12th September 2026

There will be no postings in the following week, but we will resume on Sunday 20th September.  God bless.

12th September 2026

ALNAP (Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in humanitarian action) is a global network of 100 members that includes national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, Red Cross/Crescent Movement members, bilateral and multilateral donor organisations, networks, academics and think tanks that are concerned with advancing humanitarian learning.  Its 2026 report  "State of the Humanitarian System (SOHS)" was published on Thursday. The report warns that the humanitarian aid system is crumbling as a consequence of funding cuts, and  increasing demands. According to the report, funding fell to an estimated $33.3bn (£24.6bn) in 2025, from a peak of $47.5bn in 2022.  Those feeling the effects most severely are women, children, elderly people and displaced people. The targeted amount for each person receiving aid support fell from $178 in 2021 to $90 in 2025, although the needs of each person rose in the same period to $255.  ALNAP also call out governments across the world for not only failing to protect civilians but for endangering them. States were responsible for 64% of attacks on healthcare workers and largely responsible for violence that affected aid workers through the use of airstrikes. Yemen was one of the countries most badly affected by aid cuts, with nutrition worsening and diphtheria cases rising because vaccination campaigns were suspended. When families lose their income, they may not only be unable to afford food resulting in malnourished childing, but also have to travel considerable distances to seek security or access medical care all of which incurs costs they cannot afford. 

You can read the full report here.

Loving God, we recall John wrote in his first letter, " 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?" Forgive us that we have created situations that deny people the basics of life, food, clean water, and a safe home. Forgive that the high-income countries have passed by on the other side, cutting their funding to people living in destitution, often forced from their homes and living in fear. Bless organisations that seek to support them providing basic necessities and showing them love, compassion, and giving hope. Move among the leaders of nations that they will lead their peoples to a place of love, compassion, and mutual support for all people. May our time, energy and resource be used to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless,and heal the sick, and turn swords into ploughshares. We pray that your will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

Fifty years ago in 1976 in the Kromport area of the Eastern Cape in South Africa, a farmer planted some trees on a small plot of land about 200 by 100 metres, to solve the problem of soil erosion from floodwater. The farmer planted spekboom to help  protect livestock and prevent soils being washed away. More than four decades later, the hillside had become a valuable example of how degraded land can begin to recover. Other kinds of vegetation returned, wildlife moved into the area, and there were even significant changes to the soil under the surface. This planting eventually help shape a much larger restoration project across the Eastern Cape, where millions of spekboom cuttings were used to rebuild damaged landscapes. In 2007 the government planted around 330 plots, each covering half a hectare. Scientists were able to examine carbon held in the plants, their roots and the surrounding soil. They could also observe positive changes in the wider vegetation community. 

Loving God, One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

we praise you our creator, Saviour, and provider.

We lack nothing

for you feed us in body, mind and in soul.

You direct us on paths that are good and right.

You accompany us

to lighten our path when we walk in the dark.

You protect us with your goodness and strength.

Regardless of where we have wandered,

you welcome us home with open arms

and set a feast before us.

We love you and praise you. 

Blessing and honour,

 glory and power

be your for ever. Amen.