On a Mission
ABM e-news April 2025
ABM acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this article and its website links may contain images or names of people who have passed away.
This Lent, help us end violence against women in Zambia and around the world
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In Zambia, 36% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence at least once since the age of 15. Our partner, Zambia Anglican Council, is working hard to change this statistic: their innovative Gender Program has even featured on Zambian TV (Watch here)! By empowering women economically, raising awareness and convening Gender Action Committees and Groups, their work is restoring dignity and peace. This Lent, you can be a part of this vital work, not just in Zambia but across the world. To learn more about how to support our women’s empowerment work in PNG, the Philippines, Kenya and Vanuatu, click here.
ABM AID stands with the Diocese of Jerusalem through the Good Friday Gift
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Image: Mosaic in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem. © Stephen Daughtry, ABM
Since 1918 and the aftermath of World War I, Australians have looked to the Holy Land on Good Friday. There today, in the place where Jesus was crucified, we see despair and conflict. Yet amidst war and devastation, the Diocese of Jerusalem is doing the work that is needed – operating schools and hospitals, caring for people’s needs, spreading a message of love and hope. This Good Friday, we in Australia have an opportunity to show our solidarity with the church in the Holy Land through our Good Friday Gift. Funds raised will go towards repairs of a school.
ABM AID launches Myanmar earthquake emergency appeal
More than 3,000 people have been killed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday 28 March. The quake flattened large parts of Myanmar's two largest cities, with rescuers continuing recovery efforts. In response to a call for help from ABM’s local partner, the Church of the Province of Myanmar, we launched an emergency appeal within 24 hours. ABM AID is raising funds for emergency relief efforts in Mandalay and Taungoo, where the situation is dire. Food packs, water and mosquito nets are the immediate needs of those displaced by the earthquake.
Image: Buildings flattened by the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar © CPM.
Thinkers and dreamers meet in New Norcia, WA
From 19 to 21 March a group of thinkers and dreamers met at the monastery town of New Norcia to reimagine ABM for the next 25 years – or more. This was part of an ongoing process, as we took time to prayerfully reflect on where we have been – and where God is calling us, as a church and as ABM/AID.
The thinkers and dreamers meeting at the New Norcia Monastery © ABM/Brad Chapman.
ABM’s 1751 Anniversary celebrated in the Diocese of The Murray
Anglicans from Mannum and Murray Bridge parishes joined together to celebrate ABM’s 175th anniversary over worship and lunch.
Over 50 people gathered at St Andrew’s Mannum on Sunday 30 March to start the celebrations of ABM’s 175th anniversary with worship, a shared lunch and a presentation by ABM’s Key Relationships Manager, Meagan Schwarz.
The Revd Bruce Hicks (centre purple shirt) invites people forward for communion with the Rev’d Daniel Irvine (far right) assisting © Matt McCue used with permission.
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‘Lunch & Learn’ at St Paul’s Church, Manuka, Supports the Myanmar Emergency Appeal
More than forty parishioners and visitors attended the ‘Lunch & Learn’ fundraising event presented on Sunday 23 March by ABM in conjunction with Mission and Refugee Support Team at St Paul’s Church, Manuka, in Canberra. They were treated to a light lunch of authentic Burmese food prepared by Colin Bannerman and a presentation by Lyn Bannerman and ABM supporter Tony Naake telling stories drawn from ABM’s pilgrimage to Myanmar in 2020.
Partners Praying Together
Join us as we pray for the joint work between the Anglican Church of Kenya and ABM AID, and for those who empower it by their support:
Holy and Indivisible Trinity, we honour your Name and we bless you for the collaboration undertaken in Kenya between ABM AID and Anglican Development Services Eastern, as well as between ABM AID and the Diocese of Eldoret, supported by the Diocese of Perth.
Thank you for the supporters who empower farmers to thrive in a changing climate.
Thank you for those supporters who champion inclusion for people living with disabilities.
Thank you for the supporters who expand educational opportunities for vulnerable children.
May they, and the work they sustain, be always in your sight, Trinity of Love – our Creator, our Saviour, our Sanctifier.