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
Naomi Staruch, Managing Director
Mary Peterson, Project Director
Melissa Steen, Donor Administrator
We have been in transition recently. As we collect photos and create online bios, please contact us if you have questions or need additional information: 612.823.5058 or office@lutheranpartners.org.
Thank you!
Executive Committee
Names/Officer Position
Professional Notation
Verne Winter, Board Chair
Retired: Mechanical Engineer
Marilyn Christensen, Secretary
Retired
Randy Tofteland, Treasurer
Self-Employed
Corinne Engstrand, Member at Large
Office Manager
Board of Directors
Name
Professional Notation
Mary Beenken
Seminary Student/Pastoral Intern
Debra Christensen
Retired: Human Resources
Tricia Hall
Volunteer/Family Physician
Mark Holman
ELCA Pastor: Interim Assignments
Carolyn Kobler
Retired: Active Volunteer
Rick Meier
ELCA Pastor: Interim Assignments
Ann Moe
Retired: Art Teacher
Kyle Rudser
Associate Professor/Biostatistics
Paul Steen
Consultant
Nola Storm
Founder of Growing Together
Mark Tiede
ELCA Pastor: Parish Ministry
REVIEWED & CERTIFIED
Financial Accountability
LPGM has been reviewed by the Charities Review Council and we are proud to meet its Accountability Standards. To read our charity review report, visit the Charities Review Council.
LPGM is a gold-level participant of the GuideStar Exchange. 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.
June 27th, 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!