Making a difference

Pastor Adrian Raethel - NNSW Conference president

As readers and students of Bible prophecy, it shouldn’t surprise us that the frequency and severity of natural disasters seems to be increasing. We don’t even need to look overseas. Just reflect on what has occurred within the state of NSW over the last 3 years: severe drought, widespread fires and record-breaking floods, not to mention the global pandemic. Our Church is blessed to have ADRA Australia working both within our country and overseas. Below are some highlights from the 2021/22 annual report. Over the course of the last financial year:

• Over $424,000 has been raised to support flood victims in NSW and QLD;

• Over 2,000 volunteers have contributed 371,438 hours of time;

• The 93 community projects across the country have impacted 249,443 people.

In addition, ADRA Australia works with communities in the Pacific, Asia and Africa to bring transformative change. Overseas, their work is primarily focused in the areas of health, livelihoods and disasters.

• ADRA Australia supports 48 international projects across 23 countries that have positively impacted 722,828 people;

• The total amount of international aid and development program expenditure is $8,273,600;

• ADRA Australia has responded to 17 disasters in 19 countries.

ADRA Australia is working to strengthen its relationship with local churches. A key focus area is resourcing local churches to be “disaster ready”, so that members can be prepared to respond quickly and support their local communities when disasters occur.

Thank you for your on-going support of ADRA Australia.

PHOTO: Neville (right) is a retired maths teacher who faithfully gives of his time as the ADRA leader at his local church. Like every other week of his life, he was ready to serve his community during this difficult time. He is pictured sorting through donated goods to be distributed to those affected by flooding in Lismore.