25th June 2026

Two earthquakes have shaken Venezuela in which at least 32 people have died and over 700 have been injured.  The earthquakes, had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, hit an area west of the capital, Caracas, and could be felt as far away as Bogota, Colombia.  Venezuela was celebrating a national holiday yesterday, meaning that many people were at home when the quakes struck at 18:04 local time (23:04 BST). A state if emergency has been declared, with search and rescue teams from a number of countries making their way to assist. Local residents described walls cracking and shaking around them, and watching people pour onto the streets screaming.

Loving God, our hearts go out to our neighbours in Venesuela.  We pray for your comfort and compassion for all who now grieve the deaths of people they knew and loved.  Bless the medical teams working with the injured, may they make a swift and full recovery.  We thank you too for all who are engaged in search nad resue, may they be able to bring people to saftey, back in the arms of their families. We thank you too for all who, at risk to themselves will we working a assess the safety of building or restore essential services such as power and water supplies. Guide the authorities in supporting fearful and confused people.  In the aftermath of the crisis may all who have lost homes and livelihoods be a key priority of the government.  Our love goes out to them all on this distressing day. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.  

The Salvation Army in Blackburn, UK,  is giving extra support to people through its Cool Hub. The homelessness project is offering shelter, cold drinks and showers for homeless people during the heatwave and a "safe space", especially for people who sleep in hostels that they cannot go into during the day time. Support worker Sandra Skellern, said "I don't think people realise that they can die in summer as well as die in cold being outside. We're trying to get everything in place where we can save lives, basically." Those who come for support can also get a shower,  clean clothes, and the ones they have can be washed and dried.  In Pheonix, Arisona, USA, the Salvation Army has 10 cooling stations across the valley. Last year, Maricopa County reported 111 indoor related heat deaths last year and 313 outdoor related heat deaths. 

Heavenly Father, you are an awesome God.

You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

You are the source of all life,

Everything that is alive relies on you.

You love us and care for us,

We thank you that the fire of your love

burns within our hearts

You want us to walk with you every day.

Thank you for listening to us and hearing our prayers.

We praise you for Jesus our Lord,

who gave his life that we may have life.

We thank you for the Holy Spirit

who lives within all your faithful people.

We celebrate your glory.

We worship you in spirit and in truth.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.