NEWS

How did Jalal congregation form, and how did you start serving them as Pastor? Was this your first congregation?
Jalal Fellowship of Peace began very humbly on 22 June 2014 as a small Urdu speaking house fellowship in Bankstown. It was created to support migrant and refugee families from Pakistan and the subcontinent who were seeking pastoral care, Christian community, and a place to worship in their heart language. Through prayer, hospitality, and relational ministry, the Lord gradually grew this gathering into a vibrant worshipping community committed to biblical teaching, discipleship, pastoral care, evangelism, and mission.
On 13 October 2024, our fellowship moved from our home at 8 Whiteley Close, Casula, into the building of Living Water Lutheran Church. This transition came through the help of Pastor Mathew Kalarickal, an Indian Christian minister who introduced me to the Lutheran church leadership. During this time, I began attending the English service, where I met Bishop Richard Schwedes during his visit to the Church one Sunday. In my conversation with him, he encouraged me to consider becoming part of the Lutheran Church. I received this invitation with gratitude and committed to pray about it carefully.
My pastoral journey began long before Jalal. I was first ordained as a Christian minister with the Brethren Church in Pakistan and began serving a congregation in Lahore in 2001. In 2004, I was ordained in Canada to lead a South Asian church. In 2008, I moved to Australia as a permanent resident to join my family, who had migrated in 2006. During those early years, Peace Christian Church in Rockhampton supported my family as we settled in Australia. Before my Pastoral I ministry, I served in a mission organisation as staff and editor at Rahbar Family Magazine in Faisalabad and later at Nirali Kitaben Trust in Lahore.
Throughout all these transitions, my wife and I continued our house fellowship ministry. We regularly met people in public places, shopping centres, and community spaces — especially migrants and people of colour — and invited them into our home for meals, tea, or conversation. These relationships often led to prayer, pastoral care, and small group gatherings. We continued this ministry when we lived on the Sunshine Coast in 2010, and later when we moved to Sydney in 2014. Over the years, we have shared the gospel with many young people, families, and children, helping them encounter Jesus Christ.
From the moment I arrived in Australia, I served as a house group pastor because the need was clear: people were longing for pastoral care, biblical teaching, and a spiritual home. Although I had served in pastoral ministry in Pakistan and Canada, Jalal Fellowship of Peace is the first congregation I have formally pastored in Australia, and it has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life.

Does the name “Jalal” have a meaning or special significance to you?
Yes. Jalal is a deeply meaningful name for our congregation. In Urdu and Arabic, Jalal means “glory, majesty, honour.” It expresses our desire that everything we do — our worship, mission, fellowship, and daily life — would point to the majesty of Jesus Christ.
The name also carries personal significance for me. My father, Pastor Jalal Masih, was a pioneer of the Brethren Church movement in Pakistan alongside Brother Bekhat Singh. His faithful ministry and deep love for people shaped my own calling. Carrying his name reminds me of his commitment to proclaim Christ and His saving grace.
While I walk in the legacy of my father’s ministry, the name Jalal ultimately reminds us that the church exists to lift high the glory of God among South Asian communities in Australia. It is a constant reminder that our identity and purpose are rooted not in ourselves, but in the honour and majesty of Christ.

Jalal supports a lot of overseas missions—can you tell me more about that?
Jalal Fellowship of Peace has a strong heart for overseas mission and compassionate service, especially in Pakistan, where many communities face deep hardship and limited resources. Over the years, the Lord has enabled us to support literacy programs for children and parents, develop church leaders, youth, women, and young girls, and provide pastoral care, teaching and training for congregations experiencing isolation or difficulty.
Our ministry also includes education initiatives for working children at brick kilns; centres for street children offering basic schooling, computer and music training; women’s empowerment programs such as sewing centres and beauty training; medical camps and small dispensaries; and emergency relief during floods, earthquakes, and other crises. These partnerships have grown naturally through long standing relationships and a shared desire to encourage pastors and families who serve with very little.
Alongside this work, we operate Jalal Academy of Peace, which offers after hours teaching, tutoring, and academic support for students who cannot afford private college or university preparation. We help them study independently, prepare for government examinations, and, with our limited resources, provide scholarships to dedicated students who lack financial means. Through all these efforts, we aim to reflect Christ’s compassion and to bring hope, dignity, and opportunity to communities in great need.

