Annual Meeting Update

On April 13, 2012, seventy people gathered at Westwood Lutheran Church to attend LPGM’s second Annual Meeting.

Following a time for fellowship and a light buffet, Board of Directors Chair Verne Winter welcomed the group. Executive Director Mark Warpmaeker offered devotions, reading from 1 Corinthians 3.

Gordon Olson, Founding Director, reflected on some of LPGM’s highlights from 2011–the Village Savings and Loan program and installation of solar electrical systems in the C.A.R.; the Library Program in India; Cyclone Thane and its effect on the boarding homes in India; and new partnerships in Argentina.

Naomi Staruch shared financial highlights through December 31, 2011, and reported that LPGM once again met all 27 accountability standards of the Charities Review Council.

The formal business included reviewing financial statements and the 2011 Annual Report, election of new board members and officers, and recognizing retiring board members—Sandra Anderson, Melissa Steen, and Amy Swenson.

Ethan Oscarson, a high school student and 2010 LPGM traveler to India, shared his global perspective on what being involved with LPGM has meant to him.

The assembly concluded with a presentation of LPGM’s soon-to-be released video introducing our Green Shoots appeal. Building on the success of the Now is the Time campaign, we are beginning our Green Shoots appeal. Green Shoots because they are the first signs of life and hope, telling us that even in death there is a promise of new life. An annual appeal because we have a solid base of supporters and want to engage new donors as they come to LPGM. The Green Shoots appeal will help us to respond quickly when God calls while communicating our successes and our needs to dedicated supporters.

If you were unable to attend our annual meeting this year, we hope you can join us next year!