2nd October 2026

Pakistan carried out airstrikes in two Afghan provinces, Kunar and Helmand, last night. 9 women and children were killed and another 11 civilians were wounded in the bombings. Pakistan claimed the attack targeted "terrorist camps" in Afghanistan, where large quantities of weapons and ammunition were stored. The strikes come amid repeated cross-border clashes between the two countries in recent months. The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan said last week that it had documented over 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan from cross-border violence so far this year. In March Christians and Muslims came together in Lahore during their seasons of Lent and Ramadan to pray for an end to the border violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan and renew their shared commitment to peace. 

God of love, God of peace, watch over our neighbours in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  Help them to live in unity supporting one another through their challenges and differences. We pray for all who grieve as a consequence of the violence of last night and throughout this conflict. Open all hearts to your love and forgiveness so that all will filled with compassion and a generosity of spirit.  Move among the military and ploitical leaders by the power of your Holy SPirit and guide them to seek a way to resolve differences  rather than  resort to death and destruction. May your Spirit of love, pour out your peace like a healing balm,  bringing hope in place of despair.  May the weapons of war be put away, may the tools of destruction be destroyed and help us to build a house where love dwells richly.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Calum MacritchieInverness, has raised more than £1,360 for international development charity Christian Aid, after taking part in this year’s Loch Ness Marathon. This was the third time Calum has run the Lock Ness marathon in northern Scotland. “I wanted to raise money for Christian Aid because it’s the right thing to do, to help others when they need it,” Calum said.  Calum has written on his JustGiving page; "Everyone is equal in the sight of God. For over 75 years, this truth has inspired us to stand together in solidarity with our most marginalised global neighbours, of all faiths and none. Poverty is an outrage against humanity. It robs people of their dignity and lets injustice thrive. We seek to eradicate extreme poverty by tackling its root causes. Together with people living in poverty, we amplify our voices to speak truth to power and create lasting change."

If you want to support Calum you can do so here.

David's Prayer from 1 Chronicles 29 (New Century Version)

We praise you, Lord,

God of our father Israel.

We praise you forever and ever.

Lord, you are great and powerful.

You have glory, victory, and honour.

Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you.

The kingdom belongs to you, Lord;

you are the ruler over everything.

Riches and honour come from you.

You rule everything.

You have the power and strength

to make anyone great and strong.

Now, our God, we thank you

and praise your glorious name.

Amen.