Our Vision
Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry envisions a world where relationships transform boundaries and where all people have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Our Mission
Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry provides access to quality education for people at the margins–especially women and girls. We work together with global partners to listen, respond and bear witness to local needs and priorities.
Open & Transparent
Read our Annual Reports & Audits
LPGM is proud to meet the Accountability Standards of the Charities Review Council. The Accountability Standards® create a common ground across the nonprofit sector, building a foundation of strength in our community. To read our charity review report, visit the Charities Review Council.
LPGM has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar), its highest level. Candid "envisions a social sector capable of tackling the critical challenges and opportunities of our time." Candid helps users make the best possible decisions about their giving. View more on Guidestar.org.
LPGM is proud to be a Top-Rated Charity at GreatNonprofits, the one and only people’s choice award where volunteers, donors, and people served by nonprofits are asked to share stories of inspiration, express their appreciation, and potentially help nonprofits earn a spot on the prestigious list. To view our profile, visit GreatNonprofits.org.
Our Leadership
Dedicated to Service
Executive Committee
Marc Olson, Board Chair
Hazelden Publishing, Editor
Dr. L. DeAne Lagerquist, Chair-Elect
Retired, St. Olaf College, Harold Ditmanson Distinguished Professor of Religion
Debra Christensen, Secretary
Retired, Human Resources
Kelly Myre, Treasurer
Starkey Hearing Technologies, International Controller
Dr. Jeff Henning-Smith, Program Chair
University of Minnesota, Lecturer in Elementary Education and Social Studies Education
Board of Directors
Mark Beenken
Concordia College, Advancement
Dan Bry
Retired, Associate Director of International Trade Compliance Technology
Heidi Busch
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Director of Outreach and Global Vision
Andy Dahlen
MegaFood, CEO
Rebekah Engstrand
MN ISD 196 Greenleaf Elementary School, Social Worker
John Evans
Tractus Asia Ltd., Managing Director
Marcie Flasch
Retired, Thrivent Financial
Julie Myles
Retired, Educator
Dr. Jim Rohde
Retired, Family Physician
Hilary Sonstegard
Sabbatical, Financial Sector
Joanna Suresh
SICK Inc., Marketing Manager
Petra Vanderford
Concordia College, Conferences & Event Coordinator
Our Staff
Field Coordinator (DCA) at ALC Boarding Homes in the Kalrayan Hills
Victor Elavarasu
Child Advocate. Giving Hands. Praying Heart. Loving People and Students.
Victor serves students in his home region of India, the Kalrayan Hills. He joined LPGM in 2018. His parents encouraged him to become an engineer. Upon completing his studies he became the first engineer in his village. But then Victor’s passion to serve drew him to Social Work. The children in the boarding homes have found a special place in his heart, especially the Alathi Angels.
Development Director
Bethany Krepela
Connector. Storyteller. Mission-minded. Heart for the Underdog.
As the primary contact for LPGM donor interactions, Bethany brings her love for people, mission, and Jesus to the role. A Wisconsin native and Luther College graduate, she has spent 25 years working in Lutheran higher education and the nonprofit realm. She enjoys cooking and hitting the road with her husband, Jim, and two young daughters in their camper trailer. She joined LPGM in 2020.
Field Coordinator (DCA) at Saron Boarding Home
Praveen Kumar
With a Master's in Social Work, Praveen's studies focused on research and support of indigenous tribes in the Nilgiri Hills in India. He is excited to work with the boys at Saron Boarding Home. Praveen joined the LPGM staff in 2022.
Field Coordinator (DCA) at Melpattambakkam Boarding Home
Keerthiga M.
Yoga Instructor. Karate Master. Social Worker.
After teaching yoga for eight years and karate for five, Keerthiga decided to pursue her long-time dream of becoming a social worker. After earning an MSW, she joined the LPGM staff in 2022 and is working at Melpattambakkam boarding home. She loves working with children and hearing the love and care that sponsors have for these students.
India Program Manager
Elangovan Mu See
Accountant. Curious Social Worker. Reader.
