Connecting and encouraging through faith
In 1995, Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry was created out of a pressing need to connect people with opportunities around the world and build relationships through Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). God has blessed us with the vision and resources to make a difference in the lives of others as we ourselves are changed by the power of God’s Spirit.
OUR MISSION
LPGM is a movement that engages individuals and communities in transformational partnerships across the globe.
Centered in faith and dedicated to service, LPGM is called to action by sharing resources and hope.
OUR VISION
To raise up generations who inspire hope by walking with and serving in the worldwide church.
MEET THE TEAM
Dedicated to Service
Dan Ruth | Executive Director | dan@lutheranpartners.org | 612.806.0730
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 August 2017.
Becca Tumm | Development Director | becca@lutheranpartners.org | 612.806.0733
Nonprofit Enthusiast. Outdoor Adventurer. Avid Reader.
Becca has master’s degree in Social Work and comes from a background in international development and disaster response, in both project management and fundraising. She has a particular fondness for faith-based organizations and the impact they can (and do!) have around the world. Becca joined the LPGM team in January 2018.
Naomi Staruch | Managing Director | naomi@lutheranpartners.org | 612.806.0731
Curious Traveler. Singer/Soloist. Photographer Enthusiast. Uniquely Organized.
Managing a range of internal organizational operations, Naomi keeps human resource records, financial systems, board communication, and informational technology running smoothly. 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 September 2009.
Mary Peterson | Program Director | mary@lutheranpartners.org | 612.806.0732
Gardener. Reader. Traveler. Nurturer of Friendships, Near and Far.
Wearing many hats at LPGM, Mary manages the Project Education India sponsorship program, collaborates with global partners on a variety of programs, and ensures that transformational travel happens for anyone interested in seeing LPGM’s work in the world up close and personal. Mary likes to sew, sing, and volunteer in her spare time. Mary and her husband, Ralph, spend as much time as possible at their lake place. She joined LPGM in August 2012.
Melissa Steen | Donor Administrator | melissa@lutheranpartners.org | 612.806.0738
Volunteer. Traveler. High School Sports & Music fan.
From depositing checks to processing online gifts, Melissa manages all the money that comes from donors. This includes keeping the database accurate as well as connecting sponsors to students. Oustide of work, Melissa can most often be seen walking around town with her husband, Paul, watching Maya at diving meets, cheering on Bennett at baseball games, enjoying orchestra & band concerts, or traveling with her family. She joined the LPGM staff in July 2017.
Executive Committee
Verne Winter, Board Chair
Retired: Mechanical Engineer
Debra Christensen, Secretary
Retired: Human Resources
Randy Tofteland, Treasurer
Self-Employed
Mark Tiede, Member at Large
ELCA Pastor: Parish Ministry
Board of Directors
Mary Beenken
Seminary Student/Pastoral Intern
Connie Hanson
Retired: School Administrator
Mark Holman
ELCA Pastor: Interim Assignments
Carolyn Kobler
Retired: Active Volunteer
Marc Olson
Nonprofit Executive
Kyle Rudser
Associate Professor/Biostatistics
Paul Steen
Consultant
REVIEWED & CERTIFIED
Financial Accountability
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 the GuideStar Exchange, its highest level. GuideStar’s mission is to revolutionize philanthropy by providing information that advances transparency and encourages charitable giving. GuideStar helps users make the best possible decisions about their giving. LPGM provides information and regular updates to GuideStar as part of our profile, which you can see here: LPGM Profile on GuideStar.
OUR HISTORY
A Timeline of LPGM
1991:
Tim Olson commits to one year of service for the ELCA 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.
July 10, 1995:
Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry is incorporated as an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit organization; volunteers perform all organizational work.
1995:
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 India’s Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC) to begin Project Education India; sponsors 217 students in ALC schools.
1997:
Bethlehem Lutheran Church provides space for an unassuming office; Gordon & Betty Olson lead a trip to Argentina on an exploration of collaboration.
1999:
Group of nineteen youth and adults travels to India on LPGM’s first global mission and service trip.
2000:
Project Education India surpasses 1200 sponsored students in boarding homes throughout southern India.
2000:
LPGM launches linen sales with inventory from Lebanon Home for Destitute Women (India).
2001:
LPGM and St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church complete the Mananjary Lutheran Church building in Madagascar.
2002:
Project Education India expands to India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC) and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) boarding homes.
2004:
LPGM, together with several partners, completes the Orkesumet Clinic building project in Tanzania.
2004:
LPGM moves its office to the Minnesota Church Center, Minneapolis, MN.
2005:
LPGM, the EEL-RCA, Global Health Ministries, MSAADA, and the ELCA envision a clinic to serve the Gallo region (C.A.R.).
2005:
LPGM celebrates its 10th Anniversary at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Minneapolis); 10 international guests from the C.A.R., Argentina, and India attend.
2006:
In partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic (EEL-RCA), LPGM helps build a Women’s Center in Bouar, C.A.R.
2008:
Succession planning begins; Thrivent awards LPGM a grant to encourage current giving and a capital campaign.
2009:
LPGM renovates a print shop in Jerusalem, in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL).
2009:
LPGM launches the “Now Is The Time” capital campaign. LPGM also initiates a Library Program, to equip 100 ALC school libraries.
2010:
LPGM hires the Rev. Mark Warpmaeker as its first Executive Director.
2010:
LPGM, the EEL-RCA, and other partners dedicate the Emmanuel Health Center (C.A.R.)
2012:
LPGM begins support for the Village Savings and Loan program, together with the EEL-RCA (C.A.R.), empowering over 4000 families.
2013:
The successful Library Program with the ALC School Project (India) transitions to wider English education program called English+.
2013:
The Evangelical Church in America (ELCA) global mission team awards LPGM a $1.2 million grant to dramatically expand the ALC Community College (India).
2014:
LPGM staff members travel to northern India and Guatemala to explore new partnership opportunities.
2014:
LPGM moves to a new, modern office space at 5200 Willson Road, Minneapolis.
2015:
The Arcot Lutheran Church dedicates the completed ALC Community College campus (India).
2016:
Betty and Gordon Olson founded LPGM in 1995. They actively led the organization through its first 20 years. In 2016, they took a step back from the day-to-day operations yet remain devoted to LPGM’s global ministry.
FUTURE:
LPGM continues to meet needs around the world… face-to-face and hand-in-hand!