In February, our group of South Central Jurisdictional Foundations traveled to El Paso, TX to visit our shared ministry, the Lydia Patterson Institute, or La Lydia as it is fondly known locally. We toured the middle/high school, experienced the "walk in their shoes", and collaborated with LPI board members.

As a former "solely congregationally focused" church member, I did not know how connectional the United Methodist Church could be in our Conference, Jurisdiction, World. There is so much more to our denomination than only our home church. And I'm excited to share our experience with you, so that you know all the wonderful programs and ministries out there, that need all of our help!

Founded in 1913, Lydia Patterson Institute was established by Mrs. Lydia Patterson, a Methodist lay leader who sought to uplift Hispanic children in her community by providing them with educational opportunities they otherwise would not have had. Students from Juarez, Mexico travel across the border 5 days a week for school. LPI is committed to providing an environment where Christian faith, values, and knowledge converge to give students a cross-cultural, academic, and state-of-the-art education by creating opportunities to develop skills to succeed and transform a changing world.

In addition to educational, artistic, and athletic offerings, students and staff engage in weekly chapel time, led musically by a praise band comprised of all LPI students. For students, like Brittany, a junior at LPI, the school offers not only a rigorous academic curriculum, but also a chance to develop as a global leader. "I love this school and all the people I've met," Brittany shares. "We're all here for the same purpose - to learn, to be prepared for college, and to shape our future. We are united like a family, supported by our teachers and staff. They've also taught us that we have a responsibility to be leaders and give back."

President Dr. Carla Cardoza emphasizes the courage and resilience of LPI's students, many of whom are learning a new language and adapting to life in a new country. "These students are stepping away from everything they've ever known to embark on a rigorous academic and spiritual journey that challenges them to think about how to become global leaders and leaders in their faith communities," she says. Dr. Cardoza is proud that 98% of LPI graduates attend colleges across the United States.

You can learn more about LPI at their website. Nebraska United Methodist Foundation also holds an endowment fund dedicated to LPI. You can donate here to contribute to LPI through NUMF or contact us to learn about their wish list and scholarship needs.