24th August 2026

Following heavy overnight rainfall in  Conakry, Guinea's capital city, a huge waste tip slid into several houses resulting in the deaths of 30 people. Another 22 people were injured, including six seriously. Last Thursday the government had announced the closure of the rubbish tip and the relocation the waste because of the threat it posed, especially from landslides during the rainy season. One woman told reporters all her five children were killed. in the incident.  The prime ‌minister, Amadou Oury ​Bah, visited ​the landfill yesterday and asked people to “remain calm, show solidarity, and strictly follow the instructions of rescue services and the competent authorities”. 

Loving of love and compassion bring your comfort and care to all who now grieve the death of people they love as a consequence of this rubbish tip landslide.  Place your healing hand upon all who are injured and guide the medical teams in their work so all may make a good and swift recovery. We ask your protection for all engaged in search and rescue and that they may be able to find anyone still trapped.  We pray the authorities will also have compassion for people who have lost their homes and to ensure that they are rehoused appropriately. May we ensure we manage similar sites with care and ensure the safety of workers and people living closeby.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

A teddy bear festival in Great Ellingham, Norfolk, UK, village has raised more than £8,000 for charity. Residents of the village made some 90 teddy bears which were displayed in their gardens and around the village for this summer's two-week-long Teddy Bear Festival. Each bear was created around the characters of the Oscar-winning animated film.  K-Pop Demon Hunters. The bear judged to be the best was Rumi Bear - inspired by Rumi Kang, the demon-hunting hero. The festival also featured a bear trail, teddy bears' picnic, race night, and fete.  The major charity to benefit this year was Nelson’s Journey, an organisation that supports bereaved children and young people. A spokesperson for the organising committee said: "Our thanks go to all of our sponsors, organisations, businesses and individuals who donated raffle prizes and most of all to all of the people who participated and visited the village during the two weeks of the festival." 

You can find out more about Nelson's Journey here.

Loving God we glorify your Holy name

for in your love for the world you gave your only Son

to be our Saviour.

He showed us how to live together in harmony,

how to demonstrate our love for one another,

and how we can love even our enemies

and those who seek to harms us.

We thank you that he died upon a cross

for the sin of the world.

We praise you for raising him to new life

and that by faith in he we share in his resurrection.

How wonderful, how marvellous, Lord,

you have been to us.

All day long I will sing your praise

and tell of the wonderful things you have done

to save your people.  Amen.