25th April 2025  

As the war in Sudan rages on those who sought shelter in one of the worlds largest camps for internally displaced people has come under attack. The Zamzam refugee camp in North Darfur was established in 2004 just 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of the city of Al-Fashir. It has accommodated the massive influx of people displaced by the war.  Until recently its population was around 500,000 displaced individuals. However, since 11th April, when the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) began a large-scale ground offensive on Zamzam camp, hundreds of thousands of people have fled to El Fasher. In addition, twenty-five thousand went west to the town of Tawila seeking help from the Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) operation there. The UN report that the camp is now nearly empty. The violence in Zamzam is horrific. Fighters were going from tent to tent shooting people hiding in their 'homes' and burning large parts of the camp. The UN has warned of the risk of ethnic violence and mass killings in the region.  

Loving God, our hearts go out to our neighbours who were living in Zamzam camp and to all the humanitarian workers who supported them there. We pray that they will find acceptance and welcome in Al-Fashir and Tawila, and wherever else they go.  We pray for their protection and wellbeing.  Bless the work of MSF, the UN and others agencies as they seek to support people displaced from their homes and now displaced from Zamzam. Grant them wisdom, courage, and resilience. Loving God by the power of your Holy Spirit move among the peace makers that an end might e brought to this terrible war. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Around 7,000 people have been killed since January in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  However, the government of the DRC and M23 rebels have agreed to stop fighting in the east of the DRC.  The ceasefire will hold until peace talks reach their "conclusion".  This follows last month's agreement between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan President Paul Kagame to an "unconditional" ceasefire.  A joint statement was issued by the M23 and Congolese government on Wednesday, stating, “By mutual agreement, both parties reaffirm their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities, a categorical rejection of any hate speech, intimidation and call on all local communities to uphold these commitments.” 

Amazing God, you are powerful and mighty. 

You command the sun to give light each day,

the moon and stars to shine at night,

and ocean waves to roar.

God of love, you are the shepherd of your sheep,

searching for the lost,

bringing back strays

 binding up the injured and strengthening the weak.

You lead us to lush pastures and clear water.

 We thank you for you loving kindness.

We thank you for your protection and care.

We thank you for the New Covenant

you have made with us in Jesus Christ.

We thank you that you have put your law in our minds

and written it on our hearts.

We thank you that you forgive our sin

and never remember our wrong doing.

Amazing God, you are powerful and mighty.

We bow in praise and worship,

giving you glory and honour.  Amen.