Keep my anger from becoming meanness.
Keep my sorrow from collapsing into self-pity. 
Keep my heart soft enough to keep breaking.  Keep my anger turned towards justice, not cruelty. 
Remind me that all of this, every bit of it, is for love.  
Keep me fiercely kind. 

• Laura Jean Truman

Global Earthquakes Bring Devastation to Colombia and Indonesia

Devastating earthquakes have recently struck two regions of the world, leaving deep loss and destruction in their wake. In western Colombia, a powerful 7.4-magnitude tremor centered near San José del Palmar caused hundreds of fatalities, thousands of injuries, and catastrophic damage to homes, hospitals, and infrastructure across major cities.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Flores island, killing at least 68 people, destroying over 4,500 homes, and leaving thousands sleeping in temporary shelters. Both nations have declared national emergencies as rescue crews, medical teams, and international aid agencies work around the clock to reach isolated communities.

God, our hearts ache for the people of Colombia and Indonesia as they endure the terrifying toll of these massive earthquakes. Comfort the thousands of families mourning lost loved ones, grieving shattered homes, and anxiously waiting for news of the missing. Protect those forced into temporary shelters, and grant physical strength, safety, and endurance to first responders, healthcare workers, and rescue crews laboring amidst hazardous rubble and aftershocks. Guide local leaders and global aid agencies with wisdom so that food, clean water, medical supplies, and relief reach every cut-off community swiftly.

Hurricane Lala Devastates Hawaii

Hurricane Lala brought powerful winds and torrential rain to Hawaii, sweeping south of the state and unleashing severe flash flooding, landslides, and widespread devastation. One woman lost her life, over 100 homes were damaged or destroyed, and major infrastructure was severely impacted, including destroyed bridges and collapsed sections of the Pāhala Highway, which cut off access to a regional hospital.

Communities now face the arduous task of emergency cleanup, repairing damaged homes, and restoring essential services amidst statewide brown water advisories and hazardous conditions.

God, our hearts break for the people of Hawaii navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Lala. Comfort those mourning the loss of a loved one, protect residents facing isolation and power outages, and grant strength and safety to all emergency responders and crews working in hazardous conditions. Guide leaders and aid organizations with wisdom as they coordinate recovery.

High-Stakes Canada-U.S. Negotiations Ahead of Tariff Deadline

High-level diplomatic negotiations between Canadian and American officials intensified ahead of an August 19 executive order deadline imposing a 50 percent tariff on US$20 billion worth of Canadian products. Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke directly with U.S. President Donald Trump, while key representatives met in Washington. The talks cover a broad range of cross-border goods amid broader discussions surrounding CUSMA. As the deadline approaches, both governments navigate the delicate task of addressing trade friction while managing the deeply integrated North American economic relationship.

God, we pray for wisdom, discernment, and patience for the leaders, negotiators, and policymakers of both Canada and the United States. Grant them the insight to find constructive solutions that protect workers, businesses, and communities on both sides of the border. We pray for stability across our shared economies, for protection over families whose livelihoods depend on fair trade, and for a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation to prevail during these delicate discussions.

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!