2nd August 2025

This morning we read of three disconnected, yet related news items. Australia's foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, held a private meeting with Israel’s ambassador to Australia.  She criticised Israel’s conduct in Gaza and called for it to urgently comply with international law and increase the supply of food to Palestinians. In the USA, President Trump has fired Erika McEntarfer, commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), one of America's most important economic institutions. Following the publication of weaker-than-expected jobs data Trump claimed on social media that the jobs figures were "rigged" in order to make him and Republicans "look bad".  In Colombia, former president Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest, after being found guilty of witness tampering. 

Almighty, eternal and powerful God, you are the King of kings and Lord of lords.  We come to you with our concerns for the leaders of nations and peoples.  We pray that they will conduct themselves with integrity, honesty, humility, and humanity. May they grasp the impact of their decision making on the lives of ordinary people. Move among them that they will have the needs of the economically poor, the socially marginalised, those abuse, exploited or seeking justice high on their agendas.  May they work tirelessly to ensure no one is without a place to call home; that no one need be hungry or dependant on food handouts, or without access to clean water and sanitation.  May they work to ensure all have access to medical care and education regardless of their economic circumstances, or social position. May they uphold justice for all. May all be able to live in peace without threat of violence, death or the destruction of their homes and livelihoods. We pray, loving Father, that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, and fellow science YouTube star Mark Rober have partnered with international not for profit Water Aid.  They have launched #TeamWater, a global campaign to bring clean water to 2 million people. Powered by content creators from over 84 countries with a combined reach of 2 billion subscribers, the initiative aims to raise $40 million by the end of this month. The campaign blends creator influence with four decades of global water expertise to make lasting change. According to the United Nations, more than 2 billion people lacked access to safely managed drinking water as of 2022. This new campaign aims to significantly reduce that number by encouraging people to take collective action on one of the world's most urgent challenges. "We've seen the power of the internet when it rallies behind a cause, from planting millions of trees to removing millions of pounds of trash from the ocean," said Donaldson and Rober in a joint statement. "Now, we're taking on clean water, because no one should have to live without it." 

You can see a two minute YouTube video about the project here.

A prayer inspired by Psalms 42 and 18

As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after you, O God.

Your way is perfect.

All your promises prove true.

You are a shield for all who look to you for protection.

You give me strength,

and make my way perfect.

You have made a wide path for my feet

to keep them from slipping.

You make me as surefooted as a deer,

enabling me to stand on mountain heights.

Your right hand supports me.

Praise and glory, honour and power

be yours for ever.  Amen.

Image by Thomas C Thomsen from Pexels