In this episode of The Louisiana NOW podcast, we are joined by Dr. Carla Cardoza, President of Lydia Patterson Institute and Bishop Delores J. Williamston. In a powerful response to an unfolding immigration crisis affecting the Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI), the Council on Finance and Administration of The Louisiana Conference, in partnership with the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana, announced a $240,000 gift to support the El Paso-based United Methodist school.

The decision was made in an immediate series of meetings following emotional scenes at the 2025 Annual Conference, where LPI President Dr. Carla Cardoza broke down in tears during her address. Dr. Cardoza had just received news that the U.S. Consulate would no longer schedule visa interviews for students. It's a decision that could prevent 30% of LPI’s student body from attending school this fall.

Please call, write, or email your local, state, and federal officials. Urge them to restore access to student visa interviews and support educational institutions like LPI that stand at the intersection of faith, education, and opportunity. Lives are being shaped at LPI—let your voice be part of the story.

We continue to preview the 2025 Annual Conference. In this episode, we talk more about the Strategic Implementation Team. We are joined by Associate Lay Leader, Susie Cox and Rev. Dr. Van Stinson, Assistant to the Bishop.

We learn more about the SIT Team, what it is and what they've been up to this year. Formed in 2024 under the guidance of Bishop Delores J. Williamston, the Strategic Implementation Team is a key component of the conference's mission to adapt and thrive in changing times.

The team's formation followed a comprehensive Organizational Review, which identified key areas for strategic reorganization to better align the conference’s resources with its mission.

In this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we’re joined by Bishop Delores J. Williamston as she reflects on the theme of JOY, a guiding focus for the 2025 Annaul Conference. Bishop Williamston shares how joy is not only a personal source of strength but also a collective call for the Church in a time of healing, rebuilding, and hope.

We also catch up with the Bishop fresh off her journey to Jerusalem and the Holy Land. She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the pilgrimage—what it was like to walk where Jesus walked, the moments that moved her most, and how the experience will shape her leadership in the months ahead.

Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with laughter, deep insights, and a renewed sense of direction for the road ahead.