Embedded Files
21st October 2026
Nine cases of Ebola have now been confirmed in Kenya including its first patient, who travelled from DR Congo and died two weeks ago. Four relatives of the first victim, three health workers and a hospital cleaner have now tested positive, meaning they are all linked to him. The USA has warned it citizens against travelling to Kenya, amid concerns the virus could spread further. Indeed, Nigeria has confirmed an Ebola case in Abuja, after a woman who arrived from Uganda tested positive for the virus on 7 October. She was admitted to a hospital in Abuja four days later. The health minister, Muhammad Pate, said “We are doing everything possible to contain this case by tracing all the contacts the individual may have had,” he said. Dr Jean Kaseya, the director general of the Africa Centers for Disease Control, said on X that “we are facing an extremely serious threat.” This Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has already become the most geographically extensive in history, affecting several countries spread across three regions of Africa,” he said. This strain of the virus has a fatality rate of nearly 50% of cases. The latest Ebola outbreak is the fastest-spreading on record and has, so far, infected more than 9,500 people and killed more than 4,600.
Loving God, we pray for the healing of all who have contracted the Ebola virus. Be with all who are suffering, may they know that you are with them, and love them, and care for them. Bless and protect all the medical staff seeking to ease pain and discomfort and bring healing. Pour out your love on relatives and friends, anxious for those they love and for their own health. Bring your consolation and message of eternal life to all who mourn, especially children orphaned by Ebola, grant them comfort and peace. May your Spirit inspire those researching this virus and working to find vaccines and treatments. Guide all who are working in communities to help people understand how the virus transmits. May the Holy Spirit work among all to bring this virus under control and and end to the suffering it causes. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
The Samaritan's is a UK charity that seeks to prevent suicide through the power of human connection. It connects people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen. Volunteers from Weymouth, in southern England, are preparing to take on a gruelling 100km trek across the Sahara Desert to raise money the charity. The challenge will see 24 participants from across the charity's south west region of England walk across the desert from November 14 to 21. Each day, they will cover distances of between 17km and 25km across rocky desert plateaux and sand dunes, in temperatures that can be extreme both during the day and night. They will sleep in tents exposed to desert winds and freezing temperatures. Angela Watson and Dan Moss, co-directors of Samaritans in Weymouth, said the challenge would provide vital support for branches throughout the region. “In a fantastic team effort, spanning the whole south west region, ours is one of the 13 branches that will benefit from the funds raised and we cannot thank all of the volunteers enough for taking part” they said. Each participant is to raise £1,500 in individual sponsorship, whilst the organisation seeks public donations and corporate sponsorship, all to be shared equally across the 13 branches. Each year the South West region responds to thousands of people seeking emotional support by phone and online, as well as reaching many thousands of people each year through proactive work within the community.
If you would like to support this initiative, donations can be made via the challenge fundraising page here: https://samaritanscommunity.enthuse.com/pf/saharasouthwest
A hymn of praise based on Revelation 4
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning
our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns
around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert and art and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man
thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name
in earth, and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Reginald Heber (1783-1826)
20th October 2026
Human rights groups working in Sudan have warned of increasing attacks by unmanned aircraft targeting civilians and infrastructure. According to Emergency Lawyers, a group that monitors violence against civilians in Sudan’s civil war, drone attacks on Khartoum killed three children on yesterday, while more than 160 were reported to have been killed in western regions since Friday. Both the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and government forces are responsible for the attacks. The United Nations have condemned attacks. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters, “We are alarmed by the continued deadly drone strikes across the country that are killing civilians, including children, and that are disrupting central services.” The recent fighting began in April 2023. Since then at least 59,000 people have been killed, according to conflict monitor ACLED, although aid groups say the actual number of deaths is likely to be higher. The conflict has caused what aid groups are describing as the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Around 13 million people have been forced from their homes. 33.7 million, including 17.3 million children, are in urgent need of food support, and an estimated 825,000 children face severe, acute malnutrition.
