Bring your Love to Life

Photo: LWF Kenya

Your ministry of love for life!

ALWS – Australian Lutheran World Service – is the overseas aid and development agency of our Lutheran Church.

This ministry began more than 70 years ago, at Bonegilla Migrant Centre near Albury. The local Lutheran Pastor would minister to new arrivals from Europe, seeking a new life after the horrors of World War 2.

Do not forget those who are suffering, but imagine you are there with them.

ALWS (673,452 people in 2022). A special focus is caring for displaced people (198,242 people in 2022) at places like Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. Here, and everywhere you work through ALWS, our Lutheran ministry focuses on those who are most vulnerable, and in danger of being forgotten.

Hebrews 13:3b

That tradition of welcome, and care and compassion, has grown so our local Lutheran Church now reaches hundreds of thousands of people in the world’s least-developed countries through

Elderly.

Children. People with disabilities. Girls and women. Marginalised groups.

Together we bring love to life, so you are a blessing ALWayS!

Photo: AlburyCity Collection ARM 09.979

How your love can come to life!

The Lutheran Church has tasked ALWS with taking your practical care to where you are most needed, in places many would see as the most challenging on earth. Goats and chickens. Solar study lamps. Water pumps. Long Drop Loo. Start-up business loans. Climate-friendly farming. Social justice and human rights training. Leadership development ...

power. Not just the people you help in places like South Sudan, Nepal and Myanmar ...

Through ALWS, you give hands-on practical help, no strings attached, to those who need it most.

... but also through the example you set to those you love – your family, friends, children and grandchildren. In our world that is so self-focused, your Christian compassion shows your faith alive in actions, more powerful than words alone.

... your love becomes practical action that changes people’s lives.

Through your generosity, given in grace, people see love in all its

So, be encouraged and inspired by what you can do for others through ALWS – faraway, and close to home.

Let your love come to life!

Care about them as much as you care about yourselves.

Philippians 2:4

Photo: ALWS

Before your help ...

Stanistalan Bavuma leads his community in one of the poorest regions of Burundi, one of the five least-developed countries in the world. He has witnessed the life-transforming change you bring through your ALWS action.

“Before the Lutheran came here, there was no development. Many of the people were living in small huts, just covered in the grasses. We were drinking bad water from the streams. We could produce some food crops, but could not preserve the harvest.

“The adults could not read or write. Our children could not go to school.”

We also had a problem with erosion. There were no trees left. The women had to walk 5 kilometres to collect the firewood.

There was no road. When there was no road, people would die in their houses because there was no way to take them to the hospital. It was very difficult.

There was no respect amongst the people – no dignity. The leaders were excluding the women. The women could not give a speech or give ideas or suggestions. They had no voice. The women were oppressed, and had to do whatever the men said.

I felt ignorant in my heart and felt God had forsaken us.”

Photo: Helene Wikstrom

When Stani shared the change in his community’s life through ALWS, he was so filled with joy that he grabbed the hands of ALWS worker, Julie, and danced!

... after your kindness!

“When the Lutheran came, our lives changed.

They first visited our households to inquire how we are living, and then they started with the most poor.

Then they supported us to build a road, so we had a way to the hospital. They trained us to grow rice in the swamps and supported us with goats, cows, pigs and hens.

They trained some of us to teach others – how to farm and care for the livestock, how to grow bananas and pineapple. We learnt how to use the manure for fertiliser and how to add things to it correctly. We also began a tree

nursery to fight erosion.

We were taught about Savings and Loans. This helped me send my children to school because I could take a loan to buy uniforms and copy books.

We learned that women had to be a part of the meetings. Now there is more understanding between people. Men can now read, our children go to school, our women work together with us, and we listen to their ideas.

My wisdom to pass on: It is good to work together to bring unity. Be obedient to the leaders. All contribute, so that we feel that it is OURS! I feel very joyful.”

Photo: Helene Wikstrom

Safe and Supported

When disaster happens – earthquake, tsunami, conflict – tragically the hurt is worse when it happens in a developing country. Families who are already poor have no resources to fall back on. Their country’s government may be unable to respond.

Through ALWS, you can be there when you are needed most. ALWS partners with churches from around the world to take your kindness and care quickly to people in danger.

