Around the world, Christians are demonstrating courage on the frontline of poverty.
God’s people are bold. They are hopeful. They are persevering. They are faithful.
They are planting churches. They are educating children. They are loving their neighbour.
Their stories help us understand that poverty is part of living in a sinful world. Not everyone in poverty is there because of their own sin. There are many evil structures and systems of our fallen world that exacerbate poverty.
And where there is poverty, injustice and exploitation thrive. When disaster strikes, the poorest communities suffer most. Often there are no government structures or local relief agencies present in remote places to provide any long-term solutions.
These realities remind us that poverty is not merely a material problem; it is a symptom of the brokenness of our world.
But as you know, the gospel breaks the power of sin. And, as you know, it’s the gospel that compels Christians to act (2 Corinthians 5:14).
So, agencies that seek to address poverty may do good but without the gospel are not dealing with the root problem of sin. That is why, for lasting change, we need to do both.
Acting together, Christians can break patterns of poverty.
As Christians live in and share the overflowing grace of God with our neighbours in practical acts of love, and proclaim the good news of Jesus, hearts are transformed by the Holy Spirit.
That's why Anglican Aid is committed to an approach that goes beyond immediate relief.
Anglican Aid is an overseas aid, development, and ministry support agency based in the Diocese of Sydney in partnership with the global Anglican Church.
We work in over 30 of the poorest nations with local partners who lead 130+ projects to strengthen churches and transform communities at the same time.
This integrated approach recognises a powerful truth: God transforms communities around faithful churches.
When pastors and church leaders receive Bible-centred training, they are better equipped to lead God's people to mature faith. They become trusted leaders who call people to turn from evil and do good, to seek peace and pursue it (1 Pet 3:11).
Mature Christians then join together to work for the good of their communities. They engage in aid and development initiatives that help families, fortify livelihoods, improve food security, provide access to education, and build healthier, more sustainable futures.
How compassionate aid transforms communities
Bishop Aime Joseph Kimararunga in the Diocese of Gitega, Burundi explains, “It’s very hard to preach the gospel to people who are not sure of their next meal.”
To address this, Anglican Aid’s partner the Diocese of Gitega’s Food Security Project helps to relieve malnutrition by providing training in agricultural skills, and gifting seedlings and tools to participants. The local church runs a demonstration garden to model effective farming techniques.
And this kind of aid in turn works to strengthen the church.
Participants in the food security project gather each week to learn farming techniques and as they do, they read the Bible and pray together. In this way, many are turning in faith to Jesus. They are enfolded into the church. Their lives are transformed.
It’s lasting change for people like Ménédore.
After participating in the project Ménédore says, “What I thank God for the most is through this project we have been put together as community members, and not only did we benefit materially but also, we have benefited spiritually. I came to know God which was something very new in my life.
You can watch Ménédore share her story below:
You can watch other videos as Arsène, Consolate and Joel share about the food security project in Gitega and the increase in their food production. See them all here
And when there is a crisis or emergency, Anglican Aid’s partners are also there. Anglican Aid’s partner the Diocese of Boga is in the epicenter of the Ebola virus epidemic, and through its networks is driving large-scale community awareness and providing hygiene and screening kits.
Rather than creating dependence on international assistance, these programs bring holistic transformation to the poor, changing hearts and building skills which bring lasting change and overflow to the benefit of families and communities.
How Bible-centred education is strengthening God’s people
Consider South Sudan, a nation of 12 million, where 77% of people live on less than $3 a day. Here leaders often seize power using lethal force and witchcraft. Tribes battle over land and grazing rights. Prosperity preachers lead people astray, sending them into financial and spiritual ruin. And, while the Episcopal/Anglican Church of South Sudan has over 4 million members, spread over 60 dioceses – 80% of pastors have no formal theological training, meaning discipleship is weak and tribal vices often hold sway.
But this is where investment in effective leadership is taking place.
Fortifying theological education by equipping pastors and church leaders is growing God’s people to maturity. Anglican Aid’s partners Kajo-Keji Christian College, Bishop Gwynne School of Theology and an additional four rural and regional Bible colleges equip men and women to teach God’s word faithfully in the power of God’s Spirit.
Dr Eeva John Vice Chancellor of Anglican Aid’s partner The Episcopal University (TEU) School of Law says: “The law brings justice. As a long-term program for peace-building, South Sudan needs well-trained lawyers, judges, prosecutors and human rights activists. What is unique in TEU is that it combines the study and practice of law with Christian values, which will definitely make a difference: in building peace through justice, graduates will be builders of the kingdom of the Prince of Peace.”
Consider the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The M23 rebel group has taken the cities of Goma and Bukavu in the east, committing terrible atrocities as they’ve advanced. Goma is described as one of the most dangerous places in the world. One fifth of the population are in urgent need of aid. Only 3% of the children aged 10 can read and write.
But, this is where God’s people are leading transformation with courage and hope.
Anglican Aid’s partner the Diocese of Goma in 2025-26 has boldly rehabilitated or rebuilt five secondary and three primary schools that were damaged by rebel fighting.
In 2026 the foundation stone was laid for a new Bible college in Goma, to add to the 16 Bible colleges Anglican Aid already partners with in the DRC. Once completed, it will equip future pastors with improved facilities for learning, training, and preparing for ministry.
Archdeacon Bhakasima a lecturer at Kamango Bible College DRC shares: “Training enables a leader to defend the faith and understand the principles and guidelines necessary for mission.”
A channel of God’s overflowing grace
“And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NET)
In places where resources are scarce, your dollar can go remarkably far. A gift that may seem small here in Australia can help train church leaders, transform communities, and grow faithfulness that endures long after the initial investment.
Your gift today will help create lasting change through strengthened churches and transformed communities in the world’s poorest nations.
Bishop Aimé from the Diocese of Gitega says, “Compassionate action authenticates the gospel we proclaim,” he says. “For this reason, we thank God for the partnership in mission between the Dioceses of Gitega and Sydney. We continue to pray for you and for the saints in Sydney, asking that God may reward your kindness and generosity abundantly, beyond all that you can ask or imagine.”
You can make your kind gift or access prayer resources at anglicanaid.org.au today.
