Now Is the Time Capital-Mission Appeal
Capital-Mission Appeal Case Statement
Nearly twenty years ago the dream of Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry was born out of a powerful story of service, hope, and love. Since then LPGM has worked in ten countries, partnered with hundreds of congregations, and touched and transformed thousands of lives all around the globe. Our vision of meeting face to face and walking hand in hand to meet the world’s needs has been realized in amazing ways, leading LPGM to become a force for mission advocacy and a unique vehicle for living out Christ’s call to love one another.
As we honor our past and celebrate what God is doing through our ministry today, we are moved to dream a new dream–a dream that will deepen our ability to respond to new mission opportunities, grow the strength and depth of our ministry, and assure a vital and sustainable future.
This is what the first stage of our Now is the Time Capital-Mission Appeal is all about; an invitation to be part of a bold effort to lay the foundation needed to move into the future. Over the next several months passionate supporters of Lutheran Partners will be asked to make a significant investment in that future through our new capital-mission appeal. Together over the next three years we will raise the financial resources needed to accomplish the following goals:
- Implement a comprehensive plan for organizational growth, development, and sustainability. These resources will fund a new Executive Director position; support a new role for Gordon as Founding Director; resource the creation of new programs to enhance our ministry with congregations, upgrade office technology; and support expanded communication, volunteer, marketing, and development efforts – $500,000
- Create a new fund to allow LPGM to quickly respond to critical ministry needs and opportunities at home and abroad – $100,000
- Grow the Gordon and Betty Olson Endowment Fund to $3 million in current and committed legacy gifting
Now is the Time to again act in the spirit of service, hope, and love that gave birth to Lutheran Partners and move forward in mission–to do together what we cannot do alone, to trust in God’s presence and promise, “Connecting and Encouraging through Faith” a new and renewed community of partners for the sake of God’s care for the world.
Now is the Time to answer the call, to dream a new dream, and to let the powerful story of LPGM roll on into the future, changing lives for generations to come.
NOW IS THE TIME! by Gordon Olson, Executive Director
Some time ago LPGM produced a brochure titled, “Help Us Grow.” The brochure was sent out with a return envelope and people were generous. The effort did help us grow–a bit–and we thank God for friends who shared the vision with us.
But now we REALLY need to grow! What has changed? Betty and I are looking at a new role in the organization that fits our new journey. It is time for LPGM to grow in capacity with an expanded vision for ministry and an expanded staff to open new doors and resources. As founders of Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry, we will continue to play an important role in its ministry for as long as we live. NOW IS THE TIME to take that giant leap forward to keep LPGM on the right track for years to come, long after we’re gone.
LPGM is doing something never done in its 14-year history. A Capital-Mission Appeal has been inaugurated with a goal of $600,000 over a period of three years. $500,000 will provide not only the resources for a full-time Executive Director, but also expanded technology and essential resources for a broader ministry. With only one full-time employee at present, LPGM needs a full-time Executive Director to lead the way in expanding our reach, connecting people and encouraging the church through faith. $100,000 will add the needed reserves to the existing Larry Brynestad Opportunity Fund, allowing LPGM to respond quickly to global needs as they occur. My job will evolve into Founding Director, a supportive role that will allow me to continue networking, fundraising and telling the stories.
An even higher goal of the appeal is to raise $3 million in cash and legacy gifts for the Gordon and Betty Olson Endowment Fund. By designating present and future gifts from estates you will help ensure the future of LPGM long after Betty and I are gone. At this writing we are approaching $400,000 toward our goal of $600,000 for expansion, and have secured more than one-third of our goal in legacy gifts. But LPGM needs the help of ALL our friends to go over the top. We pray that you will consider a gift, large or small.
These are exciting days for Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry. Our model, of personal involvement in mission and encouraging the global church, works. Healthy congregation-to-congregation partnerships between the U.S. and Argentina have changed lives and helped congregations to find their mission. Growing involvement in the Central African Republic has given new energy to their church resulting in a center for empowerment of women and a new health clinic that will meet the needs of people who have had no access to health care. Relationships have been at the center of our programs in India where individuals and families can support and correspond with a child, travel groups can have life-changing experiences, books are now available to thousands of children and their families, and sight is restored to hundreds who once again can live productive lives.
Our LPGM leadership invites your involvement in this very bold but exciting campaign. NOW IS THE TIME to leap forward, developing a financial base that will allow LPGM to stay around for many years to come–even after many of us are gone. We believe in the work that has been started and we believe God has led us this far. Now we call upon our friends and champions of mission to keep LPGM going. NOW IS THE TIME.
Home meetings for Appeal
To introduce our Now is the Time appeal, seven home meetings were held in June and early July, hosted by members of the leadership team. Some long-time supporters of LPGM were invited to these gatherings. Follow-up with our supporters has included phone conversations and personal visits that have resulted in very generous donations and pledges to the campaign. We are so pleased that our supporters share the vision of an expanded LPGM and are so grateful for their generous and sacrificial support.
Thrivent Partnership
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, through a $47,550 grant, has provided the seed money to encourage LPGM to increase giving, both for operations and endowment. With these funds and some additional matching funds, we have been able to create a video and produce all the materials for our Now is the Time Capital-Mission Appeal. LPGM is so grateful to Thrivent for the encouragement and generosity that has stimulated us to stretch our vision into the future. In addition, the Thrivent Crossroads Group serves as LPGM’s financial partner and is able to offer consultation services for people who are researching various ways to invest and give. We are blessed to have such a professional organization working with us. LPGM will put anyone who has questions or desires financial consultation in contact with the Thrivent Crossroads. Thrivent also provides matching funds for cash donations to LPGM through its GivingPlus® program.
Click here for a full PDF version of the Now is the Time newsletter