You provide emergency shelter, clean drinking water, safe latrines, food supplies and medical kits. And when the media’s cameras have moved on, through ALWS you stay behind to help people build a better future.

Your lifesaving assistance is life-transforming!

Independent and Thriving

Just like you, the people you help through ALWS want to live independent lives. Food to eat. A safe place to live. Clean water to drink. They want their children to go to school, so they can break free of poverty forever. They are willing to do the hard work – they just need someone to support them.

That’s where you can step in through ALWS. Your generosity can support women in South Sudan to start a business, like a restaurant ... teach climate-friendly modern farming methods so a farmer in Burundi can triple their harvest ... train a young person in practical skills their community needs.

Your support for building livelihoods is a gift for a lifetime.

Photo: LWF Nepal

Photo: ALWS

Equipped and Empowered

For a child in a refugee camp in Kenya, the education you provide through ALWS is life-transforming.

First, school helps a child recover from trauma – by making friends, having a routine, learning new things, playing. This is how a child can see life can be ‘normal’ again.

Second, education is a gift no one can ever take away!

The equipping you do through ALWS is not limited to children. You empower people from marginalised groups – like the Dalit in Nepal, the Batwa in Burundi, the Rohingya in Myanmar - to understand their human rights, and take effective action to gain them!

These are some of the quality services you provide through ALWS!

Found, not forgotten

Jesus sought out those people the world overlooks, or rejects, or simply forgets.

Children. Women. The elderly. The sick. People with leprosy, or disability. People their community condemned as being unworthy of care.

In the same way, through ALWS you look for those people in danger of being forgotten by the world. They suffer the physical hurt of being the most vulnerable, and the extra burden of feeling no one cares. As your love comes into their life, they see they are precious.

You bring protection and social inclusion, and this renews hope as you help them live life ‘in all its fulness’ (John 10:10b).

Photo: LWF Somalia

Photo: LWF / Denise Akun

How joy grows

For more than 20 years, Paul has grown plants to sell at weekend markets and country Shows, to help people through ALWS. With the support of friends Rex and Claire, Paul’s garden has now grown to provide $550,000 of ALWS aid!

“Ours is a world that brings joy to many, and sorrows for others. Sorrows of nature with the floods, earthquakes and fires, and the man-made sorrows of wars and violence. For ALWS, more cries of help must be coming your way. May God give you great wisdom to know where He wants our help to change sorrows to joys. Jesus focused His love and assistance to the poor and suffering. He brought joy to them, and so do you.” -

Paul, Gardener

See what someone ...

Smiles for school

When ALWS visited Jess’s school – Trinity Lutheran in Queensland – the Grade 6 student was inspired. Jess decided it was time for action, and her Christmas kindness raised $500 to help through Gifts of Grace.

“Mum and Dad had often said that Christmas is a time for giving. When it came close to Christmas, they asked me what I wanted. I said straightaway that I didn’t want anything for myself, I wanted to raise money for ALWS Gifts of Grace. I made up a note to send to my extended family and Godparents telling them what I wanted to do. I was very keen to make one of the gifts the All Set for School pack as I love books and love learning and going to school. It made me sad to think that some children don’t have that opportunity, so I was very glad I could help them!” - Jess, Grade 6

Photo: ALWS

Photo: Celia Auckland

Take the Cake!

Cornerstone College in Mt Barker SA, held their 7th annual Great Bake-Off and received 52 entries for their creative cakes competition. The most exciting cakes are judged, then all the cakes sold slice by slice to raise money - $2,217 for Somalia!

“We are always incredibly heartened by the commitment students show on days like this. Not only do they step up and produce wonderful and inventive items to share with their peers and teachers, but they also whole-heartedly take part in selling/buying every single slice of cake to raise funds to help those in need. We are very excited that our donation will help Somali children go to school, and have the porridge each day that can protect them from the threat of famine.” -

Morgan, Teacher

Make your mark(et)! ... just like you can do!

When St John’s Lutheran Church in Perth decided to hold a Christmas Market for their community, and to help people through ALWS, it was a team effort. Multiple Lutheran congregations cooked, donated ingredients, offered labour - and raised $8,363.61 for ALWS action!

