‘Love with skin on’: God’s love in action

Last week, Australia marked Refugee Week – a time to recognise the courage, strength and hopes of people forced to flee their homes.

For our Lutheran Church, it was a reminder that love comes to life in practical ways, near and far: through the service of local churches welcoming refugees in Australia and through our church family taking action to protect vulnerable refugee girls in Somalia.

For the members of St John’s Lutheran Church Unley in suburban Adelaide, love came to life in a very real way last month when Somali refugees Abdale, Madina and their six children arrived in Adelaide. After months of waiting, they were warmly welcomed by a team from the congregation that had been preparing since early 2025.

For 18 months, the faithful team at St John’s Unley had prayed, raised funds, furnished a home and prepared for this moment. There were delays and challenges along the way. But when the family finally came through the airport doors, they were met with smiles, practical care and a ready home.

Arriving from the heat of East Africa into the start of an Adelaide winter, Abdale, Madina and their children were grateful for the practical care of warm clothing and bedding.

Glenice Hartwich, a member of the St John’s Community Refugee Integration Support Program (CRISP) team, says it has been ‘a joy and a privilege to be God’s love with skin on’. ‘We have seen his care in every step – in the people, the gifts, the home, the friendships and the strength he has given for each day,’ she says.

At the same time, our Lutheran family is reaching across the world with love in action to protect refugee girls in Somalia. Through ALWS, our church’s international aid and development agency, we are protecting refugee girls from child marriage by supporting them to stay in school, with special support for girls living with disability. Through practical care, including dignity kits, physical therapy, disability support and school access, we are helping young girls stay safe and thrive.

These are two examples of love in action – near and far – as God works through his people to welcome, support and serve others.

If you would like to support refugee girls in Somalia through ALWS, you can make a tax-time gift before 30 June at alws.org.au/schoolandsafety

If your congregation would like to explore welcoming a refugee family in your community, contact ALWS at alws@alws.org.au

Aaron Glover is the Community Engagement Manager at ALWS.