Loving God, we have not forgotten our neighbours in Sudan. We place their needs before you - their need for home, food and protection. May your Holy Spirit be upon parents concerned about the wellbeing of their children, and upon children who have lost their parents. Loving God may the international community not forget the needs of these people but work with waring factions to bring an end to the violence, death and destruction and find a way in which all people can live together in peace. Bless and protect all who seek to provide humanitarian support for desperate people. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
WaterAid Ghana has handed over water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and nutrition facilities, two solar-powered water systems, two disability-friendly sanitation facilities, rehabilitated healthcare infrastructure and two demonstration vegetable gardens to the Kadare and Beo-Tankoo communities in the Bongo District in the Upper East Region. This will benefit over 3,000 people enabling them to access safe water, sanitation and healthcare services. Head of Programmes at WaterAid Ghana, Mohammed Adokor, said the successful completion of the project demonstrated the impact of collective efforts to address water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition challenges in underserved communities. Adokor added that the Kadare Water and Sanitation Management Team sought to ensure the sustainability of the water systems and so had transformed them into a community-based social enterprise known as the Kadare Asungtaaba Kosum Enterprise (KAKE) to manage the systems.
Psalm 24 :1, 7-10
The earth and everything on it belong to the Lord.
The world and its people belong to him.
Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king may come in.
Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord, a strong and mighty warrior.
Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king may come in.
Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord,
the All-Powerful!
19th October 2026
Yesterday, Ukrainian forces launched more than 1,000 drones attacking oil infrastructure in St Petersburg and setting an export terminal and a depot ablaze in actions on Russia's oil infrastructure. The attack killed one person and wounded five others. In Ukraine, Russian attacks killed a woman and wounded at least two other people, including a six-year-old girl, in the city of Zaporizhzhia, Two apartment buildings, 18 cars and an educational institution were damaged as a result of the attack local officials said on yesterday.
Loving God, we reflect on the ongoing turmoil and violence between Ukraine and Russia. We lift up both nations, asking for peace, healing, and reconciliation amidst death, destruction and strife. Wrap all who mourn into your loving care and place your healing hand upon all who are injured. Bring your peace to all who live in fear. Move among the international leaders that they will strive to bring the two nations together and find agreement for a lasting peace. In the live of the people of Ukraine and Russia we pray that your will shall be done as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Syria and the World Bank Group have agreed to establish a multi-donor trust fund to support the country's economic recovery and reconstruction, the Syrian foreign affairs authority announced Sunday. The Fund will use international finance to fund priority reforms, infrastructure rehabilitation and reconstruction programs. It will also provide investment guarantees, technical assistance and assist in building capacity, encouraging private investment whilst supporting sustainable economic development. Mohammed Yisr Barnieh, Syria's finance chief, said the agreement marked a new phase of cooperation with international partners, helping direct resources toward the country's recovery and reconstruction priorities.
King of kings, Lord of lords,
eternal God, majesty,
Jesus Christ,
you are my Saviour.
You are my friend.
You are my beginning and my end.
I bow before you in worship.
All I have and all I am I lay before you.
I love you and live to serve you.
Your love is faithful and true, and eternal.
In your love for the world you redeemed it.
My soul sings your praise.
King of kings, Lord of lords
Eternal God, majesty,
Jesus Christ,
you are my Saviour.
You are my friend.
Glory be to you.
May your name be lifted high.
Amen.
18th October 2026
Yesterday, French Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu said 1,200 people had been arrested and 150 police hurt as civil unrest continues across the country. In Lyons, a tourist office was set on fire and destroyed. The city hall in Limoges was also set alight causing the collapse of a 143-year-old spire. In Paris police used tear gas on protestors where tens of thousands had gathered. Protests began over a month ago as school student demanded more public investment in their schools, criticising the lack of teachers and staff, overcrowded classrooms and crumbling buildings. These have escalated into a more general protest against the government. More disruption and demonstrations are planned in the month to come, with France's General Confederation of Labour (CGT) calling for "major inter-union strikes". In a statement the union said, "The government's choices will continue to impact our lives and our rights: access to proper healthcare, a decent living from one's salary or pension, and reliable public services throughout the country - these are essential rights that must be guaranteed, not savings to be made!"
