Lutheran love brings life-giving water to Ethiopia

In August 2024, the Lutheran Church’s overseas aid agency, Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS), asked the Australian Lutheran family to help build a 635-metre-long irrigation canal in Ethiopia.

The goal? To provide a year-round secure irrigation water supply for 223 farm families facing severe drought. Etagegne, one of the farmers to benefit, shared: ‘I was poor because I have low levels of livelihood and face shortages of food and basic necessities.’

Thanks to the generosity of Lutherans here in Australia and the hard work of the community in Ethiopia, the taps were turned on in November.

Now, three months later, crops are flourishing! Families can provide food for their families. Farmers like Etagegne are full of confidence for the future, “Our eyes opened, our muscles stretched, our stressed minds relaxed. We held onto bright hope for the future’.

This year, ALWS gives thanks for 75 years of Lutheran ministry and service.

While these are challenging times for many, the life-giving water in Ethiopia is evidence of the impact our church can make as we step out together in faith to bring love to life!

To learn more about our church’s 75 years of service through ALWS, go to www.alws75.org.au