Sometimes we are reminded that we are part of a bigger story.
Recently, in Alice Springs, LEA had the privilege of walking alongside Rev Dr Anne Burghardt, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, and Rev Dr Rosita Siahaan, Lutheran World Federation Regional Secretary for Asia.
We visited Yirara College and later I visited Living Waters Lutheran Primary School. We listened. We learned. We shared stories. And we were reminded of the deep and lasting contribution of Lutheran people and communities in this place.
There is something special about being reminded that our work is connected to a story that began long before us and will continue long after us.
In John 15:16 Jesus said:
“You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.”
There is both comfort and challenge in those words.
We are called.
Called to particular places.
Called to particular people.
Called to use what we have been given for the sake of others.
For those of us involved in Lutheran education, that calling looks different in every community. Yet at its heart is the same invitation – to create places where young people are known, valued and encouraged to flourish; where faith can be explored; where gifts are recognised; and where a life of service to neighbour is made visible.
Our visit to Alice Springs reminded me that Lutheran education is never just about our individual schools or our own communities.
We are part of something bigger.
A local community. A national community. A global Lutheran family. A story grounded in the Gospel and shaped by generations of people who have faithfully served their neighbour.
And now the story is ours to carry.
Not perfectly. Not alone. But together.
So perhaps the question for us is not simply, What are we doing?
Perhaps it is, Who are we becoming?
May we be people who notice.
People who listen.
People who make room for others.
People who serve with humility.
And people who carry hope into the places where God has called us.
Gracious God, thank you for the stories, people and communities that have shaped Lutheran education. Help us to receive what has been handed to us with gratitude, and to faithfully carry the story forward. Give us courage to serve, curiosity to listen and generosity to share. May our lives and our learning communities bear good fruit for the sake of our neighbours.
Amen.
Jodie Hoff
Executive Director