12th March 2026

According to the UNHCR 800,000 people have been forcibly  displaced since the US and Israeli attacks launched on Middle Eastern countries on 28th February by the U.S. An additional 14 million people who were already refugees in the region are now in a situation of extreme vulnerability.  Afghan families living have been crossing back into Afghanistan with only what they can carry.  Many are children, distressed after an unexpected journey and unsure about what lies ahead. “We are already seeing too many mothers arriving at reception centers with their children, looking exhausted, overwhelmed and in need of immediate support," Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, said in Geneva on Wednesday. "If arrivals increase as expected, the risks facing children will grow as well."  The situation in Afghanistan is not good. 11 million children are in need of humanitarian support, people continue to face the aftermath of natural disasters, a fragile economy and the impact of more than four decades of conflict. That people are fleeing into that kind of situation highlights the risks they face remaining in Iran. Oyewale said. "that the best interests of children "must be prioritized and appropriate support provided, including efforts to trace and reunify families where needed. Otherwise, they will be exposed to serious protection risks, including abduction and violence." 

Loving God, we place before you the needs of our neighbours fleeing war, death and injury.  We ask your loving care for mothers and children crossing from Iran into Afghanistan where humanitarian support is scarce. Help us to grasp the enormity of 14 million people in a situation of precarity, wondering how to survive through the day.  Forgive that our desire to kill, maim and destroy causes such hurt and trauma to ordinary people and innocent young lives. We ask your protection for all who are vulnerable to abduction and all kinds of abuse. Bless the work of the UNHCR and all seeking to provide humanitarian aid to vulnerable people. May the authorities in Afghanistan be welcoming and accepting and facilitate this work. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery in the UK have helped raise more than £7 million for Mary’s Meals. The international school feeding charity has used the funding to support its programmes in some of the world’s poorest communities providing over 39 million meals in 16 countries, supporting children’s learning and helping break the cycle of poverty through education.  Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: "It's fantastic to know that for a decade our players have supported the essential work of Mary's Meals – and have now raised an incredible £7 million to help children across the globe access nutritious meals. For children like 12-year-old Efigénia, who attends Tindzawene Primary School in Mozambique, the impact is life-changing. She said: "With school meals, I feel good because even with a lack of food at home, here at school I have a meal and I can study."  

Find out more about Mary's Meals here.

Praise the Lord

My soul praises you, Lord God.

Praise the Lord

My heart loves you, Lord God

Praise the Lord

My lips sing of our glory, Lord God.

Praise the Lord.

My hands rise in worship of you, Lord God.

Praise the Lord.

My soul praises you, Lord God.

Amen