I prefer the “straight” times!  I like to be able to see how everything is fitting together.  The “crooked” times are difficult, not just because they’re crooked but because we can’t see how God is working.  Those are the times that require faith.  - Linda Dillow

Rafah Reopens, but Relief Remains Out of Reach for Many in Gaza

The reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing has brought cautious hope for patients in need of urgent medical treatment. Yet, on its first day, only five Palestinians were allowed to leave, highlighting how limited access remains for the thousands whose conditions continue to worsen without proper care. 

While Rafah is often described as a humanitarian lifeline, strict controls and approval mean relief is reaching only a few. For families in Gaza, each delay carries real consequences as time, health, and hope steadily decrease.  

Lord, we pray for all those who wait in pain and uncertainty. Be near to those denied the care they need, strengthen families carrying unbearable fear, and guide leaders to act with urgency. We pray for healing, dignity and peace. 

Deadly Floods in Southern Africa 

Recent rains and flooding across southern Africa have killed more than 100 people and displaced hundreds of thousands, with researchers pointing to human-caused climate change as the main driver.

Parts of South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe received a year’s worth of rain in just ten days. Scientists say these floods reflect a troubling shift toward more intense and violent rainfall, intensified by a warming atmosphere and existing weather patterns. 

God, we grieve the lives lost and the communities uprooted by these floods. Be near those who mourn, rebuild, and recover. We ask that you would guide leaders towards bold and compassionate action plans that protect people and the planet.

Cuts to Child Protection Efforts Put Vulnerable Children at Risk

Recent funding and training cuts within the U.S. Department of Justice are limiting the ability of prosecutors and law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes of child sexual exploitation. The cancellation of training and the loss of grant funding have created gaps in expertise, coordination, and resources at a time when online abuse is becoming more complex and harder to detect. When support for prevention and accountability is weakened, it is the most vulnerable who bear the cost.

God, we pray for children whose safety depends on systems meant to protect them. Strengthen those working to prevent abuse and bring truth into the light. We pray you would move leaders to place the wellbeing of children above politics, fear, or neglect.

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.