Loving God, we place into your care our neighbours in France. Bring your comfort and compassion to all who have been injured and all have lost property and income as a consequence of the violence. May all governments seek to ensure that no one need be homeless, hungry or dependent on food handouts. May they ensure that no one is exploited in the workplace, and that incomes are sufficient to provide a living. May they work tirelessly to ensure that all have access to high quality health care, and that the frail and infirm are well cared for. Guide the authorities in France to bring law and order back to the streets, to listen to those with genuine grievences, and to act in ways which make a positive difference to all living in precarity. May they work to ensure students and teachers work in conditions that reflects the value the country places upon them and that they are treated with dignty and respect. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Julie Shenton works in a bar in Stoke on Trent, UK. Julie has been working at Victoria Lounge, in Hanley, for the last six years. One Tuesday afternoon her work shift was suddenly transformed into an emergency situation. She said that she saw an elderly gentleman come into the bar. "I had seen his wife and daughter several times before. Another customer came over to me and said that he seemed a bit poorly. So I went over to take a look. When I looked at him, I could see that he was very hot and clammy. I took his coat off and called for an ambulance. He looked like he was turning grey. Then he started slouching down. I checked his pulse and found that he had no heartbeat." Julie immediately lay the man down on the floor and started performing CPR. He recovered a slight pulse, but Julie continued the emergency aid for over 15 minutes before the paramedics arrived and took over his care. Julie said that the man's wife "came in a week later to say that he was doing well. Apparently, he was taken to hospital and had a defibrillator fitted. His wife and his surgeon said that I saved his life. Now he is recovering at home." Julie added, “I was so relieved. Once his strength is back up enough, I’m going to take him out for a meal to celebrate. His lunch will definitely be on me! I am just so happy he is still with us. It will be nice to have a chat after it all. I’ll certainly never forget his face.”
Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
that on the cross my burden gladly bearing
he bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
how great Thou art, how great Thou art.
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
how great Thou art, how great Thou art.
Carl Boberg 1859-1940
17th October 2026
Israel appears to be fighting a war against Palestinians using hunger and malnutrition as a weapon in Gaza and the West bank. At least 466 Palestinians have died of malnutrition and starvation since 2024, with children accounting for one-third of the deaths, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Friday, Malnutrition was also driving up rates of anaemia among pregnant women to 61 percent in 2026, up from 41 percent before the war began in October 2023. Nearly 4,000 pregnancy losses were recorded in the first half of 2026, more than three times the number recorded in the preceding six months. As winter approaches more than 1.4 million Palestinians, 67% of Gaza’s population is expected to experience crisis-level food insecurity. In the West Bank Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinians and have destroyed olive plantations in an attempt to deny the Palestinians of a harvest this year and a livelihood in the future. Masked settlers were observed wielding clubs and other weapons as they attacked Palestinians attempting to harvest their olives yesterday. Journalists were also attacked resulting in a female Washington Post journalists being taken to hospital and having her camera stollen. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the incident was "under investigation", however a BBC analysis published earlier this week identified 254 incidents in which the Israeli military has been accused of killing or injuring people in Gaza, Lebanon, the occupied West Bank and Israel that the Israeli authorities have said they were investigating, but have no public outcome.
