Queensland Lutherans Step Out in Faith for Refugee Girls

Queensland Lutherans Step Out in Faith for Refugee Girls

‘I love that the largest gathering of the Lutheran Church in Queensland is an initiative focused on caring for people in need,’ said ALWS Community Engagement Manager Aaron Glover.

On Saturday 8 August, more than 650 Queenslanders in bright blue t-shirts stepped out across Brisbane for Walk My Way, filling the Goodwill Bridge and Southbank paths with a public witness of faith in action.

So far, walkers have raised more than $115,000, supporting 1,156 refugee girls to stay in school and be protected from the dangers of child marriage.

For girls living in refugee communities, education can be life-changing. It helps protect girls from early marriage, gives them greater safety and stability, and opens the door to future opportunities. Staying in school means girls are more likely to build confidence, develop skills, and have a stronger voice in the decisions that shape their lives.

Brisbane Walk My Way brought together people from across Queensland’s Lutheran school, church and care communities. There were children in prams, students walking with classmates, families walking side-by-side, and older supporters continuing their long commitment to serving others.

For Aaron, that breadth of participation was one of the most powerful parts of the day.

‘Walk My Way brings together the whole church – old and young, schools, congregations, care communities, families and friends,’ Aaron said.

‘To see children in prams, students walking in school groups, people in their 80s and so many others all stepping out together was a powerful reminder of what our Lutheran family can do when we are united in care for others.’

This year’s walk focused on girls in refugee communities in Kenya and Somalia, where poverty, displacement and limited opportunity can place girls at increased risk of early marriage. Through Walk My Way, Queensland Lutherans are helping give girls a safer path and greater hope for the future.

‘Brisbane Walk My Way is a powerful, public expression of our faith in action as we step out together to live out the gospel by protecting those who need protecting, caring for the vulnerable and standing with girls whose futures are at risk,’ Aaron said.

Brisbane Walk My Way was supported by ALWS’ Platinum Partner LLL Australia, as well as Queensland School Photography and Eternal Signs.

Donations to support refugee girls through Brisbane Walk My Way can still be made at www.walkmyway.org.au