COVID-19

When Pastor Matt Anker, the LCA/NZ’s Assistant to the Bishop – International Mission, called on Lutheran pastors in Australia and New Zealand to support their brother pastors in the Philippines, he says the response was ‘breathtaking’.

by Jessica Smith

Staff from South Australia’s Lutheran aged-care providers didn’t hesitate to put up their hands when the call went out for personnel to assist in Victoria during the COVID-19 crisis, as part of the National Aged Care Emergency Response (NACER) program.

Despite a COVID-19 lockdown forcing a last-minute change, Stanley Roberts was ordained in unique circumstances as a Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) at Papunya in the NT. With LCA/NZ Bishop John Henderson unable to travel due to the snap lockdown, Stanley was ordained by another SMP.

by Pastor Matt Anker

In recent years I have witnessed the generosity of God’s people again and again. I’ve been blessed to see the LLL forgive a $75,000 loan to a congregation; humbled by a child sending the contents of her piggy bank to help build a much-needed church.

For many churches around the LCA/NZ, COVID-19 gathering and health restrictions may mean they are unable to host the large Christmas services or be involved in the big community events they usually do. Instead, faith communities have come up with new and innovative ways to worship.

Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS), has launched the ‘10,000 children … 100 days’ campaign to support children in refugee camps and other crisis situations to return to school when COVID-19 allows. ‘Our mission is to seek out those who might otherwise be forgotten’, says Jonathan Krause.