Loving God, we cry with all who are being attacked, abused, denied food and livelihoods across Palestinian lands in Israel. We ask for your loving care for all in the Israeli government. Fill them with your Holy Spirit that they will not degenerate into abject inhumanity but open their eyes to the trauma people are living with across the land. May they act to bring law and order to places degenerating into lawlessness. Guide the international community to uphold international agreements and resolutions. May they engage with the Israeli government in a spirit of peace in order that peace will come to this troubled land. We pray too for the mental wellbeing of all filled with hate and all performing heinous acts upon others made in your image. May your enduring command to love neighbour and to regard the foreigner living in the land as one of the native born be lived out in the lives of all. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
An annual sheep shearing event in Anglesey, off the north west coast of Wales has raised more than £70,000 for charity. Since it began in 2012 the event has raised £450,000 for a variety of charitable causes. This year, £72,000 was raised in support of Wales Air Ambulance, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and the DPJ Foundation. There was a recent presentation evening held in Llannerch-y-medd, where charity representatives gathered to accept their donations. Alun Jones, chair of the Cneifio Cylch committee, said: "Something that started as a bit of fun over 30 years ago has developed into a really important event in the Ynys Môn farming calendar. Our fundraising has grown through activities including shearing competitions, an auction of promises, and live entertainment – with a range of charities benefiting over the years. It’s incredible to think that all this happens on one Saturday in August." Elaine Orr, North West Wales Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: "We are enormously grateful to Cneifio Cylch and everyone involved for their remarkable generosity and continued support.
This year’s donation alone will help us attend another seven emergencies involving people in life or limb-threatening situations." Emyr Davies, accepted a donation on behalf of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, said: "I want to say a huge thank you to Cneifio Cylch ... this is about community and the importance of coming together to do something worthwhile."
Loving creator God
how wonderful are the works of your hand.
How marvellous is your creation.
We praise you for
the beauty and magnificence of the earth.
We give you glory for the variety of plant and animal life.
We praise you for all your blessings;
for food and water,
for friendships and community.
We thank you
that you are our strength in times of trouble.
Lord God you are wonderful, mighty, and powerful,
yet you are merciful and loving,
sheltering us under your wing.
We magnify your Holy name
for you have provided for us
even when our earthly life is over.
All praise and glory be to you
eternal God. Amen
16th October 2026
The United States has experienced a significant increase in school-related violence from August 2022 through April 2025, notably marked by a record number of school shootings. Yesterday three more were added to the tally at Silver Rail Elementary School in the city of Bend, Oregon. The three children killed were aged five, eight and eleven. A seven-year-old and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to a hospital in a critical condition. The assailant was a 16 year old who also died at the school after he was shot by a civilian. "We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy," Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook. "We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and to everyone affected by this violence. No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing. Our immediate priorities are caring for our students and staff and assisting law enforcement and emergency responders."
Loving God, our hearts go out to our neighbours in Bend. We ask your compassion, love and care for the families of all who have died. Be with them and uphold them in their grief. Place your healing hand on those injured and bless the medical teams working with them, that they may make a full and swift recovery. May your Holy Spirit be among all the children, staff and parents of Silver Rail Elementary School. May they feel your comforting presence and be guided to give support to one another in their anxiety and fear. Guide the staff to know what to say and how to respond to distressed children so that going to school may not be frightening. Help them to find peace within themselves and within the school. Guide the authorities in the investigative work they have to do and lead congressmen and women to address the increasing number of lethal attacks on schools. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Last Friday, Sightsavers India, launched the ‘Looms & Lenses’, a new national initiative focusing on improving access to eye care for weaving and artisan communities. Sightsavers India aims to bring eye care closer to where weavers and artisans live and work, while recognising the skills, stories and aspirations of these communities. The initiative aims to reach 1 million weavers, allied workers and artisans by 2030, and provide 400,000 spectacles to those in need. Speaking at the launch, Kabir Bedi, Honorary Brand Ambassador, Sightsavers India, said The Looms and Lenses initiative is particularly meaningful as it supports India’s weavers, whose craft depends on precision, vision and generations-old traditions. By helping them protect their eyesight, we are not only improving their lives but also helping preserve an invaluable part of India’s artistic heritage.” RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, said, "By bringing eye screenings, spectacles and referral services closer to weaving communities, the programme aims to address vision-related challenges that can affect their productivity, income and independence."
A prayer based Henry Francis Lyte's
hymn arrangement of Psalm 103
My soul, praises you Lord
for you are the King of heaven.
You have forgiven, healed, and restored, me.
For evermore I will sing your praises.
You know my weakness,
but you are always the same.
Your, grace and love, forgiveness and blessing
is always upon your people.
