I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.
- I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

Over 100 Detained in China

More than 100 people were detained in Wenzhou, a city in eastern China, in a raid on Christian groups last week, according to a US-based NGO called Human Rights in China. The same group has said that pressure from the government has been increasing after a dispute about flying a Chinese national flag inside of a church.

Back in October, a mass arrest led to 18 pastors facing lengthy prison sentences. At the time of these arrests, US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, condemned the crackdown. In a statement, he called for China to “allow all people of faith, including members of house churches, to engage in religious activities without fear of retribution”.

God of our ancestors and future generations, we pray for the pastors and parishioners who have been arrested. We pray you give strength to those incarcerated; be present with those who fear for their freedom, their future, their life. We pray for justice, O Lord.

Debate Over Federal Climate Research Program

Last week, Russell Vought, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, called the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a research institution employs several hundred scientists and staff who study all forms of Earth system science, "one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country." Shortly after, the National Science Foundation announced it was "reviewing the structure" of NCAR's research and observational capabilities. The agency said it will "explore options to transfer stewardship of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputer to an appropriate operator; divest of or transfer the two NSF aircraft that NCAR manages and operates; and redefine the scope of modeling and forecasting research and operations to concentrate on needs such as seasonal weather prediction, severe storms, and space weather."

The American Geophysical Union, an organization of Earth scientists, has called this "senseless and dangerous."

God, as we watch these developments, we feel uncertain about what they may mean for climate science and the institutions that support it. We ask for care and discernment in decisions that affect the study of your creation and the knowledge that helps sustain life on Earth. Grant wisdom to those in positions of responsibility, and help them value understanding, humility, and the work of those seeking truth.

Two Palestinians Killed in Gaza City

On Monday, Israeli forces killed at least two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip after troops opened fire in the Shujayea neighbourhood of eastern Gaza City. This occurred amidst ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement and blockade to humanitarian aid for the region. 

At least 411 Palestinians have been killed and 1,112 others wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since the ceasefire began, according to Gaza’s Government Media Office.

God, we grieve for those whose deaths might be overlooked or treated as less important because they came after a ceasefire. We hold before you the many lives lost and the many more who were injured. Their lives matter beyond measure. Guide our hearts and our actions, Lord, and show us how we can respond with care, mercy, and help.

Canada and U.S. to Review Trade Agreement in January

According to the office of Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada and the U.S. will launch formal discussions to review their free trade agreement next month.

In a statement last Thursday, the prime minister confirmed to provincial leaders that Dominic LeBlanc, the country’s lead for U.S-Canada trade relations, “will meet with U.S. counterparts in mid-January to launch formal discussions.” The United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact known as USMCA, is up for review in 2026. More than 75% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S.

Lord, we pray for trade policy that benefits both nations. Trade that provides fair prices for consumers, income for wages for producers, and a beneficial relationship between two nations that have been at odds. We pray for wisdom and for leaders to seek harmony.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

World Renew Gift Catalogue 

The Gift Catalog gives you the opportunity to choose how you want to support families around the world to achieve sustainable, healthy lives. Whether it be a goat, a chicken, a hand-washing station, or agriculture training, your gift could be just what someone needs to move forward with hope.