19th July 2026

Between 4-9 July, at least 61 people – including 14 children – were killed in the Kenscoff region twenty kilometres south of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, according to the United Nations. These attacks have resulted in 6,000 people fleeing Kenscoff according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which said it was the largest displacement the town had experienced in 15 months.  An estimated 6.4 million people – more than half the country's population – are now in need of aid. The World Food Programme (WFP) says that some 5.8 million people, simply do not have enough to eat. 1.5 million Haitians have been displaced by violence linked to armed groups. The climate crisis and global economic instability, have also significantly disrupted Haiti's food supply chains. During it's April appeal, WFP country director Wanja Kaaria said, "Tackling hunger is vital to restoring stability in Haiti. We cannot build peace when families have nothing to feed their children. Hunger opens the door to armed groups who will exploit the crisis, luring children with food and preying on women and young mothers who are struggling to provide for their families." 

Loving God, pour out your blessing and protection upon our neighbours in Haiti. We pray for peace across the country.  We pray for peace for children growing up with conflict and fear. We pray for peace for women abused and exploited because of the need to feed their families.  We pray for peace for all so that the real issues can be addressed. Guide the international community to bring about change and transformation. Move among the armed gangs and help them see the trauma and devastation their actions are causing. Bless your church in Haiti that it may be a place of peace, hope and reconciliation.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

1,600 people were sprayed with colour as they participated in the annual Blackpool Colour Run in Blackpool UK. They pass through seven powder paint stations before crossing the finish line covered in every colour of the rainbow. They did so in order to raise about £50,000 for Trinity Hospice. Trinity’s Events Fundraiser, Danny Hickes, said: “Events like Blackpool Colour Run show the very best of our community. People gave up their time, raise sponsorship, encourage friends and family and create an unforgettable atmosphere on the beach. Together, they help ensure Trinity can continue. Together, we turned Blackpool beach into a sea of colour and raised an incredible amount for local hospice care."  Trinity Hospice doesn't just care for cancer patients, but also for people with serious cardiac or respiratory issues, and motor neurone disease, and older patients with mobility problems, general frailty and dementia. A third of Trinity’s adult in-patients go home again after spending time at the hospice.  Many never set foot in the hospice at all, being cared for by community nurses and Hospice at Home team.

Find out more about Trinity Hospice, Blackpool here.

Creator of all,

Sustainer of all,

Saviour of all,

Your glory and majesty

are beyond our understanding,

Your power too awesome to behold.

And yet your love enfolds us as a gentle breeze.

Saviour of all ,

Sustainer of all,

Creator of all,

We bless your holy name.  Amen

©John Birch from Faith and Worship