You care for us as a father cares for his children.
Angels adore you.
Sun and moon, bow down to you.
People of all times and places worship you.
Praise be to you God of grace, the High Eternal One. Amen.
15th October 2026
The international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said in a statement issued to journalists yesterday by its Communication Officer, Abdul Kareem, that its teams treated more than 87,000 children for acute malnutrition in Katsina State, Nigeria, between January and August 2026. The organisation also disclosed that nearly 15,500 children were hospitalised for severe or complicated malnutrition between January and August 2026, compared with approximately 16,500 during the same period in 2025. The figures highlight the continuing nutritional crisis in northern Nigeria and the urgent need for sustained funding to prevent avoidable deaths among children. In its October 2026 World Economic Outlook report, titled “Resilience Under Strain, Urgent Choices”, published on Tuesday, the International Monetary Funds also warned that poverty levels and food insecurity in Nigeria may get worse, an event likely to be driven by rising prices of essential goods in the country.
Loving God, we come before you to plead for our neighbours in Nigeria who are food insecure and particularly for children suffering from malnutritian. May the authorities work co-operatively with aid agencies to ensure the no one need be hungry and that all children receive a sustained and sustaining nutricious diet. We thank you for the work of MSF and we ask your blessing on their staff. May their example encourage compassion among the international community to support food programmes. May Nigeria's economy benefit all its people particularly those who live in destitution, precarity and struggle each day to feed their children. Loving God we pray as Jesus taught us that your will shall be done in Nigeria as it is in heaven. Amen.
Hurricane Isaias was the first major hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season to make landfall in the U.S. It struck the Gulf Coast over the weekend leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power. Christian relief organisations swiftly responded providing food, water and aid supplies to residents, while helping clean up damage and offering spiritual support to survivors. Operation Blessing has distributed at least 684 disaster relief kits provided by the Home Depot Foundation, 5,760 hygiene kits, more than 700 hot meals, 240 meal kits and 23 pallets of bottled water. The Rev. Franklin Graham, CEO of the North Carolina-based Evangelical humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse, said, “We have @SamaritansPurse staff on the ground in response to Hurricane Isaias, and volunteers will begin working tomorrow to help residents in the areas around Pensacola, Florida, and Brewton, Alabama,” he wrote. “They will be cutting up downed trees, tarping roofs, and removing debris for homeowners who were hard hit by the storm.” Samaritan’s Purse is also deploying members of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) Rapid Response Team to “share the hope of the Gospel with families reeling from the storm.” Convoy of Hope has also deployed to the Gulf Coast. In a statement Monday, the organization said “Mobile homes were ripped apart. Trees fell, damaging roofs and blocking travel. Tornadoes popped up, bringing more damage. Hundreds of thousands of people lost power, making it difficult to fulfil daily tasks,” the statement said. The organization said its relief efforts centre on three items: “Relief kits, shelf-stable food, and bottled water.”
Praise be to you O Lord,
for the wonder and magnificence of your creation.
Praise be to you O Lord
for your promise of eternal life
through faith in Jesus Christ.
Praise be to you O Lord
for the power of the Holy Spirit
at work in the world.
Praise be to you O Lord
Glory be to you O Lord.
Honour be to you O Lord.
Praise be to you one eternal God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
14th October 2026
The Yellow Line divides Gaza’s territory between Israeli and Palestinian control as part of the October 2025 “ceasefire” agreement. It is marked on the ground by yellow concrete blocks. Israeli forces withdrew behind this line. However, the yellow concrete blocks have been moved by Israeli forces dozens of metres westward in Shujayea, in eastern Gaza City. The last time was just a day or two ago. The original line agreed about a year ago gave Israel control of around 53% of Gaza, they now control 65%. The impact of this is horrendous for Palestinian families finding themselves on the wrong side of the line as it moves. Many have been forced to move multiple times. Most live in makeshift tents are are subjected to the constant noise of drones, helicopters, artillery fire and in fear of stray bullets and shrapnel. Constant moving results in the loss of property such as disability aids and money. Pushing people into an ever decreasing space results in inhumane and unhealthy situations as garbage accumulates, sewage spills into streets and camps, and clean water becomes increasingly scarce. Aid agencies warn that a new threat of disease is spreading across the territory. The UN Relief and Works Agency has warned of more than 125,000 cases of skin infections linked to rats and parasites between January and May this year.
