Child Sponsorship News Spring 2010
Project Education India
We have 160 children who are waiting for a sponsor. This number ebbs and flows almost daily for a variety of reasons. We understand. We are still committed to the program and all the children who are part of Project Education India.
Based upon our partnerships in India, LPGM has made a commitment to sponsor a certain number of children in the school year through a contract with the Arcot Lutheran Church and the India Evangelical Lutheran Church. Whether or not we have a specific sponsor for each child, we still send funds to support all the children, every month. This puts a drain on our funds no doubt, but it is what God is calling us to do.
We are seeking in as many churches as possible a liaison (or two) willing to coordinate a sponsor drive once or twice a year. The first campaign will happen between April and May 2010. We will help you by providing a sponsorship kit that will include actual children who are waiting to be connected to a sponsor. Is God calling you to help us tell your fellow congregational members about this unique opportunity? Who better than you to share the story that a small investment makes a huge difference in the life of a child? Call or email our office at 612.823.5058 or office@lutheranpartners.org today.
Although the money is important to sustain the project, it’s not about the money to the children. The children are waiting for news of a sponsor . . . being valued for who they are as a precious child of God . . . a gift far greater than money.
Extended Study Students
What a wonderful opportunity some students receive . . . they are deemed academically qualified and they have the personal desire to study beyond their 12th Standard (12th grade) education. LPGM is proud to offer 80 students a bright future by providing funds toward their advanced degree. This program has been under development for several years. Because it is a new concept to the boarding homes with which we partner, we are still working out the kinks with our staff in India. If you have any questions about this program and how it affects the child you sponsor, please do not hesitate to contact us at 612.823.5058 or office@lutheranpartners.org.
Time Zone / School Year
Did you know that if India accepted the time zones of the world, the country would be divided into two different sectors? Instead they split the difference and keep time on the half hour between the zones. The LPGM India office and the children in Project Education India are 11-1/2 hours ahead of the Minneapolis office (10-1/2 hours in the summer).
The school year in India begins on June 1st. The first day isn’t at all like it is in the U.S. For reasons that are not always available to staff, some children don’t come back to the boarding home for several weeks. Their absence makes it extremely difficult for the boarding home staff to determine IF the child is coming back.
Some of you have indicated that you are frustrated when you get news of a child’s departure so long after it actually happened. We share your frustration, yet this is a cultural nuance that we cannot change. LPGM India has a staff that is dedicated to issues that are critical to ensuring the success of the sponsorship program. LPGM U.S. staff is working with the LPGM India staff to create answers to questions and quick replies. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
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