Elangovan has been an accounting trainer for 25 years. Managing LPGM’s programs and staff in India, Elangovan brings organizational accountability and rigor to all that we do. He joined the LPGM staff in 2006.
Program Director
Mary Peterson
Gardener. Reader. Traveler. Nurturer of Friendships, Near and Far.
Mary manages the Project Education India sponsorship program and collaborates with global partners on a variety of programs. She is passionate about making sure women have a place at the table and that their voice is heard. She likes to quilt, take walks with her dog Mia, and volunteer in her spare time. Mary and her husband, Ralph, spend as much time as possible at their lake place with family and friends. She joined LPGM in 2012.
Field Coordinator (DCA) at Concordia and Good Shepherd Boarding Homes
Sheeba Ruban
Faithful witness. Child advocate.
Sheeba has been part of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC) since birth, and is actively involved in her church. She loves working with the children at Concordia and Good Shepherd Boarding Homes, and is a trainer in cultural activities for children. Sheeba has been on LPGM’s staff since 2002.
Executive Director
Dan Ruth
Lutheran Pastor. Bread baker. Attempting to live thoughtfully & faithfully.
Dan is passionate about helping people see where God is at work in the world. With experience in international development and nonprofit communications, Dan focuses on helping create the most meaningful outcomes or impact. He joined LPGM in 2017.
Managing Director
Naomi Staruch
Curious Traveler. Singer/Soloist. Photograph Enthusiast. Uniquely Organized.
Managing a range of internal organizational operations, Naomi keeps human resource records, financial systems, board communication, and the database running smoothly. She is also working to preserve the historical documents of LPGM. Naomi and her husband, Steve, are freelance musicians, they love to host gatherings in their home, and they enjoy exploring the world together. She joined the LPGM staff in 2009.
Field Coordinator (DCA) at Siloam Boarding Home
Aswini Subramani
In Aswini's childhood days, she was very interested in social work. She gets positive energy by serving people. Before coming to LPGM, Aswini worked as a counselor in a girl’s care institute, and loves working with children because "children have a great soul." She joined the LPGM staff in 2022.
Our History
A Timeline of LPGM
1991
Tim Olson commits to one year of service for the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) as the supervisor of a church building project in Bangui, Central African Republic.
Tim was killed in an ambush in November.
1993
The finished structure is dedicated as St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church; Gordy & Betty Olson attend.
1995
Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry is incorporated (officially July 10) as an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Minnesota; volunteers perform all organizational work.
A Chapel at the seminary in Baboua, C.A.R. is built according to a design in Tim Olson’s journal with funds revealed through the first of many miracles.
1996
LPGM partners with the Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC) in Tamil Nadu, India, to begin sponsoring 217 students in ALC schools.
1997-1999
Gordon & Betty Olson lead a trip to Argentina on a partnership exploration.
A group of nineteen youth and adults travel to India on LPGM's first global trip.
2000-2003
Project Education India surpasses 1,200 sponsored students and expands to India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC) boarding homes.
LPGM launches linen sales from the Lebanon Home in India and completes the Mananjary Lutheran Church in Madagascar.
2004-2006
LPGM funds the building of the Orkesumet Clinic in Tanzania, the Women's Center in Bouar, the Central African Republic, and begins planning a clinic to serve the Gallo region in the Central African Republic
2007-2010
LPGM launches a library program in Arcot Lutheran Church schools in India, renovates a print shop in Jerusalem, and dedicates the Emmanuel Health Center in the Central African Republic
2011-2013
Village Savings & Loan program begins in the Central African Republic
In India, the English+ program begins and the ALC Community College expands with a grant from the ELCA
2014-2016
LPGM launches new partnerships with the Church of North India (CNI) and Community Cloud Forest Conservation in Guatemala.
Gordon & Betty Olson retire from day-to-day operations.
2017-2021
LPGM launches new partnerships with Mwangaza and Every Child Counts, both in Tanzania.
New Mission & Vision Statements are approved by the board as LPGM focuses its work and looks to the future God is opening for us.
In celebration of 25+1 years of ministry, we self-published a book: BEARING WITNESS TO HOPE, Visions of Global Partnership.
