20th June 2026

More than eight million South Africans are living with HIV – the highest number of any country in the world. Until 2025, the US supported South Africa's medical services with an estimated $400m (£300m) a year through the President's Emergency Fund for Aids Relief (Pepfar) in order to help HIV sufferers. This funding amounted to about 20% of South Africa's total spending on HIV programmes. However, the  US says that is it is now withdrawing this financial support. The Trump administration has alleged that there is a "white genocide" taking place in South Africa and is taking this action as a sanction. The South African government, says its Black Economic Empowerment policy is needed to correct economic inequality dating from the apartheid era. 

Loving God, God of mercy and healing, we bring to you the needs of our neighbours in South Africa suffering with HIV. Wrap them in your unfailing love, and strengthen their minds, and spirits. May the international community find ways to ensure that the help and support that was funded by the USA can continue so that no one is alone in their suffering with little hope. Pour out your blessing on all those who work to ensure people with HIV have the medical support and drugs they need.  We thank you for their commitment and kindness. Forgive us when we fail to help from the most needy or when we fail to give sacrificially. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.  

Over the past two years 50 million Africans have been connected to electricity. A partnership between development agencies including the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet have improved the lives of millions by providing them with power.  Known as Mission 300,  the partnership's goal is to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030.  “This kind of donor collaboration is unprecedented at this scale, and we are a template for others to follow,” says Wale Shonibare, director for energy financial solutions and policy at AfDB. “I did not used to have meetings with the World Bank every week, it was almost like we were in competition trying to do this. But now we are in complete collaboration… [And] we are saying: If you’re a donor in the energy sector, then this is the best game in town.” 

Psalm 46 1-7, 10

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

“Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!”