Walk My Way

On Saturday, 14th October, our College and Parish communities saw the first Walk My Way walkathon take place in our local area. Our event saw over 120 people register to participate in either the 5km, 10km or 26km walk from the Bonegilla Migrant Experience to Victory Lutheran College.

Australian Lutheran World Service has its foundations in Albury/Wodonga after Pastor Bruno Muetzefeldt in 1947 commenced a ministry to European migrants and refugees who were being resettled through what was then called the Bonegilla Migrant Centre. It was very fitting that Bonegilla was the starting point for our Walk My Way.

Our walkers were a mix of current and past students, parents/carers and staff, Wodonga Lutheran Parish members as well staff and students from other local Lutheran schools.

The weather was perfect, overcast with a gentle breeze, which provided great conditions but there were understandably some sore legs and feet by the end. All our walkers were at Victory by 2pm and one even managed the 26kms in 3 hours and 40 minutes which is a super effort!

Thanks to everyone for their incredible support. Our efforts raised $6,927 for the Australian World Lutheran Service (ALWS) to support their work in providing refugee children in Africa with an education.

Walk My Way was a huge success and this is due to the many volunteers and helpers who played a key role in the lead up and on the day. Although this was our first walkathon event held by our College and Parish, we believe this is just the start of something big, as we look to partner with ALWS again in the future.

What gave me much joy was the smiles on the walkers’ faces as they paced along the trail, talking to each other, enjoying the beautiful day whilst knowing they were making a difference by playing their part. The atmosphere was something special. This could also be seen in the weeks leading up to this event. Hearing of students donating, registering for the walk and and seeing their faces on the day was uplifting. There is power in coming together, with a vision and mission to make a difference in this world we live in.

In God’s economy, the path to greatness comes from serving others. Jesus reminds us of the power behind serving those around us through his words which can be found in Matthew 25:40:

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

We have such a special community here. The message of Jesus and how he laid down his life for us plays a pivotal role in shaping our interactions with each other and the world in which we live. The act of service brings us closer together as a community and strengthens our faith in the process where lives are changed for the better. Our Walk My Way event was just one example of how we were able to make a difference. I hope and pray that each of us continues to embrace this servant attitude and the stronger connection it brings for our community.

Mr Joel Klemke
College Chaplain