How did you and the congregation find out about Lutherans/Luther?
Our connection with the Lutheran Church began through Living Water Lutheran Church in Liverpool. When our fellowship moved into their building in 2024, I began attending the English Sunday service, where I met Bishop Richard Schwedes who encouraged me to consider joining the Lutheran Church.
While I was considering his offer, I also enrolled in studies at Luther Seminary, attended Sunday worship regularly, and participated in conferences and gatherings where I met Lutheran pastors and church leaders. These experiences helped me understand Lutheran theology, worship practices, and the heart of Lutheran ministry. I am deeply grateful for the hospitality and support shown by local Lutheran congregations and pastors and Bishop Richard Schwedes.
In 2025, our congregation moved to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Eschol Park, where we now meet every Sunday at 4:30 pm for worship. Through these relationships, we discovered how deeply Lutheran theology resonates with our own commitment to Scripture, grace, and Christ‑centred teaching. The welcome, partnership, and pastoral care we received helped our congregation grow in stability, community, and confidence as we explored life within the Lutheran tradition.

Is there a style or part of ministry that you feel very passionate about?
Yes—my heart beats strongly for:

• Biblical teaching and expository preaching
• Pastoral care and shepherding
• Discipleship and mentoring
• Mission and evangelism, especially cross cultural ministry

My calling is to help people grow in Christlikeness and to strengthen families, leaders, and communities through the Word of God.

Some background on how you became a pastor / your faith story
I grew up in a Christian home where faith was lived out daily. As a pastor’s son, church life was part of my everyday experience — worship, prayer, youth ministry, choir, and supporting my father in his pastoral work. Although I was surrounded by ministry, I did not initially desire to become a pastor. Like many pastors’ children, I sometimes felt the weight of expectations and was teased by others who misunderstood our family’s life of faith and service. For a season, I resisted the idea of pastoral ministry.
Yet God gently led me toward His call. A significant medical miracle in my life awakened a deep awareness of God’s grace and faithfulness. I was baptised in June 1986, and from that point onward, I became more involved in the life of the church. Before my ordination in 2001, I studied in a seminary — even though the brethren tradition often emphasised learning through elders and practical ministry rather than formal theological education. I completed my B.Th. and a bachelor’s in communication from the University of the Punjab.
Over time, God placed a strong desire in my heart to serve His people, preach His Word, and support pastors who often labour with little encouragement. My calling grew through prayer, mentorship, and witnessing the needs of the church both in Pakistan and later in Australia. I was ordained in Pakistan in 2001, and again in Canada in 2004 to serve a South Asian congregation. When I moved to Australia in 2008, I continued house fellowship ministry, sharing the gospel with families, youth, and children from diverse backgrounds.
Becoming a pastor was never a career decision — it was a response to God’s persistent and gracious call. Through His Word, through the encouragement of the church, and through the fruit of ministry of my dad, the Lord confirmed His vocation for my life. Serving His people remains one of the greatest joys and privileges God has given me.

What are you most excited about for the future of Jalal and your role as pastor?
I am deeply encouraged by the future of Jalal Fellowship of Peace and the direction in which the Lord is leading us. I look forward to seeing our congregation grow in discipleship and spiritual maturity, with young adults and emerging leaders being equipped for faithful service in the church. Strengthening our governance and building healthy structures is also an important part of our journey, and I am grateful for the guidance and partnership of the Lutheran Church of Australia as we continue to learn and grow. We hope to deepen our relationship with the LCA, develop stronger connections with local congregations, and participate more fully in the wider life of the church.
I am also excited about the expansion of our mission work, both locally and internationally. We pray that God will raise missionaries from within our congregation, especially for ministry in Pakistan, and that we will be able to send more humanitarian aid to communities in need. We desire to show the love of Christ in practical ways and to help people who do not yet know Jesus encounter His grace and hope. We long to “strengthen our connection, raise new leaders, and continue building a church that welcomes newcomers with warmth and hospitality.”
My role as pastor is to shepherd Jalal into long‑term health, unity, and gospel‑centred mission. It is a privilege to walk with this congregation as we grow together in Christ, guided by His Word and strengthened by His Spirit.

