The Moral Courage to Care
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (NIV) Words by Paulo Lopes, President, ADRA International Some of the most important work in the world never gets photographed. It doesn’t rush into a burning building or […]
A Quiet Courage That Carries the World
Words: Paulo Lopes, President of ADRA International Around the world, headlines tend to follow a familiar pattern, focusing on conflict, crisis, and the occasional act of heroism that breaks through the noise. But I have spent much of my life in the spaces that headlines rarely reach. What I have found there is a different […]
Justice Is Not Optional: Why Compassion Must Be Paired with Action
By Paulo Lopes, President, ADRA International “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” — Isaiah 1:17 (NIV) I grew up in a tradition that taught me compassion was a virtue. And it is. But over a lifetime of humanitarian work, […]
United in the Great Commission
United in the Great Commission ADRA was established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to serve humankind and follow the example of Jesus, who, during His earthly ministry, showed special concern for the poor and the oppressed. The Seventh-day Adventist Church and ADRA are united in their mission – the mission of Jesus. There is only one […]
Caring for the Most Vulnerable: Why Compassion Still Matters
By Paulo Lopes, President, ADRA International “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” — Proverbs 19:17 (NIV) In a world that often feels overwhelmed by competing crises and endless needs, I sometimes hear a particular question: Does helping others really make a […]
ADRA Service Pin Recipients
In early February 2026, two volunteers from the ADRA Community Centre Logan in Queensland, Brian and Debbie, were presented with ADRA service pins. Debbie has been volunteering with ADRA for 17 years, and Brian for an incredible 27 years. Both were excited to receive their pins and expressed how honoured they were to wear them […]
Love Without Borders: Compassion That Crosses Continents
By Paulo Lopes, President ADRA International In my three decades of humanitarian work, one truth has emerged with crystal clarity: love speaks every language. You’ll find ADRA serving in more than 120 countries, training farmers in Madagascar, teaching literacy in El Salvador, ensuring access to healthcare in the Philippines, responding to emergencies in every corner […]
ADRA in partnership with the Church responds to bushfires
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia has activated its National Emergency Management Plan (NEMP) in response to the current Victorian bushfires. One person has died, over 300 structures (including homes, businesses, and outbuildings) have been lost, and an estimated 15,000 livestock have died in fires that have burned at least 390,000 hectares of […]
Help during the floods – Susan’s Story
In May 2025, record-breaking floods struck the Mid North Coast of New South Wales causing widespread damage, evacuations, and casualties. ADRA Australia activated its National Emergency Management Plan and in partnership with local Seventh-day Adventist Churches, provided immediate relief to affected communities through the distribution of cash grants, food relief, and psychological first aid. Water […]
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”
Except for so many, it’s not. Financial stress, loneliness and family dynamics can make Christmas one of the most stressful times of the year. According to research by Good360 Australia, one in two respondents worried about affording gifts for their family. And with one in three Australians finding it difficult to cope financially, an event […]