Lutheran family’s support is a precious gift

Earlier this year, Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) set an ambitious goal of protecting 1000 girls from child marriage in Africa by raising funds through its PRECIOUS campaign.

The campaign was launched in March by Mary Obara, the Lutheran World Federation Program Manager who leads ALWS action in Somalia and Kenya in Africa.

Mary toured Australia with ALWS, visiting more than 1500 people at congregations, schools and aged-care communities to thank our Lutheran family for its support over many years. She shared stories about the impact of that support in some of the world’s poorest places, including the refugee camps where she brings love to life for residents each day. She also explained how her Christian faith upholds her when she works in places where Christians may be targeted by terrorist extremists.

The ALWS goal was to raise enough money by Mother’s Day (10 May) to support 1000 girls in danger of child marriage, gender-based violence and harmful cultural practices.

Not only was the target reached by late April, but the PRECIOUS campaign is also now able to support three times the number of girls – with 3000 girls protected.

You can still give to this campaign. Go to www.alws.org.au/precious

ALWS has also produced a 10-minute video where Mary explains why the kindness of our Lutheran family is so precious in protecting girls. This video shares real stories from communities impacted by poverty and injustice. It includes references to gender-based violence, harmful cultural practices, and women’s health issues. Viewer discretion is advised. You can watch is it here.