Trip to Tanzania | |
From September 21- September 28, four LPGM travelers spent quality time with our partners in Tanzania. If you've ever wondered what a day-by-day rundown of an LPGM trip could look like, here's your chance to peek behind the curtain. Each trip is unique, with some overlap between them, but here's how this trip went
Sunday, their first day in Tanzania, started with a worship service at the church attended by Eripoto founder, Esuvat Lucumay. The theme of worship was "receive the gifts you've been given," which felt apt for this trip. For the remainder of the day, the travelers spent time at Eripoto - meeting residents and staff and hearing their stories of escaping forced marriage and other gender-based violence in order to pursue their education and vocations.
Monday was spent exploring Arusha National Park on foot followed by dinner with Mwangaza advisors Phillip Wilder and Daudi Msseemmaa.
Keep reading...
| | | | Upcoming Travel Opportunities | |
Intergenerational Trip to Guatemala
June 13-23, 2026
Experience the Guatemalan and Maya cultures while participating in our partner CCFC's educational programming and agroecology projects. You will share your life and God's love with those you meet.
| |
Multi-Congregational Youth Trip to Guatemala
July 11-21, 2026
Calling all High School Youth! LPGM's new multi-congregational youth trip provides a unique opportunity for teens to learn about environmental issues facing God’s creation and how they can be agents of change.
| |
Intergenerational Trip to Tanzania
September 10-20, 2026
Meet our Tanzanian partners and unravel complex issues relating to teaching, learning, public health, empowering girls and women, and building community. Experience Maasai culture, explore Arusha, and go on safari.
| |
Connecting with Thejasri: Reflections from a New Sponsor | By Shannon Mahedy, LPGM Communications Coordinator | |
When I first started working at LPGM, I didn't quite know what to make of student sponsorship. It felt a bit outdated to "choose" a student to sponsor, instead of donating to a general cause or specific need.
I didn't want to be thanked profusely just because I happened to be born into a situation in which my needs were met, and my access to education was a given. I didn't want anyone to feel indebted to me. I knew that I was no better, or more deserving, than any other person. My privileged circumstances as a white, American, English-speaking, educated, and able-bodied person have allowed me to thrive, and every person in the world deserves those same opportunities.
Keep reading to learn why Shannon's perspective on sponsorship shifted...
| | | | |
After wrapping up strategic planning at LPGM's office on September 24, LPGM board member Hilary Sonstegard brought the Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Thomas and Rev. Theophilus on a short tour of south Minneapolis' lakes. They asked to pay their respects at Annunciation Catholic Church, the site of a recent mass shooting.
Earlier, following news of the shooting, the bishop had emailed LPGM to express his solidarity, stating:
"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."
| | | |
Sharing is Caring!
Share this newsletter with a friend and help spread the word about LPGM.
| | |
Upcoming Events
Oct 20-22 - LPGM Staff Retreat (Office closed)
| | | |
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.
| | | | |
