ADRA in the Thick of It

As you can well imagine, ADRA has been...well...thriving, for want of a better word through 2020.

While the circumstances have not been good, through God’s grace, relationships have been built, church members have become more active as they have volunteered their time, and bridges have connected ADRA, as Christ’s hands and feet, with the wider community.

Just this year, since the pandemic was announced, eleven churches not previously active in this way, have joined forces with ADRA. Most started with the goal to provide food for the needy, however with Rebecca’s encouragement, their influence has expanded as they have liaised with other Conference departments to offer more, such as healthy eating and depression and anxiety recovery programs.

In the wider humanitarian aid community, ADRA has developed a reputation for its reliable support. After its support in the Bairnsdale region during and after the fires earlier this year, when the pandemic began spreading in Melbourne, the Shire nominated ADRA Bairnsdale to be linked with the COVID hotline for those needing deliveries of food and care parcels. The organisers of the Queen Victoria Market have expressed gratitude The Welcome Place sent a letter of commendation. (Use QR code on page 2 for full story).

Normally October would have seen our churches out collecting. Without the annual income from the Appeal and our Op Shops remaining closed for most of the year – ADRA needs your help more than ever. .

You are still welcome to raise funds for the ADRA Appeal – it does not need to be just in October. Go to www.adra.org.au/ hangon where you can donate, or register to fundraise and ADRA will get you started.