That IS how you make porridge … and fight famine

When Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) Board members and staff met in Albury, New South Wales, recently to mark 75 years since the Lutheran Church’s ministry to refugees in Australia began, there was no grand party to celebrate the milestone. Instead, they shared bowls of porridge for breakfast, followed by a thanksgiving service!

Cooked by Community Action Manager Jonathan Krause, the porridge was made to the same recipe used by ALWS’ international partners to feed children threatened by famine in Somalia. In lieu of payment, staff and guests donated to ALWS’ 18:1 Matching Grant, with every $10 funding a year’s education (including a daily meal of porridge) for a child in Somalia.

Renowned community leader the Reverend Tim Costello was the guest speaker for the gathering and keenly joined the breakfast. The leader of the Help Fight Famine campaign through interdenominational advocacy group Micah Australia, Rev Tim reflected on Jeremiah 29 and ALWS’ commitment to global justice in his message. He also encouraged those gathered to continue to serve as God’s hands and feet wherever they are placed.

Led by LCANZ Assistant Bishop Neville Otto, the thanksgiving service was held at ALWS’ head office in Albury, only 30-minutes’ drive from the Bonegilla Resettlement Centre where thousands of European Lutheran refugees were temporarily housed after World War II. The pastoral support provided to these Lutheran refugees 75 years ago by local Lutheran Pastor Bruno Muetzelfeld began the Lutheran Church’s ministry to refugees – and was the forerunner to the establishment of what became the LCA’s overseas aid and development agency – ALWS.

Why not hold your own ‘Power Porridge Party’ and support children at risk due to the famine in the Horn of Africa? For more information, download this handy infographic, go to the ALWS website or call 1300 763 407.