25th February 2026

Heavy rains on Monday evening in the south-eastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais caused floods and several landslides resulting in the death of least 30 people. More than 200 people have been rescued but 39 people remain missing. Many people were in twelve houses in a hillside neighbourhood of Juiz de Fora when it was swept away in a landslide. Around 440 people have been left homeless or displaced in Juiz de Fora. Local government is providing temporary shelter and asking for donations of water, food, clothing and hygiene supplies. Rainfall has been the highest throughout the month of February since records have been kept in the Juiz de Fora region, with the current rainfall already more than double the amount expected for the month. 

Loving God, as the rains continue to fall we pray for your loving care for the people of south-eastern Brazil. Comfort those who mourn the deaths of those they loved and those who mounr the loss of their homes and communities, indeed the very ground they stood upon. May all who are injured receive the medical treatment they need and all displaced from their homes provided with shelter. Protect all who are searching to find survivors and making buildings safe from collapse.  May the authorities act with urgency and professionalism to bring reassurance, resilience and home to damaged communities. May the tragedy facing these communities bring them closer together, cementing their unity as they show love and compassion to one another in need. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

The Canadian Red Cross has raised more than $1 million for the community impacted by the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School shooting earlier this month. Pat Quealey, vice president of Canadian Red Cross in B.C. and Yukon, has been in Tumbler Ridge for over a week.  He said, "We’re in the community supporting the immediate needs and we’ll continue to stand here aligned in the weeks and months to come as people move forward in their recovery."  He added, "our teams are very experienced through unfortunately, other tragic events and disasters of many types in doing what we call this direct support to families and people who have been impacted. Our assistance may include financial support, help, navigating additional resources, referrals to community services as well as psycho-social and well being support."  Additionally, the Red Cross is offering confidential appointments to support individuals and families. Quealey continued: “It’s very important for us as a humanitarian organization to reach out to communities and people in times of need. .... and have immediate impact, directly interacting with impacted families.” 

To donate to the Canadian Red Cross’ Tumbler Ridge Tragedy Appeal, click here.

My soul praises you my God and King.

I give you thanks and praise

for you have forgiven my sin and set me free,

healed, restored, and reunited me with you.

Praise be to you Holy King.

I thank you that you are merciful,

slow to be angry,

quick to bless.

You know my weakness

but like a father

you correct me,

you care for me,

you protect me.

Praise be to you eternal King.

Angels bow down before you.

All creation bows down before you.

With all the hosts of heaven

I praise your Holy name.

Praise and glory be to you

eternal God of grace.

Amen.