26th September 2026

War has returned to Ethiopia’s Tigray region after nearly four years of peace. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)   in the northern Tigray region seized local airports and launched attacks into the neighbouring states of Afar and Amhara this week, saying they were once again in a "full-blown war" with the federal government. The conflict could also draw in neighbouring Eritrea, which fears landlocked Ethiopia is planning to invade it to gain access to the Red Sea. Telecom and internet networks were reported to have stopped working on Friday.  People in Tigray have rushed to stock up on basic supplies and withdraw cash. A Catholic Relief Services humanitarian aid convoy came under drone attack in Tigray, last week. The convoy carrying food for internally displaced people in the region. The attack injured the driver and a young girl. The Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat condemned the strike and called for “protection of humanitarian workers, supplies and aid routes in accordance with international humanitarian law.”

Loving God, should we despair that fighting has reignited in Tigray? How can we pray your will be done on earth as it is in heaven when we kill maim and destroy. Bring the waring factions to a place of peace.  Help them resolve difference usinging understanding, compassion, humanity, empathy, rather than violence and death. Move among the international community to mediate a lasting peace. Bring your comfort to all who mourn. Bring your protection to all caught up in violent conflict. Bless those who risk their own wellbeing to bring your loving care in practical ways to desperate people. Loving God, we ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Nine-year-old Mollie, from Leigh, in the UK, completed a two-hour danceathon alongside 16 friends from Expressions Theatre Arts School. This was a fundraiser organised after Mollie received treatment at Southend Hospital earlier this year. She was very fearful of hospitals and medical procedures. However, the hospital's play team and nursing staff helped ease her anxieties and supported her through tests and treatments. Wanting to give something back, Mollie and her family decided to organise a fundraising event to support the same team that had helped her. They raised £825 for Southend Hospital's play team, which supports children and families in the paediatric Emergency Department, outpatient clinics, blood test appointments, pre-operative care and inpatient stays. Clair Dade, community fundraising manager for Mid & South Essex Hospitals Charity, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Mollie, her family and everyone at Expressions Theatre Arts School for this wonderful fundraising effort. Mollie and her friends should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.” 

God of creation, you made the world and all that is in it.

Thank you for this new day.

Thank you for the colours in the sky today

the variety of blues, whites, greys, and pinks.

Thank you for the innumerable colours of green

in the trees and vegetation.

Thank you for the breeze I feel on my skin

and light that enables me to see.

Thank you for the birdsong and all the sounds I hear.

Thank you for your love for me.

Thank you that I can bring to you all my fears and troubles,

my worries and concerns and leave them with you.

Thank you that you walk life’s journey with me

and that you are willing to carry my burdens

and lighten my load.

Thank you for the strength and resilience you give

that enables me to meet the challenges I face.

Thank you for your guidance by the power of your Holy Spirit throughout today.

Thank you for the opportunities you will give me today.

Thank you for the people who will help me today. 

Help me not to forget you today.

Help me to see you in the face of others

and that I may serve you by serving them,

loving my neighbour and loving you.

All praise and glory, power, majesty and might

be to you Lord of lords and King of kings.  Amen.