Do you/Jalal have any exciting plans you’d like to tell us about?
Yes, our congregation is prayerfully exploring several new initiatives that reflect our desire to grow in depth, maturity, and mission. One of our hopes is to establish an annual South Asian Believers Conference, creating space for worship, teaching, fellowship, and encouragement among culturally diverse communities. We are also dreaming of developing a sports and activity space for young adults — a place where they can enjoy healthy recreation while also gathering for Bible study, youth ministry, and Christ‑centred community. Leadership development for youth and young adults remains a priority, as we want to equip the next generation to serve faithfully in the church and in the world.
We are continuing to strengthen our overseas mission partnerships and expand our community outreach in South‑West Sydney. Worship development, including multilingual ministry, is another area of growth as we seek to welcome people from different backgrounds into the life of the church. We are also working on governance and policy development to ensure our congregation grows with healthy structures, accountability, and clarity.
As part of our ongoing journey, we hope to help the church reflect on practices and traditions that may not be fully aligned with Scripture, and to revisit them with humility and openness. Our desire is not to break tradition for its own sake, but to participate in the ongoing work of reformation and revitalisation — always returning to Christ, His Word, and the gospel as our foundation. Through all these plans, we aim to make room for youth, newcomers, and families, and to build a church that is welcoming, mission‑minded, and shaped by the grace of God.

Any particular Bible verses or stories that influence you?
Several passages shape my ministry deeply:

• Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers
• Psalm 27:4 – A longing to dwell in the house of the Lord
• John 17 – Jesus’ prayer for unity
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – New identity in Christ
• Acts 2:42–47 – The life of the early church

These verses guide my preaching, pastoral care, and vision for the church.

Favourite hymn/worship song?
One of my favourite hymns is “Blessed Assurance.” It expresses the deep joy, confidence, and hope we have in Christ. It’s simple yet powerful message of assurance in Jesus’ saving work has always been a source of comfort for me and for many in our congregation.
I also love the English worship song “Yahweh, Rapha, Elohim.” This song proclaims the names of God—Yahweh our covenant Lord, Rapha our Healer, and Elohim our Creator. Each name reflects God’s character and His faithfulness to His people. The song lifts our hearts to the greatness of God and reminds us that He is present, powerful, and compassionate. It is a beautiful declaration of trust in God’s healing, saving, and sustaining grace.
As an ethnic and multilingual congregation, Punjabi worship is also very important to us. One of my favourite Punjabi songs is “Rab Khudawand Badshah Hai,” which is based on Psalm 24 (Zaboor 24). The song proclaims, “The Lord is King,” echoing the psalm’s declaration that “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” This worship song is deeply meaningful because it expresses the kingship and majesty of Christ in a language that speaks directly to the hearts of many in our community. It helps our congregation worship with cultural authenticity, joy, and reverence, and it reminds us that Jesus is Lord over every nation, culture, and people.
Together, these songs—English and Punjabi—reflect the diversity of our congregation and the unity we share in Christ. They help us worship with joy, reverence, and hope as we continue to grow as a Christ‑centred, Spirit‑led community.

Anything else you’d like to tell people?
Jalal Fellowship of Peace is a small congregation with a big heart. We are grateful for the love and welcome we have received from the Lutheran Church of Australia. Our prayer is to be a Christ centred, Spirit led, relational, and missional church that brings hope, unity, and encouragement wherever God leads us.
We look forward to continuing this journey with humility, gratitude, and faith.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church joyfully marks 100 years of worship, ministry, and community in Wagga Wagga. We honour a legacy shaped by Scripture and service — from humble beginnings to today’s worship and thriving Lutheran school. Whether you’ve worshipped with us, served in leadership, sent children to the school, or simply share in this story, you’re warmly invited to reconnect, rejoice, and give thanks.
Join us as we celebrate “A Century of Grace — a past to cherish, a future to shape.” on Sunday 26 October 2025.
Lutheran worship in Wagga Wagga has stood firm, through every season of change, a living testimony to enduring faith, gracious fellowship, and shared purpose. Guided by Scripture and sustained by grace, God’s people have journeyed together in worship, witness, and community.

The roots were planted in the 1920s, when Pastor W.W. Fritsch of Milbrulong’s UELCA congregation held services in Wagga, forming St Paul’s Lutheran Church in 1925. Pastor M.J George of Henty’s ELCA congregation soon nurtured what became Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in 1945. Though distinct, both communities shared a foundation in Scripture and service — guided by rural pastors who travelled widely to shepherd their flocks.

Wagga later became a hub for Lutheran radio outreach through the local station 2WG — sharing sermons and devotionals reaching many with the voice of faith. Listeners found connection and comfort in weekly broadcasts — a voice of faith echoing through static and silence.

In 1969, following years of growing unity, the two congregations joined under the newly formed LCA to become Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Since then, Bethlehem has embraced change in worship, leadership, and outreach while remaining anchored in grace.

