7th April 2026

The people of Iran wait in fear as US President  Donald Trump threatens to destroy Iran’s bridges and attack its power plants. Diplomatic negotiations aimed at halting the war in the Middle East have faltered. The bombing of power plants and bridges has been condemned as a likely war crime because of its impact on civilians. Trump, denied the action would be illegal saying that it would not be a war crime because the country was led by “animals” who had given orders to shoot large numbers of protesters in the streets in January. Israel has warned Iranian not to travel by train.   Two former judge advocate general (JAG) officers, Margaret Donovan and Rachel VanLandingham said yesterday, “As former uniformed military lawyers who advised targeting operations, we know the president’s words run counter to decades of legal training of military personnel and risk placing our war fighters on a path of no return.”  They also said that Trump’s statement that he would bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages”, and US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth's comments to show “no quarter, no mercy” were not just “plainly illegal” but they also represented a rupture from the moral and legal principles that US military personnel had been “trained to follow their entire careers”.

Loving God, we come to you to ask for your protection and care for the people of Iran who are oppressed by their own regime and now face death and devastation from foreign armies. We pray too for Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth that they might turn away from violence and seeking to cause harm to people made in your image. Move among the actors in this war that they will show restraint, that they will have humanity and care for ordinary people caught up in a conflict they did not seek or spark. Loving God forgive our viciousness, forgive us when we seek to kill, maim and destroy. May the message of Easter fill our hearts and the love of Christ be shown in all our relationships. Help us by the power of your Holy Spirit to remember Christ's teaching to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More than 58,000 people in Kamuli and Buyende districts of Uganda are set to benefit from newly commissioned water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities aimed at improving public health and reducing waterborne diseases. International charity Water Aid handed over facilities on Friday, to health centres and schools, with officials urging communities to adopt proper hygiene practices while calling on government to strengthen health systems. WaterAid country director Joyce Magala Mpalanyi  said, e improvements would reduce infections, enhance maternal and adolescent health outcomes and encourage more people to seek medical care. Buyende District chairperson Michael Kanaku said the district has allocated Shs4 million (around $30,700) to support the sustainability of WASH and infection prevention and control initiatives. Kamuli District education officer Aaron Gwolaba said improved sanitation infrastructure was also boosting school attendance, particularly among girls. “With limited budgets for sanitation, we often prioritise classrooms. WaterAid’s support goes a long way in securing the future of learners. These are gains we cherish and will protect,” he said.

Your Word is like a garden, Lord,

with flowers bright and fair;

and everyone who seeks may pluck

a lovely garland there.

Your Word is like a deep, deep mine;

and jewels rich and rare

are hidden in its mighty depths

for every searcher there.

Your Word is like a starry host:

a thousand rays of light

are seen to guide the traveller,

and make the pathway bright.

Your Word is like a glorious choir

and loud its anthems ring;

though many parts and tongues unite

it is one song they sing.

Your Word to me is life and health

and gives strength to my soul

from them I learn your blessed will

to reach my eternal goal.

Edward Hodder 1837-1904 & George Currie Martin 1867-1937