January 2025 News Update

It’s the start of a new year, and yet, for many of us, 2025 already feels heavy.

Many of my family and friends have expressed a sense of uncertainty, anxiety, and despair about what lies ahead. There’s an election around the corner and they are already worried about the climate, the impact of a second Trump presidency, and are still lamenting the failed referendum as we mark another January 26.

Over the break, I’ve found myself reflecting on the way brokenness and beauty sit side by side in every part of our world. An idea echoed in Genesis—God’s good creation, though fractured by evil, never ceases to be good. No matter what happens, God’s goodness remains. (A point that is true of for all creation, including us).

In those moments when things are dark or I’m worried about the future my children will inherit, I remind myself that the sun will rise, the stars will shine, and that love and joy will find a way. 

I also choose to look for and celebrate the goodness that is bubbling up around me and remind myself that I’m not called to simply witness God’s goodness but to be a witness to it.

That we are called to come together, to resist brokenness, to work against injustice, and to be agents of love and restoration to one another and the world around us.

And as a movement, I have seen again and again the change we are capable of making. 

Here are two big heapings of goodness that are bringing me joy.

The first is a ceasefire in Gaza, even as I fret about its fragility (and I’m praying fervently that it holds and becomes the beginning of a just and sustainable peace). I know it already means people being liberated, lives being saved and tears of joy for so many Gazans, even in the face of the sorrow of their loss. I’m grateful that the Australian government pushed for this ceasefire and is accepting Gazans into the nation on humanitarian visas.

Another source of hope—one I check on every year—is the trend in global child mortality. I struggle to think of anything much darker in the world than the loss of a child. Even amidst the chaos of the world, the number of children who die each year has continued its long march downward. Since 1990, global child mortality has fallen by more than 60%, meaning almost 8 million fewer children are dying before their fifth birthday every year.  It’s a fact that reminds me that, despite all the brokenness in the world, there’s a pretty strong case to be made that the world is as good now as it's ever been. 

As we step into this year together and take up opportunities to speak out and take action, may we be a people of hope. May we refuse to let despair have the final word. And may we commit ourselves again to pursuing a world filled with the unquenchable goodness and love that God intends for it.

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January 2025 Updates

Join us as we speak and act together for a safe, free, and flourishing future for the common good and our common home.

In the lead-up to the 2025 Federal Election, Common Grace is inviting our movement to join in prayer and action to help move our nation towards the safe, free, and flourishing future that God intends.

Find out more and sign up here

Explore Church Partnerships in 2025

Are you keen to explore how your church or faith community can take action for justice in 2025? Common Grace's Church Partnerships are a great way to learn more and receive support and guidance to pursue Jesus and justice with your community.

Find out more here or organise a time to meet online with Ellaina Welsmen, our Community Engagement Manager here.

📸 Engadine Uniting Church, Aboriginal Sunday 2025

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Thank you for being part of this passionate movement pursuing Jesus and justice together in 2025.

With hope,
Gershon Nimbalker

Common Grace National Director