“As I came to faith in Jesus, the kindness, hospitality and generosity of Lutherans who used their time, energy and effort to support and spiritually nourish me, completely transformed my life. The Christmas Market was a great way to get the church community actively involved in working together to sow the Gospel Seed in the wider local community. It was also a way to do something really fun with fellow Lutherans, and help many people in need by supporting ALWS at the same time!” - Maria, Coordinator

Photo: Cornerstone College

Photo: ALWS

Before your help ...

Thanks to people like you, Manju Dagaura from a marginalised community in Kailali in Nepal is part of a Women’s Group receiving training in vegetable farming from a Lutheran-supported team. Manju leads the group of 22, and says life is changing.

“Before this training I was doing fishing, and daily labour in construction of houses – carrying bricks and sand.

contractor would not pay me. The work was hard. I had to carry a heavy load and it was not a safe work environment.

“I used to feel unpleasant about working hard and being tired.”

It was long hours. I would wake up early in the morning, cook food for our family, get to the construction site on time. If I was late, the

I would have to leave my family for longer hours. For a lot of women, there was no time left for the children. Before, I had to ask my husband for money. I couldn’t buy the clothes that I wanted for the children, or the food that they needed. I used to have a lot of stress not being able to fulfil the needs of the house and family.”

Photo: ALWS

... after your kindness!

“Since being in the group, I have learnt many skills of growing vegetables I didn’t know before.

We used to do traditional farming. We didn’t used to divide the land into plots – but now we do. We use plastic to stop the weeds. This saves time. And it is easier to get the water into the trenches.

Since the training, I am more confident and can speak in front of people which I couldn’t do before. Now I can, it makes me happy.

“Since the training, I am more confident ... ”

Since the training, we are producing more and earning more. I am helping with the household expenses, and to pay for stationery and school bills. I can also now support my Mother-in-law, so she can be independent too.

I am happy with the changes.

The males in the community appreciate our work. They ask us to teach other women. And the men are interested in it too. Now we are asked to be on committees in the community and at the school.

This has changed my life and also the community. Without this, my life would be limited to labour. I am very happy.

I would like to thank you for supporting us to improve life.”

Photo: ALWS

Gifts to grow grace

Through ALWS Gifts of Grace, you can give beautiful meaning-filled gifts that will delight your family and friends PLUS help a person in the developing world PLUS earn you a tax deduction. A pig in Burundi. A fishing net in South Sudan. Schoolbooks in Somalia. You receive a Card that is your gift to those you love, while the ALWS action the Grace Card represents goes to work helping transform someone’s life. alws.org.au/grace

Increase your impact

Because ALWS is fully accredited by the Australian Government, your kindness can be matched with 5:1 Government Grants for your ALWS action in some of the world’s least developed countries. The Government describes the 5:1 Grant in this way:

Every donation you make to this project will be combined with funding from the Australian Government to reach more people. ALWS has committed to contribute $1 for every $5 received from the Australian government. Your donation will allow us to extend our programs.

Your impact is SIX TIMES your donation - and fully tax-deductible!

Just for you ...

... a new ALWS program that invites you to donate one hour each month to help people in developing communities start their own business. Simply choose what hour of each month you’d like to donate of your wage / pension / pocket money. PLUS, your monthly gift is matched with 5:1 Government Grant, so your impact is SIX TIMES! PLUS, each month, at the hour you have chosen, you receive a success story of someone helped because you gave ‘just one hour’!

… so refugee children can step in to school. Each year, you can join an ALWS Walk My Way event. Whether you step out in the main event, that moves from state to state ... or organise your own walk, in your own way, with family or church or school ... each $26 you raise can support a refugee child in school for a year. School books. Pencils and paper. School-desks and uniforms. Training for teachers. Support to make sure children with disabilities don’t miss out. Find out more at walkmyway.org.au

Farm it forward

If you’re a farmer yourself ... you can donate a part of your harvest. As you manage your grain in your bulk handler, simply transfer an amount to ALWS. You can do this at the silo using the ALWS NGR # (below) OR on-line using a ‘Warehouse to Warehouse’ grain transfer form from your bulk handler.

ALWS NGR #: 13363329

‘Buyer’ name: ALWS

Address: PO Box 488 Albury NSW 2640

Phone: 02 6021 5329

Contact: Shane Buckland

Your grain will be combined with that from other generous Australian farmers, and sold for the best return immediately after harvest. ALWS will then report back to you.