The founding of Lutheran School Wagga Wagga in 1982 deepened our ministry, creating a vibrant K–6 community where students “Learn and Grow in Christ.” More than classrooms, the school became a nurturing ground for faith, character, and lifelong learning
Guided by our mission, “The disciples of God caring for the people of God,” Bethlehem continues to nurture faith through worship, pastoral care, and its enduring partnership with the school.
As we honour the past and embrace the promise ahead, may this centenary stir fresh faith, deepen community, and renew our shared commitment to God’s work — in Wagga Wagga and beyond.

A special service to celebrate will be held on the Sunday 26 October at 2pm followed by afternoon tea.

Pr David Cherry

In June 2014, I was asked if I would come and help at Warrambui for 3 months. Almost 11 years later, it is now time for me to move on.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had through my time as Centre Director to serve others, to work with amazing people, and to see God change people’s lives in incredible ways.
I am especially thankful to the Warrambui Board for their support, encouragement and guidance. I would like to particularly thank Chair Neal Mason, Vice-Chair Garry Watson and Member Ward Westphal who have been part of almost the entire journey with me and taught me so much.
I am blessed to have been able to interact with, and get to know, so many people within the NSW & ACT District and the wider LCA throughout this time; people whom I now call friends.
So often during my time as Centre Director, I have been humbled and inspired by the number of people who pray for the Team at Warrambui and our ministry. This has been an incredible blessing to us all, and especially to me and my family – Thank you.
I am very grateful for the continual support I have received from District Leadership and the District Office, and to the District as a whole for the privilege of serving in this role.
I celebrate the achievements God has enabled us to make together, and I ask your forgiveness for the times I have fallen short.
This has been a joint ministry with my family, as we have lived and served here in community. I would particularly like to thank my wife Anna for her unwavering support, her care for our community and its members, and for the times she took on administrative roles at short notice during unexpected staffing vacancies.
Above all, I thank our Heavenly Father for carrying me, nurturing me, guiding me, giving me amazing grace, and allowing me to be part of His ministry through His place, Warrambui.
Whilst we are unsure what the next steps are for our family, we look forward in faith to where God will call us next, just as He called us so clearly to Warrambui 11 years ago.
Yours in Christ, Dean Salzke Centre Director

Welcome to New Centre Director
We are pleased to announce that Bernd Hahnert has been appointed as the new Centre Director for Warrambui.
The handover to Bernd has commenced with him to fully take up the role from mid-June.
We are blessed that Bernd has accepted God’s call to come and serve through Warrambui and its ministry.

You can read Bernd’s Introductory article below! We look forward to working with Bernd in the district and wish him all the best in his role!

