Meaningful Giving Perspective

by Barbara J. K. Olson

In late 1997 Gordon and Betty Olson came to our congregation and presented a new opportunity–to support students in boarding homes in India. I was part of the Mission Committee at our church. We had an opportunity over lunch to get to know Gordon and Betty and ask more questions. I have always had a heart for needy children and firmly believe that giving a child an education not only changes their lives, but all the generations to follow. As a single parent, I signed up to sponsor a child that day.

In April 1998 Janne Garder, manager of the Siloam Boarding Home in South India, came to Minnesota to speak at churches. I was not able to attend her presentation but was able to join Janne and others for a meal and to really see LPGM and the work they had begun. I was excited to be in on the ground floor.

In the nearly 15 years since, I have been very impressed with the work that LPGM has accomplished, not only with the student and library sponsorships in India, but with the Central African Republic and Argentina, too.

My passion is for needy children, so I have continued to sponsor a number of children in India. I enjoy the letters and drawings I receive from them, and try to write several times a year. Currently I have four students, and their photos are kept on my fridge, so my grandchildren often ask me about them.

The reason I give to Now is the Time campaign is because Gordon asked me. I believe in the work Lutheran Partners is doing and I understand the need to undergird LPGM to ensure the organization is solid and can continue into the future. It was a new idea to me when he presented it to me and requires sacrificial giving on my part.

LPGM is also designated in my will as I wish my support to continue after I am gone. I thank the Lord for the staff, the LPGM Board of Directors, and all the individual donors like me who can have a part in God’s work in the world.

It has been exciting to watch LPGM grow. I am impressed with Mark Warpmaeker as Executive Director. It thrills me that Naomi is my contact in the office. My husband Norm, a retired Lutheran pastor, is always happy to come to LPGM events with me as an opportunity to keep updated on progress of current projects and learn about new opportunities.