In addition to the Central African Republic, Guatemala, India, and Tanzania, LPGM has traveled to and partnered with people and organizations in Argentina/Uruguay, Estonia, Japan, Jordan and The Holy Land, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Slovakia.
Across these locations, LPGM applies its mission of working along side global partners and follows their lead through culturally appropriate implementation. We are open to where God may call us next as we listen, respond, and bear witness to local needs and priorities.
Argentina & Uruguay
One of LPGM’s first trips was to Argentina in 1997. Thus began the partnership with the Iglesia Evangelica Luterana Unida (IELU), the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina and Uruguay. LPGM traveled to both countries until 2014 to strengthen relationships between congregations in Argentina & Uruguay and their partner congregation in the United States..
Estonia
At the request of the leadership of the Tartu Academy of Theology (TAT), a Lutheran institution in Estonia, LPGM raised funds designated for a classroom building project. In the early 2000's, the academy was rebuilding itself as a training school for pastors, chaplains and church leaders. TAT worked as an independent Christian college until 2013 when it merged with the Theological Institute of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (Seminary).
Japan
In 2016 we work with the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Association Foundation (JELA) to raise awareness of and funds for families affected by the Kumamoto earthquake. JELA partners with other Lutheran NGOs and church bodies to help alleviate poverty, hunger and disease around the world. JELA's programs offer the poorest of the world's poor hope for a better life today and an even brighter tomorrow. Later that same year, JELA delivered solar lanterns to our partner in India as part of a Panasonic initiative. The students who have no, limited or intermittent access to electricity received support for their learning with a reliable light source for evening school work.
Jordan and The Holy Land
In 2009, LPGM with Peace Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minnesota to renovate a print shop in Jerusalem, in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holday Land (ELCJHL). Several travelers carried supplies and provided the labor to install new computers, configure updated printers, clean the below ground space and paint the walls to freshen it up. The print shop dedication was a special event at which ELCA GM staff and local partners attended, to celebrate the little print shope that creates materials in seven languages for visiting pilgrims.
Madagascar
In 2001, LPGM and St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Plymouth, Minnesota completed the Mananjary Lutheran Church building in Madagascar. It was a tithe project of St. Philip the Deacon as they completed improvements and expansions to their own facility, they were keen to help another congregation with its facility, too. A few years later, First Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota, did a similar capital campaign tithe project, partnering with Ankatso Lutheran Church in Madagascar. MSAADA Architects were instrumental in both building projects.
Nigeria
In 2015 and 2016, LPGM supported the renovation and expansion of a health center at Demsa in partnership with the Lutheran Church in Nigeria. The Community-Based Primary Healthcare Program promotes wellness and disease prevention, while providing basic curative and expanded treatment services. Special thanks to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church and the Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA, for their generosity in making this health center a reality.
Rwanda
In 2023, LPGM supported the reopening of a preschool at Nibakure Community Village (NCV) through the funding of materials, food, and teacher salaries. NCV operates a community center outside the town of Nyamata, Bugesera District, in Southeast Rwanda. The Community Center is located in a highly impoverished rural area where many residents lack access to running water, electricity, medical care, or quality education in proximity to their homes. NCV seeks to address these needs by providing education, healthcare, and improving food security, particularly for the most vulnerable members of the community.
Slovakia
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, several eastern European countries were reviving their Christian roots and heritage. LPGM's founder traveled with other ELCA leaders to Slovakia in 1996 on a fact-finding journey. LPGM provided funds to assist with the printing and distribtuion of a book to encourage youth in their faith - youth who had little exposure to Christianity during the occupation.