Loving God, we place into your care all in Gaza who are fearful for their lives and wellbeing. We pray that Israel's leadership will act with integrity and honesty in holding to the agreements they have made and that they will have humanitarian compassion for all who live in squalor and in increasingly more densely populated areas within the yellow boundary of Gaza. We pray that the international community will work constructively with Israel and Palestinian leaders to bring a resolution to the oppression and conflict. May your will be done in Gaza as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Located in Grottole, in the ‘instep’ of the Italian Peninsula a new major biomethane plant has come online. It will save some 9,000 tons of CO2 annually by producing a natural gas substitute with agricultural waste, ultimately producing 45 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy a year for decades. Italy is a natural gas success story. The fuel accounts for 46% of the country’s electricity generation. The Grottole biomethane plant is now half way through its 6-month ramp-up stage. It uses agricultural byproducts from local farms to produce low-carbon gas and fertilizer, directly supporting Europe’s decarbonization goals while strengthening energy security and the circular economy.
A prayer based on Psalm 65
Our God, we praise you
You take care of the earth
and send rain to help the soil
grow all kinds of crops.
Your rivers never run dry,
and you prepare the earth
to produce abundant grain.
You water all its fields and level the lumpy ground.
You send showers of rain
to soften the soil and help the plants sprout.
Wherever your footsteps touch the earth,
a rich harvest is gathered.
Desert pastures blossom, and mountains celebrate.
Meadows are filled with sheep and goats;
valleys overflow with grain and echo with joyful songs.
When our sins get us down, you forgive us.
Our God, you save us,
and you answer our prayers.
You give hope to people
everywhere on earth.
We celebrate and sing because of you.
Amen.
13th October 2026
UN Women (the lead United Nations entity on woemn's rights, gender equality and empowerment of women and girls) has called for the full implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, respect for international law and accountability for violations. More than 38,000 women and girls have been killed, while another 11,700 have sustained severe injuries from Israeli airstrikes and ground military operations, a total of 49,700 since the outbreak of war in October 2023. This represents approximately one in every 21 women and girls in Gaza, based on the estimated female population of 1.06 million at the end of 2025. UN Women said more than 150 evacuation and movement orders issued across Gaza by the Israeli Defence Forces since October 2023 had forced nearly one million women and girls from their homes, adding that almost every woman and girl in Gaza had been displaced. The majority now living in tents or among the ruins of buildings, often without privacy or the basic facilities needed to maintain their dignity. UN Women said that women were being forced to give birth in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, putting their lives and their children's lives at risk. Nearly 4,000 miscarriages were recorded in the first six months of 2026, three times the number reported in the last six months of 2025. UN Women urged all parties to ensure that international law was upheld and civilians were protected.
Loving God, our hearts are broken because of the suffering of women and girls in Gaza. Uphold all who are weighed down by the burdens they carry. Grant them strength and hope in their struggles. We ask your loving compassion for all parents who mourn the deaths of their daughters and all husbands the deaths of their wives, and all children who mourn the deaths of their mothers. Guide to places of safety and shelter all women and girls displaced from their homes and support them through the trauma of living daily with fear, among destruction and death. Guide leaders and decision-makers to pursue paths of justice and peace. May they uphold the dignity and rights of all people, embrace dialogue over violence, unity over division, and seek a just and lasting peace. May the women and girls of Gaza know they are not forgotten, and that you love and care for each one of them. We pray for peace in the land we call Holy, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord, Amen.
You can find out more about the work of UN Women here.
