On an April morning, between services at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, Minnesota, nearly 45 members of the congregation gathered for something far more meaningful than a presentation. The Adult Forum became a celebration of connection, faith, and the quiet ways in which lives become intertwined across oceans and generations. 

At the heart of the gathering were longtime Zion members Bill and Marie Norquist, along with their daughter, Sarah Irwin. Eight years ago, Bill and Marie first learned about Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry (LPGM) during another adult forum led by longtime supporter Verne Winter. What began as curiosity soon grew into commitment. Over the years, the Norquists became sponsors to students in India, and Sarah, inspired by her parents’ example, also became a sponsor and supporter. 

This February, all three traveled to India to meet the students whose lives had become part of their own stories. 

As they spoke, the room filled with the warmth of shared humanity. They described the bustling journey from Delhi and Agra to the boarding homes and schools, and finally to Bangalore. Yet the places themselves were only part of the story. What lingered most deeply were the memories of the people they met – the students who welcomed them with bright smiles, the staff who cared tirelessly for the children, and the extraordinary hospitality offered everywhere they traveled. 

Around 45 members of Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka listen intently to Bill, Marie, and Sarah's presentation.

The Norquists shared heartfelt moments that drew everyone in. They spoke about friendships formed among fellow travelers who began as strangers, the joy of meeting not only their sponsored students, but entire communities of children, and the deeply personal exchanges of gifts and gratitude. Shawls, flower garlands, and embroidered LPGM patches from the Siloam tailoring program rested nearby on a display table – tangible reminders of relationships built across continents. 

The spirit of the morning extended beyond the forum itself. Zion’s Children’s Ministry highlighted the India trip during Sunday School, sharing slides of the church’s three sponsored students receiving cards and greetings from Zion children. A bulletin board filled with updated student photos stood nearby, quietly reminding members that these were not distant causes, but familiar faces. 

Perhaps the most touching moment came when Verne Winter reflected on the morning as a “full circle” experience. Years after first introducing LPGM to the congregation, he watched another generation return home transformed, eager to share their stories. While he’s already traveled to India and his passport is expired, he joked that the presentation made him want to get on a plane again for another trip! 

Left to right: Laura Feile, Sarah Irwin, Bill Norquist, and Marie Norquist smile together after a successful adult forum.

Laura Feile, LPGM Program Manager, shared a brief overview of the origins of the organization and its current global partnerships, including our partner in India, the Arcot Lutheran Church. She concluded by expressing gratitude for the steadfast support of Zion members, asking for continued prayers for this ministry, and inviting others to learn more through upcoming LPGM-hosted webinars, open houses, or joining LPGM on a future trip. 

By the end of the hour, the forum felt less like a presentation and more like a family remembering together that faith has a remarkable way of bringing the world closer.