If you simply have a heart for farmers ... you can take up a Farm Partnership in one of the world’s poorest countries – Burundi. Your 12 months support trains groups of 30 farmers in modern climate-friendly farming methods, so they can increase harvest and become independent. The 12 months support is $100 per week, fully tax-deductible.

Stepping

ALWS offers two ways you can directly help farmers in developing countries grow their business

Photo: LWF Burundi

Photo: ALWS

Blessed to bless

“We came from fairly ordinary Lutheran families and neither of our families had any money.

Dorothy’s mum very much had the spirit of helping others. Robin was one of eleven, so things were more family focused. We can’t really remember when we started supporting ALWS, which I guess means that it just became part of our lifestyle.

ALWS feels personal, and not a big corporation.

“ALWS is ‘prayer in action’ - not just expecting God to fix it, it’s His Spirit empowering us to be a part of His work. We are God’s hands and feet.”

It’s important to us that all are supported, and not just tied to people being religious. We are passionate about education for girls, including the Muslim girls and the refugees who might be forgotten.

We made Wills ages ago when the kids were teenagers and included ALWS then.

“With ALWS we love seeing that this little community here is supporting a community over where we are needed.”

We knew ALWS was a worthwhile charity. Part of it was knowing that lots of money wasn’t being ‘sucked up’ in administration. We know our help gets to the people who need it.

We like that ALWS responds to disasters in our world, and supports women who are widowed, or alone, to start a small business of their own.

A couple of years ago we re-did parts of our Will to make it more specific. So now we are leaving a third of our Will to ALWS. We know ALWS does great work and we are happy we can help that work continue.

We’ve been blessed and so we hope that our money can bless others.”

Robin and Dorothy Mann, ALWS Lives you touch Ambassadors

How do you want to be remembered?

A gift in your Will to help others through ALWS is a wonderful way to show the people you care about the values you hold most dear.

You can talk to your family about your plans now, so they can see why your work through ALWS is important to you.

ALWS understands this is a sensitive subject, but you can be reassured that planning your Will carefully and clearly, with professional guidance, will relieve your family of worry, and free them to celebrate your life in the way you’d wish them to.

You are welcome to request this FREE booklet that explains the blessing a gift in your Will to help people through ALWS will be.

Ready to take next step? It’s simple:

1. Consult a legal practitioner about your Will, and leaving a gift in your Will to help others through ALWS, after you have taken care of your family.

2. Talk to your family about your plans, so they can share the joy with you in what you will do to help others.

3. Your legal practitioner can then use the wording that follows to express your wishes:

“I hereby bequeath to the Lutheran World Service – Overseas Aid Fund of the Australian Lutheran World Service of Somerset Drive, Albury New South Wales (insert your bequest here - the whole of my estate / the residue of my estate / % of my estate / sum of $... / description of property) to be used by ALWS in its mission of mercy to people who are the most vulnerable, and in danger of being forgotten, in the world’s developing countries”.

4. Tell us you have decided to leave a gift in your Will to ALWS. This means we can thank you properly, and update you on what your future gift will do for the people you help.

5. When the time comes, ALWS will prepare a Commemorative Book for your family so they can see the life-transforming work your gift in Will carries on, and share in the joy as they honour your memory.

If you have any questions ... or would like help to do a FREE on-line Will ... simply contact ALWS on: 1300 763 407 • alws@alws.org.au

Now you can keep blessing others with a gift in your Will to ALWS

Walls come down

Your church building in Australia may look different from this church in South Sudan, where our Lutheran Church reaches out through ALWS ...

... but there are no walls holding back your ALWS action.

Your Christian love shines bright where you are needed most. In places like Nepal, where you care for Hindu communities. In Somalia, for Muslim families. In Myanmar, for Buddhist.

Because your care is given freely, you become a powerful witness to the Source of the love you share. Together, our love comes to life!

fully accredited by the Australian Government signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct

five year average for ‘overheads’* is 15.7% donations are tax-deductible

* ‘Overheads’ are fundraising and administration costs according to the ACFID Code of Conduct

Find out more. Ask questions. Invite a speaker.

1300 763 407 alws.org.au

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

1 John 3:16

Photo: ALWS