Bishop Williamston Witnesses Hope, Resilience at Lydia Patterson Institute

by

Practicing Faith

July 10, 2025

Bishop Delores J. Williamston recently returned from a visit to Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI) in El Paso, Texas, where she witnessed firsthand the unwavering commitment of the staff and students at the United Methodist school located on the U.S.-Mexico border.

The visit followed an emotional moment at the 2025 Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, where LPI President Dr. Carla Cardoza shared that the U.S. Consulate would no longer schedule visa interviews for many of LPI’s students, threatening the ability of nearly 30% of the student body to attend in the fall.

Dr. Cardoza’s tears from the stage deeply moved the entire conference, prompting a $240,000 gift from the Louisiana Conference in partnership with the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana.

Now, having seen the school in person, Bishop Williamston offered heartfelt reflections.

“It is very evident at LPI that the staff and leaders have a deep love and commitment for their mission to educate the students who attend,” Bishop Williamston said.

She described a school community that accompanies its students every step of the way. “From the moment a potential student and their family walks through the doors, regardless of what grade they start, LPI will journey with them through graduation and beyond. LPI truly wants each student to succeed in their educational journey.”

What stood out most during her visit? A spirit of joy.

“It was great to witness JoY in action as the staff told their stories of working at LPI,” said Bishop Williamston. “A couple of the staff persons, and LPI alumni, went to work at LPI over 40 years ago. They were excited about LPI then and still today! What a witness! Even through past and current-day challenges, JoY is in the air at LPI and in every action they take to help the children go to a Christian school.”

That joy was not limited to the staff. Bishop Williamston spoke with several students eligible to enroll for the new school year and described their spirit as “tangibly joyful.”

One encounter in particular left a lasting impression.

“I was struck by one student, Luis,” she said. “He shared that it takes him one hour to get from home to the bridge, then he waits to pass through border control, which could take a few hours, and then walks another 20 minutes to the school. And he was still excited to attend LPI!”

When Bishop Williamston asked Luis why he was excited, his answer was simple and profound: “Why wouldn’t I be excited? I’m excited about the love, the school, the people, and the teachers who really help us and care for us at school.”

“These students’ faith and commitment to learning and reaching for better opportunities were heart-stirring,” Bishop Williamston added. “I was moved that they did not complain as they told their stories.”

She emphasized that the mission of LPI extends beyond El Paso, serving as a call to action for United Methodists everywhere.

“Ministries like LPI are needed not just in El Paso, but in our own backyards. To continue holding concern for children in our neighborhoods is what we are called to do, with action,” she said. “For us in Louisiana, and as disciples of Jesus Christ serving in the United Methodist faith tradition, we can reach out to our teachers, students, and families who are in need. We must ask: what is it we, the Church, can do in times like these to better prepare our children for the future?”

Bishop Williamston lifted up a challenge rooted in the legacy of the school’s namesake.

“It only takes one person with a passion and desire—like Lydia Patterson—to do something that makes a difference in the lives of others. And to act, as she did in her short life of 58 years, so that those children who daily walk across the bridge can experience something tangible in Jesus Christ: that all persons are worthy of God’s love, respect, and grace.”

WAYS TO GIVE Outside Louisiana Conference

  • Click here to help.
  • Give by Text: Text DONATE to 915-292-2200
  • Mail check to Lydia Patterson Institute / P.O. Box 11 / El Paso, TX 79999
  • Advocate: Please contact your elected officials and urge them to support a fair and timely resolution to the student visa changes affecting LPI and other border schools. Your voice matters.

Todd Rossnagel is director of communications for the Louisiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. This article is republished with permission from the conference website.