Hope Spot 2 – Blow your own horn?

The aid work you do through ALWS takes you to places you may not expect. 

Like Magwi in South Sudan (you can see the challenges for 4WD aid delivery) …

… and Traralgon in Victoria (I’ll explain the tuba in a moment).

I need to start with some difficult news.

The new administration in the US is making sweeping changes to the way the country helps people in the world’s poorest communities. This includes a 90 day pause in USAID funding.

This is already having a direct impact on projects
you and I are part of through ALWS.

You can see this in the email we received yesterday from Mika Jokivuori, who leads the LWF team you support in South Sudan:

You can see I’ve highlighted the impact on children, and their education.

That’s because this year, as ALWS gives thanks for 75 years of service …

… we mark this by aiming to support 75,000 children with school, food and safety. Just like the children in South Sudan, now at risk.

You and I can’t change the US funding cuts …

… but we can keep helping child by child, knowing each child is precious.

On average, it costs $25 to provide essentials like school, food and safety for a child in places like South Sudan, Ukraine and Nepal.

You are welcome to donate now and be part of our goal to support 75,000 children to mark 75 years of ALWS service.

That is exactly what the Lutheran community in Traralgon in Victoria did.

Last Saturday, they held their annual Summer Sizzler, and had 26 people come together to enjoy a day of fun, food and fellowship – including thong-throwing …

… a barbecue and salads lunch, and then a Best Desserts competition …

… which Michael (on the right) was disappointed not to win, despite adding mint leaves to his green jelly!

That’s when the tuba came out as part of a Talent Show, helping make the Summer Sizzler fun for everyone …

… and at the same time raising $2,500 to help people through ALWS.

That’s enough to provide school, food and safety
for 100 children, like those at risk in South Sudan!

When the world faces big challenges, and confusing times …

… the kindness and compassion of people like those 26 at Traralgon – and you – can show the way. Each person doing their bit, what they can, how they want, where they are.

I know you won’t like to ‘blow your own horn’, so let me do it for you, and thank you for being a blessing, ALWayS!

PS: ALWS has a Prayer Partners Network, and this month’s Prayer List had a Bible verse that I find a real encouragement at challenging times like these:

“Do not be anxious about anything,
But in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7