“To be an incarnational follower of Christ, there must be a relinquishing of control, a reversal of social order. According to the natural perceptions of this world, it’s an upside-down kingdom. But it’s a kingdom of God-saturated imagination. It’s the way of the Cross.”
― Rich Villodas, The Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of Jesus

Gunmen Kill at Least 20 in Nighttime Attack in Nigeria

A late-night attack on the Gari Ya Waye community in Nigeria’s north-central Plateau State has left at least 20 people dead and many others injured. Gunmen on motorcycles arrived in the dark, firing sporadically into the community. In response to the violence, the state government has imposed a 48-hour curfew to prevent further escalation and protect grieving residents.

Plateau State has long been a flashpoint for a cycle of violence rooted in complex disputes over land and grazing rights between herding and farming communities. These tensions continue to displace families and claim the lives of those caught in the crossfire. 

God, we lift up the grieving community in Gari Ya Waye. You are the one who hears the cry of the vulnerable in the darkness; be near to those mourning. We pray for the families of the twenty whose lives were cut short, and for the healing of those left wounded. Give wisdom to the authorities as they seek to restore order, and move the hearts of leaders toward the long, difficult work of resolving deep-seated conflicts over land and life. 

UN Declares Slavery ‘Gravest Crime Against Humanity’

Following a historic vote at the United Nations General Assembly, the international community has moved to formally recognize the transatlantic slave trade as the “gravest crime against humanity.” This resolution seeks to move beyond mere symbolic acknowledgment toward a structured, global dialogue on reparatory justice. While the resolution passed with 123 votes, it faced opposition from nations including the United States, Israel, and Argentina, while many European countries abstained, citing concerns over the legal implications of the wording.

By formally categorizing the trade as a crime against humanity, the UN aims to establish a principled framework for reconciliation grounded in truth rather than silence.

God of every generation, we acknowledge the profound wounds left by centuries of trafficking and enslavement. We pray for the global community as it navigates this difficult path toward reckoning and repair. Give us the courage to look at the past without turning away and the humility to listen to the voices of those still impacted. May this recognition be more than words on a page; let it be a turning point toward a world where justice truly rolls down like waters.

War and Retribution Threaten Human Dignity

New reports from Sudan detail a reality where the ongoing war is being "fought on women’s bodies," with survivors describing systematic sexual assault used as a weapon to humiliate and displace communities. Simultaneously, international concern is mounting following Israel’s passage of a law allowing the death penalty for those convicted of "terrorist acts," a move human rights organizations call a "dangerous escalation" that threatens global standards for the right to life. These developments reflect a troubling disregard for the sanctity of human life.

God of life and protector of the vulnerable, we cry out for those in Sudan whose bodies have been turned into battlegrounds; be their shield and their healer. We also pray for a world increasingly drawn toward retribution; move the hearts of leaders to value mercy over vengeance and dignity over destruction. Grant wisdom to the international community to act with courage, and sustain all those working to protect the sacredness of every person. May your peace guard our hearts and our world.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Beyond the Headlines: Faith, Community and the Stories that Shape Us

Join a new justice education series from Thrive, World Renew, and the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue. This four-part series explores immigration, food justice, climate justice, and gender justice through a biblical lens—equipping participants to recognize harmful narratives, understand root causes, and take meaningful, faith-informed action. Learn more and register today!