The Seasons of Our Lives
Everything in our world is part of a delicate cycle of life and nurturing, facilitated by our four seasons and the flora and fauna that inhabit our planet. Just as the seasons that govern our climate evolve to accommodate the intricate ecology of nature, so too do the seasons that guide and inspire transformation in our lives.
The winter season can often be perceived as a harsh and formidable time, where we are subjected to trials and tribulations. Life may appear desolate and devoid of hope; however, it is also a period during which we can witness the deepening of roots and a profound connection among those who matter most to us. It is akin to the bare branches of trees in winter, seemingly lifeless, yet beneath the surface, the roots are growing stronger, preparing for the eventual bloom of spring.
As the spring season emerges, it illuminates our cold and challenging experiences with newfound hope. Here, we begin to perceive fresh possibilities and opportunities for growth and expansion in our lives. Just as the flowers bloom after a prolonged winter, we too can blossom and flourish, embracing the renewal and rejuvenation that spring brings.
Summer, the season of warmth, relational flourishing, blessings, and enjoyment, can simultaneously present its own challenges. The intensity of the summer sun may deplete our energy and dampen our enthusiasm for activity and development. However, it is also a time of abundance and joy, where we can bask in the beauty of nature and the company of loved ones, creating memories that sustain us through the colder seasons.
As autumn approaches, the heat of summer gradually recedes, prompting a shift in energy and enthusiasm as we adapt to life’s ever-evolving challenges. It is a time for reflection and preparation for the winter ahead, allowing us to contemplate all that has transpired. The changing colors of the leaves remind us of the transient nature of life, urging us to appreciate the present moment and embrace the changes that accompany each passing season.
Seasons come and seasons go, and through each one, we glean deeper insights into life, relationships, and the
grace and love of God our Father. Just as nature cycles through its seasons, so do we cycle through our own experiences, constantly evolving and growing in harmony with the world around us and the God who guides us.
This leads me to the seasons that God orchestrates in our lives to encourage us to grow and become all we are created to be and do. To facilitate this movement and growth, the Father often closes doors that lead to less fruitful endeavours and opens others that ultimately guide us to where we are meant to be and the blessings our participation is destined to bring.
That is certainly the experience of my life and that of my wife, Fiona. We have experienced firsthand the continual direction and prodding of our Father to trust Him, walk closely with Him, and allow His strength to transcend our weaknesses. Like all of us, I have faltered in this endeavor of trust and surrender, occasionally succumbing to the temptation of placing self upon the throne.
This is certainly true of the events that have led me to be here at Warrambui today. Our Lord possesses a remarkable sense of humour and knows how to act on my behalf when I beseech Him to, or even when I do not! After departing from my last position, I contemplated pursuing a casual occupation that would assist me in gliding into retirement in the next 5-8 years. Did that transpire? In a word, NO! No matter what I attempted and what opportunities I created to advance, nothing materialized. God had other plans.
Out of the blue, without any solicitation, I was headhunted on LinkedIn and inquired if I was interested in a position that could be well suited to me. To be candid, initially, when I discerned the nature of the role and its location, I thought, no way! How could God ask me to undertake something so different and so far removed at this stage of my life? It felt unjust, I confess! However, after some contemplation, discussions with Fiona, and fervent prayer, I recognized that it sounded precisely like something the Father would orchestrate to propel me out of my comfort zone and mold me further into His image, enabling me to be a greater blessing to His kingdom and His people.
After considerable prayer and a detailed process, I am pleased to announce my appointment as the new Centre Director for Warrambui. My wife, Fiona, and I eagerly anticipate all that the Father has in store for us in the coming months and years ahead, and we are excited to be part of this community that will profoundly impact the lives of many with the love of Jesus.
This new season in our lives is one of strengthening, growing, and becoming increasingly dependent on Him, so that we may witness His glory manifest through all that we do and say. It is a journey I have chosen to embrace, and one I encourage you all to embark upon with me.
Finally, let us be encouraged to recognize that all our times, experiences, and indeed the seasons of our lives are hidden and guided by the love of our God and Father. Because of this truth, we can embrace every change and be empowered by every challenge, knowing our lives will ultimately unfold for the glory of God and His people.
Be blessed to be a blessing, Bernd Hahnert

Anne-Marie Bothe has been appointed principal at St John’s Lutheran School in Jindera after serving as interim principal following Brad Moss’ departure last year. She grew up in the Lutheran church, and never questioned her faith, until her mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away almost two years later. This experience stripped away all she was taught to believe but also caused her to rediscover and strengthen her relationship with Jesus as he sits in the messiness of life with us.

In 1993, she started her teaching career at Bethany Lutheran Primary School in Ipswich before marrying her husband Anthony and moving to Immanuel Lutheran College in Maroochydore. Seven years later they moved to Albury to raise their three daughters closer to family.

While her daughters were growing up she dabbled in writing, following in her mother, Grace Simpson’s footsteps, who wrote devotional books, as well as her sister who’s a published novelist. She also gained a Diploma of Counselling, chasing her passion of others’ wellbeing. She returned to full-time teaching and realised God had other plans on how counselling and writing would help her further serve Lutheran Education rather than being the career change she expected!

Principals are important in any school, but Lutheran schools can bring their own challenges. You have to remain true to the theology of grace in sharing God’s love with the school community while also meeting government requirements. Anne-Marie believes it’s an exciting time to be in Lutheran education, with the emphasis on Growing Deep and Free to Flourish dispositions. They bring a lot of understanding to the unique Lutheran approach to contemporary learning. Lutheran schools need to remain relevant in the ever-changing world while being clear about their difference to other schools, which Anne-Marie sees as the way they implement God’s grace.

St John’s Primary in Jindera and St Paul’s Primary in Henty have just created new Values based on Free to Flourish that clearly state the foundation of their Christian and contemporary approach. Lutheran schools are at the forefront in God’s mission with the relationships formed within the school communities. Meaningful connections are built through having shared experiences and the ability to tell our stories. Both schools are loving creating new innovative ways to serve others and genuinely share God’s love in our schools and beyond.

Being a principal is so much more than a job, it means that Anne-Marie can share God’s love to make a difference in people’s lives and the world around all of us. She gets to walk alongside people while empowering them to use their God given gifts to serve others. She receives the most joy from the relationships she’s built with members of the school community, and watching both the staff and students learn and grow.

Isaiah 40:31 has held a special place in both her personal and professional life. It served as her confirmation text and it has continued to serve as a source of encouragement from others throughout her career and she often shares it with others to do the same.

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Anne-Marie Bothe’s installation will be held on Friday 27th June at 930am.