16th March 2026

Many high-income countries, including the US, UK, France and Germany have reduced their overseas aid budgets.  Consequently, many low and medium income countries have suffered, as funding of programmes concerning global health and climate resilience work has been withdrawn. A recent study supported by GlobalGiving, based on interviews with 2,000 participants in the UK and Germany, found that news of aid cuts resulted in reducing public support for countries supporting international development support.  It seems that state aid cuts changes public opinion. Researchers suggest that the results could reflect a “system justification effect”, where individuals subtly align their views with perceived government decisions.  The research also finds that individuals believe governments are most responsible for giving aid, rather than private individuals. However, Oxfam have commented that donations from individuals are essential for maintaining development programmes in the wake of government aid cuts. Speaking about UK aid, Maryam Mohsin, from the NGO network Bond, said: “This data highlights the need to better communicate the value of humanitarian and development assistance, not only for marginalised communities around the world, but also for people here in the UK.  The reality is that UK aid helps prevent future pandemics by strengthening health systems, promotes stability in fragile and conflict-affected states, and contributes to building a safer, healthier and more prosperous world that benefits us all."  "Every donation - no matter its size – has greater impact than people may imagine,” said Lorna Fallon, interim chief supporter officer at Oxfam GB. “People’s kind donations mean we can provide a clean water tap in a remote community surviving on arid land, a dignified latrine in a displacement camp, or a hygiene kit for a girl experiencing puberty with no access to basic supplies. These are not abstract outcomes. They are real, tangible changes in people’s daily lives.”

Loving God, there is such disparity in wealth across the world. We recall the words of John, "If anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?  Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." We pray that they Holy Spirit ill move among the leaders of nations encouraging compassion and generosity that no one need be destitute.  May the leaders of nations work collaboratively to ensure all have access to clean water, medical care, education and that no one need be homeless, hungry or dependent on food handouts. Guide us in the influence we have on our community and nation and to ensure a generous sharing of the earth's resources    In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

You can find out more about GlobalGiving here.

Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. 'Missing People' is the only UK charity providing a lifeline to those affected by a disappearance or thinking of going missing. Funds for the charity were raised last week at its Night of Light Gala which auctioned custom shoes worn by Claudia Winkleman in The Traitors, lunch with the charity’s patron Sir Stephen Fry, and two paintings by Team GB artist Ben Mosley. £300,000 was raised for Missing People’s vital services. Ross Miller, the interim chief executive of Missing People, said: “The evening was filled with warmth, compassion, and a shared determination to support missing people, and the people important to them. This is a cause of our times. We were delighted to shine a spotlight on the transformational difference readers of The Independent [ a UK national news paper] have made, and to continue our partnership. We are especially grateful to Catherine O’Sullivan for sharing her story, and how the charity has supported her families search for Jack.”

You can find out more about Missing People and the work it undertakes, here.

Lord of love,

Lord of power and glory,

I bow before you.

With my whole heart I adore you.

You are more precious to me than gold or silver.

Your spring of living water wells up within me.

I glorify your Holy name.  Amen.