On a Mission
ABM e-news December 2024
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.
2024 Advent and Christmas Appeal
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Our 2024 Advent and Christmas appeal highlights the unique education work of two of ABM AID’s partners, the Anglican Diocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka, and Gawura in Sydney.
You can join us in making a difference this Advent and Christmas, bringing to life the angel’s message to the shepherds of peace, hope, and reconciliation, through the gift of education and empowerment. To learn more, or to donate, go to www.abmission.org/advent2024.
Vanuatu Earthquake Appeal
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Emergency Appeal Launched for People Affected by the Vanuatu Earthquake
ABM AID has just launched an emergency appeal for those who have been affected by the 17 December earthquake that hit near Port Vila, causing deaths, injury, and destruction of buildings and other infrastructure in Vanuatu’s capital city and surrounds.
We ask you to pray for all people affected, and for our partner, the Anglican Church of Melanesia, and especially for the Diocese of Vanuatu and New Caledonia, as it responds to the tragedy.
Our emergency appeal, which will be updated as more information is received, can be found here.
Project Update:
Good Friday Gift Impact
Imagine having a hearing impairment and also living in a refugee camp.
Nine Syrian children living in refugee camps in Jordan and 11 Jordanian children and young people from vulnerable communities in Salt (13 boys and seven girls) were fitted with hearing aids and earmolds as a result of your generosity in contributing to the ABM AID Good Friday Gift this year.
Read more about the impacts of the project here
Image: A hearing technician takes Anfal’s earmold measurement. © Holy Land Institute for the Deaf. Used with permission.
A Story for All The Year Round
If you haven’t done so already, you may wish to purchase Caravan. ABM’s Stephen Daughtry has produced yet another wonderful study, ideal for the period Advent to Epiphany, but which can be read at any time of year.
Caravan is beautifully written by Stephen and illustrated by artist Vanessa Daughtry. At $12.00 each, order now to start your Caravan adventure soon, or any time!
Caravan is a book of incarnational stories based on the birth of Christ but set in an Australian landscape. It is written in a way that allows it to be used as a study for groups or individuals. CARAVAN reframes and throws new light on the stories we think we know backwards, and asks the question, “Could it have happened here and now? In Australia?” Only $12 a copy, with $12 postage, regardless of whether you buy one copy or 100! Professionally recorded audiobook versions of all the stories are also available online at www.youtube.com/@AnglicanBoardMIssion
To learn more, please go here.
Gaza Update
Since October 2023, ABM AID has been supporting our partner, the Diocese of Jerusalem, as it continues to respond to people affected by the ongoing war in Gaza and the West Bank. We ask that you continue to join us in praying for an end to hostilities and a just and lasting peace.
ABM Pilgrimage to Sri Lanka
In October this year, a small group of ABM pilgrims left Sydney for a transformational visit to Sri Lanka. During the trip, the pilgrims travelled extensively in the country, experiencing its beauty and history, meeting members of the Anglican Church of Ceylon, and learning about the work of the church and the challenges faced.
One of the pilgrims, Christopher Godfrey (centre back of photo) has written about the experience. Read more about it here.
Annual Report
Did you know that during the last financial year, ABM AID supported 6,787 people to improve their access to clean drinking water? Or that we contributed to improved livelihoods for 11,503 people around the world?
You can read about these and other achievements of ABM and their partners in the 2024 Annual Report. The report is mostly focussed on the work of ABM AID. More information about ABM’s most recent reporting can be found on the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) website here.
Partners Praying Together
This month, we pray for ABM and AID’s newest partner, the Church of Ceylon.
Loving God,
You sent your beloved Son into the world, the Prince of Peace, as a child of poor parents with nowhere to rest his head.
We pray for the Church of Ceylon;
for its people, priests, and bishops;
for the Reconciliation and Peace Desk of the Diocese of Colombo and its Oppuravillam Centre
which brings your love, hope, and justice to people who have experienced much conflict and injustice;
and for the Diocese of Karunagala and their plan to refurbish a school so that the children of people living in poverty may have the precious opportunity of education.
With the Church of Ceylon, and with all children of God, may we also offer a home to Christ this Christmas season.
With the heavenly host we praise you:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours.”
We make our prayer through the same Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.