18th June 2026

The US and Iran ceasefire agreement includes ensuring the “territorial integrity and sovereignty” of Lebanon.  Israel is putting the agreement at risk as it continues to bombard southern Lebanon.  Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out any immediate withdrawal from southern Lebanon, saying Israeli forces will stay there “for as long as necessary”. According to him, restoring security for the residents of norther Israel necessitates maintaining a military presence in a neighbouring country in complete contradiction to the peace agreement. This raises questions about whether the US understood this prior to their signing the agreement. However, US Vice President JD Vance addressed criticism voiced by Israel's ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich saying, “People in their system, like Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, attacked the deal. My response to them would be: What exactly is your proposal? You can’t just kill your way out of solving every national security problem you have." Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency has reported that at least 16 people were killed in the Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, overnight.   

Loving God, we come to you with our on-going concerns for peace across the Middle East.  Help all countries to understand the complexity of the situation and that all need to play a constructive role in bringing peace and security to the region. We ask your loving care for all in Lebanon who continue to live in fear amongst death and destruction.  May what Israel is inflicting upon them not simply further anger and embolden Hezbollah resulting in on-going and irresolvable conflict. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.  

The government in Colombia have passed a law banning female genital mutilation (FGM). The law is awaiting presidential approval.  Colombia is believed to be the only Latin American country where FGM is still practiced. It persists among the indigenous Embera community in the country’s west.  This news comes as research shows that progress against FGM has accelerated rapidly in last decade. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of girls subjected to FGM has fallen from one in two to one in three over the last 10 years in countries where the practice persists.  “After decades of slow change, progress against female genital mutilation is accelerating,” said the WHO in February. “Half of all gains since 1990 were achieved in the past decade. We need to build on this momentum and speed up progress.”

God of love, how can we not sing your praise?

You are great and mighty, powerful and Holy.

You created the heavens and the earth.

You love each one of us as if there were just one of us.

We give you praise and thanksgiving for each new day.

We thank you for strength to meet our challenges,

and overcome our fears.

We thank you that you walk life's journey with us

and carry our burdens.

We thank you that you guide us along the road

directing us when we come to a crossroads,

encouraging us when we climb the mountains

and filling us with awe and wonder when we reach the top.

We thank you for the ease of passing through lush pasture

and walking beside still waters.

We thank you that you are our companion

when we walk through the valley of death.

We thank you for the opportunities to serve you,

to be Christ to others

and see Christ in others;

to be channels of your love and to proclaim the Gospel.

We thank you for the Holy Spirit living within us,

guarding, teaching, equipping us to be

effective fishers of men and women,

that we may honour our calling to make disciples of all.

We thank you for the blessings you give each and every day. 

All praise and glory, honour, majesty and power,

be yours our heavenly Father.  Amen.