Christ is risen. He is no less risen on the road to Emmaus than he is anywhere else.  So look for him.  Listen for him. - Debie Thomas

Sudan

Sudan’s civil war, now in its third year, is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis in decades and famine is spreading rapidly. American-funded soup kitchens in Sudan had been the only lifelines for tens of thousands of people besieged by fighting. But in January,  President Trump dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development, abruptly halting $830 million in emergency aid. Over 300 soup kitchens closed almost immediately, leaving residents to search desperately for food amid the violence. Hundreds of people, mainly infants and children, are dying of starvation daily. Over 600,000 Sudanese face famine, with another eight million teetering on the brink, aid groups warn. 

Dear God, while some throw away leftovers from Easter dinner and complain of eating too much chocolate, millions roam streets and countrysides looking for blades of grass.  Oh God, hear the cries of the suffering and provide a way for mercy and relief to come.  

Rome

A new Catholic pope will be elected following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21.  The leader of the world’s 1 billion Roman Catholics will be remembered for his non-traditional papacy and historic Canadian apology to Indigenous peoples in 2022.  He addressed past scandals, embraced migrants, and blessed same-sex unions. While Francis did not alter Catholic Church doctrine, he loosened rules and made significant steps toward growing a modernized and inclusive Catholic Church. Some critics argue he made too many concessions to modernity on social issues which only deepened the divide between liberal and traditional Christians, while other critics argue he didn’t go far enough to institute real change. As a new pope is chosen, the world watches to see what direction and convictions this leader will bring to the Catholic Church.

God, in your providence, we pray that you would raise up a Catholic Church leader who seeks truth, justice, and humility. May this new leader guide with wisdom, uphold and proclaim the gospel, and reflect Christ’s compassion in a divided world.

Maaloula, Syria

Maaloula, Syria, just northeast of Damascus, is one of the few places where locals still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. It’s home to the Greek Catholic Church and the Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, with its fourth-century sanctuary carved into a rocky peak. Before the civil war, Maaloula was known for peaceful coexistence between its Christian majority and Sunni Muslim minority. The town once hosted pilgrims and tourists. Although brutal, former President Assad was supported by many Christians as a buffer against Islamic extremism. Now, with an Islamist-led government in power, Christians face harassment, land seizures, and mistrust. The war’s tragedy lies not only in the destruction of sacred sites but in the unraveling of centuries of interfaith trust.

Heavenly Father, we lift up our brothers and sisters in Syria, especially in Maaloula. Protect them from harm and may Your presence be a refuge for them. We pray for reconciliation between Christians and Muslims, that past wounds may be healed, and that trust may be rebuilt in Your name. Guide the leaders of Syria toward justice, peace, and the protection of all religious minorities.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Finding Hope in Hospitality: A Faith-Based Conversation on Welcoming the Stranger

On May 15, from 7:30–9:00 PM EST, we invite you to a cross-border virtual gathering. In a time when refugee resettlement and immigration spark complex emotions and conversations across North America, Thrive, the Centre for Public Dialogue, Exodus World Service, and World Renew’s Canadian Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Team invite you to a different kind of gathering—one rooted in hope, hospitality, and faith. Learn more and register today!

Help Translate Critical Safer Churches Resources!

Every church should be a safe church. That’s why Thrive’s abuse prevention work is so vital to building communities where everyone can safely worship and grow in faith. Thrive has many resources currently available to support congregations in this work – but most of these tools are only available in English. We are eager to continue our 30+ year legacy of ensuring the value of each person is honored and justice and healing are promoted in every congregation and in every language.

Will you partner with Thrive to help us translate our wealth of safer churches resources?
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