Memories of Aglow 1987–2025

Recently I went through a box of photos I had kept from my years in Aglow ministry. Looking at them reignited so many memories I had forgotten, and reminded me of just how significant this journey has been in my life.

My introduction to Aglow came in 1986, when I heard that a woman preacher I admired—who had taught powerfully on the Book of Esther—was coming to speak at the Aglow National Conference in Brisbane. That was the bait that got me there, but little did I know it would mark the beginning of a life-changing chapter.

At the time, I was a stay-at-home mum with four children and a limited budget. Yet somehow God made a way. I gathered four friends, and we travelled by bus for three days to Brisbane. There we met other WA girls, and when we returned home, we prayed about starting an Aglow branch in Wanneroo. I was happy to serve as Vice President on the committee, but after a year the President resigned. I reluctantly stepped in, thinking it was only temporary until the “real” one came along. In the end, I remained in that role until 2008, when the Lord called me to take teams into country areas.

That was the beginning of a wonderful and fulfilling part of my life, which continues to this day. How can you sum up 38 years of belonging to a “tribe” that fits you so perfectly? I have walked with so many incredible women, shared life together, and seen God move in powerful ways.

Some of the highlights:

• President Summits in Brisbane each February, where Aglow leaders connected and grew together.

• WA Retreats, where we were knitted into the Aglow family statewide.

• Meeting a Muslim woman who lived near me and inviting her—and later her friends—to morning tea with the Aglow committee. We shared the love of Jesus so warmly that one woman felt free enough to remove her veil.

• Trekking teams across Australia, including a trip through the Goldfields. In one town, 17 women, hungry for God, were filled with the Holy Spirit in a single morning gathering.

• Taking Aglow teams into country towns across WA, sitting around kitchen tables with women who were dry and weary, and watching them come alive with joy and hope.

• Attending the Aglow Conference at Ayers Rock, singing Great Southland at the base of the Rock while a young man played trumpet—a moment where the sheer beauty of God’s heart for Australia was tangible.

• So many inspiring conferences every two years, including an International Conference in New Orleans, where lasting friendships were formed with like-hearted women.

• And one of my favourite memories: after our monthly committee meetings, gathering at my home for lunch, debriefing what the Lord had done that morning, and feeling the joy of belonging to something far bigger than ourselves.

Looking back, I can only thank the Lord for bringing me into the Aglow family. Through it I have learned to flow with the Holy Spirit, grown in leadership, shared the Word of God, and been blessed with friendships that feel like family.

Edna Walter,

President of Wanneroo Aglow, 1988–2008.