The United Nations Agency for Children (UNICEF) marked the International Day of the Girl Child annually on 11th October announcing that an estimated that 68 million child marriages have been averted over the past 25 years due to education, proving that progress is possible when girls are supported and their rights are protected. The UN agency attributed the progress to investments in girls’ education, legal reform and social protection. The UNICEF statement said, “For when girls are safe, educated and empowered, they don’t just transform their own lives, they help build healthier families, stronger communities and more peaceful, prosperous societies. .... investing in girls is one of the most effective ways to accelerate progress. Every girl deserves a childhood. Every girl deserves the freedom to learn, to grow, to make her own choices and to define her own future. Yet millions of girls are still denied that freedom."
Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.
12th October 2026
A boat carrying hundreds of people has capsized off the coast of Djibouti in east Africa near the port town of Obock on Thursday night. At least 139 migrants including 15 children have died. Around 82 people were rescued, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. Living in many places on the Horn of Africa is life threatening. Despite the on-going conflict in Yemen that has lasted more than a decade, migrants still cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Yemen driven by poverty, insecurity and the growing impacts of climate change. Tens of thousands make the perilous journey each year hoping to reach Gulf countries for safety and work, the IOM says. Conversely, thousands of Yemenis have fled to Djibouti to escape the civil war between Houthi fighters and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.
Loving God, our hearts go our to our neighbours in Djibouti who mourn the deaths of those they loved. We pray for the safe-keeping and healing of all who have been rescued from the water and give thanks for all who have risk their own lives to bring others to safety. Forgive us that we create situations where people prefer to take their chances crossing the ocean rather than to remain at home. Also, forgive us that we have made the region so unsafe that it is challenging for people to find a place of safety and security, welcome and acceptance. Help us all to be empathetic to those who decide their lives are not safe and seek new beginings in far-off lands. Help us grasp the emormity of those decisions and to address all that creates instability and fear. In the name of Jesus Christ the Lord we pray, Amen.
Anna’s Hope charity was launched in 2006 by Carole and Rob Hughes (from Peterborough, UK), who sadly lost their daughter Anna to a brain tumour at the age of three. Over the past two decades, Anna’s Hope has made a huge contribution to children diagnosed with brain tumours, alongside support for their families. Anna’s Hope celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with its annual 5k fun run yesterday. More than 300 runners taking part in both the 5k fun run and Great Eastern Run supported Anna’s Hope, with many wearing fairy wings in support of the charity. The event raised thousands of £ to fund vital support for children living with brain tumours.
Find out more about Anna's Hope here.
King of kings and Lord of lords
You are a faithful God, forgiving, patient and loving,
even when we fail you,
or sin against you, or wander far from you.
Like a loving Father you
welcoming us home to you,
with arms outstretched.
All praise and glory be to you.
We offer you our service
in whatever way you may have for us
and wherever you might need us. Amen
11th October 2026
At least 12 people have been killed and over 300 injured in an attack on the international airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia yesterday. The deaths included four Saudis, two people from Bangladesh and one person each from the US, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt. A Saudi-led coalition blamed Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen. The US president, Donald Trump, said he was evaluating whether the US should join Saudi strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen. The Houthis have not commented on yesterday's attack but have confirmed they were involved in separate strikes on Riyadh airport on Thursday that killed three people and damaged a plane. Since the truce broke down in their long-running war with Yemen’s Saudi-backed government in July, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked Saudi airports, oil facilities and tankers.
Loving God, bring your love and compassion to the friends and families of all who were killed in this attack yesterday. Grant your healing and restoration to all who were injured. Guide all with responsibilities for keeping airports, air travel, passengers and crew safe. Hear our cries for peace across the Middle East. Hear our concerns for escalating conflict and violence and our desire for change, for peace. In your mercy, break political deadlocks, soften hardened hearts, change closed minds, open unhearing ears. May your justice and peace shape the nation of Yemen and its relationships with neighbouring countries. Let your love shine in the hearts of all people across the Middle East that peace, stability and mutual support may come to this trouble place. In the name of Jesus Christ the Lord we pray, Amen.
