Blessed be Your name

On the road marked with suffering

Though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in, Lord

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

~ Matt Redman “Blessed Be Your Name”

Youth Use Basketball to Resist Violence in Democratic Republic of Congo

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where armed groups such as M23 and ADF terrorize communities, teens face daily threats of abduction, bombings, and forced recruitment. Schools are often occupied by militants, cutting off education and safety. Yet, amidst this violence, a group of young Congolese people refuse to surrender their dreams. Basketball has become their act of resilience, offering moments of normalcy, teamwork, and hope. Initiatives such as those led by Jeannot Basima, a Goma native now studying at Yale, create safe spaces through sports camps. For these youth, every game is a declaration that life, joy, and community will not be destroyed by war. Their courage stands as a quiet but powerful resistance to the chaos surrounding them.

Lord of peace, we lift up the youth of Congo who risk so much to play, learn, and dream. Protect them from violence, surround them with safety, and strengthen their spirits. Bless those who create spaces of hope in the shadow of war. May your light outshine the darkness and your love guard every heart. Amen.

Lawmakers Detained and Democracy Threatened in India

India’s democratic fabric has been tested as opposition lawmakers, including Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi as well as other senior INDIA bloc members, were detained in New Delhi on August 11, 2025. The lawmakers had been marching toward the Election Commission to protest a controversial revision of voter rolls, deemed the “Special Intensive Revision” (SIR), which they claim amounts to vote manipulation and disenfranchisement of marginalized communities. The detentions, which included incidents of MPs being misled and detained before reaching their destination, sparked fierce criticism. Opposition leaders labeled the police action as a deliberate assault on dissent and democracy, while political figures such as Uddhav Thackeray decried it as a “murder of democracy.” These events highlight mounting tensions over electoral integrity and democratic freedoms under a system perceived to stifle opposition voices. 

Heavenly Father, we pray for India's democracy. Guard and uphold the rights of all people to express dissent and seek justice. Grant courage and protection to those who stand against injustice, and guide leaders toward integrity and fairness. May your light illuminate truth and reconcile divided hearts, helping democracy flourish with dignity. 

Medical Volunteer is Executed in Syria Amid Sectarian Violence

On July 16, in southern Syria’s Druze-majority city of Sweida, chilling surveillance footage inside Sweida National Hospital captured the execution of a medical volunteer, named Mohammad Bahsas. According to reports, armed men in military attire removed Bahsas from a group of staff before fatally executing him. His death occurred amid escalating sectarian violence between Druze militia, armed tribal groups, and government forces that has left over 1,000 dead and has disrupted critical services. Human rights observers say the killing raises urgent concerns about the safety of medical workers in conflict zones. In response, Syria’s Interior Ministry condemned the act, announced an investigation, and appointed a deputy minister to oversee prosecutorial efforts in hopes of ensuring accountability and restoring public trust in security forces.

Merciful God, we mourn the sacrifice of Mohammad and all who stand between healing and harm. Bring justice where brutality knows no bounds, and shield those who care for the wounded. Turn hearts of violence to compassion, leaders to accountability, and communities to lasting peace. May your grace be refuge amid terror, and your truth prevail over darkness. 

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Join World Renew in calling for global action to halt starvation crisis in Gaza

World Renew, as a global organization with over 60 years of experience in food security and humanitarian response across more than 30 countries, and as a member of ACT Alliance, joins with more than 100 partner organizations to sound the alarm about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We call for immediate and decisive action to prevent mass starvation and further suffering. Read their full statements here (US, Canada), and take action by using their link to contact government officials yourself with a message to stop famine and save lives.