Attend an ALWS Asante event near you

Asante is the Swahili word for ‘thank you’! 

It’s a word you often hear when you visit the Australian Lutheran World Services (ALWS) projects in the Horn of Africa. In Amharic, the language of Ethiopia, you’ll hear ‘Yehemin sew’, which means ‘I am grateful’.

This month, there are a number of ALWS Asante events being held around Australia. Be inspired by Sophie Gebreyes, who leads the ALWS ministry in Ethiopia (home to 10 million Lutherans!). Poverty, war, drought and the influx of refugees from Sudan mean your kindness and compassion are critical in saving lives.

ADELAIDE ASANTE EVENTS

When: Tuesday 20 August, 1.15pm for a 1.30pm start
Where: Glynde Lutheran Church,15–17 Glynburn Road, Glynde
RSVP: Friday 16 August 2024

When: Wednesday 21 August, 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start
Where: Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 32 Taylors Road West, Aberfoyle Park
RSVP: Friday 16 August 2024

BRISBANE ASANTE EVENT

When: Saturday 17 August 2024, 9.00am for 9.30am start
Where: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Rogers Parade West, Everton Park
RSVP: Friday 9 August 2024

CANBERRA ASANTE EVENT

When: Saturday 24 August 2024, 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start
Where: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Corner Emu Bank & Eastern Valley Way, Belconnen
RSVP: Friday 16 August 2024

To RSVP to any event or for more information, please call 1300 763 407 or email alws@alws.org.au

Learn more about Sophie Gebreyes here.

Prayer points

The following prayer points were shared by ALWS partners in South Sudan:

• Peace: South Sudan is scheduled for general elections in December 2024. Elections in South Sudan are usually characterised by post-election violence from opposing parties, so praying for peace is important.
• Climate-induced flooding from the River Nile: In 2020, South Sudan experienced severe flooding. Communities are still recovering from the effects of the 2020 floods. During recent visits, alerts have been issued, indicating potentially severe flooding due to rising water levels in Lake Victoria in upstream countries. There is a need to pray that the impact of this year’s floods is not severe and for the safety of all communities along the Nile.
• Refugee crisis: The ongoing Sudan War has intensified and moved closer to the border with South Sudan. Refugee numbers in South Sudan continue to grow, and access to basic services remains a challenge for both refugees and host communities.
• Inter-communal conflicts: Unfortunately, South Sudan still experiences inter-communal conflict, leading to loss of lives and property. Pray for the change of hearts and stability among these communities.
• Access to basic services, like water, medical treatment, education, food and housing, remains a huge challenge in a country recovering from decades of civil war. These are made worse by inflation and the economic hardships that the country is currently going through.