29th April 2026

An ecumenical NGO in Belarus known as Christian Vision, has reported a new state crackdown on Christian communities. In its latest report it says that under this Belarusian regime, "a system of religious regulation has emerged that leads to regular state interference.  Clergy are particularly vulnerable, as their loyalty is tested via the monitoring of social media, telephone contacts, sermons and prayers. Active believers are also subject to persecution for actions and words interpreted as crimes of disloyalty.”  Clergy and church members of various denominations have been arrested or barred from the country.  Christian Vision also says that the legal status of dozens of religious communities have been removed under a new law that prohibits activities deemed to infringe Belarus’s “sovereignty, constitutional system, and civil harmony”. 

Loving God, our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Belarus living under oppression simply because of their love for you. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon them, strengthen their faith, and fill them with courage to stand firm in the face of challenges. May your Word be their constant source of hope and guidance and may their love for you draw them together in unity. Protect them from harm, and despite the oppression they endure may their love, welcome, and witness to your saving grace, draw others to you. We pray that you will up[hold all imprisoned for their faith.  May their resilience be strengthened in the knowledge that Paul himself as imprisoned, but that did not stop him being a witness to Christ our Lord. May revival flow through Belarus, touching every heart with the light of Christ. Loving God, move among the leaders of the nation that their hearts may be changed and that they will come to know the true love of Christ that all may be able to worship you freely. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

​Biodiversity resilience in a tropical rainforest is a new study led by Timo Metz and published in Nature magazine this month. The study analysed more than 8,500 species and found that biodiversity in tropical rainforests recovers much faster than anticipated. In fact, biodiversity can rebound to over 90 percent of its original levels within just 30 years, as long as the land is no longer used for development or agriculture. Scientists found that animals play a crucial role in rapid forest recovery, with birds and mammals dispersing seeds and aerating the soil as pollinators fertilize plants. 

Loving God, you are wonderful and mighty,

powerful and Holy.

There is no one like you.

You created the heavens and the earth.

You are the source of life and love.

Your might is beyond measure.

Your wisdom is beyond our understanding.

From you alone comes everlasting joy.

All honour and glory,

praise and blessing be yours

wonderful, almighty and eternal God.

 Amen.