Baptist World Aid Australia gathered staff and volunteers in Sydney this month with a renewed call to confront global poverty, launching the year ahead under the theme “Standing in Strength” and reaffirming its commitment to a world where all people can flourish.
The annual Vision Day brought together team members, board representatives and international partners to reflect on the organization’s mission, strengthen strategic priorities and announce new initiatives, including an expanded push into ethical consumer advocacy beyond Australia. Leaders said the day underscored the charity’s conviction that partnership, faith and practical action remain central to addressing entrenched injustice and vulnerability in communities across Africa and Asia.
The event began with worship and prayer at Epping Baptist Church in Sydney’s northwest, which hosted the day on Feb. 13 under the leadership of pastors Jamie and Kirsten Long.
“The church is God’s answer to a world in need,” said Tara Lamerton, product manager for BWAA.
The day was attended by staff, volunteers from around Australia, and representatives from the charity’s Bangladesh office. Board members also attended and participated by speaking, leading prayer, and offering encouragement.
“Partnership is the Christian way to do humanitarian aid,” said Nathan Sarker, South Asia regional lead.
A highlight of the day was the announcement of a new partnership between Baptist World Aid Australia and Baptist Missionary Society World Mission to launch an Ethical Fashion Report for U.K. consumers, assessing fashion brands’ ethical and sustainable practices.
Melissa Lipsett, chief executive officer of BWAA, told Christian Daily International that Vision Day reflected a clear calling to pursue a vision of a world without poverty and where all people experience the fullness of life God intends.
“This work matters, perhaps more today than ever before. So together, let’s continue to dream of, pray for and work toward a world without poverty and where all people enjoy the fullness of life God intends.”
At the event, Sienna Corkill, youth and school engagement manager, gave an update on her work encouraging young Australian Christians to embrace their power as consumers.
Corkill’s work involves exploring ethical fashion with school and youth groups to help them understand their roles as global citizens.
“How generous we are to our global neighbours says something about the soul of our nation,” Corkill said.
After a time of worship, attendees participated in panel discussions and heard presentations from staff members who shared stories from a recent trip to Kenya and Uganda. BWAA’s partner organizations work in vulnerable communities in low-socioeconomic regions, often in areas others consider difficult to reach, according to a spokeswoman for the event.
The day was “peppered with prayer and praise to God, appreciation for each other, and the work God has kindly called us to,” she added.