The Salvation Army has recently launched a free weekly sessions at its community centre in Swindon, UK, to help people coping with the loss of a loved one. Following a visit to the centre from a man who had experienced the unexpected death of his partner, the Salvation Army identified a gap in support available to grieving residents and so decided to open the Friendship, Hope and Healing Bereavement Café. Despite seeking help elsewhere, he faced lengthy waits for support when all he wanted was someone to talk to. The aim of the cafe is to give people a place to talk and reduce the loneliness and isolation experienced by people who have lost loved ones, particularly those without close family or friends nearby. Captain Theresa Torr, who leads The Salvation Army in Gorse Hill, Swindon, said: “Grief has no timetable. Loss happens to all of us and we react to it in different ways. Being available for those experiencing loss is the kindest way of helping them cope and also heal from the pain. The gentleman who inspired this project simply needed someone to talk to. The Bereavement Café is our practical way as a church and community centre of being there for those among us who are grieving and reminding people that you don’t have to carry this burden alone.”
Loving God,
I enter your gates with thanksgiving and your courts with praise. This is the day that you have made;
I rejoice and am glad in it.
Your love endures for ever.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations.
You gather the outcast,
people marginalised and voiceless.
You heal the broken-hearted
and bind up their wounds.
You forgive sin.
You have opened the gate of heaven that all may go in.
Blessed be Your holy name for ever and ever
through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
10th October 2026
Today is World Homeless Day. Homelessness impacts people across the world as war, conflict, oppression, and climate change displace people from their homes. Around 120 million people have been displaced, of which 69 million have moved within their own countries (known as internally displaced people - IDPs), the rest have crossed international borders. The UNHCR estimates that approximately 45 million displaced people are children, representing 38% of the total displaced population. Homelessness is found in every country. In the USA around 750,000 people are estimated to be homeless, 350,000 in France and around 380,000 in England. In England nearly 180,000 children live in temporary accommodation. This means some will go to school from one place not knowing to where they will return when school finishes for the day. It also means that many will be sharing bathrooms with others they don’t know.
The impact of homelessness on children is severe. It can be detrimental to children’s physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing. It’s harder for them to access to healthy food or hygiene products. Education is disrupted when families are constantly on the move. Children find it more difficult to develop friendships, focus in class, and find good places to study and do their homework.
Loving God, today we reflect on the thousands of families living on the margins of society, in desperate need of the basics in life, in desperate need of a place to call home. You know all their names and each situation. Remind them that they are loved, valued, and never forgotten. Protect those who sleep rough and sped each night hungry and cold. Be alongside those who struggle with mental illness or addiction. We thank you for all who seek to help them find healing, support. Lord, teach us not to judge people whose struggles we may not understand. Help us see the dignity of every person and respond with compassion. Guide the leaders of nations to make homelessness a key priority and to commit themselves to reducing the number of people who have no place to call home. May they work together to address all that displaces people, war, oppression, climate change, so no one need be a wanderer or feel they do not belong. Jesus Christ the Lord we pray, Amen.
Hurricane Isaias has made landfall in the US, bringing winds of more than 100mph and the risk of floods, storm surges and tornadoes. In Pensacola, Florida, charity for the homeless, Opening Doors is the area's leading agency on homelessness. Opening Doors has been canvassing the community for days to make sure those who are unhoused know of the threat and where they can go to ride it out safely, and how to get there. Opening Doors Executive Director Bruce Cady said ECAT has been a "great resource" offering free rides to help all residents to get to a shelter. "Waterfront Rescue Mission has committed to serving everyone that comes to their door," Cady said. "My outreach teams also went to the city of Milton and town of Century to help homeless get to shelter." Once the storm is over and clears out of the area, Cady says street outreach teams and case managers will go to local emergency shelters and serve both those chronically homeless and newly homeless.
You can find out more about the work of Opening Doors here.
Bread of the world in mercy broken,
wine of the soul in mercy shed,
by whom the words of life were spoken,
and in whose death our sins are dead.
Look on the heart by sorrow broken,
look on the tears by sinners shed;
and be your feast to us the token
that by your grace our souls are fed.
Reginald Heber 1783-1826
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