The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8

Suffering in Cuba

The nation of Cuba is suffering from widespread food shortages, inflation, power outages, and deepening poverty. Tourism and sugar production, two economic pillars, have sharply collapsed. The reasons are multi-faceted including internal governance inefficiencies, and the imposing of restrictions by the U.S. government. 

Regardless of why, how, or who’s to blame, the nation of Cuba contains real people who are subjected to powers and systems beyond their agency, and whose material deprivation and uncertainty should raise urgent ethical concern. Serious engagement with this situation requires attentiveness not only to geopolitical decisions, but also to the lived suffering of those who bear the consequences. 

Creator God, we pray for governments and systems that honour you and pursue shalom within your kingdom; where human flourishing and the well-being of people and planet take precedence over choices that enrich the few while diminishing the many. We pray for your sustaining grace for the citizens of Cuba and for your blessing on this nation. 

Missing People in India

A recent article in The Economic Times reported that more than 800 individuals were listed as missing in India’s capital city of Delhi during the first 15 days of 2026, with nearly two-thirds of those cases involving women and girls.

Moving beyond the headline, careful analysis reminds us that these numbers arise from overlapping and complex realities such as migration, family conflict, as well as investigative limits (a case is reported but not confirmed). However, the disproportionate number of reported missing women and girls is consistent and particularly alarming, exposing a densely populated and possibly precarious system where legal efforts are limited and where vulnerable populations can be exploited. 

Lord, we lament the realities that lead to persons being reported missing, including injustice, vulnerability, power imbalance, and human suffering. We lift up those who are lost, exploited, forgotten, or afraid, and those who search for them in anguish and hope. We pray for those working in agencies of protection, investigation, and justice. We pray for the restoration of safety and flourishing for all who live and move in Delhi. 

Election in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is holding a pivotal general election on February 12, 2026, a process involving nearly 127.7 million eligible voters, making it one of the largest democratic exercises in the world. The vote comes after political upheaval, an interim government, and the suspension of the long‑dominant Awami League, creating both hope and tension about the future of democratic governance. Major contesting parties are competing on issues such as corruption, economic stability, and citizens’ rights. The situation is complex and volatile and there have been many reports of violence and political clashes leading up to the election. 

God of justice and peace, we lift up the people of Bangladesh in this critical moment. May this election be marked by fairness, inclusion, and the genuine flourishing of democracy. Pour out your wisdom on voters, and may the hearts of those elected bend to peace, inclusion, and protections of human dignity. We pray for your blessings on Bangladesh. 

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

U.S Religious Worker Visa Update

Recent changes to the Religious Worker Visa Program have required many foreign-born religious workers to leave the United States after five years, causing significant disruption to congregations, spiritual care, and vital ministries that serve local communities. Many faith communities, including the Christian Reformed Church, rely deeply on the dedication and service of religious workers from around the world.

Over the past year, the CRC has joined with many denominations in the ecumenical community to advocate for a more just and compassionate policy. We are encouraged to share that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently issued an interim final rule in response that addresses some aspects of this challenge. While we welcome this step forward, we also recognize that it offers only a partial remedy.

Alongside the broader faith community, we remain committed to advocating for a permanent, legislative solution that provides a more comprehensive and lasting fix. We encourage you to reach out to your Members of Congress to support the bipartisan Religious Workforce Protection Act, and to continue praying for wisdom, compassion, and meaningful structural change in this important area.

Standing with Our Immigrant Neighbors in a Time of Crisis

The Christian Reformed Church in North America is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals, a group that represents 40 denominations and thousands of churches, schools and nonprofit organizations who understand that together we can do so much more than on our own!

Read their statement on refugees and immigrants in the United States, and take action by using their link to contact government officials with a message to provide pathways for persecuted Christians and refugees. Thrive continues to provide immigration support and guidance to churches and ministry leaders. Reach out to at [email protected] if you require support and guidance.